Finding the perfect gift can be surprisingly difficult, especially when someone already seems to have everything. Another decorative item, kitchen gadget, or novelty present might earn a polite smile, but where will it end up six months later? Probably in a cupboard, on a shelf, or in the donation box during the next decluttering session.
What if the best gift is one that takes up absolutely no physical space? Experience gifts offer something different: memories instead of merchandise. Rather than adding to someone’s household possessions, you give them an opportunity to explore somewhere new, learn something fascinating, or enjoy an adventure they wouldn’t ordinarily book for themselves.
For true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, ghost-story lovers, and spouses who are notoriously difficult to shop for, a haunted history tour or overnight stay at a historic property could be the perfect surprise. Here are five memorable experiences worth giving instead of another thing to dust.
The Lizzie Borden house – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
1. Overnight at the Lizzie Borden House: A True-Crime Fan’s Dream Gift
Some gifts are difficult to forget, and spending the night at the scene of one of America’s most infamous unsolved murders certainly qualifies.
The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, is the actual home where Andrew and Abby Borden were murdered on August 4, 1892. Their daughter Lizzie was tried and acquitted, but the case remains one of America’s most enduring true-crime mysteries.
Today, the meticulously preserved Victorian home operates as an inn and museum. Guests can reserve rooms associated with the Borden family and other people connected to the case, including the Andrew and Abby suite. For an especially memorable present, you can even arrange an exclusive private house reservation for a group.
The experience goes beyond simply sleeping in a historic building. Visitors can book historical tours, evening ghost tours, and late-night investigations. Reports of unexplained activity add another layer of intrigue, although encounters are never guaranteed.
Perfect for: True-crime devotees, historical mystery enthusiasts, and anyone who considers an ordinary weekend getaway a little too predictable.
Gift idea: Arrange the overnight stay as a surprise and include a note revealing the address only after the recipient opens the gift.
A family friendly ghost tour – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
2. US Ghost Adventures Gift Certificate: Give Them an Entire Year of Adventures
What if you’re shopping for someone who loves ghost stories but lives nowhere near a famous haunted house? Or perhaps you’re not sure which destination they’d prefer to explore.
A US Ghost Adventures gift certificate offers a flexible alternative. The company operates ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and other spooky experiences across hundreds of cities. Its offerings include historic walking tours, crime and mystery experiences, and overnight stays at notable haunted properties.
Recipients can choose an adventure that suits their interests and travel plans rather than being tied to a specific date or location. They might explore the haunted streets of New Orleans, discover Civil War ghost stories in Gettysburg, or investigate the legends surrounding a historic hotel.
The company’s official gift shop offers gift certificates, tour gifts, and options for gifting overnight stays. That makes it particularly convenient for last-minute shoppers who would rather send a digital experience than wrap another physical present.
Perfect for: Ghost hunters, paranormal enthusiasts, curious travelers, and people who love experiences but prefer choosing their own schedules.
Gift idea: Pair the certificate with a handwritten invitation to join them. The shared experience may be the best part of the present.
The Brickhouse Inn – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
3. Stay at the Brickhouse Inn: Give the Gift of Gettysburg History
For someone who appreciates American history as much as a comfortable getaway, a stay at the Brickhouse Inn in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, makes an intriguing gift.
The inn includes the historic Welty House, a Civil War-era property that witnessed fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Confederate sharpshooters occupied the building, and its history includes accounts of soldiers being killed or wounded in and around the property.
Today, the Brickhouse Inn combines historic character with modern guest accommodations. Its rooms feature period details alongside amenities that make a comfortable weekend getaway.
For recipients interested in the property’s darker history, the inn also offers access to ghost tours and paranormal experiences. Guests can hear stories associated with the battlefield, historic buildings, and reportedly haunted locations throughout Gettysburg. The Historic Welty House Ghost Hunt even provides an opportunity to explore the building with investigative equipment.
Perfect for: Civil War enthusiasts, history buffs, couples, and anyone who appreciates a weekend away with a fascinating backstory.
Gift idea: Make it a complete getaway by pairing a stay with a battlefield tour and an evening ghost walk.
People enjoying a Tourismo experience – Copyright Tourismo
4. Tourismo: Experiences in More Than 200 Cities
Sometimes the best gift is the freedom to choose an adventure. Tourismo offers tours, activities, and overnight experiences in more than 200 cities across the United States and beyond. Its selection includes ghost tours, food experiences, historical walks, pub crawls, and other activities that encourage people to explore somewhere new.
That variety makes it an interesting resource when shopping for someone whose interests don’t fit neatly into one category. A history lover might enjoy discovering Philadelphia’s colonial past, while a ghost-story enthusiast could choose an evening walking tour in Savannah or Chicago. Someone who prefers culinary adventures might opt for a local food tour instead.
The appeal is that the recipient gets an experience tailored to their interests rather than another object selected on their behalf. Tourismo’s website allows visitors to browse experiences by destination and activity, making it easier to find something memorable.
Perfect for: Travelers, couples, curious explorers, and people who are notoriously difficult to shop for because their interests are always changing.
Gift idea: Choose an experience in a city the recipient already plans to visit. It gives them another reason to look forward to the trip.
The McInteer Villa – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
5. Spend the Night at McInteer Villa: A Victorian Adventure for the Fearless
For the person who thinks a haunted hotel is a little too tame, consider something considerably more unusual: an overnight experience at the McInteer Villa in Atchison, Kansas. Built in the late nineteenth century, this imposing Victorian mansion features ornate woodwork, elaborate architectural details, and a history filled with intriguing characters and local legends.
The property has accumulated reports of mysterious footsteps, unexplained noises, and shadowy figures. Its unusual atmosphere and fascinating history have made it a popular destination among ghost enthusiasts.
In 2026, a preservation and restoration project began that truly improved the visitor experience. The property’s overnight opportunities make it particularly appealing to groups looking for something beyond a conventional bed-and-breakfast stay. Check current booking arrangements and accommodations before purchasing, as the transition may affect available packages.
Perfect for: Adventurous couples, paranormal investigators, Victorian architecture enthusiasts, and friends who enjoy testing their courage.
Gift idea: Organize a group getaway. A night exploring a historic mansion is considerably more memorable when shared with friends.
Give Memories, Not More Things
The next time you’re struggling to find the perfect present, consider whether the recipient really needs another possession. A cupboard full of unused gifts isn’t nearly as valuable as a collection of unforgettable experiences.
Whether it’s investigating the Lizzie Borden House, exploring Gettysburg’s haunted history, or discovering a Victorian mansion in Kansas, experience gifts offer something that doesn’t require additional storage space.
They create stories, encourage exploration, and sometimes bring people together in unexpected ways. When the adventure is over, the recipient gets to keep the memories without having to find room for another thing.
