Gifts are more than just material possessions. The best things in life are the memories made with loved ones. When it comes to gifting your best friend, an experience can go beyond the ordinary, strengthening bonds and creating lifelong stories. Discover why experiences make impactful gifts and find a specially curated list of 10 remarkable adventures for you and your best friend to enjoy together.

Why Experiences Are a Good Alternative to Material Gifts

Experiences are a good alternative to material gifts as they create everlasting memories. These moments go beyond the ordinary, becoming cherished stories in our lives. These meaningful gifts celebrate your best friend's uniqueness on their special day.

Experiences Are Meaningful

They bring back smiles and strengthen friendships when remembered. By giving an experience day instead of a material gift, you create potential stories and lasting memories. These shared moments become inside jokes and reflective conversations, forming the fabric of a friendship.

Experiences Strengthen Relationships

Choosing an experience gift with your best friend is a chance to bond over thrilling moments or shared passions. Experience gifts can be both an adrenaline rush and a cherished memory. These adventures become mile markers in the narrative of your friendship, shaping and strengthening your bond.

10 Experience Ideas for You and Your Best Friend

When considering the perfect way to celebrate your best friend's birthday, traditional gifts can sometimes fail to capture the depth of your friendship. Whether it's the thrill of adventure or the relaxation of a day spent unwinding, the following ideas are sure to leave both you and your best friend with unforgettable memories. Here are 10 hand-picked enjoyable experiences that will make your best friend's special day truly extraordinary:

1) Enjoy An Afternoon Tea

Savour a delicious Afternoon Tea in stunning UK locations. Enjoy dainty sandwiches, decadent cakes, and savoury pastries for an indulgent experience. It's more than a meal, it's a slice of tradition and shared happiness.

Indulge in a captivating selection of afternoon teas with a choice of locations. Experience tea on a boat or in a luxurious hotel, accompanied by fizz. With 90+ options across the UK, there's something for everyone. You and your friend will enjoy sandwiches, cakes, scones, and exciting treats, along with a fabulous tea pot. Each option is absolutely delicious!

Revolution Bars offers a twist on the classic British pastime. With venues nationwide, enjoy their welcoming atmosphere and choose from three variations of afternoon tea: standard, vegetarian, and vegan. From delicious sliders to fried chicken with BBQ & sriracha mayo dip, savour their savoury selection. Indulge in sweet treats like cheesecakes, waffles, strawberries, ice cream, and chocolate brownies. Quench your thirst with a variety of drinks. Enhance your experience with fizz and cocktails. Join the Revolution and redefine your afternoon tea!


2) Go to a Cocktail Making Masterclass

Ignite a fun activity that's both delicious and enlightening with a Cocktail masterclass. As you and your friend learn to stir, shake, and pour like a pro, you'll each master the art of crafting unique cocktails, a perfect gift for the spirited friend who enjoys a good time.

Join Revolution Bars for an exciting Cocktail Night Out, perfect for those seeking a memorable mixology experience. Enjoy a cocktail upon arrival and create your own drinks to showcase your skills. The masterclass is filled with interactive games and unique techniques, guaranteeing a fun and laughter-filled night. Indulge in nachos before exploring the town at your leisure.

Are you and your friend passionate about cocktails and delightful teas? Head to Map Maison, a stunning café-turned-cocktail bar in London. The ambience and cuisine make it a hidden gem. Begin with a signature cocktail, then enjoy an entertaining and educational cocktail-making masterclass. Afterward, relax with a tapas-style afternoon tea and two cocktails. Take home a mini cocktail bottle as a keepsake. This gift guarantees an unforgettable London adventure, creating lasting memories with your best friend.

3) Do a Cooking Class

Take the plunge together into the culinary world with a hands-on Cooking Lesson. Equipped with expert guidance and all the necessary ingredients, whip up amazing memories in the making with this gift idea.

Unleash your inner artist at Inamo's dragon sushi cooking lesson in Soho. Led by the head chef, customise your dragon roll with fresh ingredients. Classic version includes tempura shrimp, avocado, and mayo. Vegans can try the Red Dragon Roll, a tasty meat-free alternative. This 45-minute class expands your culinary skills and provides a fun way to step out of your comfort zone and you and our friend will become a sushi master as you perfect your skills.

Embark on a Caribbean Feast class for 2 and master jerk chicken and lamb curry. Learn culinary techniques for impressive dishes. Expert chefs guide you with tips and tricks. Enjoy jerk chicken, lamb curry, and glazed pineapple. This class is perfect for friends that want a memorable cooking experience.

4) Have a Spa Day

Treat your best friend to the ultimate expression of care and appreciation with a luxurious Spa Day gift. Providing a tranquil retreat, a spa day presents a delightful array of indulgent experiences, ranging from blissful massages to fabulous manicures. This experiential gift is a perfect opportunity for both of you to relax, recharge, and emerge feeling completely refreshed.

Visiting a spa is the perfect solution to modern life's pressures, aligning mental and physical well-being. Unwind in a steam room, swim, and enjoy a rejuvenating jacuzzi session to regain sanity. Leave refreshed and relaxed with our wide range of spa day options, featuring relaxing treatments and facilities. Choose mindfulness or connect with your best friend in serene environments. Our unique experiences across the country make this gift ideal for slowing down and recharging.

Indulge in bliss at The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa. Located near the Staffordshire Peak District, it offers a serene setting with breathtaking views. Enjoy spa access from 5 pm to 8:30 pm, soothing soaks, and a delicious two-course meal at the award-winning restaurant. Experience pure comfort with fluffy robes and towels. It's the recipe for a fun, relaxing escape in the countryside. An unforgettable adventure with your best friend awaits!

5) Enjoy a Dining Experience

Dining together is not just about satisfying your taste buds, but also about creating moments of connection and joy. Treat your best friend to a dining experience that goes beyond just a meal. Here are a few options that will surely make your taste buds dance and create lasting memories:

Contrary to outdated opinions, the UK boasts a thriving and exceptionally high-quality food scene. From innovative takes on traditional British cuisine to tantalising global fusions, we excel in culinary mastery. This carefully curated package offers a delightful blend of cuisines, restaurant styles, locations, and themes. With a selection of lunches, dinners, afternoon teas, and bottomless brunches, your taste buds are in for a treat. Whether your best friend wants to explore local hotspots or embark on a culinary adventure further afield, this gift has it all.

Hold onto your taste buds as we present a mouthwatering 5-course gourmet feast for you and your partner-in-crime at Marco Pierre White's London Steakhouse Co. Indulge in top-notch dishes made with fresh ingredients. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail and explore the delicious set menu. From tantalizing Fillet of Tournedos Rossini to divine Wheeler's Fishcake, there are flavours for every palate. The menu follows the seasons, ensuring the freshest ingredients and a culinary journey of quality. Experience this food enthusiast's delight in the heart of London.

6) Try Indoor Skydiving

Together you can defy gravity and enjoy the exhilarating sensation of flight in a safe and exciting environment. It's an adrenaline-packed activity that is sure to be an unforgettable experience in your friendship.

Looking for the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane? Try indoor skydiving! After a safety briefing, suit up and head to the tunnel for an ultimate adventure. Experience two exhilarating minutes of freefall with an instructor ensuring balance and positioning. iFly has dive centres in Manchester, Milton Keynes, and Basingstoke. The rush of adrenaline will make you come back for more. A memory that lasts forever.

7) Take Flight in a Helicopter

Reach new heights of excitement with a Helicopter Ride, viewing the world from above. The breathtaking perspectives and heart-thumping moments you'll share are the essence of what makes this experience gift unparalleled. Surprise your best friend with this sky-high adventure that's certain to be highlighted in your friendship's story.

This experience offers breathtaking views and lasting memories. Explore cities or new areas in the UK while soaring the skies, reaching 1000 feet and experiencing heart-pumping anticipation. Fly at speeds over 120 mph, capturing the exhilaration. This is an ideal gift for friends to enjoy together.

Indulge in a high-flying experience with bubbly! This pleasure flight for two offers a fresh perspective on a new or beloved location. Take a thrilling helicopter ride while savouring fizzy goodness. Choose from stunning destinations like the south coast or Scotland. Soar above 1000 feet at 120+ mph. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and make unforgettable memories.

8) Have a Weekend Getaway

Embark on an adventure together with a carefully planned Weekend Getaway. Whether you choose a cosy cabin nestled in the woods or a tranquil retreat by the beach, the change of scenery will invigorate your friendship. Breaking away from the daily routine will allow for spontaneity and exploration, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.

Escape the chaos of daily life with a Two Night Getaway for Two. Whether you seek a peaceful countryside retreat or an exciting city experience, this gift has it all. Discover new parts of the country and create lifelong memories. Explore the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, with breathtaking sunsets on the beach. Or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a buzzing Northern city, perfect for shopping and nightlife. This getaway may introduce you to a new favourite place or inspire a new way of life. It could even fuel your wanderlust and encourage further exploration of the UK, uncovering hidden gems along the way. With a wide range of hotels nationwide, there's a perfect two-night stay for you and your best friend. Indulge in relaxation and adventure with the ultimate staycation.

Explore historic towns and cities with this gift break, ideal for history buffs. Uncover hidden treasures and ancient pubs, creating awe-inspiring experiences. Find a place close to your heart or venture to a new destination. An unforgettable trip awaits!

9) Go on a Stadium Tour

For the sports enthusiast in your life, a Stadium Tour is a grand slam of an experiential gift. Immerse yourselves in the history and triumphs of your favourite sports venues and get a glimpse of the off-camera action. Walking through those legendary corridors, you will both share not only an exciting activity but also a new appreciation for the games that inspire.

Experience the magic of Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal FC. Located near Highbury, this iconic stadium honours the team's success. Admire the statue of Thierry Henry and immerse yourself in the rich history. Walk down the players' tunnel and feel the electric atmosphere. Learn about Arsenal's journey, from its beginnings to the Premier League victories. Explore the Director's box and the team dug-out. Step into the changing rooms and imagine the players' pre-game preparations. Don't forget to visit the museum, filled with historic memorabilia. Share this unforgettable adventure with your best friend and deepen your love for football.

Get your reds shirt ready and head to the Shankly gates at Liverpool FC. Along with the tour guides' stories, you'll have a multimedia headset for an interactive stadium tour. Start at the Main Stand to learn about its construction and enjoy stunning views of the turf and cityscape. Experience immersive technology that brings the stadium to life on match days. Visit the player's lounge, press room, and home dressing room for team talk stories. Walk down the iconic tunnel, sit in Klopp's seat, and soak in the atmosphere from the Kop stand. Explore The Liverpool FC Story Museum with over 120 years of history, including 6 European cups.

10) Have a Laugh Together at a Comedy Night

Laughter is a great medicine so why not share a laugh with your best friend at a comedy night. Enjoy observational comedy, one-liners, or sarcastic storytelling. Plan a pre-show dinner or drinks for a memorable night. Each performance is unique, making it special and memorable. Laugh, share, and create lasting memories.

Looking for a gift that brings smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments? Try Comedy Show Tickets for Two! Imagine the joy on your friend's face when they receive this gift. They can attend a comedy show at 30+ locations nationwide, on any evening. The comedy night offers hilarious and uplifting entertainment, providing comic relief and a unique experience. Treat your friend to this laughter-filled gift for lasting memories. Give the gift of light-hearted fun and watch them have an absolute blast. Surprise your friend today with Comedy Show Tickets for Two for a night of comedy gold.