Nearly every time I walk into my kids’ rooms, I literally want to walk right back out because of my anxiety over all their stuff.
Sure, it’s because they haven’t grasped the concept of putting anything away and somehow think it’s a great idea to throw everything on the floor within two feet of the door. But also because they just have so much stuff.
No matter how many times I purge, stuff just seems to multiply again.
That’s one reason I love the idea of cutting back on giving things as gifts at Christmastime or anytime. I would much rather give them experience gifts.
Why give experience gifts?
- Experience gifts get kids out of the house… and off screens!
- They can be enjoyed by the whole family together.
- They create lifelong memories.
- And they allow you the opportunity to spend a little extra money on an experience that you might not splurge on at other times of the year.
Experience gift ideas
Depending on your budget, a great experience gift would be a year-long or season pass, or simply a one-day admission, to places like:
- Theme parks
- Water parks
- Trampoline parks
- Aquariums
- Zoos
- Botanical gardens
- Art museums
- Theatres
- Nature parks
- Planetariums
- Science centers
You could also get a gift card or gift certificate to places like:
- Go-cart tracks
- Arcades
- Bowling alleys
- Skating rinks
- Batting cages
- Golf driving ranges
- Mini golf
- Rocking climbing
- Movie theaters
Groupon is a good place to find deals on attractions and events in your area.
You can also give the gift of learning by paying the cost of things like:
- Art classes
- Cooking classes
- Summer camp
Treat them to a fun outing with tickets to events like:
- Sports games
Give older kids the gift of pampering or good food with gift cards for:
- Restaurants
- Spas
- Nail salons
And my favorite, give the gift of appreciating the outdoors with gift cards, passes or reservation fees for:
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Ziplining
Experience gift certificates
The only drawback to giving experience gifts is that you don’t have anything to wrap up in a box with a pretty bow. I have you covered, though!
You can print these gift certificates at home and fill them in any way you like, put them in a box or envelope and slide them under the tree for opening on Christmas morning.
There are two versions, one traditional and one a little more whimsical. With each one, you get a page of 3 certificates. You can print as many as you need.
Click here to download the Christmas Experience Gift Certificate bundle.
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