The simplest option for an experience gift\u2014that you\u2019ve probably never heard of\u2014is a day at a hotel spa or resort pool<\/a>, booked through ResortPass<\/a>. No overnight stay, no trip to plan. Just a thermal circuit on a chilly Tuesday, a beachfront cabana on their next vacation, or a massage they\u2019d never book for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are other options, too. Our editors put together an in-depth list of the best experience gifts for every kind of person, factoring in what\u2019s trending in 2026. Dive in below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An experience gift is anything the person does rather than keeps. Concert tickets, a cooking class, a hot air balloon ride, a spa day, a weekend away: the gift is the time, not the thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best ones are specific enough to feel chosen, flexible enough to fit a busy calendar, and luxe enough that the recipient wouldn\u2019t have splurged on it themselves. A gift card to a store is, in some ways, a burden. A gift card to an experience they\u2019ll look forward to booking? That\u2019s a win in every book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The person who has everything isn\u2019t short on stuff\u2014they\u2019re short on time off. A new sweater solves nothing for them. In fact, it creates more problems when it needs to be shoved into an already-crowded closet. Experiences take up no physical space and they rarely feel like mental clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experience gifts also bypass the problem of knowing minute, personal details. You don\u2019t need to guess your recipient\u2019s size, their color palette, or whether they already own one. You only need to know what kind of day they\u2019d enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a practical upside, too. Most experiences can be purchased last minute and delivered by email, so they\u2019re a reliable save when shipping deadlines have passed. And because a day pass doesn\u2019t require a flight or a hotel room, the gift doesn\u2019t hand the recipient a pile of logistics along with it. They pick a date, show up and enjoy it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our favorite part? The high from an experience gift lasts longer than the moment of unwrapping. There\u2019s the anticipation of booking, the day itself, and the story to share afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you pick the gift, know the recipient. Here\u2019s how to match an experience to who they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give them permission to take a day. A spa day pass with a massage or facial<\/a> is the classic move, and a thermal circuit (sauna, steam, cold plunge, hot pools) is the upgrade for someone who\u2019s tried the standard massage a dozen times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skip the dinner reservation; they\u2019ve already made one (or several). A daybed or cabana for two, a couples massage, or an afternoon at a hot springs resort gives them a full day together<\/a>. ResortPass also has couples gift cards<\/a> if you\u2019d rather let them choose the spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A spa day is the experience gift for mom<\/a> that rarely misses, mostly because it\u2019s the thing she\u2019d never book for herself. Pair a massage or facial with a few hours in the relaxation lounge, then make it a mother-daughter day<\/a> by booking two passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experience gifts for him<\/a> tend to land best when there\u2019s something to do. Think tickets to a game, a golf lesson, a whiskey tasting, or a recovery-minded spa day with a sauna, steam room and deep tissue massage. Plenty of men who\u2019d never ask for a spa day are glad to have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hands-on cooking class, a chef\u2019s tasting menu, a market tour or a wine tasting all give them something new to try. For a bigger gift, pair the meal with a resort day nearby so it becomes a full outing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lessons are some of the most unique experience gifts because they keep giving. Pottery, dance, surfing, photography or a language course: pick something they\u2019ve mentioned wanting to try, and cover the first few sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experience gifts for parents are often less about luxury and more about a break. A quiet spa pass for one parent<\/a>, or a family pool day where someone else handles the towels and the snacks, both land well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a waterpark or resort pool day<\/a> for a holiday trip they\u2019re already taking. It\u2019s the kind of splurge most families talk themselves out of, which is exactly why it makes a good gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A shared day at a hot springs or a resort pool doubles as a reunion. It\u2019s an easy way to turn a gift into a plan, and it beats another group dinner. Our girls day out guide<\/a> has more ideas for planning one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If they\u2019re heading somewhere warm this winter, a day pass at a resort near their destination gives them pool access without the room rate. Our roundup of travel gift cards<\/a> covers other options for the person who\u2019s always booking a flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An experience is harder to wrap than a sweater. That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t find fun and creative ways of presenting it. And, sure, an email will suffice if you\u2019re really in a time crunch (but we like this process better).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you know exactly where they\u2019d love to go, book a specific pass. If you\u2019re less sure, or their schedule is unpredictable, a ResortPass gift card<\/a> lets them pick from thousands of hotel pools and spas<\/a>. The cards don\u2019t expire and carry no fees, so there\u2019s no pressure to use it by a deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holiday gifts often get used in winter. For someone in a cold city, an indoor thermal bath or a spa with a sauna and steam room<\/a> is a better fit than an outdoor pool. For someone in Florida, Southern California or the desert, a heated pool or cabana works all season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holiday weeks are some of the busiest days<\/a> at resort pools and spas. If you\u2019re booking a specific date, give the recipient a few options and check availability early. Weekdays in January and February are usually quieter, which makes them a smart target for a gift given in December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Print the gift card or booking confirmation and tuck it inside something small and related: a robe, a pair of spa slippers, sunscreen, a paperback for the pool<\/a>. Or just an empty box with some tissue paper and a printed set of images to hype the experience works, too: It\u2019s still exciting to unwrap. The object signals the experience without spoiling it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ResortPass gift cards can be emailed right away, scheduled, or printed to hand over in person. Scheduling one for Christmas morning is an easy fix if you\u2019re giving from far away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a parent, a partner or a close friend, the best version of this gift includes you. Book passes for two, or add a note that says you\u2019ll handle the logistics and the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s one pick for each major metro, from New York to San Diego. Each can be booked as a day pass or spa pass, no overnight stay required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the New Yorker who’s already been to every spa in town<\/strong><\/em>: The spa here pairs sauna and steam room access with a 60-minute massage, a GR? Glow facial or a quick cryotherapy session, and the Spa Escape for Two makes it an easy couples gift. Browse more New York spas<\/a> or our roundup of the best spas in NYC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the biohacker who owns every recovery gadget already: <\/em><\/strong>This Seaport spot has private infrared sauna suites<\/a> and guided ice bath sessions led by breathwork coaches. The Contrast Therapy Pass is the quick version; the Self-Care Spa Pass is the bigger gift. There are more Boston spas<\/a> to compare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the Philadelphian who’d rather not leave the city: <\/em><\/strong>The Health Club Pass includes an indoor heated saltwater pool, and treatments like the Nirvana Stress Relief Massage<\/a> turn it into a full spa day. It holds a 9.2 rating from more than 80 verified guest reviews. Browse more Philadelphia spas<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the D.C. professional who never takes a day off:<\/em><\/strong> The Wellness Pass covers the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and steam rooms, with a 50-minute massage or facial as an add-on. Pool and wellness access runs Thursday through Sunday, so it’s a long-weekend gift<\/a>. There are more D.C.-area spas<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the history buff, or anyone who misses swimming in January:<\/em><\/strong> The day pass opens the hotel’s indoor junior Olympic-size pool, built in 1929 and one of the oldest in the city, plus a sauna. For something different, book a spot in the Sound Bath Series. It’s featured in our guide to indoor pools in Chicago<\/a>, and there are more Chicago day passes<\/a> to browse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the wellness regular who knows a spa day inside out:<\/em><\/strong> The Spa Pass includes a 60-foot saline lap pool, vitality pools, a sauna, a steam room and relaxation lounges, and the menu goes well beyond massage: a Recovery Room Experience, an Aquatic Recovery Experience and a New Moon floating sound bath. It’s a pick in our Atlanta pools guide<\/a>, and there are more Atlanta spas<\/a> to compare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the family that’s already booked their yearly Disney trip: <\/em><\/strong>Two heated pools, a hot tub and a lazy river<\/a> keep the kids busy, while massages, facials and body scrubs include spa and pool access for the adults. Golf passes make it a gift for the golfer, too. Browse more Orlando day passes<\/a> or our guide to pools in Orlando<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the person who’s had every massage in Dallas:<\/em><\/strong> The Spa Pass covers saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, a hot tub, a cold plunge and a relaxation lounge, and it pairs with a relaxation massage or signature facial. There are more Dallas spas<\/a> to browse, and our guide to pools in Dallas<\/a> has warm-weather picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the group that wants sun in January<\/em><\/strong>, when Scottsdale afternoons sit in the upper 60s\u00b0F (around 20\u00b0C): The OH Pool is heated, with a hot tub and poolside service, and the cabanas scale up to the Big Cabana with a private hot tub for up to 15 guests. Add a massage or facial at VH Spa, open Wednesday through Sunday. There are more Phoenix-area day passes<\/a> and pools in Phoenix<\/a> to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the Angeleno who appreciates an upscale pool day:<\/em><\/strong> The day pass includes the rooftop saline pool and a heated hot tub, and the Standard, Deluxe and VIP cabanas turn it into a group gift. Add a De-Stress Surrender Massage<\/a> or a Hydra Plump & Glow Facial for the full day. It’s one of the stops in our Los Angeles locals’ guide<\/a>, and there are more LA day passes<\/a> to browse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the friend who’d move to San Diego if they could: <\/em><\/strong>The day pass covers five pools on a 44-acre island, from an adults-only retreat to the Lagoon and Waterfall pools, and a daybed for two or a facial makes it a bigger gift. Browse more San Diego day passes<\/a> or our guide to pools in San Diego<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An experience gift is something the recipient does rather than owns: a spa day, a class, tickets, a trip or a day pass at a resort pool. It\u2019s a popular choice for people who have everything, since it adds time and memories instead of clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for something they\u2019d enjoy but wouldn\u2019t book for themselves. Spa day passes, thermal bath sessions, poolside cabanas, cooking classes and concert tickets are all strong picks. A flexible gift card for hotel pools and spas works well when you\u2019re unsure of their schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book the experience or buy a gift card, then make it tangible. Print the confirmation or card and pair it with a small related item, like a robe or spa slippers. You can also schedule a digital gift card to arrive on the holiday itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Put the printed card or ticket inside a box with something that hints at the day: sunscreen and a paperback for a pool day, a candle or slippers for a spa day. A handwritten note explaining the plan helps if the recipient hasn\u2019t heard of the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A couples massage, a shared cabana, a hot springs day or an afternoon at an adults-only pool all work well. ResortPass couples gift cards<\/a> let them choose the place and the date together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. ResortPass gift cards have no expiration date and no fees, and they can be used at any hotel or spa on ResortPass. There\u2019s also a dedicated spa gift card<\/a> if the gift is a spa day specifically. For help choosing treatments, our massage therapy glossary<\/a> explains the options.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ResortPass editors brainstormed their favorite gift ideas for that person on your list who already has it all\u2014and why experience gifts are some of the best options this holiday season. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":158346751,"featured_media":5762,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[673543997],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-occasion"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat counts as an experience gift?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why experience gifts work for people who have everything<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3ef6dfc3-1024x701.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nExperience gift ideas for every kind of person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-e3665417-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor the friend who never slows down:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For couples:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For mom:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For him:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For the food lover:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For the one who likes to learn:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For parents and grandparents:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For families with kids:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For the friend group:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For the traveler:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to give an experience gift<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Experience](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-963096ee-1024x684.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPick the place, or let them choose:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Think about the season:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mind the calendar:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make it something to unwrap:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Schedule the delivery:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Offer to come along:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n11 hotel day passes that make great experience gifts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Casa Cipriani New York<\/strong><\/a>, Lower Manhattan, New York<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sauna](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-e96c7cc3-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nRemedy Place Boston<\/strong><\/a>, Seaport, Boston<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Guided](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-fabb5b47-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nThe Underground Spa & Wellness at The Logan Hotel<\/strong><\/a>, Logan Square, Philadelphia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Indoor](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-d9ed0305-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nThe Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner<\/strong><\/a>, McLean, Virginia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Indoor](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-6e56568d-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nInterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile<\/strong><\/a>, Michigan Avenue, Chicago<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Historic](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-e8743885-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nWaldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead<\/strong><\/a>, Buckhead, Atlanta<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Saline](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-d5af39c7-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nWaldorf Astoria Orlando<\/strong><\/a>, Bonnet Creek, Orlando, Florida<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Guests](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-fa39a2e8-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nThe Ritz-Carlton, Dallas<\/strong><\/a>, Uptown, Dallas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hot](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-db18cc23-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nHotel Valley Ho<\/strong><\/a>, Downtown Scottsdale, Arizona<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pool](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-e2331620.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nFour Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills<\/strong><\/a>, Los Angeles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Friends](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-8f944964-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nParadise Point Resort & Spa<\/strong><\/a>, Mission Bay, San Diego<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Palm-lined](\"https:\/\/www.resortpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3d19208f-1024x682.jpeg\")
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\n\n\n\nExperience gifts FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is an experience gift?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are good experience gifts for someone who has everything?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you give an experience as a gift?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you wrap an experience gift?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are good experience gifts for couples?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do ResortPass gift cards expire?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n