Most Americans have too much stuff. We’ve got gadgets and the gadgets to work other gadgets, and more clothes than we can wear in a month. And with fast fashion shopping, we contribute to waste by buying more cheaply made clothes, wearing each item a few times, and then through one route or another they end up in a landfill. 

When shopping this holiday season, consider gifting your loved ones experiences over things. This is a perfect way to expose them to new things and help them make lifelong memories. While we wish we could fly our loved ones overseas for some once-in-a-lifetime vacation, in this economy, we might have to keep it local. But no worries, North Texas has a never-ending amount of activities to do with various price points. Here are some ideas:

For sports-lovers

Popstroke 

Located in The Colony, Popstroke makes for such a memorable put-put golf experience, Tiger Woods became an investor in 2020. Grab a day pass and enjoy two mini-golf courses, outdoor gaming, a kid’s playground, ice cream parlor, and a full-service restaurant. No need to make a reservation, you can buy your tickets same-day, in-person or online with adult passes going for just $30. 

Crush It! Sports Lounge 

Crush It! is an interactive sports lounge, using simulators to put you in the game. Try a shooting game, zombie dodgeball, or test your digital skills with bocce ball or golf. Football, lacrosse, rugby — all of these, minus the risk of energy. Most passes will run you $50 or less for a 55- minute reservation slot. 

The Cowboys Experience 

Cowboys fans might be itching for more than just a game ticket. If you’re open to spending more on a big gift, The Cowboys offer various fan experiences, including  VIP treatment and meeting the cheerleaders, the players, and even Jerry Jones himself. Before you peep the price, know that most of these experiences include hotel stay, food, transportation, and more. 

Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

For thrill-seekers 

Xtreme Xperience

Gift a racing session for someone with a need for speed. At Texas Motor Speedway, they’ll get behind the wheel of an exotic car and a professional driver will teach them how to handle the vehicle and track  like the pros. This bucket list experience starts at $249. 

Skydive Spaceland

Did you know you could skydive in DFW? Tandem skydiving and parachute jumping can be booked any day of the week — or, you can just grab a gift card. Know someone who already loves the experience? Take it up a notch with a skydiving instructor training course. 

Dallas Circus Center 

Flying through the air like a Barnum and Bailey circus act might be your loved ones dream. Fortunately, there are more than a dozen classes to choose from, ranging from trapeze to rope, and different classes based on skill level. They also have camps for kids. Need some visual inspiration? See some aerial artists in action on their Instagram page. Book a class or get a gift card and be known as the most creative gift-giver in the family. 

For the artistic ones

Time in a recording studio 

Here’s something special for the songbird in your life. With a booking at places like Fifty50 Studios, your loved one can record their own song with the help of a producer. Get a two-hour session for one song, or book an entire day for more. 

Shutterstock/ Nejron Photo

Dallas Glass Art

Glass blowing fuses creativity with science and offers artists the opportunity to create something from start to finish. With options for public or private classes, the two-hour class covers the art’s history and safety precautions before the fire is lit and your loved one is shaping their own cup or paperweight. 

For relaxation-lovers

World Springs Spa

The World Springs Spa is the latest rage in DFW. The outdoor facility features dozens of warm and cold mineral springs that are meant to improve your mental and physical health. There are fire pits for cooler days (and nights), and the staff can bring you drinks and food. Watch a video we made about the experience. Gift cards are available for that special someone who needs to unwind. 

Women’s yoga retreats 

Know a female yogi who needs to get out of the city? Retreat in the Pines offers women’s yoga retreats about an hour and half east of Dallas. The price includes food, accommodations, yoga and meditation classes, and more. 

The Beer Spa

Pivovar might be the furthest experience to give, but worth it because of how unique it is. Located in Waco, a day trip to Privovar might be out of the way, but it offers a unique beer spa treatment in copper claw tubs, all while sipping a flight of their locally-brewed beer. Brewers yeast and other beer ingredients can help release muscle tension, clear irritated skin, and improve blood circulation, among other things. We wrote a whole article about it. Check it out here. 

For the whole family

Book a karaoke room

Karaoke bars like Casanova and Encore Family Karaoke allow you to book private rooms and perform in front of the comfort of your loved ones. Servers can bring food and drinks to your room for convenience. 

Gameshow Battle Room

Always wanted to be on Supermarket Sweep, The Price Is Right, or Family Feud? This experience merges all of our favorite gameshows, complete with a host and a dj to make the experience even more realistic. After splitting up into two teams, your guests can work together for the chance to crown their team gameshow champion. 

Trinity Forest Ropes Course

Want a truly elevated gift? People four years old and up can climb, jump, and zip through the Trinity Forest’s aerial park. With various courses, a three-hour session will run an adult about $60, with discounted rates for small groups. Instructors are thoughtful about people with special needs and can accommodate big events.