Find out why experience gifts are the solution for busy bees with no time for a holiday shopping spree.
Finding the best experience gifts during the holiday season can feel like a sprint through a crowded mall. Busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and the ticking clock of December can make shopping stressful. But giving an experience instead of a physical gift takes the pressure off while still creating lasting memories. From thrilling adventures in the sky to cozy tasting activities, experience gifts let your loved ones enjoy something they will remember long after the holidays.
This guide is for busy Canadians who want to give something meaningful without spending hours hunting for the perfect present. We'll cover last-minute solutions, explain why digital options work so well, and provide curated experience categories that fit anyone on your Christmas list.
The Challenge of Shopping for Christmas Presents for Busy People
Trying to find the perfect gift while juggling work, family, and other commitments is overwhelming. Many busy Canadians end up buying the first thing they see, which often leads to gifts that don’t feel personal. Around 14 percent of Canadians start their holiday shopping in December, making thoughtful gift-giving a challenge.
Time constraints also make it harder to shop for unique items. Physical stores are crowded, online orders risk delayed shipping, and returns can be a headache. That’s why gifts of experience are a game plan for last-minute shoppers. They save time, reduce stress, and provide a gift that is out of the ordinary.
Digital Gift Cards: The Perfect Solution
Breakaway Experiences’ digital gift cards are more than a “buy‑now, give later” option. They offer flexibility, convenience, and choice, which makes them ideal for busy shoppers who need something easy yet personal. Here is what makes them particularly effective:
- Instant delivery via email or print. Right after you complete the purchase, you can have the gift card emailed to the receiver, or pick a future date and time so it arrives in their inbox exactly when you want. If you prefer a physical card to wrap or deliver by hand, you can instead email the card to yourself and print it out.
- Flexible values and spending. You can choose from different card values: $25, $50, $100, $200, $300, $500, or $1000. Once the recipient redeems the card, they can pick any experience available on the site. If the experience costs more than the card, they just pay the difference. If it costs less, the remaining balance stays for another experience later.
- No expiry date. The card value never expires. That means the recipient can use it whenever they like, even months later.
- Flexible booking and easy exchanges. When you buy a gift card, you don’t lock in a date. The recipient chooses their own date when they make the booking. If they decide they want a different experience, they can exchange it.
- Wide range of experiences under one card. Because Breakaway Experiences offers many categories, adrenaline driving, flying, water sports, food & drink, spa & wellness, tours, and more, gifting a card means giving the recipient freedom to choose what fits them best and is on their bucket list.
Choosing The Gifts of Experience for Everyone
To make your last-minute shopping easy, here’s a curated list of experience categories. Check the links for each category to get an idea of which card value to choose for your loved ones.
#1 Really Fast Christmas Gifts
Best for: Thrill-seekers who love adrenaline-pumping experiences.
This Christmas, surprise them with an incredible driving experience gift that gives the gift of speed like never before. Imagine cruising a Ferrari or Lamborghini on a race track, soaring over Whistler’s backcountry on the Superfly Zipline, or racing along Vancouver’s coastline on a jet ski tour.
These fast-paced experiences are designed for those who live for excitement, adventure, and unforgettable moments. With options like these, your gift will get their heart racing and create memories that last far beyond the holiday season.
👉🏻 Browse Really Fast Christmas Gifts
#2 Christmas Gifts that Soar
Best for: Thrill-seekers and adrenaline lovers.
If your gift recipient enjoys excitement, experiences that soar are unforgettable. Think hot air balloon rides over scenic landscapes, ziplining adventures, or helicopter tours of iconic Canadian locations. These gifts create lasting memories and provide amazing photo opportunities!
Examples include hot air balloon rides over Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan, an Ottawa scenic flight tour, or a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls. These activities are perfect for anyone who enjoys a little rush in their life.
👉🏻 Explore Christmas Gifts that Soar
#3 Clue Solving Adventures
Best for: Puzzle lovers and curious minds.
Scavenger hunts and mystery-solving experiences are perfect for friends and family who enjoy challenges. Clue-solving adventures offer interactive fun, teamwork, and mental stimulation. These activities are engaging, memorable, and ideal for groups or families looking for a shared experience.
You might choose a zombie scavenger hunt in Calgary, a food finder experience in Edmonton, or a murder mystery adventure in Vancouver. Each experience challenges the mind while giving participants a story to remember long after Christmas is over.
👉🏻 Check Out Clue Solving Adventures
#4 Tasty Experience Gifts
Best for: Food lovers and culinary adventurers.
Give a gift that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Tasting experiences let recipients enjoy Canadian flavours in unique ways, such as wine tastings, BBQ cookouts, brewery tours, and gourmet cooking classes.
For example, you could gift a wine-and-cheese tasting in Toronto, a wild mushroom foraging experience in Vancouver, or a craft beer tour in Ontario. These foodie activities are ideal for anyone who enjoys trying new flavours and indulging in delicious treats.
👉🏻 Discover Tasty Experience Gifts
#5 Christmas Gifts that Feel Really Good
Best for: Those who appreciate relaxation and self-care.
The best experience gifts focused on wellbeing should provide a chance to relax and recharge. Options in this category include spa days and massage experiences. These presents show thoughtfulness and encourage recipients to take time for themselves during the super busy holiday season.
Consider a massage and facial experience in Yorkville, a tropical escape in Ottawa, or a luxurious spa package in Toronto. These gifts are perfect for anyone who values self-care, calm, and rejuvenation.
👉🏻 Browse Christmas Gifts that Feel Really Good
Wrapping Up Last-Minute Christmas Shopping
Last-minute Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be stressful and nerve-racking. Experiences, given via gift cards, are practical, memorable, and instantly delivered, making them the perfect choice for busy Canadians. Select from categories like fast Christmas gifts, soaring adventures, clue-solving experiences, tasty experiences, and wellness-focused gifts, and you can find something that suits everyone on your list.
The best experience gifts are about creating stories, sparking joy, and giving recipients a moment to remember. Instead of worrying about shipping delays or crowded stores, you can give the gift of experience that truly stands out this holiday season.
