I don’t know about you, but my kids don’t need more toys or knickknacks. I feel like an experience is a much better gift because it lets us make memories together. I swear, the closer the girls get to heading off to college, the crazier more sentimental I get about the importance of family time. If you’re thinking of giving an experience for a gift this year, here are some great ideas. Here are Best Experiences to Give as Gifts:
Give lessons:
Art classes
Canvas painting
Pottery painting
Voice lessons or acting classes
Cooking classes- Many places offer weekly classes or workshops.
Music lessons- You could also rent them the equipment they’ll need.
Dance classes- Take them to an introductory class, buy them some tutus, or help pay for their classes.
Woodworking- you could also give them tools to use, supplies, and DIY books
Help pay for them to go to summer camp. Or give things they’ll need, like trunks,
Give animal experiences:
Trip to a zoo
Trip to an aquarium
Trip to a reptile center
Swim with dolphins (Read all about our swim)
Horseback riding- lessons or a trail ride
Whale watch or dolphin watch
Outings for the whole family:
Tickets to a local play off-Broadway or community theater (Read our tips)
Movie theater tickets
Science/ art/ children’s museums
Tickets to a drive-in movie theater (Read about our tips)
Theme park pass
Local water park (Read our tips)
Sports experiences:
Tickets to a professional or local game
Mini golf
Swim lessons or membership to a local pool
Ski passes or lessons
Ice skating lessons or equipment
Indoor rock climbing
Bowling
Gym membership
Zipline or ropes course
National park/State park passes for walks or hikes
Pay for a session of a new sport (dance, gymnastics, lacrosse)
Buy them equipment for a new sport.
Camping equipment or pay for a campsite.
Experiences they can do at home:
Family movie night- Include an Amazon gift certificate for them to buy a movie; give popcorn, cotton candy, and something sweet
Family game night- I love the classic Hasbro games
Materials to build a terrarium
Cookie decorating night- you can include a recipe book, supplies
Gingerbread house- make your own or buy a kit
Snowman kit- here is everything they will need
Plant a garden together- you could also include a gift certificate for a local greenhouse
Build something together- you could also include a gift certificate for a local hardware store
Star gazing- rent or buy a telescope, buy a book on constellations, or watch some YouTube videos about them
Home spa day- facials, nails, hair masks,
Philanthropy:
Volunteer at a charity of their choice.
Offer to help sort toys or clothes they can donate.
Help them organize a food drive.
Host a care package party.
Organize a fundraiser for the MSPCA
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