Turn those typical gifts into unique experiences this silly season with our guide to alternate Christmas gifts.
Presented by: 
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 for restaurants, spas, getaways, things to do and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Groupon
$999: 6-night China holiday with Yangtze cruise
Valid for travel between March - November 2019. Includes return international flights from Melbourne or Sydney, hotel accommodation, onboard cruise accommodation, tour and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
Europe: 16-day getaway + flights from $2,899
Valid for travel between 15 January - 10 April, 22 April - 18 June and 21 July -18 September 2019. Includes roundtrip economy airfare, 14-night hotel accommodation in a 4-star hotel, airport transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
Australia Day: Sydney Harbour cruises from $35
Saving up to 50% on the regular price, spend Australia Day on the harbour aboard a lunch cruise or an evening sail to see the fireworks.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
50% off Sydney harbour yacht stay
Valid until 30 April 2019. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
32% off 3-night cruise from Sydney
Valid until 10 November 2019. Includes 3-night cruise with cabin accommodation, meals, onboard activities and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
Up to 33% off 4-night Port Douglas getaway with flights
Valid for travel from 11 January - 20 June 2019. Includes return economy airfares, accommodation at Jungle Walk Bungalow, buggy transfers around the resort and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
Phuket: 7 nights + flights from $799
Valid for travel 15 February - 31 October 2019. Includes return flights to Phuket, accommodation, 60-minute Thai massage, daily breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
Up to 80% off Christmas gifts & gadgets
Valid on select items like gadgets, toys, wine, accessories and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Groupon
22% off Great Ocean Road day tour
Valid for travel until 31 March 2019. Includes Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles day tour, Aussie Lunch at Apollo Bay and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
23% off Phillip Island day tour
Valid for travel until 31 March 2019. Includes return coach transfers, tour guide and entry to Maru Koala and Animal Park and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
Up to 12% off Australia Zoo ticket
Valid for 1-day or 2-day ticket. Includes free Wildlife Hospital entry. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
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.
Last verified
Groupon
Refer a friend and earn $10 in Groupon Bucks
Get $10 in Groupon bucks when you refer a friend at Groupon.
Last verified
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),
Last verified
Groupon
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.
Last verified
Groupon
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.
Last verified
Groupon
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.
Last verified
Groupon
58% off Canberra stay
Valid for stay on select dates at Brassey Hotel Canberra. Include late check-out perks. T&C's apply.
Last verified
Groupon
Hotel deals from $99
Spend mother's day with these hotel deals. Sample price $99 for overnight stay in Melbourne and more.
Last verified
Groupon
Up to 70% off things to do in Melbourne
Discounts available on experiences, activities, food and drink vouchers, spas and more.
Last verified
Groupon
$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.
Last verified
Popular Groupon coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Jan 2019 | Extra 15% off first Groupon purchase | BRA**** |
| 31 Jul 2018 | $10 off your first Groupon purchase | BUY**** |
| 14 Jan 2019 | $999: 6-night China holiday with Yangtze cruise | ******** |
| 10 Jan 2019 | Europe: 16-day getaway + flights from $2,899 | ******** |
| 11 Jan 2019 | Australia Day: Sydney Harbour cruises from $35 | ******** |
