Turn those typical gifts into unique experiences this silly season with our guide to alternate Christmas gifts.
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If you're stuck for a Christmas gift this year or want to shake things up a bit, exchange that store-bought physical gift for an experience instead.
Whether they have everything, are a social butterfly or simply love to explore and try out new things, an experience is the kind of gift you don't have to wrap but comes filled with unforgettable memories.
On top of being unique, it’s also an excellent option for those who tend to leave present shopping to the last (guilty!) as you can purchase it right up to the wire online.
And you won't have to battle the masses at the stores either.
So for something unique and left-of-centre that you don't have to wrap up this year, here are our favourite alternatives to that physical Christmas gift that we found on daily deals site Groupon.
10 top experience gifts for Christmas
1. Premium hotel stay
Instead of a picture frame or artwork: Give them a view to behold with a stay in a luxe hotel.
It could be a staycation in the city they live in or, if you know they're overdue for a holiday, you can offer to secure their room and surprise them with a 5-star escape.
To keep the cost down but the quality premium, check out Groupon's Premium Collection of heavily discounted travel stays but shhh – don't tell them how much you really spent.
2. Fine dining experience
Instead of a food hamper: Book them a spot at a hot table and take care of the bill.
If anybody tells you they hate to be wined and dined, they're obviously lying. Take care of them, as well as the cheque, by exploring the city's fine dining spots one dish at a time.
Alternatively, you can pre-purchase a fine dining experience for them to use at their leisure.
3. Scuba diving lessons
Instead of an inflatable pool toy: Extend their pool to ocean for an underwater adventure.
With the rush of the water around them and the colours of the coral below, a scuba diving experience is something they'll cherish for a lifetime.
Beginner courses for the uninitiated aren't as expensive as you may think, starting from $59 if you know where to look. Refresher courses for those who have tried their fins at the sport though are a little rusty are priced much the same, starting from $69.
4. Cooking classes
Instead of a cookbook: Let a master chef teach them the tricks of the trade.
Gifting a foodie this Christmas? Take them on a culinary journey by booking them a spot in a cooking class.
They'll learn new techniques or upskill in the art of cooking, baking and decorating and some classes even feature take-home recipe books – so you can double down on that present.
5. Spa day out
Instead of a beauty pamper pack: Pamper them with spa treatments and packages galore.
They'll be glowing from ear to ear after a day at the spa and they won't have to lift a finger to make it happen either.
Choose from massage, detox and facial sessions to a day out at the spa where they can relax in steam rooms and sink into saunas.
6. Theatre and gig tickets
Instead of a DVD: Take them out for a night of music, dance and comedy.
Pull them away from the comforts of their couch and surprise them with a gig in town, a night of live comedy or a theatre performance.
For some inspiration without the price tag, hit up daily deals websites like Groupon to see what's going on near you.
7. Go-kart experience
Instead of Mario Kart: Take them out on the track for a race in the real thing.
OK, so they might still want the latest copy of Mario Kart (can you blame them?), but if you feel like upping the ante or turning their video game dreams into a reality, get them behind the wheel.
It's a fun and thrilling experience that can be enjoyed by kids big and small and won't cost you a mint to gift either. In fact, it comes up cheaper than the video game when booked at the discounted Groupon rate.
8. Wine tasting course
Instead of wine: Bring out the true connoisseur with a tipple tasting.
Turn their love for a good drink into an educational experience that could potentially lead to fine snobbery.
Head to the cellar door to indulge in a winery's finest and learn the perfect pairings with fruits, cheeses and chocolates. Simply choose your cellar door and book a tour.
9. A day out at the aquarium
Instead of a pet: Explore the underwater world of the local zoo or aquarium.
When the little ones want a pet but you can't quite make their dreams come true, the next best thing is a trip to the aquarium or zoo for a close encounter with wildlife.
To make your gift really sing this Christmas, book them in for one of the zoo's or aquarium's behind-the-scenes or close encounter tours where they can meet the keepers, pet the animals and more.
10. A romantic holiday away
Instead of jewellery: Surprise them with a holiday.
If you're inclined toward the ultimate romantic gesture this Christmas, pack the jewellery away (or add it as a bonus gift) and go on a romantic trip instead.
Holiday packages do all the hard work for you and include flights, accommodation and sometimes meals, spa treatments, activities and then some. All you have to do is pick the date.See the latest Groupon promo codes and deals
Groupon
Extra 15% off first Groupon purchase
Valid on all dates including holidays like Christmas for restaurants, spas, getaways, things to do and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 60% off Vivid Sydney cruises and activities
Valid from 24 May - 15 June 2019 on Vivid cruises, Luna Park passes and more. Cruises start at just $13. T&Cs apply.
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48% off Vivid Sydney cruise + Luna Park pass
Valid for use from 24 May - 15 June 2019 with Starship Sydney. Inclusive of a 90-minute cruise and one Luna Park entry with unlimited rides. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 70% off things to do in Melbourne
Discounts available on experiences, activities, food and drink vouchers, spas and more.
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Groupon
Refer a friend and earn $10 in Groupon Bucks
Get $10 in Groupon bucks when you refer a friend at Groupon.
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Groupon
54% off Brisbane stay for 2
Valid for stays until 31 July 2018 at Mercure Brisbane. Includes accommodation for two, late check-out and complimentary parking for in-house guests. T&C's apply.
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Groupon
Up to 62% off South Coast stays
Valid for travel until 15 September 2019. Includes accommodation at Mercure Resort Gerringong, buffet breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
China: 45% off 14-day getaway + flights
Valid for travel on select dates from May - November 2019. Includes accommodation, return flights, all domestic and international transfers in China, tours, private coach transportation and more. T&Cs apply.
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Singapore: 40% off 5-night stay + flights
Valid for travel from 1 March - 18 June, 18 July - 18 September, 7-31 October 2019. Includes accommodation at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, return flights, daily breakfast, SG$10 food voucher, daily SG$38 spa voucher and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Fiji: 40% off 7-night stay + flights
Valid for travel from 3 May 2019 - 22 March 2020. Includes accommodation, return economy flights, airport transfers, FJ$100 resort credit, 30-minute spa and more. T&Cs apply.
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Phuket: 56% off 8-night stay + flights
Valid for travel from 27 April - 18 June, 16 July - 18 September and 8-31 October 2019. Includes accommodation, daily breakfast, one buffet dinner, 45-minute Thai massage and more. T&Cs apply.
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Sri Lanka: 18% off 4-night stay + flights
Valid for travel between 13 February - 31 May, 16 July - 28 October and 7-30 November 2019. Includes international return flights, return airport transfers, hotel accommodation and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 46% off Snowy Mountains, Charlotte pass ski lift
Valid from 8 June - 6 October 2019. Includes ski lift pass with return over-snow transport and lunch. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 33% off 6-night South Asia cruise with flights
Valid for cruise on 22 September 2019. Includes 5-night cruise from Singapore to Thailand and Malaysia, return economy flights to Singapore, all on-board meals, 1-night pre-cruise stay in Singapore and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
$55 for $100 worth of ski gear hire in Jindabyne
Valid for travel until 1 October 2019. Equipment hire is ideal for Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass. T&Cs apply.
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$49 for $100 worth of ski gear hire in Jindabyne
Valid from 8 June - 31 October 2019 excluding 1 July - 13 August 2019. Equipment hire is ideal for Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass. T&Cs apply.
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China: 11-night getaway + flights from $777
Valid for travel on select dates from May - October 2019. Destinations include Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 70% off hotel stays and vacation packages
Destinations include Gold Coast, Port Douglas, Bali, Phuket, Fiji, Vietnam and Hawaii. Sample packages include a 5-night stay in Surfers Paradise for $299 (Regularly $579) and a 5-night package to Fiji for $999 (Regularly $2101),
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Popular Groupon coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 16 May 2019 | Extra 15% off first Groupon purchase | BRA**** |
| 23 May 2019 | Up to 60% off Vivid Sydney cruises and activities | ******** |
| 20 May 2019 | 48% off Vivid Sydney cruise + Luna Park pass | ******** |
| 20 May 2019 | Up to 70% off things to do in Melbourne | ******** |
| 20 May 2019 | Refer a friend and earn $10 in Groupon Bucks | ******** |
