This epic list of ideas for the Best Experience Gifts for Kids is going to help you find the perfect present for all on your list.
Use these ideas to take the stress away from searching for a gift for the kid who has everything. Simply give the gift of a new experience, adventure, or hobby.
As a bonus, you will have less clutter around your home too. If you fall into the category of having kids who have too many toys, this is a great way to lessen the mess.
Another perk to doing non-toy gifts is that you can be extremely frugal. We have ideas for those Christmases when money is tight or when you simply want to skip the expensive electronics.
If you are on the fence about giving experience gifts, take a peek at our Tips to Make Giving Experience Gifts to Kids a Success. It has tons of helpful information to make sure you are choosing the best experience gift. As well as ideas to make the transition to experience gifts smoother.
The Best Experience Gifts for Kids
There are so many ways that you can gift an experience. You can give the tickets or print out a pamphlet about the event to wrap up for the child. Typically the experience is enough of gift in itself, but occasionally you might want to add an accessory or extra so they have something small to open as well.
The choice is totally up to you, your budget, and what your family has chosen. I will mention extras in the post so that if you do wish to add something you will have handy ideas.
If you don’t want to do any extras with the gift, think about using our printable Christmas Gift Certificate. It has adorable watercolor illustrations & spaces for you to record the gift you are giving!
Now it’s time to get to the experience gifts. Let’s start with the Entertainment Experience Gift Ideas.
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Entertainment Experience Gift Ideas
There are so many options when it comes to entertainment gifts for kids. However, depending on where you live, like a rural area or in a big city, your options might be very different.
Here are some great ideas to skip the gifts this year, and give your kids a day of being entertained, or even a night out on the town.
CONCERT TICKETS
Do you remember your first concert? Mine was Alabama on vacation in Tennessee and I will never forget it. Let’s just say my first concert was a very patriotic affair! Do some research and see if any of the child’s favorite bands will be in concert near you soon. If you find one, think about gifting it with a Concert Ticket Stub Album.
SYMPHONY TICKETS
Maybe a concert isn’t exactly what you had in mind, but you still want something musical? Symphony tickets are a great compromise. The young music enthusiast on your list would definitely enjoy seeing musicians live on stage. Plus, getting dressed up for the symphony is part of the fun!
A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
Have a movie buff on your list? Give them a night at the movies to see a new flick. Take it a step further and upgrade for the 3D experience, recliner seats, or mega-butter popcorn. If you are wanting to add a little something, check out this Ticket Stub Organizer.
DRIVE-IN MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Depending on where you live, you can put a little twist on a night at the movies and find a local drive-in near you instead.
THEATER TICKETS
One more musical idea would be tickets to the theater. We live close to the Fox Theater and there is nothing more magical than the old grandeur and glitz of theater productions. This blank Theater Journal would be a fun add-on to this gift.
ARCADE EXPERIENCE
Grab your quarters, or better yet see if the Arcade or Gaming Center offers deals if you purchase in advance, and head out for a day of classic fun. From newer electronic games to classics like the claw machine, arcades have a little something for everyone.
A NIGHT AT A HOTEL
This one works really well for whole families: the gift of a hotel stay. Find a hotel with an amazing pool, and possibly other fun things for kids, and book it for a night. Jumping on the beds, staying up late, and junk food for snacks makes this idea one of my kids’ favorites!
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
This is truly an experience gift for kids that continues to give all year long. Pick a magazine based on their age, interests, or hobbies and gift it easily. Popular ones include:
HELICOPTER RIDE
As far as experience gifts for kids go, this one flies to the top of the list. Look for a local helicopter company to schedule an adventurous flight. Just make sure the child isn’t deathly afraid of heights.
AMUSEMENT PARK PASSES OR DAY TOGETHER
Do you have a local amusement park that is a hit with your kids? Then think about gifting a day of fun or even a yearly membership.
WATER PARK
This is another fun idea, which works best in the summer of course unless you have an indoor water park near you. Plan a day of one-on-one fun, or make it a family or friends affair.
ZOO
A day at the zoo is a perfectly great gift in itself. But if zoo trips are common for your child, you can think outside the box with this gift. Perhaps purchase a kid’s membership that allows them access to special areas of the zoo. Or add a gift card to the zoo gift shop.
AQUARIUM
The same ideas as the Zoo apply here too. Look into memberships, or maybe even special classes or events occurring at the Aquarium. How cool would a night be camping out at the Aquarium!
CIRCUS & TRAVELING EXHIBITS
Check your local venues for upcoming events that might interest your kids. For example, Monster Jam, Dinosaur Exhibits or the Circus.
MONTHLY BOXES FOR KIDS
There are some really fun subscription boxes out there for kids! A simple google search will help you find ones that apply to your child’s interests, but here are a few ideas:
KiwiCo – STEM, STEAM & Science Kits for Kids 0 to16+
Little Passports – Educational Gift Subscription for Kids 3 to 9+
We Craft Box – Arts & Crafts Activities for Kids 3 to 9
Sports & Active Experience Gifts for Kids
Do you have an athlete on your list? If so, here are the experience gifts for kids that are perfect for the ultimate sports fan!
TRAMPOLINE PARK OR BOUNCE LAND
Check your local trampoline park for specials on memberships or bundles on daily passes.
NINJA WARRIOR COURSES
If you have an adventure-seeking, full of energy kiddo on your list, then definitely look into Ninja Warrior courses. They do make American Ninja Warrior T-shirts that would pair well with this gift.
ROCK CLIMBING
Another fun activity for kids who love to try new things & use their muscles. There are indoor facilities that have climbing walls for various levels of climbers, even specific ones for kids. Gift the experience with this fun National Geographic Kids: Rock Stars Book.
DAY AT THE GOLF COURSE
Grab your golf clubs, or borrow a kids’ set, and head out for a day of fun at a local golf course. Spring for a golf cart rental. It’s not only super fun but will keep everyone from getting exhausted walking a course.
PUTT-PUTT ADVENTURE
Not interested in a day at the golf course? Then think about planning a fun day of putt-putt or mini-golf.
ULTIMATE GOLF
Don’t want to battle the weather at all, but still want a fun golfing adventure? Then look for an ultimate golf experience near you. These are simulated golf ranges, typically with food service too. A great experience gift for the teenagers on your list.
BOWLING
What’s not to love about a fun night of bowling? Check out your local Bowling Alley to see if they have any special events such as Glow in the Dark Bowl. If you have a Dollar Tree store near you they have fun Finger Bowling Sets that would be great for this gift. They are very similar to this Finger Bowling Set.
ICE-SKATING
Whether you bundle up and head to an outdoor rink, or choose an indoor rink, ice skating is the perfect Christmas experience gift.
HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS
Do you have an animal-lover on your list? Think about doing horseback riding lessons as an experience gift.
INDOOR SKYDIVING
They’ve seen the videos on YouTube, now give your child the chance to skydive without actually jumping out of a plane!
TICKETS TO A PROFFESONIAL SPORTING EVENT
Your kids have watched their favorites athletes on tv, but seeing them play in person is like nothing else. Make sure you search through ticket dates for events just for kids. For example, free bobblehead nights or cheaper ticket events.
DAY AT MINOR LEAGUE \ SEMI-PRO GAME
If you have never been to a minor league game then you are truly missing out. The prices are typically much lower and your kids will have a better chance of interacting with players.
COLLEGE EVENTS
If you are lucky enough to have a large University near you, take advantage of their musicals, productions and sporting events.
Also, most colleges offer programs in the summer for children ranging from cooking classes to athletic camps to STEM experiences.
Outdoor Adventure Gifts for the Nature-Loving Kid
The best thing about outdoor adventures as experience gifts for kids is that you can typically keep them frugal. Take advantage of your local city or state parks for the following ideas.
GO ON A CAMPING TRIP
Whether you tent it in the backyard or rent an RV, camping is a right of passage here in the Midwest. A camping trip is a great way to not only explore the outdoors but make family memories too.
SURVIVAL SKILLS CLASS OR ADVENTURE DAY
Perhaps it’s the popular zombie movies or apocalyptic books that are all the rage, but survival skills have never been cooler in my boys’ books. Consider gifting a Survival Skills Camp Experience. Do a simple search to find camps close to your location.
TAKE A HIKING TRIP
Skip your usual quick hikes and plan a full out adventure day of hiking. Perhaps you could go somewhere you’ve never been before, or tackle a place that you thought was too hard in the past.
PLAYGROUND HOP DAY
So what is a Playground Hop Day? It’s when you make a plan to visit every single playground within a certain distance of your home! You pack up the bikes, scooters, skateboards and other park paraphernalia and spend the entire day, or as long as you can last, hopping from one park to the next. Bonus points if you pack the good drinks & snacks!
PICNIC AT THE PARK
While it would be a nice addition to a Playground Hop Day, an elaborate picnic in the park could be a gift all to itself. Make it a big deal with a fun blanket to sit on, yummy finger foods on cool plates, and special desserts. Of course, time playing at the park is included in this gift idea.
A NEW PET… BUT ONLY IF YOU REALLY WANT TO TAKE CARE OF IT
You want to talk about an experience… give your child their first pet! Start small with a fish or gerbil, or go big and gift the dog of their dreams. Just remember, a word from the wise, this gift will mean a lot of work for not only your child but for you too.
Lessons or Membership Gift Ideas for Kids
Encourage your child’s current interests, or perhaps introduce them to something new with lessons or membership gifts.
MUSIC LESSONS
Check with your school music teacher to see about finding music lessons in your area. The options are endless, but piano and guitar lessons seem to be the most common ones available.
THEATER CLASSES
Turn those tween dramatics into something useful with theater or drama lessons. Check with your school, local college, or Art Guild for tips on finding classes for your child.
POTTERY CLASS
If you have a creator in your midst, think about pottery classes to encourage them to be imaginative all while getting their hands dirty.
DANCE CLASSES
If there are nightly break-out dance sessions going on in your home, consider dance class or even a few lessons to encourage your child. Also, dance doesn’t just mean tap, jazz or ballet. Search for other dance options if the above is something you know wouldn’t line up with your child’s dancing moves.
POETRY OR WRITING CLASSES
Writing is a powerful tool and providing writing classes as a gift for kids will go along way in helping them not only in school but in life too. Look for creative writing classes that cover a wide range of topics, or one that focuses solely on your child’s interests. There are tons of writing journals for kids that would work great with this gift.
MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP OR DAY PASS
If you are lucky enough to have a Museum near you, purchase an annual membership for the child. Or, see if they offer any children’s programs that you could give as a gift.
CHILD’S MUSEUM / PLAYHOUSE MEMBERSHIP
As with regular museums, look into the programs available from any local children’s museum or playhouse.
SWIM LESSONS
If you are planning a big trip around water or simply wanting to keep a little one safe, swim lessons are a great experience gift. It’s a valuable life skill to learn, along with opening a door into so many other fun experiences. Give them a fun pair of swim goggles or a beach towel to go with their swim lessons.
COOKING LESSONS
Not only is this a fun gift for the future chef or baker, but it’s also a great way to teach some kitchen-based life skills. Make this gift even better by also planning a special night for them to showcase their special skills for you or their family. Giving them a fun children’s cooking book or apron with this gift would be perfect.
Creative Experience Gift Ideas for Kids
Do you have a crafty or creative kid on your list? Consider giving them a gift that lets them explore that creative side even more.
SCRAPBOOK OF AN ADVENTURE
This is a great gift idea for older tween or teens who love photography. Gift them a scrapbook of their past adventures. For example, you could scrap their athletic events, school functions, or just general life.
SUPPLIES TO MAKE THEIR OWN SCRAPBOOK
If the idea of making a scrapbook isn’t for you, then give the items that they would need to do it themself. You could give them an album kit, colorful paper, fun pens, & accessories like stencils.
ULTIMATE CRAFT SUPPLIES KIT
If you have a craft lover think about finding local craft classes. If those aren’t available you could gift an awesome craft kit.
Frugal Gift Ideas for Kids
If you are wanting to keep your experience gifts frugal, then these experience gifts for kids are perfect for you.
SLEEPOVER/ SLUMBER PARTY
If the child doesn’t live with you give them a sleepover at your house. Or, offer to let your child have a slumber party with all of their friends. Keep it frugal by making frozen pizzas and serving ice cream or cookies. Bonus points if you send any siblings to Grandmas for the night.
MOVIE NIGHT KIT
Going to the movies can be super expensive, so gifting a fun movie night at home is much easier on the pocketbook. Simply hit up Redbox and let your child pick out a movie of their choice. Then make popcorn & serve it in fun popcorn boxes to really set the mood. If you don’t mind spending a little more, gifting a CraveBox is a fun addition to any movie night!
ICE CREAM DATE TICKET
This is my favorite gift for Aunts and Uncles or family friends to gift to my boys. It’s simple, but one-on-one time to go eat ice cream is a hit in our home.
COFFEE AND BOOK STORE DAY
Have a bookworm on your list? This Book Store Day is an easy way to spend some time together with your favorite little reader. Make it even better with a special coffee or hot chocolate while you look through all the glorious books.
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Take a Family Game Night to the next level by making it a huge competition. Use poster board to make a Leader Board and keep track of who wins as you play various games. Load up on snacks & sweets & you have a perfect gift for the gamer kiddo.
THRIFT STORE SHOPPING SPREE
Take the kid who loves shopping for a thrift store shopping spree. Give them a set limit and let them enjoy searching for treasures.
A few more Christmas Ideas
Hopefully, you found the perfect gift! Take a peek at a few of our other fun Christmas ideas below:
Easy Ways to Save Money at Christmas
Christmas Eve Traditions for Kids
If you are in need of a fun Christmas Activity check out our Spice Drop STEM Challenge. Or an easy Christmas Game – Christmas Catch.
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