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
$949:10-night Phuket and Phi Phi Island holiday package
Valid for travel between 8 October - 25 November 2018, 11 February - 31 March, 26 April - 20 June and 9 July - 31 August 2019. Includes 8-nights accommodation at the Best Western Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa on Phuket, 2-nights in a superior villa at Bay View Resort Phi Phi Island on Phi Phi, round-trip flights to Phuket, airport and port transfers, daily breakfast, one set menu dinner for 2 and one bottle of sparkling wine. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
34% off 5-day Vietnam tour
Valid for travel until 30 September 2019. Includes accommodation, Halong Bay cruise, kayaking, meals, transportation and more. T&Cs apply.
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45% off Hakuba Japan ski getaway
Valid from 9-23 December 2018 and 28 February - 8 May 2019. Includes accommodation, luxury onsen tour, daily breakfast, gourmet dinner, transfers and six-day lift ticket. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to $20 off Woolsworths Online from just $5
Valid until 31 October 2018. Get $10 off for a minimum spend of $140 and $20 off for a minimum spend of $200. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
92% off 30-day Kogan Mobile prepaid offer
Valid until 10 November 2018. Includes unlimited text and call plus 32GB data. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Lindt Chocolate Café experience for 2 from just $24.70
Valid for use until 30 November 2018 across 6 locations to choose from in Sydney and Melbourne. Includes two hot drinks of choice, freshly made waffle served with vanilla white chocolate ice cream and a pot of chocolate and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
20% off airport transfers
Valid for travel until 31 December 2018, including over Christmas. Destination includes Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Sunshine Coast. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 12% off Australia Zoo ticket
Valid for 1-day or 2-day ticket. Includes free Wildlife Hospital entry. T&Cs apply.
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Up to 20% off Great Barrier Reef full-day tour
Valid for travel until 20 December 2018. Includes buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, afternoon tea and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
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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Groupon
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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Groupon
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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Groupon
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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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
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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Groupon
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
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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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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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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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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Groupon
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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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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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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$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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