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Experiential gifts are presents that put an emphasis on exploration, adventure and time spent together. They are also a thoughtful way to make someone feel special and seen. This year, skip the old standbys and get excited about gift-giving again.
We’ve gathered a short list of noteworthy experiences to get your creative juices flowing — and we encourage you to brainstorm a few of your own.
Consider intriguing local places, shared interests and experiences your friends and family have been meaning to try. Then surprise them by making a daydream come true.
For groups, teams or twosomes, consider skipping the gift swap and voting on an experience to enjoy together — maybe lunch and a foray into virtual reality, a picnic and a hike through an animal preserve, a cooking class or food tour. In this scenario, everybody pays their own way, and no one has to fight for a parking space at the mall. Priceless.
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Since it's the thought that counts, we put a lot of thought into the LAist gift guide for 2025. The gifts will be well received too, of course.
Virtual Reality at the Cube ($59)
The Cube offers virtual reality experiences for ages 5 and up.
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Ripsime Grigorian
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Step into another world. The Cube in Glendale is an immersive virtual reality playground that puts players (ages 5 and up) in the superhero seat.
Your giftee or giftees will be equipped with VR headsets and hand held controllers, and the 45-minute experience can be a multi-player adventure or a solo challenge to explore the age-appropriate scenario of your choosing. For family friendly play, that includes team fishing, saving the penguins, solving mysteries and crossbow battles. For players 18 and older, think tactical strategy, battle zones and zombie hunting.
The playgrounds of the future have arrived.
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Eat like a tourist (starting at $129)
Tours can be in all kinds of locations around town, including Thai Town, downtown and Venice.
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Raoul Rodriguez
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Why should out-of-towners have all the fun? Indulge your favorite foodie with a mouthwatering mosey through some of our city’s most culturally significant cuisines.
Los Angeles-based Delicious Dish Tours offers gourmet food walking tours in neighborhoods such as Venice, Thai Town, Silverlake, Santa Monica, downtown, Hollywood and the Original Farmer’s Market at Fairfax. The small group tours focus on exploration of the diverse flavors, restaurants, people, street scenes and history that make Los Angeles so delicious.
Cooking classes (from $55)
People make salsa in a class at LA Cocina de Gloria Molina.
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LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
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The LA Cocina Culinary Program at the LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles serves up a tantalizing menu of cooking classes, talks, tastings and demonstrations rooted in Mexican and Mexican American cuisine.
Classes such as pressing flowers into homemade tortillas, salsa making and preparing tetelas stuffed with queso fresco and beans, among others, are designed to go beyond the recipe. Instruction puts a spotlight on regional influences, history, tradition, best practices and ingredient substitutions. Mexican culinary leaders from across Southern California serve as guest lecturers, and professional chefs provide a well-rounded experience to create food that is meant to be shared.
Gift cards available. It’s worth noting that some events are free and require only an online reservation.
Howl at the moon ($58)
My, what fluffy wolf fur you have. No petting, though.
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California Wolf Center
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The California Wolf Center and reserve in Julian has been saving animals from extinction and educating the public about the importance of a healthy ecosystem since 1977.
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Hour-long tour opportunities (public tour; private tour; holiday tour) allow visitors of all ages and abilities to observe wolves, learn about conservation efforts and enjoy a uniquely unforgettable experience.
This is not a petting zoo! Cameras, comfortable walking shoes, curiosity and questions encouraged. Tour reservations required.
Climb the walls ($69)
Physical and fun.
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Gavin Lively
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Sender One
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The Intro to Climbing Package at Sender One, Southern California’s largest indoor climbing gym, includes a two-week membership, access to all five area locations, necessary rental gear and an introductory class.
The specially priced holiday package will be available on their website during the entire month of December. Gift cards available.
Rock on!
Yoga — but with goats, cats and puppies ($45)
Relax and hold that pose ... just make sure the goats don't nibble your yoga mat.
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Zena Wozniak
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Stretch an existing yoga practice or inspire a new one at Laughing Frog Yoga in Santa Monica.
A one-hour session of Goat Yoga, as seen on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, offers a unique perspective on a millenia-old practice. Gift cards can also be used to purchase a 60-minute class (30 minutes of asanas, and 30 minutes of play time) to experience Puppy Yoga (with rescue pups!) or Kitty Yoga.
Beginners welcome.
Train to be a light bender ($300)
Science and art combine at the Electric Lab of the Museum of Neon Art.
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Corrie Siegel
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Crafting neon signs and sculptures is both a science and an art. In Glendale, at the Electric Lab of the Museum of Neon Art, professional light benders teach acolytes of all levels (beginner to advanced) how to create organic, flowing forms that evoke motion and energy.
Workshops include step-by-step instruction, use of equipment and all materials — no experience necessary!
Gift certificates are available for museum membership or admission, classes and purchases from the gift shop.
All is bright!
Release your kraken (from $75)
The gift that's sure to be a smash.
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Rage Ground
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Let’s be honest. It’s been a year. Do you know someone who could benefit from forty-five minutes of smash therapy?
At Rage Ground in Los Angeles, participants suit up in coveralls, protective helmets, face guards and gloves and let their fury fly as they (safely!) smash things to smithereens. Pipes, tools, bats and mallets are provided to demolish glass and wood items, furniture, mirrors, and even entire cars. Packages are priced accordingly.
Black light paint splatter rooms ($60) are also available for those who prefer to spray, splash, and release their rage in color.
For ages ten and above.
Let. It. Out.
Roar and snore (from $165 per person)
The next best thing to curling up in bed with a cat? Curling up in bed in a zoo where big cats live.
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Ken Bohn
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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
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You don’t need to go to Africa to sleep under the stars safari-style. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers year-round Roar and Snore opportunities for all ages (including adult-only or family friendly excursions). Bring your tiger print PJs and spend the night beside animals such as giraffes, rhinos, and antelope to name a few.
The sleepover includes walking tours after dark with a safari guide, a campfire with s’mores, a tour on the African Tram Safari, morning wildlife presentations and learning about the conservation work SDZWA is doing on behalf of wild animals around the world. Dinner, breakfast and a snack are included.
Upgrades to packages can include glamping in premium tents, closer exploration of the savanna habitat from the back of a Safari truck, night vision binoculars, zip line adventures and VIP seating at breakfast.
Group hug! ($3,500)
Make an impression.
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Sam Savoia
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Temple of Mediclaytion
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Art captures a moment in time, and that is especially true at the Temple of Mediclaytion in Venice where participants are invited to embrace a large clay pot, thrown by artist-in-residence Patrick Johnston. Prior to glazing and firing, the experience includes wrapping your arms around the soft, unfinished vase during the Hug Your Unique Pot Experience. The group, couple or singular embrace leaves a lasting imprint on the one-of-a-kind artwork and serves as a captivating tribute to love. And yes, you keep the pot.
For those who like the idea but not the price tag, the ceramic studio also offers six-week pottery-making sessions ($425) for potters of all ability levels.
Creativity time (from $45)
Get crafty making jewelry, soap and more.
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Shelley Baumbach
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Craft + Light Creative Art Studio in the Naples neighborhood of Long Beach invites creativity to come out and play, with a line up of art and crafting classes for kids and adults.
Workshops offer instruction and required materials for projects such as resin jewelry making, candle pouring, arm knitting, decorative brush lettering, decoupage and soap making.
Gift cards available. Beginners welcome!
Check out more great LAist gift guides
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Got a gourmand in your life who's tricky to shop for (and who probably already has three pepper mills)? We've got you covered with Southern California foodie recommendations. -
LAist turns to local booksellers and librarians for recommendations for young readers — from picture books to graphic novels and young adult titles. -
Nail polish inspired by a painting, a handmade-in-Hollywood bracelet, bowls fashioned from a single piece of wood — these artisan-made items are never going to be regifted.
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Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
