What do you give the dad, grandfather, partner, parental figure, who – in a legitimate or feigned bid against materialism and ‘not needing anything’ – forbids you from buying them a gift? You work the activity loophole by getting them experience gifts.
Whether they’re partial to a wine and dine or they’re keen to add flying a plane to their resume, there’s an experience gift for every epicurean.
From a candlelit string quartets performance to a five-course fine dining meal, read on for our curated edit of luxury experience gifts bound to leave an impression this Father’s Day. Hot tip: these experiences also make great last-minute gifts come September 1.
7 luxe experience gifts to buy in 2024
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A weekend away
booked via Airbnb
Best for: the vagabond
For the person who’s in need of some time out of the big smoke, why not gift a weekend away? With warmer weather soon approaching, it’s an ideal time to book an Airbnb somewhere off the beaten track in Victoria, New South Wales (such as Kangaroo Valley or Byron Bay) or the Gold Coast, perhaps.
![hot air balloon over hunter valley](https://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/redballoon-hot-air-balloon-hunter-valley-650x542.jpg)
Hot air balloon over Hunter Valley with breakfast
booked via RedBalloon
Best for: the adventurer
Treat him to a morning of great heights by booking a hot air balloon ride in New South Wales’ own Hunter Valley. Soar over famed wine country before enjoying an included a la carte breakfast and sparkling at Peterson House Winery.
![6head dinner sydney harbour](https://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/6head-set-menu-650x542.jpg)
Six-course tasting menu for two at 6Head
from $249 per head at RedBalloon
Best for: foodie dads
Book in for some quality time over a six course menu at 6Head in the historic Rocks precinct of Sydney Harbour. Featuring scallop crudo, yuzu and pistachio mousse, and premium cuts of beef and burrata, this dining experience is one for the gourmand.
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Candlelit concert
from $32 at Fever Up
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Seaplane flight with three course lunch for two
$950 at RedBalloon
Best for: the aviation enthusiast
For something unforgettable, gift them a seaplane flight over Bondi and Sydney Harbour. After landing, take in the Rose Bay views over Tasmanian wine and a three course lunch at Empire Lounge.
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The Freedom Gift card gift voucher
$25-$2000 at Endota Spa
Best for: the stressed-out dad
For the dad who could do with a bit of R&R, treat them to a spa voucher. This Endota Spa one could gift them with a botanical-infused signature facial, a remedial massage or other treatments; after all, a bit of pampering never went astray.
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Voucher for Alana Maria’s Forever bracelet appointment
from $100 at Alana Maria
Best for: the sentimental parent
They say nothing is forever but tell that to this permanent Alana Maria bracelet soldered onto your wrist or ankle with a state of the art jewellery welder. The Sydney Northern Beaches brand offers 14k gold-filled or 925 sterling silver chains in its Forever bracelet – making for an experience gift that defies ephemerality.