Non-Materialistic Gift Giving Is on the Rise — Here’s What’s on People’s Wishlists

Some people are thinking outside the box when it comes to holiday gift-giving — literally.

A growing TikTok trend encourages people to skip traditional, physical presents and gift experiences instead: things loved ones can actually do, enjoy, and remember long after the season ends.

In one video, TikToker Pauline shared several experience-based ideas, like booking a cleaning service for new parents or anyone with a packed schedule. She also suggested giving tickets for something they’ve been wanting to see — a concert, a Broadway show, or a sports game — as well as memberships to museums or clubs they’d love but might not buy for themselves.

“It’s such a beautiful gift,” Pauline said, noting that memberships can be flexible and sometimes even include guest perks, meaning you might get to join them too.

Pauline also called out classes and lessons as the kind of gift that keeps paying off over time. She said she’s personally hoping for sewing lessons, since it’s a present that builds a skill for the future. And she pointed out how wide the options are — from golf and dance lessons to cake decorating and leather-working classes.

TikToker Jamie posted a similar list of ideas — joking that she intended to “steal” some for herself — including buying a friend tickets to a cooking class, which could double as both a learning activity and a shared meal. She also recommended picking something “creative and fun,” like a pottery-making class or a paint-and-sip experience.

Another creator, TikToker Camila Sinclair, suggested gifts that can help someone plan something bigger later, like travel or Airbnb gift cards to put toward a future trip. She also highlighted self-care experiences — like a spa day — as something many people would love but rarely book for themselves. Restaurant gift cards can work the same way, she said, especially if you already know what kind of food the person enjoys.

And beyond tickets and classes, some creators are leaning into gifts that are purely about spending time together. TikToker Melanie shared a “non-materialistic” wishlist that included things like a dance party with her favorite people and quiet, restful time with family — reminders that sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t objects at all.