Learn to plan ahead with the best experience gifts for the season.
Finding the best experience gifts for Christmas does not need to be complicated. Many Canadians are shifting away from wrapping up another gadget or sweater and choosing experiences that create lasting memories. From thrilling adventures to peaceful escapes, these types of gifts are about sharing moments instead of collecting more things.
With fall already rolling in, now is the perfect time to start planning your Christmas list. By focusing on experiences, you can give loved ones something that lasts well beyond the holiday season.
What Are Breakaway Experiences’ Gift Cards?
Breakaway Experiences offers gift cards that give recipients access to hundreds of activities across Canada. Instead of deciding on a specific outing for someone, you simply provide a gift card and they choose what speaks to them most. Options include everything from wine tours in Niagara to horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains. The flexibility makes them an excellent option if you want to give the gift of adventure without worrying about schedules or preferences.
The gift cards can be used online through the Breakaway Experiences website, where recipients can browse activities in their city or plan something for a future trip. With values starting at just $25, they fit any budget. These cards don’t expire, which means the person you are giving them to has the freedom to decide when and how to enjoy the experience.
Why Give Christmas Gifts Early?
Shopping early for Christmas gifts is no longer just for the highly organized. Canadians are increasingly planning ahead. According to the Retail Council of Canada, 41% of holiday shoppers in 2024 began their gift buying before November. This trend is driven by several factors: avoiding last-minute stress, taking advantage of seasonal discounts, and ensuring that experiences can be booked on preferred dates.
Giving experiences early has another advantage. Many activities, such as helicopter tours or snowmobile adventures, require advance bookings. Gifting early gives loved ones the chance to secure dates that fit their schedules. It also spreads out the financial impact, since you don’t need to do all your shopping in December.
10 Tips for Giving Experiences as Christmas Gifts This Fall
So, how do you make sure an experience gift feels personal and exciting? Here are 10 tips to inspire you this Christmas season.
#1 Match the gift to their interests
Think about what excites the person you are buying for. Do they love food, nature, or adrenaline rushes? A foodie tour in Toronto, whale watching in British Columbia, or flying a helicopter in Montréal might be perfect. Matching experiences to hobbies shows you pay attention to their passions.
#2 Choose local adventures
You don’t always have to send someone across the country. Many Canadian cities and towns have hidden gems. A local brewery tour, blacksmithing, or night walking experience can be just as meaningful as a big trip. Plus, supporting local businesses adds extra value to your gift.
#3 Personalize with a note
Even the best experience gifts feel warmer when paired with a thoughtful note. Write a short message about why you chose that specific adventure for them. This simple gesture turns a card into a keepsake.
#4 Consider group activities
Some of the most memorable experiences happen when shared. Clue-solving adventures or even cooking classes are fantastic for couples, families, or friends. It’s a way to give quality time rather than just an item.
#5 Time it with the season
Canada offers very different activities depending on the time of year. Fall and winter are perfect for snowshoeing, skiing, or frozen waterfall tours. Choosing something seasonally appropriate makes the experience even more enjoyable.
#6 Add a small keepsake
While experiences are about memories, a little physical token can help mark the occasion. If you are gifting a wine tour, include a corkscrew. If it’s a cooking lesson, add an apron. These small extras give the recipient something to hold onto while they wait for their adventure.
#7 Plan around their schedule
Some people prefer weekend activities while others enjoy weekday escapes. Look at their lifestyle before picking an experience. Giving someone a weekday afternoon spa package might not be ideal if they work full time, but an evening class could be perfect.
#8 Use experiences to introduce new hobbies
Experience gifts can open doors to lifelong passions. An archery lesson, blacksmith class, or flying lesson might spark something new. These unique experiences feel even more rewarding because they offer more than just a one-time thrill.
#9 Think about accessibility
Not every activity works for everyone. Check if the location is wheelchair accessible or if the adventure is suitable for all ages. Being mindful ensures the person receiving the gift can truly enjoy it without limitations.
#10 Make it an annual tradition
Why not make experience gifting part of your family’s holiday routine? Instead of wrapping up items each year, you can look forward to sharing adventures. This creates lasting stories and a tradition that family and friends will anticipate every holiday season.
Final Thoughts: Wrapping Up the Experience
Giving the best experience gifts this Christmas season is about creating meaningful connections. Starting early this fall allows you to choose adventures that fit each person perfectly, avoid the holiday rush, and enjoy the satisfaction of giving something that will be remembered long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Breakaway Experiences gift cards make this process even simpler, offering flexibility and endless choices across Canada.
So instead of adding more items to someone’s shelf, give them a story they can tell for years. Experiences don’t just fill a day. They create memories that last a lifetime.
