Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's Saturday morning newsletter, The Weekender. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
Stop me if you've heard one of those refrains when looking for a gift for a friend or family member.
This year, Americans are expected to spend 16% more than they did in 2023 on experiences as opposed to physical presents, according to an annual survey of holiday spending by the financial consulting firm Deloitte. This may come as no surprise to those of us still attempting to cull piles of old or unused gifted clothing, toys or appliances in our homes. Sure, it's the thought that counts. But sometimes, that "thought" might end up collecting dust.
Experiences, on the other hand, transform into memories that last a lifetime. And here in New England, there's no shortage of fun things to do.
That's why I narrowed down 16 local experiences -- organized by interest, of course -- to help you choose an unforgettable gift for the holidays, birthdays or really any season of celebration.
Tickets to a hike or birdwatch with Mass Audubon | $0 - $35
Mass Audubon hosts a number of low-commitment, high-quality events each month across the state. These include daytime and evening hikes, children's nature events and outings for aspiring and expert birdwatchers. ('Tis the season for owl prowls, too.) Use the filter tool on Mass Audubon's programming page to pick an event that fits your recipient's lifestyle and schedule.
Gift certificate to a guided hike or camping trip | $50 and up
If you know someone who would consider a three-hour hike in the snow "too easy," a gift certificate to one of Guineafowl Adventure Company's guided hikes may be just what they need. The guided outings range from $200 to $300, and Guineafowl Adventure organizes their hikes by intensity: A "moderate" hike clocks in at about five-to-seven hours, while a "strenuous" one takes around seven-to-10 hours. (All worth it for a gorgeous view!) Gift certificates start at $50, and Guineafowl says they plan to list additional hikes in early January.
Gift certificate to a foraging course | $50 and up
Growing your own food is one thing. Foraging for it is the next step up! If there's an outdoorsy person in your life who would love to learn more about foraging for fungi, herbs, fruits or nuts in New England, get them a gift certificate to one of Edible Excursions' foraging classes or walks. Tickets to one of their public walks are $50 a person. More in-depth foraging classes and tours range from $55 to $150.
Meet a seal at the New England Aquarium | $150
Anyone over the age of 7 can spend half an hour hanging out with a harbor seal at the New England Aquarium for $150. Pricey? A little. Worth it? You bet. I can personally attest this is an unforgettable experience: While attending a pinniped show at the aquarium as a child, I was selected from the audience to go up and receive a kiss on the cheek from one of the seals. But for your money, you get a full 30-minute meet-and-greet.
Tickets to BYOB a pottery painting night at Clay Dreams | $15
Pottery painting is just as fun for grownups as it is for children. Clay Dreams, located on Mass. Ave in Arlington, understands this -- that's why they hold an adults-only, BYOB pottery painting night. Attending costs $15, plus the price of your pottery. (Students, seniors and those who dress in an ugly sweater get a 10% discount on their final bill.) Gift a ticket, and grab one for yourself for some one-on-one quality time with your recipient.
A gift card to DIY some cool clothes at BUJI Design | $50 and up
This recent neon-green addition to Boston's Newbury Street is hard to miss. BUJI Design welcomes customers to purchase and decorate shirts, hats and other wearables in-store. A $50 gift card to the shop will cover a basic tee ($35) and three decals -- the perfect gift for lovers of DIY clothing, streetwear and custom gear.
Tickets to a candle making workshop at Noted | $65 and up
Know someone who just loves candles? Snag them a ticket to one of Noted's candle making workshops so they can craft one of their own. Classes are hosted at Noted's retail store in Hingham. A $65 ticket covers instruction and materials to make one candle, a custom bottle for matches and a complimentary drink.
A gift card to tuft your own rug at Tutuland | $50 and up
Tufting a rug at Tutuland is a craft session with a little edge. Guests are handed a tufting gun and instructed on how to "punch" their dream rug using their own design or a design provided by the studio. If you think a gift card at Tutuland would delight someone in your life, keep in mind that it costs $78 to make a mini rug measuring 17 square inches, and $108 to make one approximately the size of a bathmat (20" x 24").
Tickets to a tour of the Taza Chocolate Factory | $13
You don't need to find a golden ticket to tour a chocolate factory. It only costs $13 to go behind the scenes at the Taza Chocolate Factory in Somerville! Chocolate lovers will enjoy this up-close look at the way stone-ground chocolate is made and even get to sample some of Taza's tasty treats.
A gift card to a Cambridge Center for Adult Education cooking class| $50 and up
The Cambridge Center for Adult Education offers food and wine courses with professionally trained instructors, which means even the savviest home cooks and sommeliers will have a chance to learn something new. CCAE's class calendar includes everything from whiskey tasting to dumpling making to cupcake baking, so grab a gift card and let your recipient choose a class that strikes their fancy.
Tickets to an ice cream making class at Gracie's | $75
Somerville ice cream shop Gracie's is offering public ice cream making classes for the first time at their sibling store, Earnest Drinks. Tickets cover instruction, a drink and either a hot dog or tater tots from the restaurant -- plus, a pint of ice cream to take home. Private "dream ice cream" making classes are also available for groups who want to create their own flavors.
A gift certificate to dinner on The Grand Bellevue | $50 and up
If dressing up to the nines for a dinner in a glamorous train car sounds like a perfect night for someone you know, then you'll want to get them a gift certificate for a ride on The Grand Bellevue. The train -- which departs out of Portsmouth, Rhode Island -- is just the place for those looking for a night of vintage elegance, nostalgia and fine dining. They even do a dinner theater murder mystery ride! Single tickets range in cost from $114 to $145.
Tickets to the Museum of Illusions | $38
The Museum of Illusions is more than a funky photo opportunity. In addition to its mind-baffling immersion rooms, there is an exhibit on perception and reality at the museum that teaches visitors how illusions like holograms trick our eyes. Tickets are $38 per person. (Or, you can purchase a gift card and let your recipient choose when they'd like to visit.)
Tickets to a show (or festival) at your favorite radio station | $10-$500
Uh, hello! I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the slate of events happening at WBUR.
Our event venue CitySpace just announced its 2025 schedule, and the lineup is pretty stacked: Circus performer (and former WBUR host) Jack Lepiarz is back with his whip-cracking act and our Curated Cuisine series will return with more chefs, bites and musings on food. Plus, the WBUR Festival is happening this May, bringing high-profile speakers, a street fair and much more to Comm. Ave. The festival includes a live taping of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! on Thursday, May 29 at the Wang Theatre. Wait Wait taping tickets are still available for $35, while single-day festival passes start at $150. Get all the details here.
A Regulars Membership at the Chevalier Theatre and the Wilbur | $200
The Wilbur and the Chevalier Theatre routinely host comedy's biggest stars -- and now, you can gift the standup fan in your life VIP access to both theaters. "Regulars" Membership to the Wilbur and the Chevalier Theatre comes with exclusive presale, expedited entry to shows, concierge service and even complimentary tickets to select shows. Membership is $200 for the year, but if the recipient is in fact a "regular" at these venues, it's worth it.
A Friend Membership to the Institute of Contemporary Art | $250
"Friend" Membership is ICA Boston's best-value membership. Gift it to an art lover you know and they'll receive free admission to the museum for two every day, two free tickets to every one of the ICA's monthly First Fridays, six guest tickets to the museum (valued at $120), a 10% discount at the ICA's store and free admission to more than 100 museums in North America.