Five of the Best Thoughtful Experience Gift Ideas

There are times when we want to say thank you, or surprise someone and lift their spirits, or just find a really fitting way to mark everything from a milestone birthday to a special anniversary. However, most of the time this is easier said than done.

At Experiences HQ, we prefer to take the proactive approach rather than settle for the uninspired. Which is why we've curated five suggested experience days we have available to book that would make for really unique and Thoughtful Gift Ideas.

• A Taste Surprise Through Their Letterbox

What if we told you that you could arrange for your friend, family member or loved one to receive some of the finest eats and drinks around direct to the comfort of their own home? In our Tasting Experiences, we have a number of subscription gift boxes that will let you do just that.

From anywhere up to 12 months, they can look forward to receiving everything, from some of the most divine chocolate brownies, to a regular meal kit to cook some of the most aromatic and exquisite Indian curries, the best British reared charcuterie meats or the opportunity to sample some artisan gins and rums from master distilleries.

It'll give them something to look forward to beyond whatever special day they're celebrating, or show them that you're thinking of them if you're away.

• UK Getaways With a Difference

Perhaps they've been working hard or have had a bit of a rough time of things lately, and just need some time to themselves or with a loved one away from it all? Some of our One Night Breaks and Unusual Escapes could be just the answer.

Take for example, our Gothic Glamping Pod breaks. These unique looking huts based on a Yorkshire Wolds Farm just outside of Pocklington are available from just £65 a night for one or from £120 a night for two. It'll give the opportunity to get back to nature in the beautiful rolling Yorkshire Dales countryside but without any of the faff and stress of putting up tents.

Or for those a little further down South, there's always our range of breaks that can be booked at the gorgeous Starry Meadow farm, with the opportunity to enjoy a stay in a converted shepherd's hut or a cosy woodland nook for a couple of nights deep in the heart of Norfolk.

• Reconnecting With Nature

If they're at one with the open fresh air, a number of our Outdoors Experience packages will provide the chance to try out some different ways of being at one with nature, such as our special Yoga and Forest Bathing and Day retreats down in Brighton.

Starting from £35, they can look forward to a session under the guidance of Xenia at the One Garden near Stanmer Park, reconnecting their senses and capturing a tremendous sense of calm in beautiful woodland settings through the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku.

Or for the ultimate in mindful experiences, there's also a selection of Wild Swimming sessions that can be booked in the rugged waterfalls of the North Pennines in Northumberland, or the opportunity to trek with llamas in Northamptonshire or meditate with horses in the Lake District.

• Ballooning Up To The Skies

Now, when it comes to experience day gifts, surely they don't come much more special than a ride in the basket of a balloon? Our Hot Air Balloon Ride packages are available to book at a number of different venues across the UK, with both dawn and dusk options on offer.

Taking flight and serenely gliding over rolling countryside on a beautiful warm summer's evening or morning, with your loved one beside you, is truly something that will live long in both your memories.

And if you're after a real statement for something like an engagement proposal (believe us when we say we get a lot of enquiries about booking to fly in a balloon for this very reason!), some of these packages even come with a complimentary glass of champagne to toast with after the flight.

• Experiences to Capture Their Creativity

There's a lot to be said for giving someone you love the chance to tap into their creative drive. Perhaps you see potential in them that they don't see, and just know that they could make a real go of with the right chance.

Or maybe you just want them to get the opportunity to try something out that's hopefully fun, but with no expectations or pressure that comes from what they do in their day-to-day life. That's where our Creative Experience gifts will be the ideal solution.

Whether it's Arts and Crafts, Singing and Dancing, Gardening, or even something as completely left-of-centre as Blacksmithing or Forging, there's all manner of things they can try turning their hand to - and for less than you might think as well, because we believe in providing the best experiences for all budgets.