With three kids being born during the week of Christmas, things can get quite overwhelming in our household around this time of year. Over time, we have started saying 'no' to unnecessary commitments, are participating in quiet holiday moments at home, enjoying family time with extended relatives and are experiencing holiday traditions that truly mean something to our family.
We have also started given each child an experience gift for their birthday - usually some alone time with me. And also a few experience gifts under the tree with their other packages. Also, as our parents have aged, they are also finding that they don't need more "stuff". There is nothing worse than buying "just for the sake of buying". Sometimes gift cards don't mean too much. And wandering the aisles to find an item for $40 just to fill a need ... doesn't really fill a need at all. By sharing an experience with someone, it becomes a gift that is also enjoyed in other ways, extends the charm of the season, provides a reminder of your relationship and care to the recipient ... and often times, I get to share in the experience, too. Which makes it double the fun!
Here are some of the ideas that I've had over the years, an experience that I've shared with someone or would personally like to receive from a close friend or family member. These are seventy-five experience gifts for everyone on your list.
- theater/venue gift card
- expo entry (scrapbooking event, car show, womens expo, etc)
- concert tickets
- household cleaning service
- gym membership
- car washes/detailing
- name a star after them
- musical theater tickets
- comedy club
- video arcade tokens
- swimming lessons
- amusement park admission
- children's museum membership
- date night with you to their favorite restaurant
- spa day
- opera tickets
- entry for a continuing education class
- carriage ride
- family summer pool pass
- lessons to learn a new language
- personal training/fitness classes
- newspaper or magazine subscription
- donate money to a cause that is close to them
- drive-in movie
- tickets to see a local sports team
- state park or national park seasonal pass
- sledding/tubing hill
- coffee shop gift card
- waterpark passes
- gift card to a new, local restaurant
- subscription to a meal planning service
- trampoline park
- bike rental for the two of your or your family
- dance classes
- airfare gift card for travel
- kayak rental
- bowling
- brewery tour
- support a park or animal that they care about
- skiing
- scavenger hunt (or Wizard Quest)
- ice cream date
- ice skating
- miniature golf
- stand-up paddle board rental
- horseback riding
- baking class
- cooking class
- wine tasting
- walking food tour
- bus or trolley tour of a new city
- rock climbing classes
- camping reservation
- ziplining
- painting class
- woodworking class
- gift certificate to a garden center
- laser tag
- monthly puzzle membership
- roller skating
- crafting or jewelry making class
- gift card to a craft store
- overnight at a hotel together
- piano, voice or guitar lessons
- escape room admission
- go-cart admission
- zoo membership or admission
- aquarium membership or admission
- infrared sauna session
- self-defense class
- movie tickets
- massage or couples massage
- pottery studio gift certificate or class
- chiropractic care
- nature center admission
Still want more ideas? Check out my short list of 25 experience gifts that you can give this holiday season. Many I have gifted to those close to me.
