105 Awesome Christmas Experience Gifts For Kids & Adults (2023)

As a parent, you know that building a strong relationship with your child is a top priority. A great way to foster that bond is by gifting them with experiences that they’ll never forget. Instead of buying the same old toys that can quickly lose their appeal, why not give your kids the gift of exploration and adventure? In this blog post, we’ll dive into some exciting ideas for experience gifts that will not only provide endless fun but also create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re ready to take your gift-giving game to the next level and make your child’s Christmas extra special, let’s explore some unique experience gift ideas together!

Do Kids Appreciate Experience Gifts?

Yes! Experience gifts are a great way to provide your child with new skills and unique experiences, while also spending quality time together as a family. Plus, they offer a break from the material gifts that can pile up on Christmas morning, providing your child with memories that will last far longer than any new toy. Whether your child is an animal lover, a science enthusiast, or just loves to have a great time, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The best part of experience gifts is that they can be tailored to fit any budget, and often provide free admission for family members or discounts on special events with an annual pass. Plus, many experiences can be booked online or via gift certificates or gift cards, making them a great option for those who want to avoid the Black Friday crowds.

How Do You Ask For Experiences Instead Of Gifts?

You might be wondering how you can steer gift-givers toward more experience-based gifts. Not only can experiences provide more lasting memories and meaningful learning opportunities, but they can also help declutter your home and reduce waste.

The first step in requesting experience gifts is to communicate your wishes with friends and family. You can do this in a friendly and positive way by explaining why you prefer experiences over toys. Emphasize the educational and social benefits that experiences can offer, as well as the joy that comes from spending quality time together. You might even provide some examples of experience gifts that your child would enjoy, such as a day trip to a museum or a cooking class.

Another way to encourage experience gifts is to create a gift registry or wish list. Include specific experiences that you would like your child to have, and share this list with gift-givers. Be sure to update the list regularly as your child’s interests and abilities change.

When talking to gift-givers, it’s also important to remember to be gracious and appreciative of their thoughtfulness. Even if they don’t choose an experience gift, thanking them for their generosity will encourage them to continue supporting your child’s growth and development.

Experience Gifts For Younger Children

Gift certificate for a children’s museum membership
Day passes to a local zoo
Gift card to a science center
Subscription box for science experiments or art projects
Music lessons
Dance lessons
Scavenger hunt kit for a family adventure
Tickets to a sporting event
Escape room experience for the whole family
Board game night with new games
Day pass to a water park
Hot air balloon ride for a fun way to see the scenery
Road trip to national parks across the United States
Horseback riding lessons
Season pass to a local amusement park
Annual membership to a children’s museum
Trampoline park experience for the kids
Broadway show tickets for a night out with the family
Cooking classes for young children
Ice skating lessons
Driving range experience for older children
Summer camp for a fun and educational experience
Indoor skydiving experience for a thrill
Family vacation to a new place
Rainy day kit with books, crafts, and board games for a cozy day in.

Experience Gifts For Toddlers

Children’s museum membership for a year of learning and play.
Tickets to a live children’s show or musical for an exciting adventure.
Animal-themed adventure at the zoo or aquarium.
Day pass to a water park or splash pad for a fun day out.
Train ride through scenic landscapes for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.
Indoor play space for a fun and safe place to play with other kids.
Creative arts and crafts classes for a chance to express their creativity.
Music and movement classes for a chance to dance and sing along to favorite songs.
Toddler gymnastics or movement classes for a chance to play and develop gross motor skills.
Children’s theater performance for a chance to see a play or musical geared towards toddlers.
Picnic in the park for a relaxing and fun family outing.
Storytime at the library or bookstore for a chance to hear new stories and meet new friends.
Art museum or gallery visit for a chance to see beautiful artwork and explore creativity.
Puppet show or puppet-making workshop for a fun and interactive experience.
Sensory play classes or workshops for a chance to explore different textures, sounds, and sights.

Experience Gift Ideas For Teenagers

A day pass to a nearby theme park for a thrilling experience with friends.
A hot air balloon ride for a unique and exciting adventure.
A gift certificate for a fun experience such as indoor skydiving or escape room challenge.
A subscription box for a monthly surprise of new and interesting items.
Tickets to a Broadway show or concert for an unforgettable night out.
An annual membership to a science center or children’s museum for ongoing learning and fun.
Cooking classes for a chance to learn new culinary skills and techniques.
A train ride through scenic landscapes for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.
Movie tickets for a night out with friends or family.
A gift card to a favorite restaurant for a delicious meal with loved ones.
Horseback riding lessons for an exciting and new experience.
A day trip to a national park for outdoor adventures and exploration.
Board games or video games for fun indoor activities on rainy days.
A season pass to a local sports team’s games for the ultimate fan experience.
A gift certificate for a driving range or golf lessons for a fun and challenging activity.
Dance lessons for a chance to learn new moves and skills.
A subscription service for a favorite hobby or interest, such as a book club or craft kit.
Tickets to see The Lion King musical for a magical and unforgettable experience.
Ice skating lessons for a fun and active winter activity.
A trampoline park gift card for a high-energy and exciting experience.
Summer camp for a chance to make new friends and try new activities.
Local tours or excursions for a chance to explore new places and learn about local history.
A gift certificate for a fun experience like paintball or go-kart racing.
A family vacation for quality time and fun memories together.
A physical gift that promotes outdoor exploration, such as a bike or camping gear.

Experience Gifts For Older Children Or Adults

Pottery or ceramics classes for a chance to learn a new skill and create unique pieces.
Wine or beer tasting tour for a fun and educational experience for teenagers.
Private tour of a local museum or art gallery for an exclusive and personalized experience.
Virtual reality experience for a thrilling and immersive adventure.
Cooking class with a celebrity chef for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Private lesson with a professional athlete or coach for a chance to learn from the best.
Private concert or recording studio session for a unique and personalized music experience.
Photography classes for a chance to learn new techniques and capture beautiful moments.
Yoga or meditation classes for a chance to relax and improve mindfulness.
Spa day or massage for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Surfing or paddleboarding lessons for a fun and active day on the water.
Guided hike or outdoor adventure for a chance to explore nature and learn about local ecosystems.
Personal styling session or shopping trip with a fashion expert for a chance to upgrade their style.
Acting or improv classes for a chance to develop their performance skills.
Professional makeup tutorial or session for a chance to learn new makeup techniques and tips.
Escape room experience with friends for a fun and challenging group activity.
Virtual art class with a famous artist for a chance to learn from the best.
Private tour of a historical landmark or monument for an educational and enriching experience.
Stand-up comedy classes for a chance to develop their comedic skills and perform for an audience.
Art workshop with a famous artist for a chance to create their own masterpiece with expert guidance.
DJ lessons for a chance to learn how to mix and create their own music.
Acting or modeling photoshoot for a fun and confidence-boosting experience.
Sailing or boating lessons for a fun and active day on the water.
Wine and painting night for a chance to socialize and create a beautiful painting to take home.
Private tour of a film or TV studio for a chance to learn about behind-the-scenes production and see where their favorite movies and shows are made.
Glassblowing class for a chance to create unique glass pieces with expert guidance.
Stand-up paddleboard yoga class for a fun and challenging workout on the water.
Private tour of a local farm or winery for a chance to learn about sustainable agriculture and taste delicious products.
Pottery wheel experience for a fun and creative day making their own pottery pieces.
Personalized cooking class with a private chef for a chance to learn new culinary skills and enjoy a delicious meal.
Private painting lesson with a local artist for a chance to develop their painting skills and create their own masterpiece.
Private wine tasting experience with a sommelier for a chance to learn about wine tasting and discover new favorite wines.
Aerial yoga class for a fun and unique way to stay active and improve flexibility.
Private tour of a local historical site or museum for an educational and enriching experience.
Private wine and cheese pairing experience with a local cheese shop or cheesemaker.
Mixology class for a chance to learn how to make delicious cocktails and impress their friends.
Private helicopter tour for a thrilling and unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Private pottery or ceramics workshop for a chance to make their own unique pottery pieces with expert guidance.
Personalized wine blending experience with a local winery for a chance to create their own unique wine blend.
Private yoga or fitness session with a personal trainer for a customized workout and wellness plan.

How To Make Christmas Feel Extra Magical

Christmas is a magical time of year, and as homemakers, we want to make it extra special for our families. One way to do this is by giving the best experience gifts instead of physical gifts. Experience gifts are the perfect way to create lasting memories and have much more fun as a family. From younger kids to older kids and the entire family, experiential gifts are the best gifts that keep on giving.

There are so many benefits of experience gifts, and they can be a great idea for kids of all ages. With so much stuff already in our living rooms, it’s nice to give our kids experience gifts that allow them to explore new things and have fun in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a local place you’ve never been to or something you’ve always wanted to try, there are so many great experience gift ideas out there.

During this holiday season, you may consider shifting your focus away from physical gifts. Sharing experiences together can be a great way to create an extra magical Christmas for our families.