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
Up to 15% off parking at Australia airports
Valid for use on select dates until 30 October 2018. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Ballina, Gold Coast, Cairns, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart. T&C's apply.
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Up to 52% off Hobart packages
Valid for travel until 30 September 2018. Includes accommodation, bottle of wine and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 50% off Barossa Valley packages
Valid for travel from 30 September 2018. Includes accommodation, breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 38% off 8-night Phuket getaway + flights
Valid for travel from 20 September - 30 November 2018 and 1 March - 30 June 2019. Includes flights, accommodation, daily breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 57% off 16-night China tour + flights
Valid for fixed departures from October 2018 - November 2019. Includes transfers, tours, accommodation, meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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Cellarmasters $100 online credit for just $10
Valid until 7 September 2018. Minimum spend of $200 to redeem offer. T&Cs apply.
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Cairns: 4-day accommodation + flights from $359
Valid for travel from 21 July - 20 September, 15 October - 10 December 2018 and 15 January - 25 March 2019. Includes accommodation at Bay Village Tropical Retreat and Apartments, continental breakfast for 2, complimentary WiFi and parking and return economy airfare. T&Cs apply.
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33% off 7-night Vietnam and Cambodia cruise
Valid for travel between 25 September - 13 November 2018 and 29 January - 5 March 2019. Destinations include Saigon, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Oudong-Kampong Tralach and more. T&Cs apply.
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49% off Mount Buller day trip + single chairlift pass
Valid for travel until 10 September 2018. Includes Mount Buller entry, tour guide, return transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
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46% off Snowy Mountains one-day lift pass
Valid for use on select dates from 10 June - 30 September 2018. Includes access to all the lifts at Selwyn Snow Resort. T&Cs apply.
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45% off Falls Creek stay for 2
Valid for stays from 17 October 2018 - 1 June 2019 at QT Falls Creek. Includes breakfast for two, access to in-house movies, late check-out and more. T&Cs apply.
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55% off Sydney stay for 2
Valid for stays until 15 December 2018 at Occidental Hotel. Inclusive of bottle of wine upon arrival, late check-out and more. T&Cs apply.
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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
Whale watching tour from $35
Valid until 12 November 2018, includes a tour up to three hours and morning or afternoon tea.
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Up to 12% off Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast ticket + Extra 10% off with code
Valid for single entry until 30 November 2018. T&Cs apply.
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Phuket day tour from just $55
Valid for travel until 31 December 2018. Enjoy the scenery of Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island. Inclusive of return transfers to hotel, speedboat tours, English-speaking guide and more. T&Cs apply.
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47% off Queensland escape for two
Valid for stays until 30 September 2018 at Best Western Astor Metropole. Includes late check-out and complimentary WiFi access. T&Cs apply.
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55% off luxury Bali escape
Valid for stays until 1 December 2018 at Bali Rich Villas Seminyak. Includes accommodation in One-Bedroom Pool Villa for two people, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi access and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Lindt Chocolate Café treat from $24.70
Valid for use until 30 November 2018. Includes Lindt waffles with hot drinks for two plus extra 30% off all retail products. Destinations include Martin Place, Chadstone, Cockle Bay and Collins Street. T&Cs apply.
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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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33% off 15-night Sydney to Honolulu cruise
Valid on 17 April 2019 with Royal Caribbean. Destinations include Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora and more. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 11% off Movie World Gold Coast ticket + Extra 10% off
Valid for single entry until 30 November 2018. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 13% off Sea World Gold Coast ticket + Extra 10% off
Valid for single entry until 30 November 2018. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
11-day European Christmas market cruise from $2,298
Valid for cruise on 10 December 2019. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and more. T&Cs apply.
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53% off Forster retreat
Valid for stays until 14 December 2018 at Clarendon Forest Retreat. Includes cottage accommodation for 2, bottle of wine and more. T&Cs apply.
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20% off airport transfers
Valid for travel until 31 December 2018. Destination includes Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Sunshine Coast. T&Cs apply.
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73% off Parramatta stay for 2
Valid for stays until 30 September 2018 at Rydges Parramatta Sydney. Includes breakfast, secured parking, late check-out and more. T&Cs apply.
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60% off Kiama stay for 2
Valid for stays until 27 September 2018 at Sebel Harbourside Kiama. Includes drink vouchers upon arrival, daily buffet breakfast, parking and more. T&Cs apply.
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40% off Phuket day tour
Valid for travel until 31 December 2018. Includes full day tour of James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, buffet lunch, fruit and soft drink, English-speaking tour guide and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Adelaide stay from just $109
Valid for stays until 28 February 2019 at a 4 star CBD Mystery Hotel in Adelaide. Includes late check-out, bottle of wine upon arrival and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
60% off Melbourne stay for 2
Valid for stays until 27 September 2018 at Best Western Riverside Serviced Apartments. Includes late check-out, WiFi access and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
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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50% off Nelson Bay getaway for two
Valid for stays on select dates at The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay. Includes accommodation for two, daily buffet breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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61% off Melbourne escape for two
Valid for stays on select dates at Rydges on Swanston Melbourne. Includes accommodation for two, daily buffet breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 9% off Australia Zoo ticket
Valid for 1-day or 2-day ticket. Includes free Wildlife Hospital entry. T&Cs apply.
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54% off Hunter Valley stay
Valid for stays on select dates until December 2018 at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort. Includes 2-nights stay and complimentary use of hotel amenities. T&Cs apply.
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62% off Sunshine Coast stay
Valid for stay on select dates in The Sebel Pelican Waters. Includes accommodation in for two and more. T&C's apply.
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50% off Charlotte Ski Pass stay
Valid for stays on select dates at Lucy Lodge. Enjoy every slope in Charlotte Pass Village best for ski amateurs. Includes breakfast, dinner, lift pass and more. T&C's apply.
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50% off Mount Buller stay + breakfast for two
Valid for stays on select dates at Merrijig Motor Inn Resort. Enjoy skiing and trekking in this region of Merrijig. Includes breakfast and complimentary WiFi access. T&C's apply.
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58% off Canberra stay
Valid for stay on select dates at Brassey Hotel Canberra. Include late check-out perks. T&C's apply.
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64% off Best Western Hobart stay
Valid for stays on select dates. Includes accommodation, late check-out, continental breakfast and complimentary use of WiFi. T&C's apply.
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Groupon
Hotel deals from $99
Spend mother's day with these hotel deals. Sample price $99 for overnight stay in Melbourne and more.
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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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Rydges North Sydney stay from $154
Valid for stays from 31 August 2018. Includes $20 food and beverage credit. T&Cs apply.
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$10 off your first Groupon purchase
Spend $49 or more at Groupon and get $10 off your order. Not valid on Village Roadshow Theme Park deals or gift cards. Valid on first purchases only.
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Melbourne star tickets from $11
Valid for rides until 15 September 2018.
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Up to 49% off Warrook Cattle Farm admission
Valid for 60 days from time of purchase. Adult, child and family passes all discounted.
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10% off Ballarat Wildlife Park admission
Valid for 90 days from time of purchase. Adult, child and family passes all discounted.
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