EXPERIENCE GIFTS YOU MISSED IN 2020
What experience gifts did you miss in 2020?
Ahh… remember planning things? Back in the hazy days of 2019, plans included fun trips abroad, nights out with friends, days at the beach and dining out.
‘Plans’ in 2020 have mostly consisted of ‘What should I eat tonight?’, ‘Should I wear a different T-shirt tomorrow or does this one have another day in it?’, and ‘Maybe I’ll break my biscuit-eating record this week.’
We understand that 2020 has not been the best year - well, it’s not been the best year, full stop. (That's a big understatement.) But especially, 2020 has not been the best year for making and keeping plans.
Whether you’re searching for something to look forward to in 2021 or trying to find the perfect Christmas gift, we’ve rounded up all the best experience gifts you might have missed during this strange and difficult year.
Read on to find out our top picks…
Spa and Pampering Gifts for Christmas 2020
You know those people who just… deserve a break? I think it’s safe to say that at the end of 2020, most of us have earned a little bit of pampering. Whether you’re looking to buy a gift for that friend who never has a minute to themselves, a family member who has really been there for you this year, or even as a little gift from you to you, these spa and pampering experiences will help you bring a disappointing year to a hopeful end.
Two Night Pamper Break with Treatment, Dinner and Prosecco for Two - £460
Treat yourself or a loved one to this decadent pamper stay in Reading, or make a romantic break of it with your partner!
Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a tall glass of Prosecco. The friendly staff will then show you to your luxurious room, where your 2 nights of relaxation can begin. On the evening of arrival, you will be invited down to The Reading Room to indulge in an exquisite set three-course dinner; a perfect way to settle into your memorable pamper break.
Throughout your break, you will have access to the hotel's fantastic leisure facilities, including a state of the art gym and spa with a sauna and steam room. At the spa, you with both be treated to one 90 minute pamper treatment. This includes a 60-minute massage and a 30-minute head/foot massage designed to detox, cleanse, nourish, nurture, heal and rejuvenate.
In the mornings, you'll enjoy a delicious full English breakfast cooked to order, and a continental buffet including fresh fruit and pastries. With all this luxury treatment, this pamper break is sure to leave you feeling on cloud 9!
2020? Don’t even know her…
50's Makeover with Sweet Treat - £93
This retro makeover experience is the ultimate day out for fans of all things vintage, or those who just want to doll themselves up a bit!
Your experience begins upon arrival at the beautifully decorated vintage salon. There, you’ll meet your pin up girl stylists and settle in to decide on your look for the day. The pin up girls of the 1950’s were famed for their impeccable curls, but it’s a lot of time and effort for modern-day gals to go through every day to achieve the same style!
Your expert stylists will recreate this timeless look for you, so that you can emulate your fashion icons without having to lift a finger. Next, a makeup artist will apply professional products to help create a flawless makeup look.
Get changed into your own vintage outfit, and by the end of your experience you’ll feel ready to jitterbug and jive the night away! Once you’re all made up and ready to hit the town, you can toast your 1950’s experience with a decadent freak shake in the American diner also operated by the salon.
Eco-Friendly Cosmetic Workshop in Sheffield - £30
This affordable eco-friendly experience gift will make the perfect Christmas present for anyone looking to make positive changes for the environment – or even if you’re just curious about making your own cosmetics from scratch.
You’ll begin your eco-friendly workshop by meeting your instructors at their space in Sheffield. There, you’ll receive an introduction on what to expect from your workshop, along with all the kit you’ll need to create your cosmetic masterpieces. All packaging and containers are fully compostable, so you can rest easy knowing that your hand-crafted cosmetics will not have a negative impact on the planet.
Following easy step by step instructions under the guidance of your tutor, you’ll create solid shampoo, solid perfume and deodorant sticks. You’ll use high quality, eco-friendly ingredients to create your cosmetics, and the finished result will smell and look great.
Take them home and add some eco-friendly luxury to your beauty routine, or give them as gifts (if you can bare to part with them!) Your tutor will be with you every step of the way to walk you through the steps and explain the benefits of each ingredient. By the end of your workshop, you’ll feel like a true eco warrior!
Adventure Experience Gifts for Christmas 2020
It’s understandable that you’d be itching to go out and experience adventure in 2021, after a year that has seen us stay indoors for the safety of ourselves and our loved ones.
For adventurous types, there’s no better gift than the feeling of ‘something to look forward to’… and we think you’ll find just that in one of our adventure picks below.
One Hour R44 Helicopter Trial Lesson in Leeds - £510
This experience gift is definitely on the higher end of the budget, but if you’re looking to get a really special gift for yourself or the aerial enthusiast in your life this festive season, this adventure is sure to impress.
Taking place at Leeds Airport and operated by a top-rated pilot school, the R44 trial lesson will begin with a 15 minute pre-flight briefing to cover basic controls, the flight path, and safety procedures.
Once you're settled in the co-pilot seat, it's time for take-off! If you've never flown in a helicopter before then you're in for a real treat, as a vertical take-off is something that will stay with you for a lifetime.
In the aircraft you'll have an hour of one-to-one instruction, hands-on flying practice, and an exciting hovering exercise, whilst admiring the countryside landscape beneath you. Because R44s are 4-seater helicopters, you're also welcome to bring two friends along to watch from the back! Once you've landed, the pilot will present you with a commemorative certificate.
Archery in Hereford - £20
At the lower end of the gift budget, this archery experience makes a fun, affordable gift for lovers of the great outdoors. When arriving on the farm, you will be met by the friendly instructors, who will teach you to become the next Robin Hood. Next you will have an introduction about the basics of archery before being let loose to aim and fire!
Take yourself back in time, as archery is considered to be one of the oldest sports in the world and the bow and arrow was a vital weapon used for hunting. Throughout your experience you will have the chance to improve your accuracy skills by firing at the targets.
Whether you decide to challenge a friend or loved one to this sport, it is a bit of healthy competition to see who comes out the viking champion. You will leave this experience with new skills and knowledge on how to use the historic bow and arrow.
Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience in Wales (25 Clays) - £45
This clay pigeon shooting experience is a fun and outdoorsy experience gift for anyone based in Wales.
You’ll meet your expert instructors at the beautiful rural site in Clywd. There, they will give you an introduction to the thrilling sport of clay pigeon shooting before getting you set up with your safety gear for the session. They’ll take you through a safety briefing and basic shooting techniques such as stance, grip and aim so that you can feel confident handling the equipment… then it’s your turn!
With your instructor by your side, you can employ the new techniques you’ve learned to take aim and fire at the moving targets, feeling yourself improve with every turn!
You’ll be amazed how quickly you progress with the assistance of your expert instructor, and as soon as you knock a clay out of the air you'll be hooked on this exhilarating activity… there's nothing like the thrill and sense of achievement.
Food and Drink Experience Gifts
Looking for a Christmas gift for a foodie or culinary type? Food and drink gifts also make perfect presents for those ‘difficult to buy for’ people because, at the end of the day, we all have to eat. Whether they’re partial to a tipple, or just love to treat themselves to a nice meal (who doesn’t?!) we think your giftee will be very happy to find one of these vouchers under the tree on Christmas morning.
Gin Tasting Experience in Newcastle - £29
Bottoms up! It’s likely that you’ve done plenty of indoor-drinking during 2020… drinking while watching Netflix, drinking while in the bath, drinking while doing chores… just us?! Okay, moving on…
If you’re bored of ordinary drinks, uncover the secrets of your favourite spirit with this fun gin tasting experience in Newcastle.
It is no secret that gin is vastly growing in popularity and new gin distillers are popping up all over the world. There are now over 300 in the UK alone, with Scotland making up a massive 70% of that number.
This means Newcastle is not far away from some of the best bespoke gin makers in the United Kingdom, and you bet we’re going to take advantage of it! Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed with a palette cleansing glass of bubbly and a selection of nibbles, before starting on the all-important drinking.
Your friendly host, an expert in all things gin, will be overflowing with interesting gin facts for you all, and will talk you through all 4 premium samples and what gives them their unique tastes. Some will be served neat and some with choices of different tonics. Going for a drink with friends just got a whole lot more interesting.
Traditional Afternoon Tea for 2 in Liverpool - £36
It doesn’t get much better than afternoon tea. This traditional afternoon tea in Liverpool will make a lovely treat for yourself or a lavish culinary gift for a lucky friend this Christmas.
You’ll begin your afternoon tea experience when you arrive at the venue: Cuthbert’s Bakehouse in Liverpool. This cute and creative bakehouse specialises in fresh and homemade food using local produce. Nestled in Mount Pleasant, Cuthbert’s is a haven of wonderful smells, friendly service and the chatter of customers.
You’ll be shown to your table, where you can get settled and put in your drink order. Whether you go for fresh house blend coffee or a pot of loose-leaf tea, you’re sure to relax into the cosy environment while you sip your drink and anticipate your afternoon tea. It’ll arrive on vintage china, and consist of a feast of sweet and savoury delights.
The menu is subject to change, but you can expect such savoury British classics as coronation chicken, egg & cress, and smoked salmon & cream cheese sandwiches. Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without scones, so you’ll next indulge in freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream before tucking into your sweet layer!
Expect delectable sweet treats like chocolate dipped strawberries, Victoria sponge and lemon drizzle. Relax the afternoon away with great food and great company.
London Tours and Days Out for Christmas Gifts
London is an incredible city, full of endless things to see and do. Whether you’re native to the capital city or live nearby, London is undeniably a great place for a day out. We think one of the below London experience gifts will make an excellent treat for yourself in 2021, or a perfect Christmas gift for someone based in the South East.
The London Bridge Experience with Icecream Package - £26
Starting our London section with a decidedly spooky gift, this London Bridge experience is not for the faint-hearted.
During your hour-long experience, you'll see, hear and smell exactly what London Bridge was like throughout the ages – a true journey for the senses! Meet Queen Boudica's Iceni tribe, and watch as they take on the Roman Army. Be careful, as unsavoury characters are lurking around every corner – including the infamous Jack The Ripper and Ben Crouch, who are hunting for their next victim before scattering appendages across the country.
Become immersed in medieval life as it really was, passing through the Chapel of Thomas Becket and witnessing the Great Fire of London. The next stage of the experience is where the terror truly begins… if you can handle it, it’s time to experience London Tombs!
Take part in this incredible walk-through scare maze featuring live actors who may just be a little bit too good at portraying zombies. Keep your wits about you, and prepare to jump as these undead souls are prone to creeping up on visitors. (This part of the experience is completely optional, and very fun!).
After the scary part is over, you'll get the chance to relax in Creams Cafe with a choice of any luxurious dessert from the menu. Expect classics like the knickerbocker glory, banana split and a wide range of imaginative sundaes, waffles & crepes.
This spooky day out is sure to get your heart rate up before levelling you out with some much needed sweet treats… perfect for anyone who loves a good jump scare! (Bagsy not it…)
Romantic Comedy Walking Tour of Notting Hill - £15
For Londoners and tourists alike, this romantic comedy tour makes a fun and affordable experience gift this Christmas.
If you’re a fan of the great British romcom, you will love this romantic comedy tour of Notting Hill. Walk the same streets as your favourite floppy-haired and awkward movie characters (we’re looking at you, Hugh Grant) and learn facts from behind the scenes!
Firstly you'll meet your friendly tour guide at Holland Park tube station, who is knowledgeable about all things rom com. This will also be your chance to familiarise yourself with the rest of your tour group. You'll get the chance to explore Portobello Road Market, which has featured in many romantic comedy British films.
The market is known for its buskers, spice shops, cafes and recording studios, and while you walk through it, you'll soak up that same energetic buzz that you've witnessed in all your favourite films! This tour will mostly focus on Notting Hill, the 1999 film starring Hugh Grant.
Expect to see Notting Hill Bookshop and William Thacker's front door, amongst other exciting locations. You'll also get the chance to see film locations from Sliding Doors and Love Actually, and learn about the history of how the area became what it is today.
Animal and Wildlife Christmas Experience Gifts
Treat the animal-lover in your life to the perfect day out this Christmas with one of our wildlife experience gifts. Whether they want to roam in an open field with adorable alpacas or goats, or simply give their own dog a little bit of pampering with its very own photoshoot, we think one of the below gifts will fit the bill!
Goat Meet & Greet Experience for Two in Worcester - £50
Check out this adorable experience gift to make 2021 just that little bit cuter…
This experience is located on a farm surrounded by beautiful fields, where you can witness over 40 goats in their natural habitat. Upon arrival you'll be greeted by your fun loving goat enthusiast, Jo, who will be with you throughout the whole experience to answer any questions you may have.
Next, Jo will introduce you to the goats, and you'll get to know their quirky individual personalities. You'll be lucky enough to get hands-on with the goats, petting and playing with these energetic animals. True to their reputation, goats love to nibble so make sure you keep your personal possessions close!
Be sure to bring your camera to capture these unmissable moments.
Dog Portrait Photo Session East Midlands - £225
Or maybe instead of meeting some new furry friends, you want to pamper the one you already have. If you’re a dog owner looking to create memories with your beloved pooch, this dog portrait photo session in the East Midlands will help you do just that.
You’ll start by meeting your expert dog photographer, Joe, in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Once everyone (furry and human) is acquainted, Joe will initiate play time with your dog and capture portraits of them bounding, splashing and generally having a whale of a time.
Up to three dogs are included in the price of this voucher, and Joe will adapt the session to suit their comfort, capability and personality. This play session will usually last around 2 – 3 hours, depending on the dog! Next, you’ll go to a dog-friendly pub, café, or your home. Wherever you decide, you and Joe will relax with a drink and go through the images you’ve captured during the photo session.
Choose your favourite 10 images to be fully edited, and proudly shared with family and friends. Joe can also help you decide which portraits to display in your home, and how best to display them. Your 10 images will be fully edited, retouched and resized.
You can use them as desktop wallpapers, screensavers, or just simply show off your posing pooch on social media! At the end of your session, you'll receive a £50 voucher to put towards a wall art package of your choice.
Alpaca Experience for 2 in Warwickshire - £56
Alpacas are quickly becoming a widely-beloved animal, and rightly so. If you know someone who is a fan of these cuddly creatures, an alpaca experience in Warwickshire is the ultimate Christmas gift this year.
You’ll begin your experience at the idyllic farm in Henley in Arden; a beautiful, historic place for a day out. There, you’ll be introduced to your guide for the walk, along with a whole host of adorable animals, including llamas, sheep, chickens, pigs, emus and horses.
Your guide will begin by telling you a few facts about alpacas, and demonstrating how to properly handle them. Once you’re acquainted with your woolly friends, it’s time for a stroll around the farm! Enjoy the picturesque views as you take your walk, bonding with your alpacas and fellow trekkers.
Once you’ve had a good stroll, the alpacas are sure to have worked up quite an appetite, so at this point you can feed them a snack. (And anyone who has ever seen an alpaca chew knows there is no greater joy.) Finally, it’s photo opportunity time! Take as many photos as you like to remember your day.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading our ‘Gifts You Missed in 2020’ guide. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Christmas gift or a treat for yourself, we hope one of our picks fits the bill.
If you’re still looking, browse our full range of experience gifts for Christmas here.
We know that 2020 has been a wild and unpredictable year in so many ways. Our vouchers are currently valid for 18 months from the date of purchase, giving you plenty of time to book and enjoy your experience day!
Got a question about one of our experiences? Feel free to leave a comment; we’d love to hear from you!
