The Best Experience Gifts in Denver for a Memorable Present

10 Meaningful Denver Experience Gifts (Unique Ideas for Any Gift Recipient)

The best gifts are ones that create memories! Are you looking for meaningful experience gifts in Denver? If so, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’re sharing our favorite Denver experiences, with ideas for all kinds of gift recipients.

Whether you’re planning for the holiday season, want to take your love on a date, or share something fun with a friend, we share the best options below.

How do experience gifts work?

Experience gifts take the place of material items. Instead of giving a present that won’t mean much in a few months, you can share an experience that creates a lifetime memory. For example, gift an activity like a food tour or spa day.

If you don’t plan to do the experience with your recipient, you can share a gift card with them to enjoy alone or with a friend.

10 Memorable Experience Gifts in Denver (With Something for Anyone)

From taking in Denver’s scenery, from a hot air balloon ride to relaxing at an award-winning day spa, we share the best experience gift ideas below.

Here’s a quick rundown of fun activities in Denver. Below, we’ll share more details, including where to learn more and purchase a gift card.

1. Ride Hot Air Balloons
2. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
3. Play at Inner Child at Elitch Gardens Theme & Park
4. Sip and Paint at Whimsy Studios
5. Relax Differently at Oakwell Beer Spa
6. Take a Delicious Downtown Denver Food Tour
7. Go on a Fun Denver Microbrew Tour
8. Experience a Cozymeal Cooking Class
9. Taste Wine at The Infinite Monkey Theorem
10. Get Crafty at Upstairs Circus

1. Ride Hot Air Balloons

One of the most unique experience gifts in Denver is taking a hot air balloon ride over the city.

Rocky Mountain Balloon Rides is about half an hour from Denver, and soars around mountains, lakes, rivers, and wildlife with views of some of Colorado’s highest peaks. You’ll also see birds perched on large tree brands and hear other wildlife.

You can gift a private or semi-private hot air balloon ride.

Gift certificate option: yes, call for information

Hours: Daily; 9 AM - 7 PM (weather permitting)

2. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

Another fun way to explore the Rocky Mountains is by visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. The park covers more than 400 square miles, with vast meadows, glistening alpine lakes, and tall mountain peaks. There are also many hiking trails and stunning wildlife views.

This is the best Denver experience gift for someone who loves nature!

Gift certificate option: no

Hours: 24/7 (weather permitting)

3. Play at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

If your gift recipient enjoys rides, Elitch Gardens offers the best time in Denver. It’s the only theme and water park in Denver, and it’s located in the heart of Downtown.

With over 50 rides, live shows, an arcade, roller coasters, and water slides, Elitch Gardens is easily one of the most fun places in Denver.

Gift certificate option: various ticket options available online

Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, April-October (weather permitting)

4. Sip and Paint at Whimsy Studios

Give the gift of creativity with a Sip and Paint class at Whimsy Studios, Denver’s only sip & paint with a full bar.

A professional artist guides group painting lessons while painters sip wine, beer, or cocktails from the on-site bar. There are also open studio times for free-flowing creativity, where an artist is present for guidance and tips. You can even rent the studio out for a group celebration.

Gift certificate option: yes, see website

Hours: Daily classes and open studios; times vary

5. Relax Differently at Oakwell Beer Spa

Our favorite Denver experience gift is the opportunity to unwind at Oakwell Beer Spa.

Your gift recipient can enjoy a unique spa day, with relaxing, beer-inspired spa treatments. Every spa day session includes access to a private Beer Therapy™ Room with a hydrotherapy and sauna session and the option to add a Zero Gravity Massage.

Oakwell Beer Spa also has a cozy taproom that serves local craft beer, wine, cider, tea, and kombucha. It’s the perfect experience for a relaxing self-care day!

Gift certificate option: yes, see website

Hours: Daily; 8 AM - 10:30 PM

6. Take a Delicious Downtown Denver Food Tour

A Downtown Denver Food Tour offers a memorable foodie experience. Wander the heart of downtown and enjoy five food tastings at some of Denver’s best restaurants, with three optional drink pairings.

During the 1-mile walking tour, an experienced guide shares fun stories about Denver’s history and the inside scoop on dining in Denver.

Gift certificate option: yes, see website

Hours: Daily; 1 - 4 PM

7. Go on a Fun Denver Microbrew Tour

Denver’s known for its vibrant beer scene, and one of the most fun ways to check that out is by taking a brewery tour.

Denver Microbrew Tour offers top-rated walking tours throughout Denver to try 10+ of Denver’s best beer.

Tour options include:

• Lower Downtown (LoDo) Tour
• River North Arts District (RiNo) Tour
• Private groups for anywhere in Denver

Gift certificate option: yes, see website

Hours: Days and times vary

8. Experience a Cozymeal Cooking Class

We love changing things up with a cooking class, and Cozymeal is the best for cooking in Denver. 

Cozymeal offers classes to help any skill level learn new global recipes. From traditional Indian fare and Thai favorites to pasta-making workshops and vegan recipes, classes are always changing with new, exciting meals.

Gift certificate option: yes, see website

Hours: Days and times vary

9. Taste Wine at The Infinite Monkey Theorem

If a wine tasting is up your gift recipient’s alley, a wine tasting at The Infinite Monkey Theorem is the perfect Denver experience gift.

We love hanging out at The Infinite Monkey Theorem’s chic winery and taproom. Their tour takes you through their urban winery, sharing how they bring order to the chaos of wine-making. During a tasting, you can try the best selection of bottled, kegged, and canned wines.

Not only is The Infinite Monkey Theorem’s wine delicious, but they also have fun activities with regular events and food trucks.

Gift certificate option: yes, purchase in-person

Hours: Open daily; tours and tastings take place Thursday - Sunday afternoons and evenings 

10. Get Crafty at Upstairs Circus

DIY meets bar at Upstairs Circus for one of the most unique Denver gift ideas. Upstairs Circus has various DIY projects, including jewelry, home decor, pet accessories, and drink supplies.

Pick a craft, grab a drink at the bar, and get creative.

You can book your craft session by request, join a project social, or attend an event like Sangria Sunday Funday. There are many fun options at Upstairs Crafty!

Gift certificate option: yes, see website

Hours: daily; times vary

The Best Experience Gifts in Denver: Conclusion

Denver is bursting with fun activities, and we hope you found the perfect Denver experience gift. 

To gift an unforgettable, therapeutic spa day, book an Oakwell Beer Spa session or purchase a gift card.

By: Polly Clover