Top Christmas Experience Gifts for Kids: Make Their Holiday Unforgettable
As the holiday season approaches, I am always looking for unique and meaningful gifts to give to the special kids in my life. While toys and gadgets are always popular, I have found that Christmas experience gifts can be just as exciting and memorable.
Christmas experience gifts for kids can range from tickets to a concert or show to a day at an amusement park or even a cooking class.
These gifts not only provide a fun activity but also create lasting memories that kids will cherish for years to come.
One of the benefits of giving experience gifts is that they can be tailored to the child’s interests and hobbies. For example, if the child loves animals, a trip to the zoo or aquarium could be a perfect gift. If they are interested in science, a visit to a science museum or planetarium could be a great option.
Experience gifts can also be a great way to encourage kids to try new things and explore their creativity. A pottery class, art museum visit, or cooking lesson could be just the push they need to discover a new passion.
Another advantage of experience gifts is that they can be shared with family and friends.
Rather than a toy that only one child can play with, an experience gift can be enjoyed by the whole family. A day at a water park or a trip to a theme park can create memories that the whole family will treasure.
Plus, experience gifts can be a great way to spend quality time together and strengthen relationships.
Why Choose Experience Gifts for Kids?
As a parent, choosing the perfect gift for your child can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what to buy.
That’s why I always choose experience gifts for my kids. Here are a few reasons why:
Benefits of Experience Christmas Gifts
Creates Lasting Memories
Experience gifts provide an opportunity for kids to create lasting memories. Unlike traditional gifts that may lose their appeal over time, experiences stay with kids forever.
Less Clutter
They don’t add to the clutter in our homes. With so many toys and gadgets already taking up space, it’s refreshing to give a gift that won’t add to the mess.
It’s fun for the entire family and no time spent wondering where an extra thing might be stored.
Even as a very thoughtful gift giver sometimes I get it wrong. Last year I gave my boys a few gifts that they didn’t end up using. Eventually, new toys lose their shiny appeal and end up in the same pile as all the old toys.
Encourages Learning and Growth
Experience gifts provide opportunities for kids to learn and grow. Whether it’s a new skill or a new experience, kids can benefit from trying something new. Plus, they may discover a new passion or hobby.
Teaches Gratitude
Experience gifts teach kids about gratitude. By focusing on experiences rather than material possessions, kids learn to appreciate the value of time spent with loved ones and the memories created together.
It’s a valuable lesson that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Types of Experience Gifts for Kids
There are so many options available it’s hard to pick just one!
Adventure Experience Christmas gifts for kids and family!
If the child in your life loves adventure, consider gifting them an adventure experience.
This could include things like:
- amusement parks
- water park passes
- skiing or snowboarding lessons
- train ride
- horseback riding lessons
- trampoline park
- indoor skydiving
- escape room
- roller skating
- hot air balloon ride
- rock climbing
Educational Experiences
Educational experiences are a great way to encourage kids to learn and grow.
This could include things like;
- local museum passes
- science center tickets
- photography class
- music lessons
- subscription to a streaming service like Fender Play
- Botanical gardens
- museum memberships
Entertainment Experiences
Entertainment experiences are a great way to have so much fun!
This could include things like:
- concert tickets
- ice skating passes
- art lessons or a trip to an art gallery
- for the animal lover, you could donate time at an animal shelter
- go to the local zoo
- Annual memberships to local parks
- Movie tickets
- gift card
Outdoor Experiences
Outdoor experiences are a great way to get kids outside and enjoy the great outdoors.
This could include things like:
- swimming lessons
- nature walks
- family camping trip
- a day of outdoor adventures like zip-lining
- hiking
- scavenger hunt
- sporting event
Sporting Experiences
Sporting experiences are a great way to encourage kids to get active and try new things.
This could include things like:
- bowling passes
- golf lessons
- a day of paintball
- a day at a science center
- children’s museum
Fun Experience Christmas Gifts for the Whole Family
If you have little ones then a lot of these experience gifts are going to be used by the whole family.
So here are some ideas:
- See the National Parks
- Go on a road trip
- Picnic
- Fly kites
- Dance lessons
- family vacation
- Camping in the backyard
- Cruise
When it comes to family experience gift ideas, the possibilities are endless. No matter what you choose, make sure it’s something that the child in your life will love and cherish for years to come.
Subscription Service Gift Ideas
As a parent, I know how hard it is to find the perfect gift for a kid that has everything. Subscription services are a great way to give kids something to look forward to each month. Here are some of my favorite subscription services for kids:
KiwiCo
KiwiCo offers a variety of subscription boxes for kids of all ages. Each box is filled with hands-on activities and projects that are designed to be both fun and educational. The boxes are tailored to your child’s age and interests, so you can be sure that they’ll be engaged and excited to receive their monthly delivery.
Disney+
Disney+ is a streaming service that is perfect for families with kids of all ages. With a subscription, you’ll have access to a huge library of Disney movies and TV shows and content from Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. There’s something for everyone on Disney+, and it’s a great way to spend family time together. Even with the older kids!
Little Passports
Little Passports is a monthly subscription service that is designed to teach kids about different countries and cultures around the world. Each month, your child will receive a package that includes a letter from two fictional characters, Sam and Sofia, who are traveling the world. The package also includes souvenirs, activities, and other fun surprises that will help your child learn about the world around them.
Non-Toy Gift Ideas
Christmas gifts can get expensive here are a few ideas that don’t cost a lot of money.
Coupon Book
One of my go-to non-toy gifts for my kids is a coupon book. I create a booklet of coupons that my kids can redeem throughout the year for special experiences, like a movie night, a trip to the zoo, or a day at the park. It’s a great way to give the gift of quality time and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This is especially true among elementary school-aged kids!
Etsy
Etsy is a fantastic resource for unique and personalized non-toy gifts. You can find everything from custom-made jewelry to art prints to personalized blankets.
Email Address
Another non-toy gift idea that may seem unconventional is an email address.
Create an email address for them to send them messages about special moments, milestones, and memories. It’s a great way to create a digital time capsule that they can look back on when they’re older.
Overall, there are so many great non-toy gift ideas out there that can create lasting memories and experiences for your kids.
Whether it’s a coupon book, a season pass to somewhere great, or an email address, the possibilities are endless.
Considerations When Choosing Experience Gifts for Kids
When it comes to choosing experience gifts for kids, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the gift is a success.
Age and Interests
The age and interests of the child are important factors to consider when choosing an experience gift. A Broadway show might be a great gift for an older child or teenager who is interested in theater, but it might not be the best choice for a younger child who might not appreciate it as much. Similarly, a family pass to a zoo or aquarium might be a great choice for a child who loves animals, but it might not be as exciting for a child who is more interested in art or cooking.
Cost and Budget
Cost is another important consideration when choosing an experience gift. Some experiences, like cooking classes or art lessons, might be more expensive than others, like a day at the zoo. It’s important to keep in mind your budget when choosing a gift, but also to remember that quality time spent with the child is priceless.
Environmental Impact
The best part about choosing unique experiences for a gift is it’s better for the environment. Less stuff enters the landfill and no need to wrap anything!
Read More Christmas Posts:
How to Change to a Minimalist Christmas
30 Christmas Traditions to Try This Year
Minimalist Christmas Decorating Ideas