50 awesome experience gifts to give—instead of toys
Experience gifts can be the best gifts for kids.
Yes, it's called the giving season, but who says that “giving" always has to mean toys, clothes or just more stuff? Gifting experiences, from museum memberships to sporting passes, can give your kids more than just another object for their playroom. It can create memories, help build skills and provide fun for the entire family.
While the pandemic has made experiences a little trickier, you can totally still find a perfect gift. Many places offer reservations or specific time slots now to ensure social distancing—just be sure to double check that before sending to your favorite little one!
We asked what experiences you want for your kiddos instead of toys, and you told us. Here are some of the best experience gifts to give:
1. A book bundle or subscription to Highlights
2. Gift card to restaurant (or takeout) for the family
3. Trampoline jump passes
4. Kid-friendly cooking set for home (bonus: add this play kitchen)
5. Streaming services for a year—we love Disney+
6. Trip to the bookstore to pick out new books
7. Local + national state park passes for a year
8. Plane or train ticket to visit someone special (grandma, aunt, etc.)
9. Pass to an art museum
10. Cooking class for kids. The Kid's Table offers virtual options!
11. A farm stay
12. Meditation subscription
13. Pottery making classes
14. Out of country airfare + accommodation (if you want to be truly indulgent)
15. Swim lessons
22. Ceramic painting class
23. Payment for summer camp or a virtual camp they want to attend
24. A language learning app or software
25. Zoo membership
26. Indoor rock climbing experience
27. A camera to use for adventures
28. Horseback riding lesson
29. Tickets + gear for sports team
30. Gift for charity, let the child decide where to give
31. Miniature golf adventure—or do it at home
32. Indoor climbing excursion
33. Mommy + me music classes
34. Tickets for Disney on Ice
35. Passes to the local waterpark
36. Children's theater season passes
37. Music class gift card
38. Camping gear for a weekend away
39. A hot air balloon ride
40. Subscription to Little Passports
41. Year fees for school
42. Full session for new sport (gymnastics, football camp, etc.)
43. Materials to build terrarium
44. Weekend stay at Great Wolf Lodge
46. Season pass to attraction (Disneyland, Island of Adventure, etc.)
47. YMCA family pass
48. Movie gift card for the local theatre (some are offering reservations)
49. Volunteer trip (Toys for Tots, food bank, etc.)
50. Donation to future college fund
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