The thrill seeker in your life probably already has the helmet and the wetsuit, but they rarely turn down a new experience. For them, the best gift is a day they would never book for themselves: a drive, a flight, a climb or a swim.
The ideas below start with experience days, then move on to kit and reading for adventurers. Prices for experiences vary a lot by venue and time of year, so use the bands as a guide and check each provider’s age, height, weight and health restrictions before you buy.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through the shop links on this page. It never changes the price you pay or the ideas we choose.
Our three favourites
Experience days
The big gifts, usually sent as a voucher.
For the speed fanA supercar driving experience
A few laps in a fast car on a closed track is a bucket-list day for many people. Check the age limit, the licence requirements and the booking terms on the voucher.
Expect to pay £50–£100 in most UK shops.
For the freefall dreamerAn indoor skydiving session
A wind tunnel session offers the feeling of flying without jumping from a plane. Check the weight and height limits, and consider a second voucher so you can go together.
Expect to pay £50–£100 in most UK shops.
For the sky watcherA trial flying lesson
A short lesson in a light aircraft lets them take the controls with an instructor. Check the location, the weather policy and how long the voucher is valid.
Expect to pay £100+ in most UK shops.
For the wall scalerA climbing taster session
An instructor-led session at an indoor wall suits beginners and includes equipment. Check whether the centre needs a minimum age, and that your recipient is comfortable with heights.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Outdoor kit
Gear that goes wherever they go.
For filming the lotAn action camera
A small waterproof camera records bike rides, dives and hikes. Check the accessories included, such as mounts, and the memory card you will need.
Expect to pay £100+ in most UK shops.
A dry bag
A roll-top dry bag keeps phones, wallets and spare clothes dry on a boat or beach. Choose a capacity of around 10 or 20 litres, and a bright colour that is easy to spot.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the sensible daredevilA compact first aid kit
A small kit of plasters, dressings and wipes belongs in every rucksack. Check the contents and the expiry dates, and keep it where you can reach it quickly.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
On the water
For anyone who loves cold swims and rivers.
For the calm-water adventurerA paddleboarding session
A taster session on a lake or the coast includes board hire and instruction. Check that the venue provides a buoyancy aid and when the sessions run.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For wild swimmersA changing robe
A long, waterproof, fleece-lined robe makes changing outdoors warm and easy. Check the size and the length, as a longer cut gives more cover.
Expect to pay £50–£100 in most UK shops.
A waterproof phone pouch
A floating pouch protects a phone from rain and spray and lets them take photos on the water. Check the size against their phone and the rating on the packaging.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For the armchair days
For when the thrills are on the page.
A guidebook to wild swimming spots
A guidebook with maps and photos shows the best rivers, lakes and beaches to try. Choose the region they live in, and remind them to check conditions before getting in.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the adventure readerA book of true survival stories
Gripping real-life accounts of mountains, oceans and polar expeditions suit people who like a thrill from the sofa. Check which titles they have, as many adventurers have a long shelf.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Restrictions and fitness
Experience providers set age, height, weight and health limits, so check them before you buy. If the recipient has a medical condition or is pregnant, they should check with their GP first.
FAQ: questions people ask
What is a good gift for an adrenaline junkie?
An experience day such as a driving session, indoor skydiving or climbing usually delights. Check the age, height and health restrictions, and the voucher’s expiry date, before buying.
What are good gifts for someone who loves the outdoors?
A dry bag, a head torch, a first aid kit, a flask or a guidebook are all useful. Choose items that suit the activities they actually do.
Are experience vouchers a good idea?
They are a great idea for people who prefer memories to things. Check the validity period, the location and whether bookings are flexible, so they can use them without stress.
What cheap gifts suit a thrill seeker?
A waterproof phone pouch, a compact first aid kit, a good book or a pair of merino socks cost little and get used. Add a short note about a future adventure together.
Is it safe to give an extreme experience as a surprise?
It helps to check whether they are comfortable with heights, speed or water first. If you are not sure, give the voucher with a note and let them choose the date.
