There are plenty of reasons to give experiences instead of gifts this Christmas, but today I’m going to share with you my top 6 reasons. This may come as a surprise, since I just shared several Amazon Toy Gift Guides for Kids of All Ages. But, in fact, this year when we asked our nieces and nephews what they wanted most for Christmas, all three of them said experiences.
Of course we bought them some tangible things to be opened on Christmas Day, and we sure have kept the delivery drivers busy. But, boy oh boy, did their responses warm our hearts. And, bet your bottom dollar, we’ve got some fun experiences and day trips planned for them in the year ahead.
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If you too are looking for some ways to bond and spend quality time with the people in your life, while also looking at decreasing the clutter in your home and maybe even saving some money, then continue on. I can’t wait to share these ideas with you!
What experiences do you love to gift each year?
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1. Memories Last Longer Than Things
Giving the gift of experiences will last far longer than the batteries in your kids toys and will linger much longer than the plethora of game pieces you’ll soon find between your couch cushions. Getting toys and things they need/want on Christmas morning can be special too, don’t get me wrong, but the memories that you make throughout the year are what will matter in the long run, don’t you think?
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2. Experiences Won’t Add To The Clutter At Home
How often after the hustle and bustle of Christmas morning has settled are you then searching for places to put all of the things? Perhaps you encourage your children to donate some toys each year to make room for the new stuff (which I think is a brilliant idea, by the way). Just think, if you focus on giving experiences and memories this holiday season, you won’t have to cram toys in every nook and cranny of your home. How lovely does that sound?!
“Teach your kids that togetherness is far more valuable than the presents under the tree.”
3. Teaches Your Kids That Experiences Are More Important Than Things
One thing that we think is super important to teach little ones is that time together is way more important than getting things. It could be a special monthly subscription box that you do together, or a date with mom and dad that they get to choose every month. However you choose to gift experience, teach your kids that togetherness is far more valuable than the presents under the tree.
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4. Giving Experiences Might Actually Save You Money
Believe it not, in the long run, giving experiences or trips might actually save you money! Sounds crazy, right? But, let’s think about it. Experiences like trips to the zoo, the science museum, or the aquarium are probably on your list to do anyway this year, right? Well, why not turn them into “gifts”.
I love the idea of creating a monthly envelope for each kiddo that they get to open throughout the year with fun experiences/dates to do. You could put baseball tickets in one envelope, or money for manicures and frappuccinos. You could pre-plan tickets for Disney On Ice or Monster Jam and include those too.
Turn those experiences that you’d already plan to do with your kids, into an amazing gift of dates with you throughout the whole year. They’ll love it and have something to look forward too versus the fun ending on December 26th.
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5. Experiences Are A Gift You Can Enjoy As Well
Experiences and trips are something that you can enjoy as well. Really take the time to be present with your little ones, remember their faces, and capture their excitement as they learn and grow. Then, at the end of the year, create a family yearbook featuring all of your adventures together throughout the year.
“Giving experiences can make your mommy heart just as happy as it will make theirs.”
6. Gifting Experiences Increases Family Bonding
Lastly, gifting experiences can increase family bonding. Taking on the world together will create the threads that will bind you together for all time. You’ll collect stories and pictures along the way. It might not all be pretty or perfect, but it will be your family’s memories together.
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Experiences/Trips That Make Perfect Gifts for Kids
Some of these ideas are local to us here in southeast Michigan and others are a little farther away. Use this list as a springboard of ideas that would work best for your family and what you enjoy doing with your kids.
- Zoo Membership
- Aquarium Pass
- Dinner at Rainforest Cafe
- Science Center
- Playdate at Peppa Pig’s World of Play
- Playtime at Detroit Kid City &/or Kidcadia Play Cafe
- Cedar Point Tickets
- Beach Vacation
- Bike Riding at the Park
- Manicures/Pedicures
- Starbucks Date
- Hockey/Baseball Game
- Disney On Ice
- Movie Tickets
- Crafting at AR Workshop
- Kid’s Spa Day
- Playtime at The Robot Garage
- Bowling
- Game Night at Home
- Ice Cream Date
- Disney World
- Crayola Experience in Pennsylvania
- Sesame Place
- Trip to your family’s favorite vacation spot
- Subscription Box- Kids Night In Box, Kiwi Co., etc.
- Cooking Class at Home with Radish Kids
- PlayDoh Kit from Young, Wild, & Friedman (These would be so fun to do together…you have to check out her cute themes! I love the ice cream, reptile, space, etc.)
There are so many ideas and ways to gift experiences. Some can be inexpensive and done at home, while others might be a bit more…especially the vacations/trips. Pick and choose how you gift experiences in a way that supports your family, your values, and your budget.
“Gifting experiences can increase family bonding. Taking on the world together will create the threads that will bind you together for all time.”
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2 Comments
This was a great post. It’s very true that we get caught up in the clutter of Christmas and an experience is much more long lasting.
That’s so so true. We’re so glad that our nieces and nephew like receiving experience gifts. Makes the fun of Christmas continue after all the gifts are opened. Glad you liked this post.