16th Birthday Gift Ideas With A Difference

Finding the perfect birthday gift for someone’s 16th is no mean feat – not only are you trying to find a perfect gift for a teenager, the period of a person’s life when it is notoriously most difficult to please them, but it’s also hard to find something which isn’t aimed at those who are older or younger. Although traditionally there is a gap between the 16th birthday and the coming of age one experiences when turning 18, we have plenty of 16th birthday gift ideas which will make the recipient feel as though they have reached a milestone without drawing attention to all the things that their age still prevents them from doing.

One of the most important moments in any teenager’s life is the point at which they can apply for their driving licence and for many teens that actually seems further away the closer it gets. If you know someone approaching their 16th birthday who can’t wait to get behind the wheel, you can give them a taste of what it will be like with junior driving experience days. With a wide variety of amazing cars available for teens to drive, they can try cars which will be beyond their wildest dreams, such as Ferraris, Aston Martins, Lamborghinis and Audis. If they are up to the challenge, they can even try rally driving and find out what it’s like to travel sideways, cornering at incredible speeds and learning how the pros keep their wheels on the ground as they zip around the track.

Perhaps you know a teenager who has a hankering for high flying, in which case you could treat them to a flying lesson, taking to the air with a qualified instructor who will show them how all the controls work and give them a chance to manoeuvre the aircraft themselves. Maybe you know a young superstar in the making who would love the chance to put their skills to the test in a professional recording studio and you can give them the chance with a 16th birthday gift that they will never forget. Whoever you are buying a 16th birthday gift for, you can be sure you’ll find the perfect present at Activity Superstore.

Off roading gifts – not for the faint hearted

Finding birthday gift ideas for someone who is a bit of a dare devil can be tricky because you want to give them something exciting, but what is the best way to treat them to a white knuckle thrill? Off road driving is an experience that will test the mettle of anyone, no matter how brave they think they are. Unlike most driving experiences, speed is not the key when it comes to 4x4s, and actually the slower you go the more of a rush you get when it comes to some of the more dramatic obstacles.

There are a variety of off road vehicles to choose from, including some of the most incredible machines you will ever see, let alone get the chance to drive - the American Monster truck. These behemoths are incredible to look at, with their huge wheels and vast suspensions systems, and are capable of driving feats which make most cars look fairly pathetic in comparison such as jumping massive ramps and even driving over other cars which is something that drivers actually get to do with one of out monster truck experience gifts.

For those who prefer to do their off roading in a vehicle which is a little more familiar, we also have a range of experiences which involve driving vehicles which you might see on the roads. You will be amazed at what these cars can do, especially if you have the nerve to take on the whole range of obstacles and challenges, which typically include steep hills, large ditches, mud, water and other rough terrain specifically deigned to get the most from these versatile vehicles. It may seem as though you’re about to flip over or slide backwards, but if you can keep your head and try to forget about the laws of gravity then you will find that you can push them to their limits.

So if you’re looking for a birthday gift idea for an adrenaline junky, then look no further than our wide range of off road driving experiences and they will be sure to celebrate with a smile.

Give A Foodie Friend The Ultimate Birthday Gift

Most people like a nice meal, but for some, their interest goes one step further. If you know someone whose idea of relaxing with a good book means flicking through recipes and planning their ideal dinner party menu then you might be the friend of a foodie. Fortunately for you, not only do food fanatics make great hosts if you’re lucky enough to be invited round for dinner, but with our Ultimate Choice for Food Lovers gift pack you will never be stuck for a birthday gift idea again.

Not only have we selected some of the very best in food related experience days, but because there are thirty of them to choose from, you can be sure that the lucky recipient will be able to pick the perfect present to suit their culinary tastes. There are plenty of taste-bud tingling choices including a wide variety of cooking classes where they can learn anything they could possibly want, from creating delicious vegetarian dishes to tantalising Thai treats. They can even choose to learn the tricks of the trade from a celebrity chef and discover how they make everything look so easy even in the pressurised environment of a television studio.

For those whose interest in food focuses on the eating rather than the preparation, there are plenty of options to enjoy a meal with a difference when you give them an ultimate choice pack as a birthday gift.

An Edwardian dining experience is one which you won’t find just anywhere and includes opulent surroundings and atmosphere as well as a delicious six course meal which adheres to authentic recipes from the period some of which may surprise even the most dedicated food fan. Perhaps they prefer a meal with a swing in which case they can choose a jazz dining experience and enjoy eating delicious fare whilst listening to smooth music which evokes the spirit of turn of the century America.

However your foodie friend prefers to express their love of fine dining, an ultimate choice pack makes a perfect birthday gift idea and you never know, they might just invite you round to show you what they have learned.

Tasty Treats Make Great Birthday Gift Ideas

We all know someone who likes to know what they are talking about when it comes to what they are drinking, but the world of wine tasting can seem like a confusing combination of obscure terminology and unlikely sounding tastes and aromas. Fortunately, the modern world of wine doesn’t need to be so complex and anyone can learn how to appreciate what is in their glass without needing to spend a fortune or memorise a long list of ‘perfect years’. Our wine tasting experience days are the ideal way to pick up a working knowledge of wine tasting and make great birthday gift ideas for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of what they are drinking.

For those who didn’t know it, there are actually quite a few prestigious vineyards in the UK, producing wine despite what we might think of as inclement weather conditions. A tour of one of these vineyards is a great way to learn all about the process of viticulture, or grape growing for those not yet in the know, and how advancing technology and increased understanding of the science behind growing the perfect grape has allowed growers in this country to storm the market with wines which more than hold their own against those from the more temperate climates.

There is a lot to learn about the process of growing, picking and pressing grapes and how each stage affects the taste of the end product, so if you are casting around for birthday gift ideas for someone with an interest in all things alcoholic, then it makes a perfect present.

Anyone who really likes to make the most of a chance to enjoy the more decadent things in life might appreciate a Champagne tasting and lunch experience. Traditionally the finest way to celebrate a special occasion, Champagne has a fascinating history so they can learn all about its origins whilst sampling the produce of some of the most renowned Champagne houses.

A wine or Champagne tasting experience are perfect birthday gift ideas for anyone who would like to broaden their knowledge of the wines, how they are made and how to make the most of tasting them.

Birds Of Prey

Birds have long been a source of fascination for people around the world and there are thousands of keen bird fans in this country who like nothing more than to watch these magnificent creatures as they soar through the skies. If you know someone with an interest in our feathery friends, then we have a range of birthday gift ideas which will give them the chance to get up close and personal with some of the more unusual and incredible birds around.

Maybe you are trying to find the perfect present for someone who has an affinity with owls, long considered to be the wisest of all birds, not least by such mighty minds as Winnie the Pooh, in which case owl handling experience days is the best way to learn more about these incredible creatures. You can learn about the history of using owls as hunting animals, experience the thrill of holding an owl on your arm and get the chance to fly a selection of owls which might include barn owls and snowy owls.

Perhaps you are searching for birthday gift ideas for a family who are bird mad and would love the excitement of seeing some of the rare species up close, and a trip to the Beamish Wild Birds of Prey Conservation Centre could be just the thing to put a smile on all their faces. The specially designed habitat has been created to ensure that the birds that live there can enjoy their lives as naturally as possible.

There are a wide variety of birds at the centre, including bald eagles, golden eagles, African white backed vultures and Snowy Owls. There are flying demonstrations everyday where you can see what the birds can learn to do and experience some of what they can do, and even have your photo taken with a bird in a unique opportunity which includes the whole family.

Bird lovers everywhere can enjoy a special and fun day out with one of our great birthday gift ideas, whether you want to give someone the chance to experience the thrill of holding a bird of prey or just watch them as they enjoy their natural environment.

The Birthday Gift Idea Of Kings

Although football seems to dominate the sports news for most of the year, horse racing has long been one of the most popular sports in this country and shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to thinking of birthday gift ideas for a sports fan. Not only are the races themselves exciting, but when you have a flutter on the outcome it takes the adrenaline rush to a whole new level, especially when you win.

A gift experience where the recipient can discover what happens behind the scenes in the world of horse racing is a fascinating and fun way to find out how the sport of kings works from the inside and makes an unusual and interesting birthday gift idea.

The day will start off with a tour of a trainer’s stable where the horses are kept in preparation for their big event and put through their paces to ensure that they have what it takes to be a winner. Then it’s off to the gallops, the appropriately named exercise yard where the horses get a chance to warm up, stretch their legs and prepare themselves for the race ahead.

The final destination is the members’ enclosure from where you can watch all the action close up, and because you will be with the experts, you can learn about form, how to place a bet and how to pick a winner. We can’t guarantee that you will make a fortune on the horses, but you will learn plenty about the sport, how the odds are worked out, how to judge which horse stands the best chance of romping home first leaving you with the winning ticket.

Anyone with a competitive streak who likes the thrill of an adrenaline rush will love the chance to learn more about the world of horse racing. It’s not all big hats and wax jackets – you might be surprised at how many people like to have a flutter on the odd race, and the added fun of seeing behind the scenes only makes it more exciting. You can give someone a day to remember which might make a life long interest, making these birthday gift ideas with a real difference.

Crafty Birthday Gift Ideas

Everyone has their own way of expressing their creativity, whether it’s an integral part of their lifestyle or something as simple as wearing a quirky tie to work. But there are those who enjoy getting a little crafty in their spare time, creating something unique and personal that they can treasure for ever as a reminder of their artistic achievements and abilities. Anyone looking for a birthday gift idea for someone who has hidden creative talents can find something to suit their skills in our range of experience days.

Perhaps you have a friend with an artistic side who has yet to find the perfect medium through which to express themselves in which case pottery painting could be the perfect present. They can decorate an item of their choice in a style to suit them and they will have a personalised and practical piece of pottery to cherish forever. Or there are those who like to express themselves in a slightly less permanent way, and decorating cupcakes could give them an outlet for their art which is as tasty as it is beautiful and which everyone will want to enjoy with them.

If you know someone with grander ideas than one piece of art, then why not consider a birthday gift idea which will offer them a chance to let their creativity loose on their whole house.

Our interior design course will give them a chance to learn everything they need to know about how to make the most of their home, creating a beautiful and comfortable space which reflects their personality. Maybe they would appreciate something a little simpler such as card making so they can learn to produce personalised cards to suit any special occasion.

There are so many ways to be creative, from painting to pottery and everything in between, that you can find the perfect way to nurture someone’s artistic talents and find a birthday gift ideas which will really make their day.

Best Gardens To Visit In England

There is a reason why some of our best-loved gift ideas are the ones we come back to time and time again – we know that they will be appreciated and they are a good way to show someone that you’ve been thinking of them. But could you find experience days that will do the same job? We think so, and we have a whole host of birthday gift ideas which are a new twist on the gifts that we all know so well.

Instead of giving someone flowers this year, why not give them a whole garden? You can send them on a garden design course where experts will teach them everything they need to know about planning, planting and ensuring that their garden looks beautiful all year round. Or you could give them a chance to tour some of the most spectacular gardens in the country with a tour around the grounds of some of the country’s best maintained estates.

Perhaps they would like to learn about the wonders of organic gardening, and a membership to Garden Organic is a great way to find out everything you could wish to know about starting and maintaining an organic garden, making these great birthday gifts for gardeners and those who are just starting to get their hands dirty.

If chocolates are more your choice of gift, then why not put an unusual twist on it for someone’s special day? A gourmet chocolate tasting experience is a great birthday gift idea for anyone with a sweet tooth, and this is a chance to taste some of the finest hand-crafted chocolates from around the world. Or maybe you would like to bring out their creative side with a chocolate making experience gift, which will see them making and decorating their own delicious sweets and learning about the process of chocolate making from the cocoa bean to the chocolate we see every day.

So if you want to break with tradition and come up with a birthday gift ideas that is a little bit special, then you should consider one of our range of fun and fabulous experience gifts.

Things To Do On The Thames

The River Thames may be one of the most famous in the country, and what with running through the heart of the capital it has seen plenty of action over the years, but how many of us actually take a trip down the Thames rather than just walking across it on one of the many bridges which span its waters. Fortunately for anyone who is keen to explore London from a new perspective, we have a range of experience days, and they also make ideal birthday gift ideas so you can treat someone to something just a little different.

To enjoy the Thames in timeless style, a cruise is definitely a great way to travel, and our sightseeing lunch cruise on the Thames combine delicious food with informative commentary to give you an insight into the world as seen from the river.  You can relax and enjoy the sights, such as the Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern and the Tower of London all from the comfort of a luxury vessel.

For those who prefer to experience the wilder side of the river, a Thames Rib experience will definitely give you a thrill as you take to the water in one of these inflatable boats. Your tour will take you along the Thames giving you a chance to enjoy the sights, but you will also go as far as the Thames Barrier, notable as the world’s second largest moveable flood barrier and a truly incredible sight to behold. Suitable for both adults and children, a rib ride makes an ideal birthday gift idea for anyone with a sense of adventure.

If you want to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Thames without actually taking to the waters, then a Champagne tasting and lunch on the banks of the Thames is a truly decadent way to take in the river. With a wide selection of Champagnes to taste and a tasty lunch, this is yet another great birthday gift ideas for anyone with a taste for the finer things in life.

A night on the town

The stresses and strains of daily life mean that sometimes all you want to do by the time evening rolls around is flop down on the sofa, switch on the television and vegetate until it’s time to drag yourself up to bed to start the cycle again. But sometimes you need to inject a little life into the old routine, and it’s amazing how having something to look forward to can give you the energy you need to get your glad rags on and enjoy a night out on the town that you’ll never forget. So, if you know someone who would benefit from having something to look forward to, then we have a range of birthday gift ideas which will give them a treat.

Whatever the birthday boy or girl’s idea of a great night out, you can find the perfect present to suit them, from a traditional night including dinner and a show in the West End of London to more unusual experience days. Perhaps they would enjoy the spectacle of a night at a summer concert, where classical music is accompanied by fireworks and the glory of nature making it a night to remember for everyone. Or maybe they would prefer a night of stand up comedy, where the most talented acts on the circuit will have them rolling in the aisles as they dish out their own brand of laughs.

For anyone with a sense of fun who likes to try something completely new our cabaret nights are the perfect birthday gift idea. Not only are they completely different from your traditional night out, but the element of tongue-in-cheek fun and slightly saucy nature of the entertainment is redolent of the Moulin Rouge.

With a variety of performers, from burlesque dancers to circus acts and everything in between, a cabaret night really is a break from the routine, and one which might even prove addictive.

Whatever your idea of the perfect night out, we have such a wide range of experience gifts that you are sure to find the perfect birthday gift ideas to suit anyone’s tastes.

Birthday Gift Ideas for Golfers

Almost everyone knows a keen golfer who loves nothing more than the chance to play a round and of course spend a little time analysing their form at the nineteenth hole. So if you’re looking for birthday gift ideas for a golfing fan, then you have come to the right place as we have a range of golfing gifts to suit players of any skill level and at prices to suit any budget.

Perhaps you know someone who dreams of playing on some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious courses, but doesn’t have the budget to jet across the globe. Fortunately for them we have the perfect birthday gift idea which will allow them to test their mettle on the most impressive courses in the world without leaving the UK.

Our indoor golf experience days is a state of the art computer simulator which comprises infra red curtains to track the movement, speed and spin of the ball and can tell players exactly where it would land on the course. There’s no chance of rain stopping play, they never have to wait for the players in front to play through and if they ever do find themselves enjoying an exotic holiday they can tackle the local course knowing what to expect.

For a golfer who just wants to improve their swing, make their putting a little more consistent or learn how the conquer the mental side of the game with some help from a professional, the a lesson with a PGA pro might be just the birthday gift idea you have been looking for. With a choice of over 130 instructors in locations across the UK, there is sure to be one nearby and the instruction they give is invaluable when it comes to improving any aspect of their game.

Anyone looking for birthday gift ideas for a golfer, whether they are a fanatic or just a beginner, can find the perfect present in our range of golfing gift experiences and with prices starting from just £15 there are plenty of ideas which won’t break the bank.

Birthday gift ideas for Ferrari Fans

The history of the Ferrari is long and fascinating, and starts with the dream of Enzo Ferrari who wanted to produce racing cars and never intended to create a range of road cars. Famously disdainful of customers who wanted to drive a Ferrari of their own, the road models were only ever designed to fund the racing team. Fortunately for those who have fallen in love with these incredible vehicles, the commercial success of the models which are available for purchase means that there is an array of incredible vehicles to choose from for anyone who wants to get behind the wheel of one of these Italian stallions.

If you know someone who is a firm Ferrari fan, then we have a great range of birthday gift ideas which are the perfect way to give them a chance to drive the kind of car which is usually only available to those with Formula One pay cheques. Our Ferrari thrill experience days are the perfect way to give someone the ride of their life without breaking the bank, and they can drive either a Ferrari 360 or a 355 at a top track so that they can feel the sheer speed that characterises these amazing cars.





For those who want to really wow someone with a birthday gift idea to remember for life, you can choose the Ultimate Driving Challenge at Silverstone. This really is a chance to find out just what makes a supercar so super as the lucky driver gets to test out nine different top-of-the-range vehicles, including the Ferrari 360 and see how they match up to one another. How many people can give an informed opinion as to how the Ferrari stacks up against the Porsche 911, a Lotus Exige, a Caterham and more? Well this is a chance to put someone into the elite club of those who can.

So if you know someone who is itching to get their hands on the wheel of these iconic vehicles, our range of Ferrari driving experiences make the perfect birthday gift ideas for even the most dedicated speed demon.

Animal experiences in Scotland

If you are looking for birthday gift ideas for an animal lover living in Scotland, then we have a wide variety of experience days which are sure to put a smile on their faces. No matter what their favourite animal, we have plenty of ways to make their birthday go with a bang north of the border.

One of the more unusual ways to surprise someone for their birthday is a trip to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre where the only herd of free-ranging reindeer in the UK can be found enjoying the countryside around the Cairngorm Mountains. Any animal lover will enjoy the chance to see them in their natural environment and learn about their habits, how similar some of their traits are to humans and pick which of the fifty-strong herd they would like to adopt for the year.

For those who prefer to explore life under the sea, Scotland is also home to not one, but two Sea Life Centres, and entrance to these makes a great birthday gift idea for anyone who enjoys discovering what lies beneath. The West Highlands are the site of the first Sea Life Centre to be opened in 1979, and it would be fair to say that they have come a long way since then.

Accommodating a wide variety of marine life from the waters surrounding the British Isles and tropical fish from further afield, all cared for in special habitats designed to replicate their native waters and with an emphasis on conservation and education. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays and exhibitions, witness feeding demonstrations and learn anything they could wish to know from the friendly and knowledgeable staff who are on hand to give you an insight into what life is like underwater.

Scotland is bursting with fascinating animal life and the chance to discover species both native and those from further afield, so you can find the perfect birthday gift ideas for anyone with an interest in the creatures with whom we share the planet.

Birthday Gift Ideas for Mums

In some ways, your mum is the hardest person to buy a gift for because no matter how much you want to show her that you appreciate her it can be hard to find a birthday gift idea which really shows how much you care. That’s why we have come up with a range of great birthday gift ideas to help you find the perfect present so no matter what your mum likes doing, you can find the perfect birthday present from our experience days range.

For many people, their mums are the hardest working people they know, so what better way to demonstrate your gratitude for her efforts than a day of relaxation and being pampered like never before? Our range of spa days and beauty treatments include everything your mum could wish for, from manicures to massages, pedicures to relaxing in the pool.





Maybe your mum wants to get away from everything and have some time completely to herself in which case a flotation experience is the ideal birthday gift idea. The soothing atmosphere is the perfect way to relax and really get away from the stresses and strains of every day life and she will leave feeling completely invigorated.

Perhaps your mum is more into action and adventure, and if that’s the case then we definitely have the perfect experience gift. Maybe she would like to take control of an airplane and find out what it’s like to keep a hunk of metal aloft with just the help of your instructor to overcome gravity. Perhaps your mum is the kind of person who really likes to get up close and personal with the natural world, in which case a chance to meet the big cats at a wildlife park will really give her a thrill.

Whatever you Mum enjoys doing we have the perfect birthday gift ideas to make her special day really go with a bang.

Birthday Gift Ideas For The 21st Century

Although our grandparents always talked about a time when the local shopping centre was a field and people made their own entertainment, modern technology has produced a myriad of entertaining experience gifts. Some of them are more ubiquitous than others, but all of them rely on the fact that our society is now capable of incredible feats of technological achievement which would have seemed like magic just a few generations ago, but make great birthday gift ideas for 21st century celebrations.

The internal combustion engine may not be a 21st century invention, but the way that the motor car’s popularity spread has meant that some of the finest minds in engineering are working on ways to make them faster, more efficient and to find new ways of powering them. The Ariel Atom is perhaps one of the most innovative vehicles in motoring today, and combines a modern understanding of aerodynamics and our increasing ability to harness power in one groundbreaking vehicle. The chance to drive one of these amazing vehicles is a birthday gift idea that will really make the recipient appreciate modern motoring.





Another way that the development of technology has improved our lives is when it comes to safety – now pilots can take to the air in a virtual aeroplane for training in how to deal with emergencies without any risk. A beneficial side effect of this is that those who just want to feel what it would be like to take the controls of a passenger aircraft can have a go, with an airplane simulator experience. Now anyone can be master of the skies and feel the thrill of a perfect take off and landing without worrying about lengthy training.

Whatever your views of our increasing reliance on technology and machines, nobody can deny that we now have a broader range of entertainment opportunities than ever, and what better way to embrace that than a techno-tastic birthday gift for people of all ages and interests.