Gifts that will last a lifetime
Sweaters and jewelry are so passé.
As consumers shy away from traditional gift categories this holiday, they're instead looking to surprise their loved ones with presents that play to the five senses.
While some of these ideas will put a dent your pocket book — a tour of Italy's art museums doesn't come cheap — there are also budget-friendly ways to give a gift that lasts longer than the two seasons fringe is in style.
For 10 gift ideas your loved one will never forget, click ahead.
— By CNBC's Krystina Gustafson
Posted 16 Nov. 2016
Surf lessons at New York Surf School
Price: $100 for a day-long camp
The winter blues are notorious for stirring up daydreams of the surf and the sand. So why not give the sun-loving adventurer in your life something to look forward to when it's warm?
Even people living in the concrete jungle can learn to surf at one of New York Surf School's camps, at nearby Rockaway Beach.
The group is already taking reservations for a daylong surf camp in summer 2016, which runs $100. If you're looking to spend a little more, there are also half-week and weeklong camps available for $259 and $399, respectively.
GoPro
Price: Starts at $129.99
Help them relive their memories by letting them record the adventure with a GoPro. There are several versions of the pint-size camera available, including this starter model that sells for $129.99.
Or you can go big with one of the more high-tech offerings, which go all the way up to the $499.99 Hero4Black.
A day at Drybar
Price: Varies
Pampering your significant other with a day at the spa is a perennial favorite gift idea. For a more modern twist, send her off to a Drybar salon, which specializes in styling hair for a night on the town.
The salons, which are predominantly located in California, Arizona and several major cities, also host private parties for a girl's night out. Cocktails are included.
Cooking class at Eataly
Price: $125
Learn to make gnocchi, Italian desserts or homemade pizza with the best. Eataly — the famed supermarket/restaurant/bar/cooking-school hybrid — offers an array of classes with its expert chefs.
When you're finished with your lesson, take a stroll through the Eataly's supermarket, which sells fresh cheese, meats and desserts. Or if you're at New York City's 5th Avenue location, head up to the roof for a beer at La Birreria.
Neiman Marcus Italy art tour
Price: $150,000
Why settle for American-made Italian food when you can get the real thing? Neiman Marcus' annual Christmas book is chock-full of luxury items that only the 1 percent can afford. One of this year's highlights is a seven-day tour of Italy, with stops in Florence and Venice.
For this six-figure price tag, the recipient and three guests will see masterpieces by Michelangelo, visit an 800-year-old ceramics factory and taste authentic Italian cuisine. The department store will also donate $10,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, which invests in organizations that provide art education.
Carry-on cocktail kit
Price: $24
Prepare them for the long flight to Italy with this carry-on cocktail kit. There are three versions, so you can pick your loved one's poison: Either an Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule or Gin & Tonic.
Each kit comes with all the fixings for its respective cocktail. All they'll need to do is hit the call button, so the flight attendant can add the liquor.
Porsche test track drive
Price: Varies
Earlier this year, Porsche opened a new headquarters in Atlanta, complete with its own racing track.
The luxury automaker offers several driving experiences, including a 1.5-hour $750 test run that pits a 911 Turbo versus a 911 GT3 — two models that are frequently at odds among supercar lovers.
Pandora subscription
Price: $4.99/month or $54.89/year
Nothing kills your vibe during the last leg of a run like hitting a commercial break.
By upgrading to Pandora One, your loved one can listen to the music service without being interrupted by ads. That's good news whether they're at the gym or providing the tunes at the afterparty.
Camping in the Finger Lakes
Price: Varies
Escape from the hustle and bustle by popping up a tent at Watkins Glen, in New York's Finger Lakes. Reserving a camp ground there costs between $18 and $30, providing an inexpensive escape from the everyday. The season runs from May 12 to Aug. 13.
Fighter pilot school
Price: Starting at $1,395
You're sure to rack up a big bill on this one, but can you really put a price on channeling Tom Cruise for a day? Through experience gifting site Cloud 9 Living, "Top Gun" enthusiasts have the option to enroll in basic air combat, which includes one hour of flight time, or a second option that features two 60-minute flights.