As parents, we know the holidays are one of the most stressful times of the year. We’re worried about preparing food, scheduling to see all the relatives, and most of all, finding the perfect gift for our kids. No wonder Santa stress eats milk and cookies! Physical gifts are fun to unwrap and play with for a few weeks, but we know the best gifts are ones that our kids will remember.
Experience gifts can alleviate stress, improve relationships, and provide hours of entertainment, education, fun, and pleasant memories to last a lifetime. Here are the top benefits of giving experience gifts.
- Less Clutter
Toys are a major source of clutter in homes, possibly even the biggest source for families. Each year, as kids are opening up gifts our minds are thinking about “where I am going to fit all these items in my house.” Research shows physical clutter creates stress and reduces our ability to focus. Experience gifts, on the other hand, can actually reduce stress, whether it be through physical activity, laughter, or an opportunity for rest and relaxation.
- They provide entertainment & fun
Experience gifts can be a great source of entertainment and fun, not just for the child, but for the entire family and the person giving the gift, too! Think about the joy you feel when seeing your child get excited to leave for their favorite activity or when they score their first goal.
- Experiences offer kids opportunities for learning
Experience gifts like museum passes, sports lessons, art supplies, and camps can make learning fun, help kids develop and master new skills, and even spark interest in new subjects and hobbies.
- Make lasting memories
Experiences are more memorable than material things because they evoke a greater emotional response. Many adults do not remember what they got each year for Christmas but have fond memories of vacations, special outings, and childhood coaches and sporting events. The same goes for children, over time they will forget about the toys they received but they will always remember the time you took them to the beach for Christmas.
A list of our favorite experience gifts for kids.
- Membership to a Zoo or Aquarium
- Family vacation to the beach
- Passes to Stay up late with Mom and Dad
- Camping Trip
- Amusement Park Passes
- Tickets to a sports event
- A season of Soccer Stars classes
- 1-on-1 Soccer Skill Lessons through Soccer Stars Private Classes
PRO TIP: Make the experience gift giving more tangible and visual for kids by including a picture of what it is along with a homemade certificate and a fun note!
