The silly season is upon us and it’s easy to get carried away with gifts. Many studies show that material possessions do not equal happiness. The popularity of de-clutter queen Marie Kondo suggests we’re starting to realise it ourselves. This Christmas, buy them an unforgettable experience gift  – one that will be stored in their memory, not the back of the cupboard. The options are endless, choose something you know they’ll love, or something to get them out of their comfort zone (just a little).

Experience gifts for animal lovers

Buying for someone who loves all creatures, great and small? Be their favourite fur-iend with an unforgettable animal experience. Most zoos offer experiences to get up close and personal with their residents – including giraffes, red pandas, meerkats, tortoises and monkeys. Or gift them a whale of a time with a whale watching tour, or horse trek.

Experience gifts for thrill seekers

If you’re buying for someone who’d rather get their heart pumping than sit on the couch, the options are endless in our adventurous little country. Have them thrown out of a plane on a skydive, or thrown off a bridge at one of many bungy jump locations. Have them jumping off the SkyTower, or send them off on a four day mountain traverse in Wanaka.

Experience gifts for petrol heads

Let your petrol head put the pedal to the metal with a driving experience. Take a race car or Lamborghini for a few laps, race a Holden V8, or tour around on a Harley Davidson. For something a little more adventurous, you can even take a class at a stunt car driving school or go on a quad bike adventure.

Experience gifts for couples

A pair of romantics might enjoy a couples photoshoot (bring on the ‘cheeeese’). Or an adventurous couple might love water canyoning. For something more reserved, book a Waiheke winery tour or spa package. Send them off into the clouds with a hot air balloon ride, enjoying breathtaking scenery while drifting up and away.

Experience gifts for kids

Forget plastic gimmicks andtoys they’ll forget about next week – give kids something really fun they’ll remember for a lifetime. Swim with Hector dolphins at Akaroa Harbour, a day at Rainbows End or zipline through the treetops. Experience indoor skydiving, kayak the Bay of Islands or explore Glow Worm caves.

Experience gifts for foodies

If you’re buying for a foodie, one of these delicious experiences will be sure to cut the mustard. Choose from pasta making, seafood cooking class, their favourite cuisine or cheesemaking. If you’re lucky you might get to sample some of their new found talent! Or keep it simple and buy them vouchers to their favourite local restaurant. If your foodie friend also loves a good drop of buttery chardonnay, send them on a winery tour or wine tasting class.

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