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Finding the perfect gift in Australia can feel impossible, but the moment you think beyond the shops and start thinking about experiences, it gets easier.
Research from Cornell University found people gain more satisfaction from experiences than they do material items. Experiences leave people with stronger memories and deep connections, making them happier as a result. Which is exactly why experiences gifts are the fastest-growing gift category in Australia and are one of the best ways to surprise someone.
RedBalloon is Australia’s leading experience gift marketplace, offering over 4,000 gift experiences in Australia and New Zealand. From cooking classes and spa days to scenic flights and overnight getaways, we’re the go-to destination for Australians who want to give a meaningful, memorable gift.
This guide covers gifts for every budget, occasion and recipient on your list, with specific experience recommendations to take the guesswork out. That way, you’ll never fall short when it comes to surprising the people in your life.
The best gifts for the people you love aren’t things, they’re stories. Bond University researcher Dr Belinda Barton found that experiences are more likely to be shared than material gifts, which builds emotional connection and strengthens relationships. RedBalloon has over 4,000 gift experiences across Australia to help you find something worth giving, from things they’ve never done before to bucket-list items they’d love but never book themselves. Gift vouchers are delivered digitally and instantly, so even last-minute gifts don’t feel like it.
The best gift for your wife is an experience that feels personal, not just practical.
Day spa packages are one of the most popular gifts for wives in Australia, as it gives her a quiet space to slow down her thoughts without any agenda. Full-body treatments and facials start from $49, with locations across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and more.
For foodie wives who appreciate a good bottle of wine or authentic recipe, a private cooking class or a wine tasting experience will set the scene for a date night she didn’t have to plan herself. Cooking classes start from $60 per person, with wine tasting sessions for two available from $55.
If she was born with an artistic streak or has hinted about trying something new, go for an art and craft class. A pottery class, paint and sip workshop, or cocktail masterclass will make her day, and they cost around $75-$100.
Bigger occasions like milestone birthdays and anniversaries requires a thoughtful gift that feels just as big as the moment. A hot air balloon with breakfast will turn any celebration into a story they’ll retell year after year. Flights range from around $275 to $560+.
Popular gift experiences for your wife on RedBalloon:
The best gifts for your husband are the ones he’d never book for himself but will regret not doing sooner.
Driving experiences are one of the most popular gifts for husbands in Australia. A Supercar or V8 driving day gets him behind the wheel of a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or V8 Supercar. Passenger rides start from $169 and driving packages from $290, with drives available in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and more.
If your husband appreciates a glass or two, a whisky masterclass is a proper surprise. Classes start from $48, and he’ll leave with a new favourite blend and a lot more confidence in the whisky aisle.
For the husband who loves food, a steakhouse dinner is a date night that also doubles as a night off cooking duty. Steakhouse dinners for two starts from $120 across Australia.
For milestone occasions like a 50th birthday or anniversary, go for something that gets a reaction before he’s even arrived, like a helicopter ride over Sydney Harbour, the Whitsundays or the Gold Coast Hinterland. Helicopter flights start from $97, with options that include lunch or a winery tour for $2,000+.
Popular gift experiences for your husband on RedBalloon:
The best gifts for your girlfriend are the ones that feel considered and say “I really know you”.
Picnics are a favourite when it comes to gifts for girlfriends, and for good reason. With gourmet picnics prepared by Luke Nguyen in Sydney and mystery picnics across Melbourne, Perth and Queensland, this is a proper date she didn’t have to organise starting $75.
For the girlfriend who treats self-care a non-negotiable, a head spa package is a genuinely welcome gift. From $175, she’ll enjoy someone taking care of her once.
Creative cooking classes are a fun pick for girlfriends who like to experiment in the kitchen. Cooking classes for two start from $170, with cocktail making classes available from $75.
For those bigger moments, skip the small gestures and book a tiny home instead. Small space, big moment. There are tiny homes scattered all around Australia from around $217.
Popular gift experiences for your girlfriend on RedBalloon:
The best gifts for your boyfriend are the ones he didn’t see coming – but will brag about to all his friends.
Driving experiences are a go-to for boyfriends, and RedBalloon has over 400 to choose from. V8 drives start from $269 and F1-style drives from $249, available in Sydney and Melbourne. If he treats the Bathurst 1000 and Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix like major life events, this is the story he’ll be telling at every BBQ.
For the boyfriend who seems fearless, tandem skydiving is a gift he’ll bring up for years. With tandem skydiving across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, you can tick this one off his bucket-list from $299.
If he likes to keep active, an adventure sport is the way to go. Surfing lessons, kayaking tours, rock climbing and more, are on RedBalloon and easy to find under $150.
A milestone 21st, 30th or 40th birthday deserves something that makes it an occasion. A golf retreat does exactly that. With golfing stays ranging from $315 to $2,000, you can find something perfect to the moment and the story it will become.
Popular gift experiences for your boyfriend on RedBalloon:
The best gift for Mum is one that truly thanks her for all that she does.
A bathhouse package is one of the most popular gifts for mums in Australia. Sessions run from 90 minutes to three hours, with prices starting from $49. RedBalloon offers bathhouse experiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
For the mum who can tell the difference between cellar-aged and young grapes, a wine tour in the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley or Barossa is her next favourite story waiting to happen. With over 300 winery experiences on RedBalloon, you can make her day from just $20.
If mum has a sweet tooth, a cake decorating class from $135, or a high tea experience from $49 gives her something to savour well after the last bite.
She spent years making your milestones feel special. A hot air balloon flight is a way to return the favour. RedBalloon hot air balloon experiences range from $329 to $3,700, with optional extras like bubbles and breakfast to make it hers.
Popular gift experiences for your mum on RedBalloon:
The best gift for Dad is one that gives him something to look forward to, with a story attached.
Fishing experiences are among the most popular gifts for dads on RedBalloon. Whether he is a seasoned regular or a hopeful beginner, a guided session on the water lets him do exactly what he loves without the stress. Fishing experiences start from $180, with options across Noosa, Melbourne and Sydney.
For the dad who’s never met a whisky he didn’t like, a whisky masterclass will keep delivering long after the last pour. RedBalloon whisky masterclasses start from $48, and he’ll leave with a new favourite blend and a lot of opinions about it.
If golf is less a hobby and more a personality trait, a golf experience hands him his favourite sport without any of the planning. Stay and play golf packages in Australia start from $315 on RedBalloon, with professional golf lessons also available from $150.
He’s had a way of making your milestone feel big. Now you can do the same with a jet fighter flight. RedBalloon offers warbird flights from $535, available across Australia. One thing is certain — he will talk about it for years.
Popular gift experiences for your dad on RedBalloon:
The best gift for your sister is something she’d never justify buying herself.
Facial and massages are two of the most popular gifts for sisters in Australia. RedBalloon offers spa treatments from $110 across major Australian cities, giving her a reserved space to close all the tabs in her mind.
If your sister’s always up for trying something new, surprise her with an art and craft class. From jewellery making to perfume making, RedBalloon offers art and craft classes from $59. This might just end up being the story of how she discovered her new hidden talent.
For the sister that is hard to buy for, skip the disappointment and give her a RedBalloon gift voucher. With 4,000+ handpicked experiences to pick from across Australia, she can decide how the story unfolds.
Wine tasting is a natural fit for sisters who like to celebrate together. RedBalloon wine tasting experiences for two start from $55, with options in the Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley and beyond.
Popular gift experiences for your sister on RedBalloon:
The best gift for your brother is an experience that fits his personality and proves you do pay attention.
Driving experiences are among the go-to gifts for brothers in Australia who are into cars, speed, or anything with an engine. With over 400 driving experiences on RedBalloon, including V8 drives, rally car experiences and more, prices start from $30.
For the brother who takes beer seriously, a beer tasting is a gift worth doing together. RedBalloon beer tasting experiences are available from $25 per person.
If he spends every spare moment out on the green, a professional golfing lesson is a natural fit. RedBalloon offers golf lessons from $150 in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Who knows, he might have what it takes to go pro.
For a milestone birthday like a 30th or 40th, a tandem skydive is the kind of gift that matches the occasion. With skydives from $299, RedBallon offers this experience in locations including Wollongong, Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast.
Popular gift experiences for your brother on RedBalloon:
Your best friend knows you too well to ever be surprised. An experience gift is exactly how you can pull it off anyway.
The best gift for your best friend is one you can share, which is why wine tasting is a popular choice in Australia. RedBalloon wine tasting experiences for two start from $55, and for a non-alcoholic version, a high tea for two comes in at around $98. Both are the kind of thing you’ll still be talking about weeks later.
For the best friend who needs a proper break, a day spa package is a well-timed gift. RedBalloon offers day spa packages from $90 in Sydney, Melbourne and more.
When you need a gift that works for any occasion, a RedBalloon gift voucher hands them the choice. With over 4,000 handpicked experiences to pick from, you select the value and they deicde what the story looks like.
For a big occasion, nothing says celebration like a weekend away. RedBalloon country getaways start from $209, taking you out of the city for a relaxing weekend of belly laughs and easy mornings.
Popular gift experiences for your best friend on RedBalloon:
The best gift ideas for couples are any experience they can do together and talk about for years after.
Cooking classes for two are one of the most popular couple gifts in Australia. RedBalloon offers cooking classes across a range of cuisines, including Italian and Japanese, starting from $170. They cook together, eat together, and nobody has to agree on a restaurant.
For the couple who loves to travel, a romantic getaway does the thinking for them. RedBalloon has over 300 romantic getaways across Australia from around $215, giving them private time to explore somewhere new together.
A couples massage is the perfect match for the duo who works hard and relaxes rarely. RedBalloon couples massage experiences start from $310. For something that combines a mini getaway with wellness treatments, go a little more extravagant with a couples wellness retreat from $455.
For milestones like an engagement or anniversary, a seaplane flight tips the occasion into something genuinely special. RedBalloon seaplane experiences start from around $330.
Popular gift experiences for couples on RedBalloon:
The best gifts for kids are the experiences that get them moving and keep them entertained.
Animal experiences are a classic gift for younger children in Australia. RedBalloon offers entry tickets to zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries, with passes starting from around $10. They’ll be too busy having fun to notice it’s also educational.
For the kids that have energy to burn, a treetops course will deliver. RedBalloon offers treetop and flying fox course across Australia from around $50.
Kids who love anything fast will find plenty to get excited about, with RedBalloon offering go karting experiences from $30 in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For something even faster, jet boat rides across Sydney Harbour and the Gold Coast start from $46.
For a big birthday or occasion, a theme park pass is hard to top. RedBalloon theme park passes start from $45, covering rides, characters and a full day out.
Popular gift experiences for kids on RedBalloon:
The best gifts for teens are the experience they can tell their friends about, or post about on social media.
Escape rooms are one of the most popular gifts for teenagers in Australia. RedBalloon escape room experiences start from $54 per person, with themed rooms across most major Australian cities, so you can pick how the story is told.
For teens who are a little more mature, axe throwing is a favourite. RedBalloon axe throwing experiences start from $34, and are available across most Australian cities.
For the creative teens, try a photography workshop from $90.
If your teen loves a thrill, then a jet boat ride will get their attention. RedBalloon jet boat rides in Sydney and the Gold Coast start from $46.
For a milestone like a graduation, 16th birthdays, or 18th birthdays, indoor skydiving is highly rated. RedBalloon indoor skydiving experiences start from $99, and it is the kind of present that gets brought up for years.
Popular gift experiences for teens on RedBalloon:
The best gifts for people who have everything, are gifts they can’t already own. Experiences don’t sit in a cupboard. They become a story.
Getaways are some of the most popular gifts for hard-to-buy-for-people in Australia. RedBalloon offers getaways across Australia from $209, including tiny cabin stays and golf retreats. Because nobody gets sick of a mini holiday.
A massage is always a perfect gift, no matter how many they’ve had before. RedBalloon offers massage packages across most major Australian cities from $100.
For something genuinely different, try a creative class. RedBalloon clay making classes start from $45 in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. They might leave with a new skill, and something to show that they won’t already own.
For the foodie who has tried everything, a dinner cruise is a sweet surprise. RedBalloon dinner cruises in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne start from $129.
Popular gift experiences for people who have everything on RedBalloon:
The best gift depends on the occasion. Australia has its own gifting calendar worth knowing. Mother’s Day falls in May, Father’s Day in September, and Christmas lands in summer. Seasonal timing shapes what works, but with over 4,000 gift experiences in Australia and New Zealand, RedBalloon has something for every occasion, whether you are preparing months ahead or are in need of last-minute gifts.
Christmas in Australia is in the middle of summer, which means the best Christmas gifts in Australia are usually the ones enjoyed outside. No fireplaces, no frost, just hot days, beach trips and blue skies.
Outdoor and water-based experiences are among the most popular Christmas gifts in Australia. RedBalloon has over 500 water sports on offer, including jet boat rides and surf lessons, starting from $30 across major Australian cities.
Flying experiences are a natural fit for an Australian summer Christmas. Hot air balloon flights on RedBalloon start from $329, with clear summer skies making for ideal conditions. For something available across more locations, scenic helicopter start from $97 in major Australian cities.
Popular Christmas gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Mother’s Day in Australia falls on the second Sunday in May, earlier than the UK where it happens in March. According to McCrindle’s research on Australian mums, the most appreciated gifts for mum are ones that give her time for herself.
Bathhouse and day spa packages are the most popular Mother’s Day gifts in Australia. Sessions run from 90 minutes to three hours, with prices starting from $49 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond. No chaos, no duties, no one asking where anything is.
Winery tours are fitting Mother’s Day gifts as the vineyards are at their best in autumn. RedBalloon winery tour experiences start from $26, with options across major Australian wine regions. For more time together, high tea is another sweet gift that can be done in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from $49.
Popular Mother’s Day gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Australian Father’s Day is on the first Sunday in September, later than the US and UK, where it falls in June. The best gifts for Dad are the ones he’d never think to book for himself, which is exactly where you come in.
Driving experiences are some of the most popular Father’s Day gifts in Australia. RedBalloon has over 400 driving experiences for him, with supercar driving days starting from $349 and V8 track experiences starting from $169 across tracks Australian-wide.
Outdoor experiences are also among the top gifts for Dad. RedBalloon golfing experiences start from $127, with locations across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. If fishing is more his thing, RedBalloon fishing experiences from $180, covering boat hire to guided tours. Just him, in his element, completely unreachable for a few hours.
Popular Father’s Day gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Valentine’s Day in Australia is celebrated on 14 February. The best Valentine’s Day gifts are the ones you can share with your partner, giving you something to do, somewhere to go and a story to tell after.
Cooking classes for two are some of the most popular Valentine’s Day experiences in Australia. RedBalloon sells cooking classes starting from $170, ranging from pasta making to sushi and cocktail making. A proper date night that neither of you had to research.
For a more elevated Valentine’s Day, a fine dining experience or romantic getaway gives the occasion the weight it deserves. RedBalloon has over 450 dining experiences from $49, with romantic getaways starting from $215. Plenty of ways to spoil your partner, whatever the budget.
Popular Valentine’s Day gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Birthdays happen year-round, and experience gifts work every time for age, personality or budget. RedBalloon is Australia’s leading experience gift marketplace, and with over 4,000 gift experiences, it is the go-to destination for meaningful and memorable gifts.
The best birthday gifts are the ones that match the person. For foodies, a degustation dinner, cooking masterclass or progressive tasting tour hits the mark. For thrill-seekers, a tandem skydive, jet fighter flight or V8 drive is hard to top.
For milestone birthdays like 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th, experiences fit the occasion in a way a wrapped present rarely can. A private helicopter flight, a hot air balloon at sunrise or a supercar drive is the kind of gift that gets brought up at the next milestone too.
For unique birthday gift ideas matched to specific people, see the gifts ideas by recipient section above.
Popular birthday gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Engagements are worth celebrating with a gift, and the best engagement gifts are the ones that the couple can enjoy together. Shared experience gifts give the couple something to look forward to and another story to add to the one they’re already writing.
Couples massages are exactly what a newly engaged couple need to relax and enjoy the moment. RedBalloon offers couple massages from $350. For something that gives them more time away together, getaways start from $275.
Cooking classes, romantic dinners and picnics are other popular engagement gifts for couples on RedBalloon, starting from $64. All of which give the couple something to do that isn’t wedding planning, which they’ll be grateful for.
Popular engagement gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Every anniversary is worth celebrating, and the best anniversary gifts are the ones couples can do together, adding another chapter to their special love story.
Getaways are among the most popular wedding anniversary gifts in Australia. RedBalloon has over 550 getaways starting from $209, ranging from quaint country getaways to luxury retreats, with locations Australia-wide.
For other anniversary gift ideas that are just as meaningful, dinner cruises and winery experiences on RedBalloon start from $55 for two. For something that goes all out, a hot air balloon with breakfast or a private sea plane with lunch turns the day into the kind of thing they’ll be talking about every anniversary after.
Popular anniversary gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Weddings are big enough to deserve a gift that matches the occasion. RedBalloon has over 4,000 gift experiences, making it the go-to destination for wedding gifts that feel meaningful and personal.
Romantic getaways are one of the most popular wedding gifts in Australia. RedBalloon romantic getaways start from $215. To elevate the surprise factor, a mystery flight starts from $1,500. No know destination, no extensive research, just a trip they didn’t have to plan.
A hot air balloon experience is a wedding gift as big as the feeling of the day itself. RedBalloon hot air ball experiences are available in Sydney, the Hunter Valley and Melbourne from $329. For couples who love a good meal, romantic dining experiences range from $75 to $1,720, because some celebration deserve a proper toast.
Popular wedding gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Bridal shower gifts call for something that is a little indulgent and focused on the bride. RedBalloon has over 4,000 handpicked experiences, with plenty that fit the lead-up to the big day perfectly.
Spa and wellness experiences are the most popular bridal shower gifts in Australia. RedBalloon spa experiences including head spas and massages start from $49. Whether she goes alone or brings a bridesmaid along, a few hours of peace before the wedding chaos is basically a public service.
For something as personal as this moment in her life, a perfume making class is a thoughtful pick. RedBalloon perfume making classes start from around $128, giving her the chance to create her own scent for the big day.
Popular bridal shower gift experiences on RedBalloon:
The best baby shower gifts are the ones that celebrate the person having the baby, not just the baby. An experience gift gives them something to look forward to, before life gets wonderfully chaotic.
Pregnancy massages are one of the most popular mum-to-be gift ideas in Australia. RedBalloon offers pregnancy-safe spa treatments from $140. For both parents, a babymoon getaway is a natural pick. RedBalloon has over 550 escapes across Australia to choose from, starting from $209.
For gifts a new mum can enjoy once baby arrives, a family photoshoot is a thoughtful option. RedBalloon offers photoshoots from $75. A winery experience from $20 is also a well-timed idea, giving her the chance to enjoy something she had to sit out for nine months.
Popular baby shower gift experiences on RedBalloon:
Retirement marks decades of hard work, and the best retirement gifts reflect that. An experience gift gives them something to walk into after a big chapter in their lives.
A class or workshop is a good gift for a retiree ready to try something new. RedBallooon cooking classes and pottery workshops are available Australia-wide from $45. Because when one door closes, another one opens.
For long-serving members, a hot air balloon flight or jet fighter flight is a farewell gift that matches the occasion. RedBalloon hot air balloon and jet fighter flight experiences range from $327 to $500, and it is exactly the kind of send-off people talk about long after the cake is gone.
Popular retirement gift experiences on RedBalloon:
The Australian financial year ends on 30 June, making it one of the most popular times for corporate gifting in Australia. It is one of the best times to recognise your team before the new financial year begins, and a considered way to put budget to good use before it resets. For businesses, experience gifts through RedBalloon may be tax-deductible. We recommend checking with your accountant to confirm what applies to your situation.
RedBalloon for Business is a dedicated corporate gifting platform that supports bulk orders and has worked with over 2,000 Australian businesses on corporate gifting. Whether you are recognising individuals, rewarding teams or marking the end of a big year, there is a gifting option to match.
The best end of financial year gifts for teams are experiences you can do together. RedBalloon offers group EOFY experiences, including private cooking classes, helicopter rides, clay shooting classes, wine making and more, giving teams a proper shared story rather than another scheduled meeting. Most group experiences can be arranged for teams of any size, making it a flexible option for businesses across Australia.
For individual EOFY staff gifts, a RedBalloon voucher lets each team member choose their own experience. Vouchers start from $50 and go up to any value, putting the choice entirely in their hands. For a team of varied interests and personalities, it is one of the most practical and well-received corporate gift options available.
Popular end of financial year gift experiences on RedBalloon:
The best thank you gifts are the ones that actually feel like one. An experience gift gives the person something to enjoy, rather than something to find a shelf for.
For a thank you gift that goes beyond the gesture, a day spa package gives them time to themselves. RedBalloon day spa packages start from $87. A dining experience from $49 on RedBalloon is another sweet option, giving them a night off from cooking without them having to organise a thing.
High teas and paint and sip classes are other popular thank you gifts on RedBalloon, with both available from around $49 across Australia. Small in price, big on the feeling they leave behind.
Popular thank you gift experiences on RedBalloon:
The best last-minute gift in Australia is an experience voucher from RedBalloon. Digital vouchers are instantly delivered by email with no shipping or courier wait times. Recipients have five years to choose from 4,000+ handpicked experiences, with the option to easily exchange for a different experience.
H3: Are experience gifts better than physical gifts?
Research by Cornell University has found experiences produce more lasting happiness than material purchases. Experience gifts become part of a person’s story and are valued long after the moment has passed, where physical gifts can depreciate or end up in a drawer. RedBalloon offers over 4,000 experience gifts across Australia and New Zealand for every personality and budget.
RedBalloon offers hundreds of experience gifts under $100 in Australia. Popular options include wine tasting from $20 per person, paint and sip classes from $45, scenic cruises from $50 and food tours from $30. Digital vouchers are delivered free & instantly, making them a perfect option for last-minute gifts.
The best gifts for couples are shared experiences that they can enjoy together. Popular couple gift experiences in Australia include cooking classes for two from $170, couples massages from $310, romantic getaways from $215 and seaplane flights from $330. RedBalloon has a dedicated gifts for couples category with hundreds of options across Australia.
The best gift for someone who has everything is something to do, rather than something to own. Experiences can’t sit in a drawer or gather dust, and they tend to be remembered long after a physical gift has been forgotten. Popular options on RedBalloon include day spa packages from $90, cooking classes from $60, hot air balloon flights from $349 and getaways from $209, all of which are available across Australia.
The best corporate experience gifts in Australia are flexible, personal and suited to a diverse team. Popular options through RedBalloon include group cooking classes, cocktail masterclasses and guided tours for team experiences. For individual staff gifts, RedBalloon experience vouchers and spa days are well-received ways to show your appreciation.
Browse and select the experience or gift voucher on RedBalloon. A digital voucher is instantly delivered to the recipient’s email, which they use to book their preferred date directly through the RedBalloon website. They’ll have 5 years to use it from the date of purchase, with flexibility to exchange it on 4,000+ handpicked experiences.
RedBalloon is Australia’s leading experience gift marketplace, offering over 4,000 gift experiences in Australia & New Zealand. From cooking classes and spa days to scenic flights and overnight getaways, RedBalloon is the go-to destination for experience gifts for any occasion, person or budget.
Father’s Day in Australia falls on the first Sunday of September, unlike the US and the UK where it falls in June. Popular Father’s Day experience gifts in Australia include supercar driving experiences from $349, golfing experiences from $127 and guided fishing experiences from $180. All are available with instant digital voucher delivery through RedBalloon. In 2026, Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 6th September.
Mother’s Day in Australia falls on the second Sunday of May, the same as the US but later than the UK where it falls in March. Popular Mother’s Day gift experiences in Australia include bathhouse experiences and high teas from $49, winery tours from $36 and day spa packages from $86. Digital gift vouchers are delivered instantly through RedBalloon. In 2027, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 9th May in Australia.