I'm sure we can all agree that after spending so much time at home this year, we need less stuff and more experiences. After all, research has shown that getting among something new leaves a meaningful mark on our memories.
So whether it's their birthday, a Valentine's Day gift, or just because, we're encouraging you to skip the impersonal candle and opt for helping your loved ones make next year truly magical. The best part? It takes absolutely minimal effort, thanks to BananaLab's experience gift boxes. A single gift box offers hundreds of epic travel and foodie experiences, from blissful wine tastings to culinary adventures. To help you get started, we've rounded up our top picks in and around Melbourne—you're welcome.
Italian Dinner Experience
Windsor
Something about the words' Italian dinner experience' just makes us weak at the knees. A notch above your typical pizza night, Farro is here to show your tastebuds a good time with their take on an immersive Italian feast. From complimentary Prosecco to a mix of Antipasti, pizza, pasta and of course, tiramisu, you can't go wrong.
Get among this experience with the Bucket List Gift Box.
Overnight Escape To The Grampians Tobacco Kiln
Moutajup
Breathe in a bout of fresh air with a soul-awakening escape to Moutajup and the Grampians. An overnight stay at the Grampians Tobacco Kiln will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Take a moment to slow down and soak up the history of this quaint, rustic cottage and its enchanting landscape. You'll also score chocolates, wine, breakfast, a farm tour and a local dinner while you're there—how good.
Get among this experience with the Ultimate Gift Box.
Cinnamon Bay Dinner At Seasons5
Point Cook
Enjoy a proper 'treat yourself' moment with a decadent three-course dinner at Cinnamon Bay (part of Seasons5 resort). It's all about flavour here, shining a light on Australian cuisine infused with Asian influences. Favourites include bao buns stuffed with calamari or Kuro prawns or melt-in-your-mouth confit duck legs.
Get among this experience with the Bucket List Gift Box.
Jardin Tan Lunch Experience
South Yarra
Switch up your typical weekend outing with a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens and Jardin Tan restaurant. Settle in among the peaceful greenery and dig into an expertly constructed French-Vietnamese menu. The food here boasts big flavour, featuring seasonal produce grown from the kitchen gardens. Plus, the complimentary bottle of rosé doesn't hurt either.
Get among this experience with the Moments of Wanderlust Gift Box.
Cocktails And Canapes
Southbank, Melbourne
Views, snacks and cocktails—we dare you to try and name a more perfect evening out. Take things to new heights at Eureka 89, where you'll be treated to the full-on Skydeck experience for two, followed by some sip-worthy cocktails at the bar. Enjoy a choice of international flavours like the Lychee Blossom with Soho lychee liqueur or the Caribbean Sunshine with rum. And let's not forget the all-important cheeseboard, of course.
Get among this experience with the Bucket List Gift Box.
Cocktails And Cheese Platter
Melbourne CBD
Lap up lavish views and creative cocktails at Lui Bar, which boasts some of the best vistas in Melbourne. Whether it's brilliant blue skies, a candy floss sunset or the twinkling night lights, you just can beat a seat at this watering hole. Signature sips include the Myrtle Collins with lemon and aniseed myrtle, the Lui's Lamington with cold brew and coconut cream, plus many more.
Get among this experience with the Bucket List Gift Box.
Oakridge Estate Winery Experience
Coldstream
Embrace the vineyard vibes and make tracks to Oakridge Estate in Coldstream. You'll be treated to spectacular views, alongside a tasting of the top-notch 864 range (including a sip of the Chardonnay of the Year). Teamed with an indulgent produce platter, there's no better way to spend a lazy Saturday.
Get among this experience with the Table for Two Gift Box.
Winery And Tasting Experience On The Peninsula
Yarra Valley
Leave nothing on the table with this next-level tour around the Yarra Valley's tastiest spots. Sip back and relax at local wineries and breweries, downing the best brews, cider and vino around. Get among the cheese at Main Ridge Dairy, and hit Green Olive at Red Hill and the Strawberry Farm for even more bites. Round it out with a dreamy gourmet lunch and chocolate tasting—it's a yes from us.
Get among this experience with the Ultimate Gift Box.
Romantic Luxury Escape With Dinner
St Kilda
Transform your weekend from streetview to sky-high with a staycation at View Hotel. The name says it all, really—spend two nights enjoying iconic views of the Melbourne skyline from your well-appointed room. What's more, you can bank on dinner for two with this one at Woods Restaurant. Now that's the definition of luxury.
Get among this experience with the Ultimate Gift Box.
Scotchmans Hill Winery Tasting
Drysdale
It's anything but dry at Scotchmans Hill in Drysdale. Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves. Level-up your day trip with a stop at the Cellar Door, where you'll be treated to an exclusive wine tasting over a three-cheese board. And it doesn't stop there. You'll also be gifted a bottle of Swan Bay wine to keep the good times going at home.
Get among this experience with the Table for Two Gift Box.
Tick off your festive to-do list with BananaLab's experience gift boxes. With a winning selection of food, wine, travel, and adventure experiences on offer, they have you and your loved ones covered.
Editor's note: This article is sponsored by BananaLab and proudly endorsed by Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.