Extraordinary Holiday Gift Ideas

Wine school, volunteer vacations, original art, adventures, expert home organizers & more

To wow your loved one or those hard-to-impress people on your holiday list, we've made things easy by thinking “outside of the gift box” to compile imaginative options from around the world—most of which are memorable experiences that can't be wrapped up with a bow. From learning to make wine to arranging a meaningful volunteer vacation for your family or commissioning art modeled after their own DNA patterns, you'll definitely find something among these clever recommendations to leave a lasting impression ...

Learn to Make Wine and Own Part of a Vineyard

For Armchair Vintners: Give them a Piece of a Vineyard or the Chance to Make their Own Wine

Know someone who keeps saying they want to quit their job and buy a vineyard? I've found the perfect gifts for armchair vintners. They can now be a partial vineyard owner or partake in the timeless practice of winemaking with these personalized programs... Read more on making wine and owning part of a vineyard

Fly High with a Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Give them a Fresh Perspective with A Fabulous Hot-Air Balloon Adventure

Sometimes it's refreshing to see things from a new perspective. For a special event, a unique gift, a new sensation, or simply for a thrilling afternoon picnic excursion, head up, up and away in a hot air balloon... Read more on hot air balloon adventures

Get Private Instruction at a Top Surfing School

Learn How to Surf at a Top Surfing School

Who doesn't secretly fantasize about riding the waves and showing off an awesome Hang Ten maneuver? From the coast of Morocco to the beaches of Brazil, these leading schools will teach surfers of all levels to catch the perfect wave... Read more on top surfing schools

Invest in an Inspiring Volunteer Vacation or Charitable Holiday

For someone who really does have everything, perhaps the best gift they can receive is one that allows them to give back. Whether it's the vacation of a lifetime or an annual winter escape, these forward-thinking organizations help people plan unforgettable journeys and show them the places the guidebooks don't. Along the way, travelers are supporting local economies, learning about day-to-day lives in far-flung villages... Read more on exotic volunteer vacations

Go on an Adrenaline-Fueled Driving Experience

Talk about a turbo-charged gift! Speed demons can do their best James Bond imitation, jump behind the wheel of a souped-up sportscar and drive off for the experience of a lifetime. We've got something for everyone, including Formula 1 and classic car fans, rugged types looking for an off-road adventure, and even Porsche driving classes just for women... Read more on these driving adventures

Get Flowers Delivered Weekly for a Year

Weekly Flower Delivery to the Home for One Year

There's nothing like fresh, fragrant and beautifully arranged flowers to brighten up someone's day. Let your loved ones know you're thinking of them all year long with weekly deliveries from a top tier florist. For highly recommended floral designers, browse through our picks for top florists around the world.

Spend a Day with a Personal Shopper

For Finicky Fashionistas: Book them their Own Personal Shopper

This is one gift your favorite finicky fashionista will never return. With their good taste and insider contacts, these personal shoppers can help anyone upgrade their wardrobe and enhance their image... Read more on top personal shoppers

Book a Private Wine School Retreat in Provence

An Intimate Wine School Retreat in Provence

Attention oenophiles! La Verrière, a private estate in Provence, has opened its doors for retreats and events, and this past June hosted its first annual “wine boot camp," an intensive, five-day immersion program held in conjunction with the London Wine Academy... Read more on this private wine school retreat

Create Truly Original Artwork based on DNA

A Truly Original Piece of Modern Art Created From the Recipient’s DNA

Even the most avid art collector probably doesn't have his or her own DNA pattern hanging on the wall. Art has always been a highly personal and individual medium, but DNA 11 takes it to a whole new level. Combining genetic science with digital technology, this innovative company offers the chance to capture, frame and display your own DNA as an eye-catching piece of contemporary art. Here's how it works... Read more on original DNA artwork

Escape to a Reinvigorating Yoga Retreat

Send your yoga-loving friend or family member off for an asana-filled holiday. Or better yet, tag along! Classes by expert yogis, chakra-rebalancing spa treatments and super-healthy organic cuisine—these top international yoga retreats will set you on the road to wellness... Read more on great international yoga retreats

Meet with an Expert Closet and Home Organizer

A Session with an Expert Closet and Home Organizer

A great gift for a harried new parent or a close friend or family member always on the go, these professional organizers will clear clutter and create a serene space for your loved one so he or she can enjoy the season... Read more on expert closet and home organizers

Book Polo Lessons at a Leading Polo Club

Polo clubs are not only places to watch matches—many of them offer instruction as well. A day at any of these prestigious polo centers is always a thrill, whether you're swinging a mallet at high speed or simply sipping champagne while watching the pros... Read more on lessons at prestigious polo clubs

Attend a Cooking School in Italy

Novice cooks and experienced foodies alike can all do with a sojourn in that most famous of culinary destinations. Take a bite out of Italy and discover the art of cooking and eating well while relaxing, Italian Style!... Read more on cooking schools in Italy

Take a Biking or Walking Holiday

Take Him or Her on a Biking or Walking Holiday

Stroll through the quaint villages and countryside of Alsace or bike through lush Vietnam; these unforgettable tours are perfect for the active traveler who appreciates discovering a place from the ground up. Take a peak at our top picks for walking holidays and bicycle vacations.

Hire a Private Chef for a Romantic Dinner or a Cooking Class with Friends

A certificate for private chef services makes an excellent and unforgettable gift, from romantic dinners for two and gourmet meals for a week to big dinner parties and interactive cooking lessons with friends ... Read more about hiring a Private chef as a unique gift

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Topics: Shops, Gifts, Finds , Family & Occasions
Tags: gift, christmas, hanukkah, present, hot air balloon, florist, art, closet organizer, cooking school, wine, vineyard, winery, surfing, polo, horse, volunteer, voluntourism, personal shopper, culinary school, private chef, biking, hiking, walking, villa rental, yacht charter, yoga retreat, gifts for men

2 Comments

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Carol on Oct. 7, 2008

I have to say these are fantastic ideas with great recommendations. Some of these have been on my husband's and mine wish list to do and experience for many years. We will use this as our reference point. Thank you for the diversity. It is really commendable that a "vacation with a purpose" was included.

Deb on Dec. 9, 2008

Within a family do you always hear "what can I get you for xmas or what can I get so-and-so for the holiday?" Here is another thought - find out the individual's favorite charity and make a donation in their name. You'll be surprised how surprised and thankful they will be.