Ask a kid what their favorite holiday is, and you’ll most likely hear “Christmas”. Ask why. “Presents.” While it’s heart-warming to see the joy on your child’s face as they open their gifts, there’s something you can give them that will last much longer than the latest video game. Gift an experience, and make memories that last a lifetime.
While the purpose of this post is to promote experiences instead of “things”, there are a couple of links to “things” on Amazon that go along with the experiences.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you purchase products linked in this post, I will make a small commission from Amazon at no additional cost to you. All thoughts are my own.
Ideas of experiences to give
Not sure what kind of experience to give? There are so many options based on the recipient’s interests, age, gender and budget. Below are a few suggestions that might just spark the perfect idea.
Seasonal Membership
A seasonal membership is the gift that keeps on giving! Gift a pool pass, zoo pass or waterpark pass for summer fun. For those who hate being cooped up in the winter, a membership to a local recreation center or YMCA with an indoor pool offers a great way to blow off steam.
Shopping Trip
Can’t decide if you want to give an experience or a material gift? Give an experience and a gift all-in-one! Offer to take your recipient to his or her favorite store, and give them a dollar amount they can spend. Whether it’s clothes at the mall, books at the comic store or a parrot at the pet store, you know you can’t go wrong if they pick their own gifts! (Except, maybe the talking parrot…) The shopping trip experience ensures the child gets something they will truly enjoy, and the best part is the quality time you get to spend together.
Weekend Getaway
If you want to make memories, a weekend getaway is sure to do the trick. Take the kiddos somewhere they can hike, swim, bike or play games. Book a night or two in a hotel or cabin, and leave the daily grind behind. (Book through airbnb using this link, and if it’s your first airbnb stay, you’ll get $40 off!) Still sound too expensive? Keep it affordable, and go on a camping adventure! There’s no doubt you’ll leave with pictures, inside jokes and memories that will last for years to come. It’s okay to gift a trip for Christmas even if it doesn’t come around for a few months. It gives them something to look forward to after Christmas is over!
P.S. The airbnb link is a referral link, which means I get a credit if you book a trip, at no additional cost to you.
Local Activity
I’m fortunate to live near Columbus, Ohio, which is full of fun local activities! Make candles at The Candle Lab. Get massages or pedicures at the spa. Go to a canvas-painting event. Check out an indoor putt-putt course. For the younger ones, you can never go wrong with Chuck E. Cheese or a trampoline park. The options here are endless!
Local Event
If you’re fortunate enough to have a great event scheduled in the area, take advantage of it! Rock out at a concert, or cheer on your favorite team at a college basketball game. This is a fun way to surprise the music or sports fanatic in your life! For the little guys, check for upcoming Disney on Ice events, or local children’s theatre performances or musicals.
Hobby Class
Encouraging children to learn and embrace their interests is always a win! Gift a cooking, painting, sewing, writing or woodworking class. If you have the budget to fund something longer term, consider piano lessons, gymnastics classes or even martial arts.
Fun Night In
On a budget? There’s nothing wrong with keeping your experience close to home. And by close to home, I mean so close you don’t have to leave. 🙂 Make popcorn, stream a Netflix movie and kick your feet up with a loved one for a relaxing night. Are the girls coming over? Have your own spa day with a cleansing clay mask and DIY gel nail polish kit. Enjoy spending time in the kitchen? Make and decorate sugar cookies together. If you want to take it to the next level, pass out your finished cookies at a local nursing home or homeless shelter. Sharing is caring!
How to gift an experience
Because the experiences are most likely not going to take place on Christmas day, how do you give this type of gift? You have a few options:
Give Something Tangible
If you have something tangible to give, like a membership card or tickets for an event, you have easy gift options. Just wrap them up or include them in a card, and you’re done! You can also include a gift card for any experiences you are not going to participate in with your recipient.
Wrap a Related Item
Kids love opening presents! Even though the item you’re wrapping isn’t their full gift, it can be a fun part of it. Bought a zoo membership? Wrap a stuffed elephant, and explain upon opening what the full experience is. Gifting cooking classes? Wrap an apron or spatula. Consider it a bonus gift!
Write in a Card
A card, of course, gives you the opportunity to explain your gift in words. Write a sweet note, or even draw a picture for the little ones of the experience you plan to share with them. You can also include a brochure or receipt for your activity inside the card.
Does this mean I can’t give presents?
My baby can’t even open presents yet, and I still want to wrap up gifts for him! Of course giving experiences doesn’t preclude you from giving other presents. It’s fun to watch kids open and enjoy their toys. Just try to find that nice balance, and consider making experiences part of your investment.
You mention kids. What about adults?
Experiences are great for kids, but might be even better for adults! A membership to Costco, a subscription to Amazon Prime, a weekend trip to a winery or a day at the spa are all sure to please the “big kids” in your life.
Time is precious. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Gift and enjoy experiences with those you love! Take pictures, laugh and make memories together. I promise you won’t regret it.