Material gifts have their moment of excitement, especially when they’re gleefully unwrapped. However, the true magic lies in gifts that offer experiences. These aren’t just fleeting moments of joy; they’re investments in lasting memories. If you’re on the hunt for a Christmas gift that truly stands out or a birthday surprise that will be cherished for years to come, consider gifting the children in your life something far more valuable than another toy – an experience. From the youngest toddlers to discerning teenagers, experience gifts for children offer a unique avenue to create unforgettable moments.
Reflect on your own childhood. What memories surface most vividly? While a favorite toy might flicker through your mind, the most resonant memories are likely anchored in experiences. These are the family traditions you held dear, the shared moments of laughter and togetherness, and the adventures that broadened your horizons.
Decades down the line, when the children in your life have grown, it’s these very experiences they will recall most fondly. Instead of navigating the often-stressful quest for the ‘perfect’ material gift or adding to the ever-growing pile of plastic toys destined for landfills, why not opt for children’s gift experiences? These are the gifts that keep on giving, creating memories that children will carry in their hearts forever.
Inside this guide to children’s gift experiences, we will explore:
What Exactly Are Children’s Gift Experiences?
A children’s gift experience, often referred to as an experiential gift or a gift of experience, is precisely what it sounds like: a gift centered around an experience. This encompasses a broad spectrum, from engaging activities and special outings to enriching lessons, event tickets, and even memorable trips. While primarily focused on activities, certain material items that facilitate experiences, such as art supplies that unlock creativity or camping gear for outdoor adventures, can also be considered experience-oriented gifts.
The Wonderful Benefits of Experience Gifts for Children
Choosing experience gifts for children brings a wealth of advantages. They can be powerful stress relievers, strengthen bonds, and provide countless hours of entertainment, learning, and sheer joy, crafting cherished memories that last a lifetime. Let’s delve deeper into the specific benefits of activity-based gifts for children.
Less Clutter, More Calm. Toys, while often delightful, are undeniably a major contributor to household clutter, especially in families with children. Research consistently links physical clutter to heightened stress levels and diminished concentration. Children’s gift experiences offer a refreshing alternative, actively reducing clutter and, consequently, stress. Whether through the release of physical activity, the uplifting power of laughter, or the tranquility of relaxation, experiences contribute to a more peaceful environment.
Endless Entertainment and Fun. Experiential gifts are a fantastic source of entertainment and fun, not just for the child receiving the gift but often for the entire family and even the gift-giver! Sharing in these experiences creates collective joy and strengthens relationships.
Growth and Educational Enrichment. Activity-based gifts like museum memberships, engaging music lessons, art supplies that spark creativity, and enriching summer camps turn learning into an exciting adventure. They help children cultivate new skills, explore subjects that ignite their curiosity, and potentially uncover lifelong passions and hobbies.
Strengthening Bonds and Togetherness. Experience gifts excel at fostering stronger relationships and bringing people closer. If your aim is to gift a child something that deepens your connection, an experience is the perfect choice. Shared experiences create lasting bonds and strengthen familial ties.
Creating Lasting Memories. Experiences forge more enduring memories than material possessions because they evoke deeper emotional responses. These heightened emotions etch memories more vividly and imbue them with greater meaning. Children’s gift experiences build emotional connections that can resonate throughout a lifetime, becoming treasured parts of their personal narrative.
How to Suggest Children’s Gift Experiences
Communicating your preference for experience gifts can be straightforward. Consider using a polite and clear approach when relatives and friends inquire about gift ideas. Explain your focus on creating memories and suggest various experience options that align with your child’s interests. This helps guide gift-givers and ensures your child receives gifts that truly resonate with your family’s values.
50+ Fantastic Experience Gift Ideas for Children, Categorized for Inspiration
Opting for experiences over material gifts for children is a wonderful way to cultivate joy, create happy memories, and strengthen connections. Here’s a curated list of some of the most popular and engaging children’s gift experiences, categorized to spark your imagination:
Active Adventures for Energetic Kids
Rock Climbing Session: A Challenge of Heights
Introduce them to the thrill of scaling walls, whether indoors or embracing the natural rock face outdoors. Rock climbing is an adventurous activity perfect for both energetic young children and older kids seeking a physical challenge.
Trampoline Park Passes: Bounce into Fun
Gift passes to a trampoline park and let them bounce their energy out! A trampoline park visit is almost guaranteed to be filled with laughter, flips, and joyful movement.
Water Park Admission: Splashes and Thrills
Dive into a world of aquatic fun with a water park visit. Lazy rivers for relaxation, thrilling slides for adrenaline, and wave pools for ocean-like excitement – a water park offers something for every child who loves water.
Amusement Park Passes: A Day of Wonder
Give the gift of pure excitement and wonder with tickets to their favorite amusement park. Rollercoasters, gentle rides, and captivating shows create a day of unforgettable fun.
Bowling Alley Outing: Strikes and Giggles
Plan a fun outing to the bowling alley. Add extra elements of fun with bumper bowling for younger children and glow-in-the-dark lanes for a unique twist.
Ice Skating or Roller Skating Session: Gliding into Good Times
Gift passes for ice skating or roller skating at a local rink. Whether they are beginners or have some experience, gliding around the rink is a joyful and active experience.
A Day of Skiing, Sledding, or Snow Tubing: Winter Wonderland Fun
Hit the slopes for a snowy adventure. Whether they are skilled skiers, love the thrill of sledding, or enjoy the fun of snow tubing, a winter sports day is an exhilarating experience.
Laser Tag with Friends: Teamwork and Action
Organize an action-packed afternoon of laser tag with a group of friends. It’s a fantastic way to encourage teamwork, strategic thinking, and get some built-in exercise while having a blast.
A Bucket of Balls at the Driving Range: Budding Golfers
Perfect for children who are showing interest in golf or those who simply enjoy hitting balls. A bucket of balls at the driving range is a relaxed and fun way to practice their swing.
Batting Cage Tokens: Swing Away
Let them practice their baseball or softball swing while having a blast in the batting cages. It’s a great way to release energy and improve coordination.
A Round or Two of Mini-Golf: Teeing Off for Fun
Tee off for an afternoon filled with laughter and friendly competition on a mini-golf course. Mini-golf is enjoyable for all ages and skill levels.
Outdoor Exploration Experiences for Nature Lovers
Zoo or Aquarium Passes: Discovering Wildlife (Day Pass or Family Membership)
Spend a day exploring the animal kingdom with tickets to the zoo, a petting zoo for close encounters, or an aquarium to marvel at marine life. Consider a family membership for year-round animal adventures.
State or National Park Passes: Nature at Your Doorstep (Single Visit or Season Pass)
Give the gift of nature with passes to explore local state parks or national parks. Hiking trails, scenic views, and outdoor adventures await. A season pass encourages regular exploration.
Farm Stay: An Overnight Adventure
Create lasting memories with an overnight farm stay. Hands-on animal encounters, fresh country air, and a break from city life make for a unique and educational experience.
Camping Trip: Under the Stars
Combine the magic of the great outdoors with a cozy camping or glamping getaway. For an extra touch, wrap up a new piece of camping gear as a tangible element to the experience gift.
Book a Camper or RV: Road Trip Ready
Hit the open road for a mini-adventure in a rented camper or RV. Explore new landscapes and enjoy the freedom of mobile accommodation.
A Fishing Excursion: The Thrill of the Catch
Let them experience the excitement of reeling in a fish with a guided fishing trip. Include a new fishing lure with a printed voucher to give them something to unwrap that hints at the adventure.
A Week of Summer Camp: Immersive Fun and Friendship
Gift a week-long summer camp experience tailored to their interests. Summer camp is a fantastic way to dive into new activities, make new friends, and build independence.
Arts & Creativity Experiences to Unleash Imagination
Art Classes & Supplies: Nurturing Creativity
Fuel their inner artist with art lessons paired with high-quality art supplies. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or sculpting, art classes unlock creative potential.
Paint-Your-Own Pottery or Pottery-Making Class: Hands-On Art
Hands-on creativity comes alive with a pottery session where they can paint pre-made pottery or learn to create their own pieces from clay. It’s a tactile and rewarding experience.
Crochet or Knitting Classes: Cozy Crafting
Introduce them to the relaxing and rewarding world of yarn crafts with beginner-friendly crochet or knitting classes. They can learn to create cozy items and develop a new hobby.
Monthly Craft Subscription: Creativity Delivered
Keep the creative juices flowing with monthly craft subscription boxes tailored to their age and interests. Annie’s Kit Club offers excellent kid-friendly craft kits delivered right to your door.
Jewelry-Making Class or Kit: Design and Shine
Help them design and create their own accessories with a jewelry-making class or a DIY jewelry kit. They can express their personal style and create wearable art.
Friendship Bracelet-Making Class + Supplies: Celebrating Friendship
Celebrate friendship with a bracelet-making session. It’s a fun, social activity that results in meaningful keepsakes they can share with friends.
Sewing Classes: Stitching Skills for Life
Teach them a practical and creative life skill with sewing lessons. They can learn to mend clothes, create their own designs, and develop patience and precision.
Baking Class or Subscription: Sweet Skills in the Kitchen
Bake up some fun with a baking class or monthly baking kits from companies like Baketivity. These experiences teach valuable baking skills and end with delicious treats to enjoy.
Learning & Skill Development Experiences for Curious Minds
Music Lessons: A Symphony of Skills
Whether they dream of playing the drums, piano, guitar, or singing, music lessons are a gift that cultivates talent and enriches life for years to come.
Gymnastics, Dance, or Martial Arts Classes: Movement and Mastery
Get them moving and grooving with classes that build strength, discipline, coordination, and confidence. Choose from gymnastics, dance, martial arts, or other physical disciplines.
Horseback Riding Lessons: A Unique Connection
Saddle up for a unique and enriching experience with horseback riding lessons. It’s a fantastic way to connect with animals, learn responsibility, and develop riding skills.
A Day or Week of Ski School: Mastering the Slopes
Help them become confident skiers with ski lessons tailored to their skill level. Whether they are beginners or looking to improve, ski school provides expert guidance.
Ice Skating Lessons: From Wobbles to Grace
Transform wobbly first steps into graceful glides with professional ice skating lessons. It’s a fun way to improve balance and coordination while learning a winter sport.
A Private Tennis or Golf Lesson: Personalized Coaching
Build lifelong skills and confidence with personalized tennis or golf lessons from a professional coach. Private lessons offer focused attention and rapid skill improvement.
Museum Pass: Explore, Learn, Discover
Spark curiosity with a pass to a local museum filled with interactive exhibits and engaging displays. Children’s museums and natural history museums are always popular and educational choices for younger children.
Magic Show or Magic Lesson: A Touch of Wonder
Add a sprinkle of magic to their world with tickets to a magic performance or even a private lesson where they can learn to perform some magic tricks themselves.
Archery Lesson: Aim for Fun and Focus
Take aim for fun and develop focus with an archery class designed for their age and skill level. Archery promotes concentration and physical coordination.
Voice Lessons: Find Their Voice
Help them develop their singing voice with in-person or virtual voice lessons from a qualified voice coach. Voice lessons build confidence and vocal skills.
Friend & Family Togetherness Experiences: Quality Time
An Afternoon at the Arcade: Retro Gaming Fun
Relive the fun of classic arcade games with a trip to the local arcade. Play games together, collect tickets, and enjoy friendly competition.
Ice Skating and Hot Chocolate: Winter Warmth
Combine an ice skating session with warming up afterward with delicious hot chocolate at a cozy café. It’s a perfect winter outing for friends or family.
One-on-One Outing with You: Special Time
Plan dedicated one-on-one time with your child. Whether it’s a lunch date, a trip to the park, or just focused time at home, this special attention is all about them.
Movie Marathon: Cozy Night In
Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and settle in for a fun-filled movie night at home, watching all your favorite family films back-to-back.
Sleepover with Friends: Fun and Laughter
Treat your child to a sleepover night with their closest friends. Staying up late, telling stories, and a big pancake breakfast in the morning make for a memorable experience.
An Outing or Weekend with a Special Family Member: Cherished Moments
Create meaningful memories by arranging an outing or weekend visit with a beloved grandparent, aunt, uncle, or cousins. These special connections are invaluable.
An Afternoon of Crafting or Baking: Creative Collaboration
Spend an afternoon whipping up sweet treats together in the kitchen or engaging in a fun crafting project. Collaborative activities create lasting memories and shared accomplishments.
Admission to an Adventure Park: Dream Destinations
Create unforgettable memories with a day trip to a dream destination adventure park like Disney World or Legoland. These parks offer immersive experiences and thrilling rides.
Special Vacation Experiences: Unique Adventures
Incorporate special experiences into family vacations, such as sleigh rides during a winter trip, snorkeling in a tropical location, or jet skiing on a lake.
A Family Trip or Destination Vacation: The Ultimate Memory Maker
The pinnacle of experience gifts is a family trip or destination vacation. These extended experiences create a wealth of shared memories that will be treasured for years.
Mani-Pedi or Spa Treatment: Pampering and Relaxation
Pamper them with a relaxing mani-pedi session with mom or a special spa treatment designed for children. It’s a lovely way to unwind and feel special.
Entertainment Gift Ideas for Fun and Enjoyment
Movie Tickets: The Big Screen Experience
While streaming at home is convenient, a trip to the movie theater to see the latest blockbuster offers a special outing and the immersive big-screen experience.
Theatre Tickets: Live Performances
Spark their imagination and appreciation for the arts with tickets to a live theatre performance of their favorite stories or a captivating play or musical.
Concert Tickets: Live Music Thrills
Let them dance and sing along with tickets to see a favorite band, musical artist, or children’s performer live in concert.
A New Book: Literary Adventures
Gift a new book to spark their imagination. Make it an outing by taking them to a bookstore to choose a new paperback or provide a gift card for downloading digital books or audiobooks.
Music Subscription: Tunes on Demand
Keep their playlist fresh and exciting with a subscription to a popular music streaming service, giving them access to millions of songs and artists.
Children’s Magazine Subscription: Engaging Content
Encourage curiosity, reading, and learning with a subscription to a children’s magazine tailored to their interests, covering topics from science to animals to crafts.
Sporting Event Tickets: Live Action Excitement
Let them experience the thrill of live sports with tickets to a local minor league game or a major league matchup, depending on their favorite sport.
Contribution Gifts: Investing in Their Future
Tuition for a Course, Class, or Workshop: Pursuing Passions
Help them delve deeper into a subject they love by gifting tuition for a specialized course, class, or workshop related to their hobbies or interests.
College Fund Contribution: Investing in Education
A thoughtful and forward-thinking gift is a contribution to their college fund, helping to support their future education expenses.
Gap Year Fund Donation: Dreams of Exploration
Support their aspirations of exploring the world and gaining new experiences after high school by contributing to a gap year fund.
Common Questions About Gifting Experiences to Children
Do children really appreciate experience gifts? Yes, children do appreciate experience gifts, often even more deeply than new toys. However, it’s important to recognize that their expression of joy might differ. Younger children, in particular, are often excited by the immediate gratification of unwrapping a physical present. To bridge this, consider pairing an experience with a small, tangible item related to the activity. For example, art supplies accompanying art classes or a new fishing lure alongside a fishing trip. This way, they get the thrill of opening a gift while still receiving the more valuable experience.
How should I present an experience gift to children? Make the experience tangible by giving them something to open. Include printed tickets to an event beautifully wrapped, or a small accessory that complements the experience, such as pottery tools for a pottery class. Adding a handwritten note explaining why you chose this specific experience adds a personal and thoughtful touch, making the gift even more meaningful.
What’s the best way to ask for experience gifts instead of material items? Clarity and kindness are key. Communicate to friends and family that your focus is on creating lasting memories rather than accumulating more possessions. Invite them to join you in this approach to gifting. To make it easier, provide a list of experience gift ideas that your child would enjoy. This guidance helps them choose gifts that align with your wishes and are genuinely appreciated.
