Clothing, jewelry, kitchen gadgets – these are all fine gifts, but the gift of an experience is sometimes more valuable. Plus, by trying something new, we grow as humans – or at the very least, become a dash more interesting. And that will never get returned. It's a fit forever.

If you have someone on your list who likes to get out and do cool stuff in the city, this guide is a good place to start. Or if something looks appeaing on this list to you, start dropping hints now.

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Partner Pick

Exciting deals come in red envelopes at Henry Flach Steakhouse Between now and December 30, when you purchase either a meal, or a bottle of Port Cask Limosin Rye Whiskey or sign up for a Whiskey Row Dinner Pairing at Henry Flach Steakhouse, you will receieve a red envelope. Then, when you return it in the new year you will receive one of four discounts, from 10% off your entire meal up to a $100 gift certificate! Additional rules and restrictions may apply. Learn more Henry Flach Steakhouse · 9140 W National Ave, West Allis

Tee off at X Golf

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Make a golfer's holiday by grabbing them a gift card from X Golf at American Family Field. They'll experience the best in indoor golf simulation throughout 2025. Go here for the buy.  Round out the experience with a gift card from Barrel Yard pre-or-post golf for food and drink.

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Centro Cafe & Bar Centro gift cards available Treat yourself or your loved ones to an evening of inspired Italian-style dishes, including pasta, seafood, salad, flatbread and dessert, all served in a cozy, rustic setting. Then continue your night at Bar Centro next door, an casual and intimate jewel-box of a bar. Don't miss these local favorites! Get one today 808 E Center St, Milwaukee · Reservations available. Walk-ins welcome.

Take in a concert by candlelight

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Purchase the gift of tickets for a romantic Candlelight Concert at The Abbey at Saint James 1868. Upcoming concerts include a tribute to Queen, Adele, "Bridgerton" and more. Go here for more information.

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Share the magic of the museum A Milwaukee Public Museum membership is the PERFECT gift. Enjoy worlds of discovery with free admission and exclusive benefits—all year long! A gift membership also allows us to continue to care for our priceless collections, do research, and provide educational programs for our community. Learn more

Cruise with City Tours MKE

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Have someone who likes to get out, have fun and explore the city on your lis? City Tours MKE offers brewery tours, wine and chocolate tours, "iconic Milwaukee" tours and many more. They also have a brand new cafe/bar/venue called Station 1846 for before and after tour festivities. Check all of it out here.

Cocktail and make candles

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A gift certificate to Glassworks CandleBar is a fun, creative gift for an individual, couple or family with older kids. The experience includes concocting a personal scent for a soy candle. Handcrafted cocktails and mocktails flow freely and the space is warm, intimate and hip, located in the Walker’s Point neighborhood. Go here to make a reservation.

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The Friends of the Domes' mission is to inspire meaningful connections to nature and community. Each membership helps support school field trips, family programs such as Storytime at The Domes, cultural events such as Day of the Dead, and so much more! Gift memberships start at only $30 and provide year-long access to The Domes, exclusive discounts and events, and other benefits Get started

Paint, sip, repeat

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For the creative folks on your list, few things will sound more appealing than painting wood projects and sipping warm beverages in a cozy studio during the post-holiday blues months (oh hi January and February). Give a gift certificate good for a project at Board & Brush in Elm Grove now, and the recipient will thank you later. More info here.

Have a very merry axe throwing experience

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Got a gal or guy on your list with a sense of adventure who’s also in need of a de-stresser? A gift card from NorthSouth Club is a bullseye, a must-buy. The biz also has a shuffle board, a bar, food menu and other fun stuff on site. Click here for the details.

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Give the gift of experience, and let Marcus Hotels & Resorts give back to you When you buy a $100 Gift Card, you get a $25 Promotional Bonus Card to keep! Use this Promotional Bonus Card at any participating Marcus Restaurants and Spas. Hurry—this deal expires on December 31st! Shop now at MarcusGiftCards.com. Buy now Terms and conditions apply. Promotional Bonus Cards are valid at participating Marcus Restaurants and Spa locations from January 1st through March 31st, 2025. Promotional Bonus Cards are not valid for use February 13th - 16th, 2025.

Give gifts that truly keep giving

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Get one for your friends, family, teacher, spiritual leader, bartender or neighbor from Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World, The Harley-Davidson Museum, The Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee County Z00 or The Mitchell Park Domes. 

Surprise 'em with Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off tix

Treat the hockey fans in your life to the fourth annual Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off during which Wisconsin takes on Ferris State, and UConn squares off against Alaska Fairbanks. The semifinal winners will meet for the title game on Sunday, Dec. 29, along with the consolation match. Get the tickets and more info here.

Climb the rocks for a healthy New Year 

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An Adventure Rock experience is a fun, family-friendly offering that's redeemable at multiple locations in Milwaukee and suburban Milwaukee. Find out more here.

Sign 'em up for the OnMilwaukee Squad

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We're a little biased, but we think this is the ideal gift for people who like to get behind the scenes and try new things in Milwaukee. From private happy hours to secret tavern tours,  OnMilwaukee Squad memberships will definitely spice up 2025. Find out more here.