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A guide to Austin’s best giftable experiences

Looking for a gift that won’t go in the clutter closet? We’re serving up some experience gifts so you have one less thing to wrap.

A person ziplining over trees, with a lake in the background

Lake Travis Zipline is the longest and fastest zipline in Texas.

We love to think our presents will be up on the mantelpiece forever. But let’s face it: some things are destined to add to our closet clutter. (Unless it’s from our sustainable gift guide, of course.)

It’s been on-trend for a while to offer experiences, rather than things, for gifts. To help you level up your gift-giving game this holiday season, check out our curated list of giftable experiences so you can sleigh the holidays.

🎶 For the music lover | $15+

What’s a better gift for an Austinite than tickets to a concert? Between Bruce Springsteen, The Austin Blues Festival, and Kool & the Gang, there are plenty of upcoming shows for someone on your Christmas list.

Pro tip: Austin-based festivalPass, which calls itself the world’s first live events subscription service, offers three membership tiers (starting at $210) with “credits” you can redeem for local concerts, sports games, theater performances, comedy shows, and festivals.

🎨 For the artist | $70+

Spring registration is open for The Contemporary Austin’s art school, which offers courses on watercolor, fiber art, botanical painting, and more. Check out the class list.

🛀🏻 For the person who deserves some relaxation | $25+

Gift a loved one some pampering. The newly rebranded Hotel Viata recently opened a first-class spa with treatments like ritual detox, CBD massage, and cold stone facial enhancement — see the full list of services.

A bed in a spa, with a floral patterned wall behind

Treat someone in your life to a luxurious spa treatment.

Photo by Jane Yun, provided by Hotel Viata

☀️ For the adventurer | $139+

Brave the heights at Lake Travis Zipline, the longest and fastest zipline in Texas. A three-hour tour includes a boat ride and hike, and you can also take a nighttime flight.

🍳 For the home chef | $50+

Central Market Cooking School offers regular classes on making Asian dumplings, tamales, sushi, and more. Some locations even offer specialty classes on skills like knife work and mixology. Find a location near you.

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