My sister is great at thinking up fun family gifts. Last year for Christmas she gifted us a movie night box complete with movies, popcorn, soda, and candy. This has become one of my favorite experience gifts for kids.

The best thing about experience gifts for kids is that they can be altered to fit the child or family situation.

How Can I Give Experience Instead of Gifts to My Kids?

When I think of experience gifts I often think of my friends who have surprised their kids with a trip to Disney World. This is an amazing family gift that your children will remember for years to come.

However, experience gifts for kids do not have to be elaborate. Kids want to spend time with the adults that love them. They want to know that they are special and important and that we are listening to them.

With this in mind, I have created this post with the idea that these experience gifts for kids and teens will be done together with those they love.

Quality time is a priceless gift.

What is a Good Experience Gift for Kids?

So, what it a good experience gift for kids? I’ve rounded up a general list to get you started!

• Museum memberships or day passes
• Movie passes
• Tickets to a sporting event
• Cooking classes
• Art classes (think beyond painting such as pottery or sculpture)
• Seasonal ski pass
• Waterpark pass
• Gardening kit
• Family game night kit
• Camping supplies and camping trip
• Horseback riding lessons
• Rock climbing adventure
• Trip to a trampoline park
• Mini golf pass
• Zoo pass

What is a Good Experience Gift for Teenagers?

In a world where electronics rule, what would be a good experience gift for teenagers?

Let’s think of ways to get our kids faces away from their phones and devices and back into the real world with the people who love them most.

Experience gifts for teens can be catered to help them pursue their interests. Joining them in their interests is something you will never regret. Does your teenager enjoy camping or gardening? Perhaps a mother/daughter spa day will provide the bonding moments we all crave with our kids.

Here is a list of ideas to get you started!

• Amusement park pass
• Movie tickets
• Sleepover kit
• Jewelry making kit
• Seasonal ski pass
• Horseback riding lessons
• Outdoor wilderness and survival courses
• Self-defense classes
• Magazine subscriptions
• Spa pass
• Sports camp
• Manicure gift card
• Bowling pass
• Hot air balloon rides
• National Park Pass
• Paint ball pass

Family Togetherness is the Greatest Gift of All

Having a family that loves you will benefit your child more than any material gift you give.

This isn’t exactly a gift, but a wonderful tradition to begin with your family during the holidays. A family we love dearly donates every year in Rebekah’s name (read more about my beautiful daughter that is in heaven!). It means so much to us. Here are a few ideas your family could do together:

• Adopt a family through the Salvation Army
• Send Christmas cards to soldiers
• Volunteer at a soup kitchen
• Round up a group and carol at local nursing homes and assisted living
• Sponsor a child through Compassion
• Shop for Operation Christmas Child together

Butterfly Living has an excellent post on keeping Christmas simple and I think we could all use a bit of that simplicity!

What about you? Have you given your kids experience gifts? Which did they like? Which do you want to try this year?

Before you go, check out these fun gift guides!

Fun and Engaging Subscription Boxes for Tweens

14 Great Gifts for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages