Christmas and birthdays. They always lead to more presents and more stuff for the kids that you don’t have room for in your house. What’s another alternative? Experience gifts for kids!
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Experience gifts mean not only no clutter but your child gets to make memories and do something they normally wouldn’t.
Sounds like a win-win!
Coming up with the perfect experience gifts for kids can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is a great list to get you brainstorming. You will find something perfect for your child.
Not only are experience gifts great for parents to give a child, they would also be a lot of fun to receive from a grandparent.
Wrapping the Experience Gift:
If you are worried about how this idea will work not having a gift under the tree or at a birthday dinner for them to open, there are a couple of easy options.
- Make up a certificate/letter with all of the details (use pictures for younger kids) and print in color. Place that in a box or gift bag and wrap like you would a present.
- Come up with a small gift that goes along with your experience gift and wrap it along with a note. Or wrap the small gift and note separately, having them open the physical gift first.
Experience Gifts for Kids:
Movie Theater
If your home is anything like ours, a trip to the movie theater only happens once every couple years. How fun would it be for your child to receive a ticket to a movie they would love. You can also do a bundle with tickets to a few other movies coming out the next year.
Small Gift Idea: Popcorn or movie theater candy.
Museum
The science museum and children’s museum are always a hit! Consider a day pass or even a season membership to a local museum.
Small Gift Idea: A book about science.
Zoo
Once again, you could do a gift of a day trip to the zoo or a year membership.
Small Gift Idea: A book about animals
Trip to a Ballet
My aunt and uncle took my sisters and me to see the Nutcracker when we were kids. Such a special trip. Dress up fancy and take your child out for dinner before hand and they will feel like royalty.
Small Gift Idea: Book, movie, picture of the ballet or a dress to wear.
Broadway Show
Maybe you have some musical lovers in your house. Getting to see a favorite Broadway show live in your nearby big city could even be a favorite gift for a teen.
Small Gift Idea: Book, movie, poster of the show or a dress to wear.
Baseball/Sporting Event
Maybe sports are more down your kids’ alley. Whether it’s a college basketball or football game or going to a minor (or major) league ballpark, this would be a memorable outing with your child.
Small Gift Idea: Peanuts, cracker jacks, ball, baseball cap
Tea Party
The little girls in your family would love this. How fun would it be for them to dress up and experience a tea room and scones and other pastries?!
Monthly Mom or Dad Dates
Put together a bundle of monthly (or you could just do quarterly) dates with mom or dad. Come up with a fun selection and write them down on separate cards with all the details and have each redeemable in a specific month.
Rock Climbing
Adventurous kids? They would probably love a certificate to the local climbing gym!
Small Gift Idea: Rock climbing chalk
Horseback Riding
Horses are expensive. If you have a horse lover in your house they will probably think this is the coolest gift ever.
Small Gift Idea: A book about horses, an apple, horse brush, appropriate footware
Ice Cream Vouchers
What child doesn’t like ice cream? Again, if this isn’t something you normally spend your money on, trips to the ice cream shop when your child wants would be very enjoyed.
Small Gift Idea: Ice cream scoop
Train Ride
My son loves trains. He’d be over the moon knowing that his presents was going to be riding on a legit train.
Small Gift Idea: Book on trains or a toy train.
Classes:
The options here are countless. Look to see what is offered in your community and compare that list to the interests your kids have.
Here are some ideas to look for:
Cooking Class
Art Class
Pottery Class
Sports
Gymstastics
Archery
Music
Any of interests
Small Gift Ideas: Any little gadget or accessory that would go along with your class of choice.
Zipline
Another great idea for the adventurer in your house.
American Girl
If you have a child that loves dolls, a trip to the American Girl Cafe and store could be a special experience.
Small Gift Idea: New accessory for their doll
Salon/Spa
Again, if this isn’t something you normally do your girls will feel pampered. Whether it’s a special hair cut or getting her nails done, she’s sure to feel special.
Small Gift Idea: Hair accessory or nail polish
What are your favorite experience gifts for kids? Have you seen unique ideas for gifting them before?
Be sure to check out these other gift guides for more ideas:
Best Experience Gifts for Kids
Educational Gifts Kids Will be Excited About
The Best Craft and Art Gifts for Kids
Gifts for Kids Who Have Everything
Gifts for Teen Girls
Gifts for Teen Boys
Gifts for Preschool Boy
Gifts for a 2 Year Old
Gifts for Preschoolers
Gifts for a Home Cook
Gifts for a Fitness Lover
This is a great idea. Instead of toys that will collect this is a wonderful gift. #trafficjam
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I love your list of experience gifts. The memories these gifts will give will last a lot longer than any toy could. Thanks to your post, I am inspired to put a few of these types of gifts under the tree this year!
Yay! Thank you so much. I’m excited that you are going to try a few experience gifts. I struggle to come up with “things” that my kids want/need that aren’t junk so these are perfect!