If you’re still on the hunt for last-minute presents, mix things up by gifting experiences that resonate long after the holiday season is over. From unique culinary tours to outdoor adventures, these Memphis-centric gift ideas will create memories that last a lifetime.
We’ve updated last year’s guide with some fun new ideas! If you still need inspiration for those final few stocking stuffers, don’t miss our Memphis 50 Under $50 Gift Guide.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Ballet Memphis
We have the perfect gift for the dance lover in your life. Ballet Memphis offers memorable experiences year-round that make thoughtful and unique gifts — including family-friendly events and professional performances. Your giftee can even take instructional ballet, salsa, and jazz classes taught by professional dancers.
Brooks Museum Membership
For visual arts enthusiasts, a Memphis Brooks Museum membership is an ideal holiday gift. Memberships start at $75 and include unlimited free museum admission and entry to Art Open Late Events, plus exclusive invitations to other events and reciprocal memberships at 200 other museums!
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
A Dixon Gallery & Gardens membership will offer your loved one access to inspiring art and horticultural experiences all year round. Distinguished by its innovative programs, Dixon features a permanent collection of more than 2,000 objects, including French and American Impressionist paintings and significant German and English porcelain holdings. Immerse yourself in the expansive campus, which includes the public garden. Plus, a membership to Dixon supports exhibitions and programs that help build meaningful connections within the Memphis community.
Graceland
Whether you’re an Elvis fan or visiting Memphis for the first time, Graceland is a magical experience. Beyond a wide variety of tour options that include the estate and on-site exhibitions, you can also gift a stay at The Guest House at Graceland, the resort located just steps from the iconic Graceland mansion itself.
Memphis Listening Lab Membership
For music lovers, a membership at Memphis Listening Lab makes a fantastic gift. MML’s music collection is vast and diverse, and its facilities are equipped with various cozy spaces for guests to settle in and listen. While it’s free to visit, the annual membership option ($120 per year) includes a t-shirt, merchandise discounts, and exclusive event invitations. Plus, MLL is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so memberships help fund its mission of making music accessible to all.
Metalwork Classes
The Metal Museum offers various art classes, ranging from welding and blacksmithing to fine metal jewelry-making. Explore the full roster of classes here.
Orpheum Theatre
The upcoming theater season is packed with Tony Award winners and beloved Broadway hits. Make someone on your Christmas list extra happy with season tickets to the Orpheum Theatre. The historic Memphis venue has hosted countless legendary performances, and the 2025 lineup includes titles like Hamilton, Some Like It Hot, The Wiz, and more.
Festival Tickets
Every year, Memphis plays host to a variety of food, music, and fitness festivals. Though many festivals won’t release ticket sales in time for the holidays, you can already snag tickets to the Riverbeat Music Festival, returning to Tom Lee Park May 2-4, 2025!
DRINKS + DINING
Afternoon Tea
Book an afternoon tea at the famous Chez Philippe, located at The Peabody Hotel. Reservations are available Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 3:30 p.m., and the service includes multiple courses of sweet and savory treats. (Check out this recent article for more afternoon tea services around Memphis!)
Tastin’ ‘Round Town’s Memphis Culinary Tours
Calling all culinary enthusiasts! Tastin’ Round Town offers a unique (and delicious) experience. Memphis Culinary Tours provides a variety of unique food excursions at the birthplace of the blues and barbecue. Each tour is designed to include tastings from specialty eateries and an off-the-beaten-path glimpse of the Mississippi Delta’s history, culture, architecture, and entertainment offerings.
Old Dominick Distillery Tour
Did you know Memphis has its own distillery downtown? For $15, you can book a “Making the Memphis Spirit” experience at Old Dominick Distillery, which includes the tour itself, a curated spirits tasting, and a souvenir guidebook. The more in-depth “Beyond the Barrel” experience includes discussions with experts and additional tastings for $50. Reservations are highly encouraged!
Memphis Brew Bus
Does your giftee prefer beer over spirits? The Memphis Brew Bus tour is a whole afternoon of enjoying the craft brewing scene in the 901. The private tours are held on Saturday afternoons and include a behind-the-scenes look at three breweries around town. The cost is $59 per person and includes transportation and a beer at each stop. Book your tour here.
GREYS Fine Cheese and Entertaining Classes
This is the gift for lovers of all things wine and cheese — and you may want to tag along. Every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., GREYS Fine Cheese hosts a workshop focused on cheese pairings, party hosting, and more. Spots fill up fast, and prices vary based on the topic, so reach out to the folks at greyscheese.com for availability.
OUTDOORS + ADVENTURE
Memphis Botanic Garden
If your family or friends love connecting with the outdoors, gift them an annual membership to the Memphis Botanic Garden, which covers the cost of entry and includes members-only benefits such as exclusive access to special events and complimentary guest passes. Memphis Botanic Garden’s 96-acre property includes 30 specialty gardens, which provide an in-depth look into various families of plants, flowers, and trees.
Memphis Riverboat Cruises
Take in views of the city from the river! Memphis Riverboat cruises down the Mississippi start at only $25 for a standard sightseeing tour, or you can book a more extravagant “Sunday Blues” lunch tour and even a dinner cruise.
Memphis Zoo Membership
For the animal enthusiast, consider a membership to the Memphis Zoo! The zoo offers an abundance of fun activities for all ages. Stroll through educational animal exhibits and fabulous architecture, and enjoy exciting interactive experiences such as a Giraffe Feeding Adventure or Camel Excursion Rides. The Memphis Zoo is guaranteed to have something for everyone!
Rock Climbing
High Point Rock Climbing offers climbing sessions and instruction at its indoor gym and outdoor guided excursions. You can purchase a gift card for a flat amount and allow your loved one to choose their own adventure, or you can buy a day pass, day pass package, or full membership. Gear rental is available on-site!
Treetop Adventures
Have any adrenaline junkies on your list? They’ll be thrilled to step outside their comfort zone for an exhilarating outdoor adventure. With ziplines, Tarzan swings, and other suspension activities, Go Ape! Treetop Adventures allows you to experience a thrilling high ropes course amid the stunning scenery at Shelby Farms Park.
The two- to three-hour aerial experience begins with safety training and getting fitted for a harness. After that, it’s time to climb rope ladders, walk across wobbly bridges, and take epic zipline rides.
SELF-CARE GIFTS
Skincare Services
A gift card to A Beautiful You Medical Spa in East Memphis is the perfect present for those interested in pampering and self-care. From laser hair removal and HydraFacials to microneedling and chemical peels, patients leave feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and confident. What more could you ask for?
Float, Sauna & Massage
Gift an hour or two of serenity with services like float therapy, infrared sauna sessions, aromatherapy, massage, and even rain showers at Jasper Float Spa on Main Street. Snag a gift card, purchase services individually, or opt for a package like The Weekend Warrior Wellness Experience ($119), which includes a 30-minute massage, a 30-minute float session with a guided meditation, and a wellness shot to sip for relaxation.
The Perfect Fit
At A Fitting Place, the in-store lingerie specialists are trained to help you find the perfect size, fit, and style. To schedule an appointment, call (901) 683-0210.
SPORTS + GAMING
Arcade Session
Consider taking arcade game-loving friends and family for an outing to Flip Side, Memphis’s first official pinball club. There are 16 on-site pinball machines, along with foosball, darts, billiards, and a full food and drink menu. Perfect for a full afternoon of fun!
Memphis Grizzlies Tickets
Get in the good graces of Grizzlies fans with tickets to an upcoming game or even a 10-Game Flex Pack. Flex Pack pricing starts at $30 per game. View the schedule for the remainder of the season here.
Tee Time at Birdie’s
For golf enthusiasts or anyone who loves to master a new game, Birdie’s on South Main is a sure bet. Enjoy virtual indoor golf simulators (tailored to right- or left-handedness), plus plenty of bites and drinks. Simulators can be booked for $40 per hour.
This list barely scratches the surface of the fun experiences around Memphis, but we hope we’ve inspired a few new ways to make memories with the ones you love!
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