Stock your 2021 holiday shopping list with experiential gifts

(BPT) - After nearly 18 months of celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and graduations through video chat, people are vying for in-person connection with friends and family. With the holiday season around the corner, there is no better way to reconnect with loved ones than through gifting a new experience or favorite pastime to create lifelong memories. Below is a list of five experiential travel gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list — including the person who has everything.

Tickets to live events

For the friend or family member who shares new music before it hits the radio or is counting down the days for Broadway to re-open.

There’s nothing quite like seeing your favorite band take the stage to play their top hits live, or sitting courtside to cheer on your hometown team. Hilton Honors offers fans the ability to pay for thousands of event Tickets with Points, using all or a portion of Hilton Honors Points on Ticketmaster.com or LiveNation.com, through its partnership with leading live entertainment company Live Nation. The hotel loyalty program is also offering select ticket packages to several upcoming music festivals, like The Governors Ball in New York and Ohana Festival in California, through its Hilton Honors Experiences Platform. From general admission seats to VIP access, gifting just got sweeter by cashing in on loyalty rewards for these types of experiences.

Art class series

For the friend or family member who spends their weekends covered in paint and clay.

From the painting of Mona Lisa in Paris to the sculptures in Central Park of New York City, you can find beautiful art all over the world. Give the gift of craftsmanship through a series of classes with local artisans in their city or a far-flung destination. They can try their hand behind the potter’s wheel or see professional glassblowers at work during a trip to Venice. If your giftee is an interior design fanatic who’s always down for a DIY project, a woodworking or upholstery class could be the winner.

Culinary adventures

For the friend or family member who is constantly testing out new flavors in the kitchen.

Culinary tourism is a growing trend as travelers are looking to indulge in unique, palate-expanding experiences. For their next weekend getaway or long-haul jaunt, consider gifting a cooking class that dives into regional dishes and local ingredients. Culinary walking tours offer the best of both worlds as they can explore multiple neighborhoods while trying new cuisines. Whether you choose to delight in a romantic garden picnic or opt for an eight-course wine pairing dinner, you can book culinary adventures that will suit any taste.

Action-packed escapades

For the friend or family member who is always seeking their next adrenaline rush.

From jumping out of planes at 14,000 feet to swimming with sharks in the Bahamas, this loved one has nerves of steel. Help them chase their next adventure and give the gift of once-in-a-lifetime moments. Whether that be channeling their inner speed demon with a race car test drive or cheering on their daredevil nature with extreme whitewater rafting, these heart-pumping experiences are available around the globe, making it the perfect addition to their next vacation itinerary.

Wellness essentials

For the friend or family member who indulges in self-care on a daily basis.

Known as a regular in the local apothecary shop and an avid self-improvement podcast listener, this giftee has mastered their wellness routine. Help rejuvenate their path forward with unique experiences they have yet to discover. From aerial yoga and tai chi classes to 24-karat gold facials and cupping therapy, spa and wellness packages at hotels around the world will open the door to new cultures and opportunities to boost personal care.

Put a bow on top

Wrap any of these gifts up with a hotel stay! Many hotels offer unique experiences, so be sure to research or contact hotels in your sought-after destination to learn more. Plus, travelers who join Hilton Honors can earn Points — and status — faster when they sign up for the latest promotion and stay at any Hilton around the world.

So, get a head start on holiday shopping and put those loyalty rewards to use by gifting an unforgettable experience.