SALT LAKE CITY — Christmas is less than a week away, but it isn’t too late to find memorable gifts that fit within your budget.

This year instead of buying another item that sits on a shelf, consider giving your loved ones special experiences they will be sure to remember. These types of gifts can be tailored to friends and family members of all ages and interests. Some of the ideas below are perfect for enjoying with a partner or friend, while others can be savored alone.

Just because you can’t fit an experience in a box, that doesn’t mean you need to skip wrapping the present. Ideas to surprise your loved one include printing a picture of their upcoming adventure, drawing up a fancy itinerary or making a cute coupon. If you have a few extra dollars, you could include a small item that relates to your present, like an apron for a cooking class or a candy bar for a movie pass.

We have 13 suggestions for engaging experiences below. Feel free to share your suggestions in the comment section.

Under $25

Chocolate and cheese tasting classes

If you know someone who appreciates fine food, Tony Caputo’s and Taste have you covered. Starting at $20, you can sign your loved one up for a class on the intricacies of tasting craft chocolates and cheeses.

More information on Tony Caputo's classes can be found here.

More information on Taste can be found here.

Manicure

A relaxing experience doesn't need to cost a lot of money. At beauty schools like Skin Science Institute, Skinworks or Taylor Andrews, you can treat your favorite people to a manicure for less than $25.

More information about Skin Science Institute can be found here.

More information about Skinworks can be found here.

More information about Taylor Andrews can be found here.

Under $50

Tickets to The Off Broadway Theatre

For those who love plays, you can take advantage of The Off Broadway Theatre’s package for two, which includes a pair of tickets and concessions for $32. Individual tickets for specific shows can be purchased for $10-$16 each. Give both tickets to your friend or family member to attend with the person of their choice, or invite yourself.

More information can be found here.

Soak in a geothermal spring

The Homestead Crater in Midway offers a unique relaxation experience for loved ones who enjoy nature’s wonders and want to unwind. For $16 per person, you can soak in the geothermal spring’s naturally warm waters inside a limestone rock. For $5 more, you’ll be provided with snorkeling equipment.

For those looking to explore outdoors, there are also four other hot spring options right at your fingertips. Click here for more information.

More information about the Homestead Crater can be found here.

Fencing class

Wasatch Fencing’s classes in Kaysville or Utah Sport Fencing in Orem make picking up a new sport easy. Classes start at $10 at Utah Sport Fencing and $30 at Wasatch, and include all of the equipment you’ll need. They are available by age group, starting at 8 years old.

More information can be found here or here.

Ski or snowboard lessons

Any amount of time spent in Utah wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the state’s beautiful slopes. Ski Utah’s Learn to Ski or Ride package makes skiing and snowboarding accessible by offering lessons, rental equipment and a lift ticket for $50 or less at various locations in January.

More information can be found here.

Movie passes

There are multiple options for the movie lovers in your life. For around $30, Cinemark’s Supersavers and Megaplex’s Fan Pack provide packages of tickets and treats for a well-rounded movie experience.

Another alternative is MoviePass, which allows cardholders to see as many movies as they would like at almost any theater for $9.95 per month. KSL.com reviewed the pass at the end of November.

More information about Cinemark’s Supersavers can be found here.

More information about Megaplex’s Fan Pack can be found here.

More information about MoviePass can be found here.

Painting classes or parties

Whether you're a great artist or terrible, painting along with instructors while chatting with good company is always entertaining. Classes start at $25, but there is almost always some sort of coupon available, so it is a good idea to visit the company's social media pages or do a quick Google search before purchasing tickets.

More information about Paint Nite can be found here.

More information about The Paint Mixer can be found here.

More information about Painting With a Twist can be found here.

More information about That Paint Thing can be found here.

More information about Painter's Palette can be found here.

Under $75

Cooking classes

For those who love to cook or wish they were better at it, consider signing them up for a cooking class. Places like Harmon's, the Salt Lake Culinary Center and Sur La Table offer instructions on multiple types of cuisine. Prices vary by class, location and age of attendee, but most cost less than $75.

More information about Harmon's classes can be found here.

More information about classes at the Salt Lake Culinary Center can be found here.

More information about classes at Sur La Table can be found here.

Under $100

A night at the theater

Another option for surprising theater lovers is treating them to a show at Hale Center Theatre, Eccles Theater or Pioneer Theatre Company. Two tickets can be purchased for $80, with upcoming productions including Aida, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Bright Star and The Sound of Music.

More information about Hale Center Theatre can be found here.

More information about Pioneer Theatre Company can be found here.

More information about Eccles Theater can be found here.

National Parks pass

With iconic national parks, forests and monuments spread throughout Utah, giving your loved one an America the Beautiful pass will allow them to enjoy the beauty of the world around them. One annual pass, which costs $80, grants unlimited access to all 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country for up to four people.

More information can be found here.

Over $100

Music classes

It's never too late to hone musical talents. By offering to pay for music lessons, you can help your loved one return to a favorite instrument or learn a new one. Pricing for music lessons varies.

Zoo and aquarium memberships

Kids and adults alike may enjoy the chance to see live exotic animals and sea creatures. With a yearlong membership to Hogle Zoo or Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, they can go as many times as they want to enjoy the exhibits without feeling pressure to see it all in one visit. Family passes cost $149 for Hogle Zoo and $190 for the aquarium.

More information about the zoo membership can be found here.

More information about the aquarium membership can be found here.

Contributing: Celeste Tholen Rosenlof

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