Do you feel like you buy your child awesome toys and gadgets that they never really play with? Perhaps they open the box and play with the item one time, only for it to never see the light of day again? Sometimes maybe the box gets more love than the gift itself?
Do you remember those cute little Hatchimals that everyone was going crazy for or what about those Fingerling monkeys that you couldn’t find stocked anywhere?
During those toy crazes, I always seemed to be a mom on a mission trying to make sure my kids had those trendy top-selling toys on Christmas morning. I spent some serious time trying to acquire them, only for them to end up on shelves collecting dust. Sure they got played with a little, but it seems like all of the things just add to the clutter and my frustration.
After the Fingerling experience two years ago I decided I was done buying trendy toys that would sit and collect dust. The kids were getting older and although they still play with toys, they have plenty to choose from. There is no need to buy more just because.
So 2018 began the trend of experience gifts, not just for Christmas but birthdays as well. With experience gifts, not only is there less clutter to manage, but it is an opportunity to create lasting memories. I don’t know about you, but I know I much prefer to spend money on having experiences with my family as opposed to something that just ends up forgotten on a shelf.
Living in Central Florida with all of the amusement parks and attractions, our opportunity to purchase experience gifts is probably greater than most.
Here is our list of 35 Experience Gifts for Kids and Families to consider this holiday season and beyond.
Special Events
1.Concert Tickets. Last year Eden was obsessed with Shawn Mendes. She went around the house singing his songs for days on end. Although she had to wait 6 months to cash in on her Christmas present, to this day she says it was the best gift ever and it was an opportunity to have some amazing Mommy/Daughter time.
2. Tickets to Entertainment venue for event or show. Entertainment venues and arenas consistently have something for everyone in the family. Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, Paw Patrol, the list goes on…..
Of course, depending on the interest ages, these events may not be for the entire family but could be a great chance for some one-on-one opportunity to create memories.
3. Movie tickets.
Memberships and Passes
4. Museum membership. With many programs for kids, an annual membership to your local science, art, or history museum could make the perfect gift. Many museums will even offer discounts for local residents.
5. Zoo membership.
6. Annual Passes to Amusement Park. Yes, this is a big gift, but an annual pass to an amusement park or local attraction is the gift that keeps on giving. Although it may initially have a large upfront cost, it also provides you with a year of entertainment.
7. National Park membership.
8. YMCA Membership. We are all about a healthy and happy you. YMCA’s are great because not only do you have the chance to stay fit, but they also have many programs for both kids and adults.
Travel
9. Hotel stay. Eden and Xen love hotels! Occasionally when we travel we will choose a kid-themed hotel, like Great Wolf Lodge or a Disney hotel, but any hotel with a pool and a game room makes for happy kids.
10. Plane tickets. Is there a grandparent or favorite aunt that maybe doesn’t live close by? I know for us with all of our family being up north, sometimes the gift of travel is the best gift to give. Sometimes that has even involved flying that special person to us.
11. A cruise for the family. This is probably the most expensive gift on the list. With that said, cruise lines have amazing deals especially if you book plenty in advance. Oh, and the memories made are priceless.
12. Daytrip adventure to someplace new. We have quite the adventurer’s paradise in Florida. There are so many day trips we could take, whether to watch manatees or mermaids. Think about places in your state you haven’t been to. Is there any place you think your children would really enjoy?
13. Camping trip.
Sports and Recreation
14. Tickets to a sporting event. We have had the opportunity to go to an NFL game and pro-hockey game with our family. Is there a sport that your family would enjoy seeing live?
15. Karate lessons.
16. Batting cage.
17. Swim lessons.
18. Trampoline Park Pass. Trampoline parks have popped up in masses the last couple of years. Kids enjoy them year-round, whether escaping heat or cold.
19. Waterpark Pass.
20. Mini-golf passes.
21. Ice skating or roller skating.
22. Horseback riding.
23. Ziplining adventure.
The Arts
24. Children’s theater tickets. Is there a local children’s theater nearby? Or perhaps you have a performing arts center that has a production of a family-friendly show?
25. Dance lessons.
26. Cooking classes.
27. Art classes. Having a little artist in our home, I know how fun art classes can be, whether we are doing them together or alone. From pottery to painting, many establishments will have special art classes for both families and children.
28. Music lessons.
Thrill Seeking
29. A helicopter ride. For those seeking thrills, a helicopter ride may be just what you need for that adrenaline rush. It also teaches kids about perspective and aviation.
30. Indoor Skydiving.
31. Escape Room. Although often attended for adults, many escape rooms have family-friendly nights available.
Summer Camp
32. Special Interest Summer Camp Experience. Does your child enjoy chess or archery? Have they always dreamed of being in the circus? Or maybe they have always wanted to be a magician or perhaps even an astronaut. There are so many special interest summer camps out there and these make for a great opportunity for your child to explore a special interest.
Dining
33. Dinner out to their favorite restaurant. With my kids, it wouldn’t be so much a restaurant. Every birthday when asked what they would like, they always reply Menchie’s, a National frozen yogurt chain.
34. Dinner Show. Orlando is a mecca for dinner shows. We have Polynesian dinner shows, medieval shows, magic shows, you name it we have it. Dinner shows are especially great for birthdays as many places will offer special packages.
35. Entertainment District. Dave and Busters is one well-known establishment that has something for the entire family. Of course, there is also the kid favorite, Chuck E Cheese. Many metropolis areas also have their very own branded entertainment districts which are often some of our favorites.
Final Thoughts on Experience Gifts
Here we have shared 35 Experience Gift Ideas for Kids and Families, but truly, the list of possibilities is endless. Even if you have already begun your shopping for Christmas or that upcoming birthday, be sure to consider adding experience gifts. The memories and family experience are worth so much more than that toy or gadget that has a short lifespan.
Have you given experience gifts in the past? What would you add to the list?