Is It Weird To Gift Experience Cards Instead Of Physical Presents In 2025

In an era where digital convenience meets conscious consumerism, the act of gift-giving is undergoing a quiet revolution. Physical items once dominated holiday exchanges and birthday celebrations, but today’s givers are increasingly turning to experience cards—gifts that unlock concerts, spa days, cooking classes, or weekend getaways. As we move into 2025, a question lingers in both personal conversations and cultural commentary: Is it still considered strange, impersonal, or even lazy to hand someone a card instead of a wrapped box?

The answer isn’t simple. Social norms around gifts are evolving rapidly, shaped by generational values, environmental awareness, and a growing emphasis on emotional connection over material accumulation. What might have raised eyebrows a decade ago is now not only accepted but often preferred. The shift reflects deeper changes in how people define thoughtfulness, memory-making, and sustainability.

The Rise of Experiential Gifting

Gifting experiences isn’t new—travel vouchers, dinner reservations, and event tickets have long been part of the gifting landscape. But what’s different in 2025 is the normalization and mainstream adoption of experience-based presents as primary gifts, not just supplements to physical ones.

Several factors drive this trend:

• Millennial and Gen Z preferences: Younger generations prioritize experiences over possessions. A 2024 Pew Research study found that 68% of adults under 35 would choose a concert ticket or adventure activity over a tangible item of similar value.
• Sustainability concerns: With rising awareness of overconsumption and waste, many consumers actively avoid adding clutter to homes already full of unused gadgets, clothing, and decor.
• Digital integration: Platforms like Airbnb Experiences, MasterClass, and Fever have made booking unique activities seamless, increasing accessibility and appeal.
• Emotional resonance: Shared moments create lasting memories. A hot air balloon ride or pottery class becomes a story retold for years, unlike a sweater worn once.

This cultural pivot doesn’t mean physical gifts are obsolete. Instead, they’re being re-evaluated. When someone receives another kitchen gadget they didn’t ask for, the gesture can feel more like obligation than affection. Experience cards, when chosen with care, signal attentiveness to the recipient’s interests and lifestyle.

Tip: Pair your experience card with a handwritten note explaining why you chose that specific activity—it transforms a generic gift into a deeply personal one.

When Experience Cards Work Best (and When They Don’t)

Not all occasions or recipients respond equally well to experiential gifts. Context matters. The perceived “weirdness” often depends less on the gift itself and more on how it aligns with expectations, relationships, and timing.

Consider these scenarios:

1. Birthday for a close friend who loves trying new things: A gift card for a wine-tasting tour or escape room adventure is likely to be received with enthusiasm.
2. Corporate client during the holidays: A luxury spa day card may convey appreciation without the risk of gifting something inappropriate or unusable.
3. First holiday with a partner’s family: Here, a physical token—a book, candle, or homemade treat—might feel warmer and more traditional, reducing any perception of detachment.
4. Anniversary with a long-term partner: An experience card for a couples’ retreat or dance lesson reinforces shared goals and intimacy.

The key is intentionality. A hastily purchased $25 mall gift card to “any experience” feels impersonal. But a curated voucher for a silent disco hike tailored to a friend’s love of nature and music shows effort and insight.

Expert Insight: Why Memories Outlast Objects

“People don’t remember the toaster; they remember the laughter at the truffle-hunting tour you gifted them. In behavioral psychology, we call this the ‘peak-end rule’—our memories are shaped by high points and conclusions. An experience delivers both.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Cognitive Psychologist & Author of *The Memory Economy*

Do’s and Don’ts of Gifting Experience Cards in 2025

To ensure your gift lands positively, follow these practical guidelines. Thoughtful execution eliminates awkwardness and elevates the gesture.

Do	Don’t
Choose experiences aligned with the recipient’s hobbies or bucket list dreams	Select generic options with no personal relevance
Include expiration flexibility or easy rescheduling options	Give a card with a strict 30-day expiry and no customer support
Present it creatively—pair with a themed snack, photo, or story	Hand over a bare email receipt or printed PDF
Verify accessibility (location, mobility needs, scheduling)	Assume they can travel far or take time off work easily
Follow up after redemption: “How was the kayaking trip?”	Forget about the gift once it’s given

A Real-Life Example: From Skepticism to Celebration

Sophia, a 42-year-old project manager in Portland, was hesitant when her niece sent her a digital gift card for a virtual mixology class for her birthday. “At first, I admit, I felt a little let down,” she recalls. “I’m used to getting cozy sweaters or books. A Zoom cocktail class sounded… underwhelming.”

But curiosity won out. She scheduled the session, invited two friends, and spent an hour learning to craft espresso martinis while laughing at their messy pours. “It turned into one of the most fun nights I’ve had all year. We recorded ourselves, made silly videos, and now we’re planning a monthly theme night.”

What started as a questionable digital present became a catalyst for connection. Sophia now keeps a folder labeled “Experience Gifts That Actually Worked”—including a pottery workshop and a stargazing picnic kit.

Her story illustrates a broader truth: the success of an experience card hinges not on its form but on its function. Did it spark joy? Create space for presence? Enable something new?

Step-by-Step Guide to Gifting Experience Cards Thoughtfully

If you’re considering an experience card but want to avoid missteps, follow this five-step process:

1. Reflect on the recipient’s passions: Do they love fitness, food, art, or adrenaline? Note recent comments like “I’ve always wanted to try…” or “I miss doing…”
2. Research quality providers: Stick to reputable platforms (e.g., Tinggly, Classpop, Airbnb Adventures) with positive reviews and flexible policies.
3. Customize presentation: Print the card, place it in a handmade envelope, or pair it with a small symbolic item (e.g., tea leaves with a meditation retreat card).
4. Add a personal message: Explain why you picked this. Example: “You’ve been working so hard—I know you’d love a morning where someone else makes breakfast and you just breathe.”
5. Track and follow up: Set a calendar reminder for four weeks later. Ask how it went. This closes the loop and shows genuine interest.

Tip: For long-distance relationships, schedule a virtual experience together—cooking from the same recipe, taking an online painting class, or watching a live-streamed concert.

FAQ: Common Concerns About Experience Cards

Isn’t a gift card impersonal compared to a physical item?

It can be—if chosen carelessly. But a well-matched experience demonstrates deep listening. Think of it this way: a scented candle says “I saw this and thought of you.” A surf lesson voucher says “I remember you said you wanted to face your fear of the ocean.” The latter often feels more meaningful.

What if they never use it?

This is a valid concern. To reduce the chance of non-redemption, choose experiences with long validity (ideally 12–24 months), easy booking, and mobile access. Some platforms even send usage reminders. Also, frame it as an invitation to reconnect: “Let me know when you book it—I’d love to hear about it!”

Are experience cards appropriate for formal occasions like weddings or baby showers?

Yes, with nuance. At a baby shower, a gift card for a postpartum massage or newborn photography session can be incredibly supportive. For weddings, consider a honeymoon fund contribution or a couples’ communication workshop. Just ensure the tone matches the event’s spirit—practicality paired with celebration.

The Future of Gifting Is Intentional, Not Material

By 2025, the definition of a “good gift” is no longer tied to price tags or packaging. It’s measured by resonance, relevance, and the ability to enrich someone’s life beyond the moment of opening.

Experience cards, when selected with insight and care, meet these criteria better than many physical alternatives. They reflect a mature understanding of what people truly value: time, attention, growth, and connection.

Cultural hesitation remains in some circles—particularly among older generations or in traditions-heavy environments—but it’s fading. Retailers report double-digit annual growth in experience gift sales since 2020, and Google Trends data shows sustained search interest in “best experience gifts” across North America and Europe.

The stigma of giving a card instead of a thing is becoming outdated, much like insisting on film cameras in the smartphone era. What was once seen as impersonal is now recognized as progressive—especially when the alternative is landfill-bound clutter.

Conclusion: Rethink the Gift, Not Just the Wrapper

Gifting an experience card in 2025 isn’t weird—it’s wise. It acknowledges that the best presents aren’t objects to collect dust, but opportunities to live more fully. Whether it’s a beginner’s jazzercise class, a private garden tour, or a sunset sail, these gifts invite people to step outside routine and into moments that matter.

The real question isn’t whether experience cards are acceptable. It’s whether we’re brave enough to move beyond tradition and give gifts that inspire, heal, surprise, and connect. Thoughtfulness has never been about size or shininess. It’s about seeing someone clearly—and offering them a doorway to joy.

💬 Have you given or received a memorable experience gift? Share your story in the comments and inspire others to think beyond the box.