Looking for a gift that beats watches or tech? These top 5 experience gifts—including a thrilling WWII biplane ride in Virginia—will blow traditional presents out of the sky.

Tired of giving the same old gifts—watches, wallets, tech gadgets, or cologne sets? While those traditional presents might check the box, they rarely leave a lasting impression. In a world overflowing with stuff, experience gifts are taking center stage. They don’t collect dust—they create memories. Whether you’re shopping for a thrill-seeker, a sentimental soul, or someone who insists they “don’t need anything,” these five experience gifts will elevate your gift-giving game. And leading the charge is a high-flying, history-rich adventure you won’t find in a mall: a ride in a vintage WWII biplane.

1. Take Flight in a WWII-Era Biplane Why it blows traditional gifts out of the sky: Instead of another luxury watch or wireless earbuds, give them the rush of wind and history in an open-cockpit Stearman biplane. Based at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport in Northern Virginia, this aviation adventure lets the recipient strap in and soar above scenic landscapes in an authentic WWII aircraft. From the roar of the engine to the vintage flight gear, this gift combines adrenaline, nostalgia, and once-in-a-lifetime views. It’s the ultimate alternative to generic gifts—and the kind of story they’ll still be telling next year.
   
2. Supercar Driving Experience on a Pro Track Why it’s unforgettable: A smartwatch tells time. This experience stops time. Let them unleash a Ferrari, Porsche, or Lamborghini on a professional racetrack with expert instruction. This isn’t a showroom test drive—it’s full-throttle fantasy
   fulfillment. Ideal for car enthusiasts, speed demons, and anyone who dreams of redlining in real life.
   
3. Private Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne Toast Why it’s a dream come true: A romantic dinner is nice, but floating above the countryside at sunrise is next-level. Gift a private hot air balloon ride complete with sweeping views, quiet wonder, and a champagne toast upon landing. Whether for an anniversary, birthday, or just because, it’s serene, stunning, and seriously memorable.
   
4. Chef’s Table Culinary Adventure Why it’s more tasteful than a gift card: Forget another trip to a chain restaurant. Book them a seat at a chef’s table experience—either in a high-end kitchen or with a private chef at home. Curated courses, wine pairings, and personal attention from a culinary pro transform dinner into a gourmet journey. For foodies and fine-dining fans, this is peak indulgence.
   
5. Weekend Wilderness Survival Course Why it’s more useful than another gadget: Want to gift someone something that challenges them, teaches them, and leaves them feeling like Bear Grylls? A survival or bushcraft course offers hands-on lessons in fire-making, shelter-building, and navigating nature. It’s the perfect mix of unplugged adventure and life skills—no screen time required.
   
   

Experience Gifts: The Ultimate Present

Traditional gifts may satisfy in the moment, but experience gifts leave an impact that lingers. If you’re looking to give something extraordinary—something that makes the heart race or the soul swell—ditch the department store and think outside the box. Whether it’s the thunderous takeoff of a WWII-era biplane or the quiet serenity of a hot air balloon, these five experience gifts prove that the best things in life aren’t things at all. They’re moments. Memories. And stories worth sharing.