How to wrap experience gifts
You’ve come up with the perfect gift. Only this time, it won’t fit neatly inside a box.
Managing Editor
Your present is an experience, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to wrap experience gifts to turn their presentation into unforgettable memories. Rather than traditional objects, experience gifts offer a unique way to cherish special occasions. The gift wrapping should match the magic of the moment.
What are some experience gifts?
Experience gifts can be as simple as a dinner out with someone you love or as grand as an entire vacation. There are also many experience gifts in that in-between zone, such as cooking classes, scuba diving lessons, or tickets to a music event.
Gifting someone an experience can be the perfect way to mark that extra special occasion (hello 30th birthday!), finally surprise that person that has everything, or give a present that keeps on giving (yay subscription gifts!). How to wrap experience gifts? A little creativity goes a long way.
How to wrap experience gifts creatively: 10 unique ideas
You found the most memorable gift. How do you make the gift giving just as special? With a little planning, giving the experience can be half the fun. Here are some ideas to get your juices flowing. Some are simple; some are elaborate; ALL are memorable.
Scavenger hunt
Set up a mini scavenger hunt around your home or favorite park, with each clue leading to another, until they find the final clue which reveals the experience.
Puzzle palooza
Make the gift recipient solve a puzzle or riddle that leads to the details of the experience. Each clue can be in a separate box or envelope. The final envelope or box contains the gift description.
Map it out
If it’s a trip or involves traveling to another city, wrap a card or book about that city in a paper map highlighting the destination or key places to visit during the trip.
Boom boom pop!
Place the tickets or information about the gift inside a balloon and inflate it. The recipient will have to pop the balloon to discover the surprise.
It's booked
Create a photo book or scrapbook that tells a story leading up to the experience. Include pictures, mementos, and notes.
Lights, camera, action!
Record a video of yourself or a teaser related to the experience. To make it even more fun, you can link your video to a QR code so that they will have to scan the image to get the clues. Give the QR code in a themed card for an even grander reveal.
Hide and seek
Make a meal and hide a clue to the gift where they least expect it – under a napkin or plate, inside a dinner roll, under a lid.
Message in a bottle
Place a message or tickets inside a decorative bottle and close it. They’ll have to open the bottle to read the message. Keep in mind that you’ll want the opening of the bottle to be wide enough for them to easily take out the paper or clue. Add to the interest by including related fillers, such as wine corks when gifting a wine subscription gift, or sand if gifting a vacation to the beach.
Empty that nest
Use a series of nested gift boxes or containers, each one containing a clue or small item related to the gift until they reach the final box that explains the gift.
Delivery time
Everyone loves a good surprise. Send flowers or a delivered food to your loved one’s home or work place with a small card telling them about their fantastic present.
When wrapping your experience gift...
Sticking with the theme might be the best option
If you find yourself overthinking how to wrap an experience gift, running with the theme of your gift may be the ideal solution. Identify an element in your gift and find little (or big) ways to incorporate it into the act of gift giving.
- Taking someone on a trip? Buy a map or travel guide of the area and give it to them in a travel-themed gift bag or wrapping paper. Don’t forget, custom wrapping paper can be made out of paper bags and a Sharpie! Get those artistic juices flowing and create your own design.
- Giving someone the gift of cooking classes? Give the certificate in a cookbook with a beautiful wooden spoon tied to it.
- Taking someone to a concert? Give them the tickets by sticking them inside a music or artist themed cup or t-shirt.
You’ve hit the ball out of the park with your unique and unforgettable experience gift. Making the reveal reflect the nature of the experience and your loved one’s personality will make the moment one to remember for a lifetime. Now you are all set to “wrap” your experience gift!
