It's November and my wheels have started to turn when it comes to gift giving and our two boys. We are at the stage where toys aren't making the list as much and I find myself stumped every time someone asks me what my kids want for Christmas.
This brings me to the experience gift! Creating memories as a family is something that will be remembered by you and your kids in the future. The newest action figure or video game won't necessarily come to mind when they think back on family memories. Does this mean to scratch the "stuff" all together? No, not at all. However, getting creative with experience gifts will create memories and fun that will last in everyone's mind!
What are some questions that I ask myself when considering gifting an experience to my kids?
- What is one of their favorite outings?
- Is there a local spot that they have expressed interest in that we can make a weekend of?
- Who do they listen to when it comes to music these days?
- Is there a special restaurant that they like to eat at for special occasions? (My boys love a trip to a fun hibachi grill)
- Does the family have a local museum, zoo, or play place that you frequent?
- Do they have any favorite local sports teams?
- Are there any plays/musicals they would enjoy coming to town?
Here are some ideas for a gifts:
- Concert tickets - We gifted "First Concert" tickets to see the Imagine Dragons last year.
- Annual Membership to local museum or play play. This is also a great gift for grandparents to take as well.
- A special night out to their favorite special occasion restaurant! You could even add on some movie tickets.
- Season passes/tickets to local amusement park
- Tickets to see their favorite sports team play
- Look at local outdoors places. Tickets to zipline, go-kart race, or any popular activities in your area.
- Lessons! Have they been asking to start a new hobby? Gift them some introductory lessons so they can see if it is something they would like to pursue.
- Family gift- You can always do a family gift and take everyone away for a weekend of fun somewhere.
I hope this helps give you some direction if gifting an experience is new to you! Our family has definitely enjoyed incorporating this type of present into our gift-giving over the last couple of years. If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them in the comment section below!
