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Searching for the perfect gift for someone who’s in (or will be in) Chicago? Look no further, because we have all the best experience gifts in Chicago right here!
While it might be known for jazz, gangsters and pizza; there’s plenty more to Chicago than meets the eye. And what better way to help someone discover it than by gifting them a unique experience to find out more?
We’ve rounded up the best Chicago experience gifts in this guide, so you can choose from a curated list of the coolest Chicago experience gift ideas out there.
These experience gifts for Chicago have been organized by price point, so you can ensure you get your special someone an experience gift they’ll love, no matter your budget!
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If you can't quite settle on what experience gift to get, a Tinggly box is an awesome option. Offering hundreds of cool experiences around the world in one easily wrappable box, it's a foolproof pick that anyone will love.
Best Experience Gifts for Chicago Under $100
These are the best birthday experiences in Chicago, as well as ideas for any special occasion, that all come in under the $100 mark!
Photo by Neal Kharawala on Unsplash
This night-time walking tour is ideal for someone who wants to know more about Chicago's gangster history, as well as spooky ghost stories.
Photo by Zach Miles on Unsplash
For someone who's into yummy treats or finding the most Instagrammable donuts in Chicago, gift them this very cool underground donut tour to discover the best ones in the city!
Photo by Hide Obara on Unsplash
This experience is affordable even if you want to gift it to a couple, and what could be more romantic than watching the sun set over Chicago from Lake Michigan, drink in hand?
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
This experience is marketed as a self-guided tour, but also enables your recipient to skip the queues and long waiting times to try some of Chicago's best pizzas!
Photo by Nadim Merrikh on Unsplash
For architecture buffs or just those who like to explore a little differently, this kayaking excursion on the Chicago River is definitely a fun way to sightsee.
Photo by Emma Vendetta on Unsplash
A biking and eating tour is another wonderful way to experience four of Chicago's most famous food groups: pizza, hot dogs, brownies and beer!
Another affordable option, even if you want to gift two tickets so they can take a friend, is this fun Chicago escape room. Recipients will also be able to choose from 5 scenarios!
Photo by Gautam Krishnan on Unsplash
Sightseeing is always much nicer when you can do it while sitting down enjoying a meal, right? Gift your recipient this lunchtime cruise ticket if you know they agree.
For adrenaline-junkies who perhaps want to work up to skydiving for real, or someone who really doesn't like heights... this indoor skydiving experience would be ideal!
Chicago Experience Gift Ideas Between $100-$200
If you haven’t found the perfect Chicago experience gift yet, these options cost a little more than $100, but still stay under $200.
Photo by Liza Rusalskaya on Unsplash
If you know someone who is really passionate about art, then they will surely love being able to have a private VIP tour of the Chicago Art Institute before public opening hours!
Photo by Walter Martin on Unsplash
Brunch is always fun, and this brunch cruise means your recipient can see the best of Chicago from the water, while also enjoying delicious food and bubbles.
Photo by Markus Leo on Unsplash
Help someone see the sights while they're in Chicago with this pass that lets them enjoy four popular attractions, tours or experiences (from a list of more than 20) within 60 days.
Photo by Matthew Hamilton on Unsplash
This walking food tour takes participants to some of Chicago's best locations for food and drink, including The Loop and Chi-Town.
Photo by Lior Shapira on Unsplash
This experience is partly a tour of Chicago's "Little India", but includes food tasting, history and culture of the area as well as visiting a temple and getting a henna tattoo.
Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
A beer spa session is definitely a unique experience! This session in Chicago includes a sauna, beer spa and beer mask. A great gift for beer-lovers or those who need to relax.
Photo by Everton Vila on Unsplash
If you know a couple who might like something romantic to do in Chicago, get them this gift card so they can choose their favorite from over 20 options!
Chicago Experience Gifts Over $200
For some truly baller Chicago experience gift ideas, check out these options that cost more than $200, but will definitely make your recipient super happy!
Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash
For someone who's always dreamed of flying a plane, gift them this lesson so they can achieve the dream while seeing Chicago from the sky. A passenger is also included.
Photo by Victoria Elliott on Unsplash
This would definitely be a good pick if you're getting a gift for a couple, as a romantic dinner cruise overlooking the Chicago skyline wouldn't be so great solo.
Did We Miss Any Great Chicago Experience Gift Ideas?
Let us know about them in the comments!