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Is Skydiving a Good Gift?

Monday, October 26, 2026

Key Takeaways
Skydiving is a strong gift for someone who has already shown interest in jumping, and a poor one as a surprise for someone who hasn’t. Before buying, check that the recipient qualifies. At Skydive STL the recipient must be 18 years of age on or before the day of their skydive, must bring valid, government-issued photo identification, and must be under the 260-pound weight limit. Gift certificates are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Buying directly from the dropzone rather than a third-party voucher site avoids added fees and confirms exactly which location the certificate is good for.

Woman excited to tandem skydive at Skydive St Louis

Is Skydiving a Good Gift?

Yes, skydiving is a phenomenal gift – but only if the recipient has expressed an interest in making a jump. You want your gift to be received with delight, not dread!  

Skydiving gift certificates are great for a lot of reasons, including: 

  • Lasting memories: Unlike material items that fade or break, the memory of a first jump lasts a lifetime.
  • Zero clutter: It creates an amazing story rather than adding physical clutter to someone’s home.
  • Milestone celebration: It is a popular, high-energy present for milestone birthdays, graduations, and bucket-list achievements.

However, skydiving isn’t for everyone – here are some important tips before buying:

  • Know the recipient: Surprising someone with a non-refundable jump can create intense anxiety if they are secretly terrified or hesitant. Gauge their interest first.
  • Check the rules: Most drop zones require participants to be at least 18 years old and generally under 250 pounds (260 pounds at Skydive STL).
  • Buy direct: Purchase gift certificates or vouchers directly from a reputable local dropzone rather than third-party coupon sites to avoid hidden fees and booking restrictions. 
  • Add media: Consider upgrading the package to include a professional photo and video bundle so they can relive the moment.

Want to know how to give skydiving as a gift? Let’s take a look at some skydiving gift ideas and what to consider before making the purchase! 

Who It’s a Great Gift For

What is a good gift for someone who enjoys skydiving movies, videos, and talking about skydiving and other extreme sports? Well, skydiving! Whether it’s for graduation, a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a bucket-list goal – a skydiving gift certificate is great for someone who values adventure gift ideas.

Skydiving is a fantastic gift for someone who loves adrenaline, excitement, speed, and life-changing experiences. It can also be an impactful present for someone who is in a rut and needs to mix things up. Skydiving will change their perspective on life while also being the most fun they’ve ever had! Who doesn’t want to celebrate that??

When Skydiving Is the Wrong Gift 

As much as we love skydiving and want to share it with the world, we realize it’s not for everyone. Springing a commitment like jumping out of an airplane on someone who’s never expressed interest in it might not go over so well. Some people who may not be great candidates for a skydiving gift are:

  • Those who have never mentioned an interest in skydiving, aviation, or extreme sports.
  • Those with a serious fear of heights.
  • Those who don’t meet the requirements.

However, that doesn’t mean you should completely write the experience off! It might just be a good idea to gauge interest before buying a gift certificate. You can even share resources with them like first time skydiving tips or statistics on the risks of skydiving to see if they come around to the idea.  

Before You Buy, Check That They Qualify

A skydiving gift is exciting! Make sure it doesn’t end up being a disappointment because your recipient doesn’t meet the requirements. We try to make skydiving as accessible as possible, but there are a few qualifications that must be met for safety reasons before someone can jump:

  1. Age – Participants must be at least 18 years old to skydive at United States Parachute Association (USPA) member dropzones. The good news is that there’s no upper age limit!
  2. Weight – The skydiving weight limit varies from dropzone to dropzone, but typically ranges from 220 to 260 pounds. At Skydive STL, the weight limit for tandem skydives is up to 260 pounds, with a $1-per-pound surcharge for jumpers over 200 pounds.
  3. Health – Heart and back issues, pregnancy, recent surgery, and other medical issues may preclude someone from going skydiving. Skydiving is a physical sport, and it involves a lot of adrenaline and stress on the body.
  4. Proper clothing – The best thing to wear for a tandem skydive is close-fitted, athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes with laces (no hooks, boots, or heels). Think of the best, most comfortable gym fit and you’re on the right track. 

If your recipient can check all these boxes, you’re well on your way to giving them the best gift of their life! 

First time skydiver pumped after landing at Skydive St Louis near Chicago

How Skydive STL Gift Certificates Work

Many dropzones offer different skydiving packages (usually tandem skydiving or learn to skydive programs) and it’s important you purchase the right one. At Skydive STL, we specialize in tandem skydiving, which is the most popular way to skydive for the first time. 

Our gift certificates cover the full cost of the tandem and can be purchased on our website or at our dropzone. They’re also valid for a full year, so your recipient has plenty of time to make it happen!

And if you really want to knock it out of the park, you can add a video package to your tandem gift certificate. The opportunity to document their life-changing experience, and share their accomplishment with others, is a gift that will keep on giving. You can even purchase the jump certificate and the video package separately and split the presents between two gift givers! 

Why Buy Direct Instead of a Voucher Site

Navigating online purchases can be overwhelming, especially with something as niche as skydiving. The best way to buy a skydiving gift certificate is directly through the dropzone’s website. This way, you’ll avoid third-party fees, possible scams, and the aggravation of general misinformation. Some vouchers don’t even specify which dropzone they’re good at!

You can also feel good about supporting a local business when you buy direct. Your purchase will go back into the dropzone to support staff, gear, maintenance, and general awesomeness.

What Happens if the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate

Skydiving is an outdoor activity, so it’s highly weather dependent. Inclement weather, high winds, and cloud coverage can all impact the ability to skydive as a matter of safety. 

Skydivers sometimes have to wait while weather clears, or even reschedule jumps due to extended bad weather. This is a natural part of skydiving, and we’ll be sure to communicate any changes to your gift recipient on the day of their jump! 

Ready to Be the Best Gift Giver on the Planet?

Purchase a tandem skydiving gift certificate today! Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to support you, and your lucky gift recipient! Blue skies!

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