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Are you looking for Christmas experience gifts for kids instead of toys and other physical gifts? We’ve got you covered!
Christmas is a magical time of the year, especially for children.
The anticipation of Santa’s arrival, the twinkling lights, and the festive decorations make it a truly special season.
As parents, we want to create lasting memories for our little ones, and what better way to do that than through Christmas experience gifts for kids?
If you’re trying to accumulate less stuff this holiday season, these unique gifts will not only bring joy and excitement to your child’s face, but also create unforgettable moments they will cherish for years to come.
You can give these gifts yourself or ask your friends and family to consider these types of gifts.
For the really big experience gifts, you could ask family to chip in to help make them happen!
Let’s explore some of the best Christmas experience gifts for kids that are sure to make this holiday season extra special.
Why Choose Experience Gifts Over Traditional Presents?
Christmas is a time of tradition, where gifts are exchanged and children eagerly unwrap presents under the tree.
While traditional presents have their charm, experience gifts offer a unique and memorable alternative that can create lasting memories for your child.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider experience gifts over traditional presents this holiday season.
Quality Time
First and foremost, experience gifts provide an opportunity for quality time and shared experiences.
Instead of simply receiving a physical gift that your child will likely forget about within days of receiving it, they get to actively participate in an adventure or activity.
This allows for bonding moments and creates memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Whether it’s a visit to Santa’s elves or solving puzzles in an escape room, experience gifts encourage interaction, communication, and teamwork.
Teach the Value of Experiences
Experience gifts also offer a break from the consumerism and materialism often associated with traditional presents.
Rather than accumulating more “stuff,” experience gifts prioritize the value of experiences over material possessions.
This can be particularly valuable in teaching children the importance of creating memories and valuing moments spent with loved ones.
Growth and Development
Experience gifts can also foster personal growth and development in children.
By engaging in new and unfamiliar activities, children are exposed to new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. For example, participating in an escape room adventure can enhance problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and teamwork.
These experiences not only provide entertainment and fun but also offer valuable learning experiences that can benefit your child’s development.
Personalization
Experience gifts can be tailored to suit your child’s interests and preferences.
Whether your child loves animals, art, science, or sports, there are a variety of experience gifts available to cater to their individual passions.
This personalized approach ensures that the gift is meaningful and aligned with your child’s unique interests, making it all the more special.
Excitement and Anticipation
Experience gifts can offer a break from the traditional gift-giving routine and inject excitement and anticipation into the holiday season.
Instead of simply unwrapping presents, your child can look forward to a specific activity or event, building up anticipation and excitement in the days leading up to it.
This adds an extra layer of joy and anticipation to the holiday season and creates a sense of anticipation and wonder that can be lacking with traditional presents.
60 Christmas Experience Gifts for Kids
This list of 60 Christmas experience gifts for kids has a wide range of options from small to big experiences and all the fun things you can imagine!
1. Amusement Park
If you’re looking for a great way to get some family time in, tickets to a theme park are great family experience gifts that your kids will love!
2. National Parks
National Parks can be a great place to explore for kids of all ages.
Go to a National park near you or take a weekend trip to one you’ve never been to.
3. Sporting Event
If your child is into sports, this can be a really great experience gift! A college or pro game for their favorite sport will be an unforgettable experience!
4. Children’s Museum
If you want fun experience gifts that keep on giving, a local museum membership is a great idea!
A family membership to a local children’s museum or science center can provide ongoing experiences.
5. Train Ride
Whether it’s a themed ride like the Polar Express or a ticket to a fun destination, train rides are such a cool experience for everyone!
Young kids will be in awe of the experience!
6. Horseback Riding
If your child is an animal lover, a horseback riding session or a set of lessons make a really great gift. They can not only experience riding a horse but also learn how to take care of them.
7. Local Zoo
What kid doesn’t love a trip to a zoo? If you don’t have a local zoo, you could make this a weekend getaway for an even bigger experience.
8. Hot Air Balloon Ride
This one would be so cool for older kids if you can find somewhere to do it. Look for local festivals with balloon rides or a balloon ride tour agency near you.
9. Camping Trip
Camping is such a great family activity and a special camping trip makes a great non-toy gift for your kids!
If you’re looking for some fun gifts to give for their camping trip, check out these 55 Fun Camping Gifts for Kids.
10. Roller Skating
Take your kids and a couple of friends roller skating for a fun experience gift that they really enjoy!
11. Ice Skating
Christmas is a great time to take your kids to experience ice skating! If you don’t have an ice rink near you, you can usually find special holiday ice skating rinks set up into January.
12. Indoor Water Park
Indoor water parks like the Great Wolf Lodge are a sure winner! It’s perfect for cold weather and rainy days too so there will be no disappointment!
13. Concert Tickets
Taking your kids to a concert is a special occasion that they will never forget!
14. Movie Tickets
If you’re looking for a smaller-scale experience gift, this is a great one! Movie tickets at a local theater can be so exciting for your little ones!
15. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a super fun experience gift that you can create yourself! If your kids are a little older, you can join an epic adventure near you on scavengerhunt.com.
16. Indoor Skydiving
For the little dare devil in your life, indoor sky dying is the ultimate experience! This is one of those unique experiences that a kid will remember forever!
17. Broadway Show
Take in a show with your theatre loving child! You could go big with Broadway or head to a local theatre.
18. Driving Range
A driving range is a fun physical activity for boys or girls who love golf or want to learn. If they’re not quite ready for a driving range, the putt putt coarse is a great place to start.
19. Botanical Garden
For that outdoor lover, a beautiful botanical garden can feel like entering a magical world of adventure! If you have one near by, you may be able to get a day pass for your family for free.
20. Junior Chef Experience
Give your little one a taste of the culinary world with a cooking class designed just for kids. They’ll get hands-on experience making their favorite treats and maybe even discover a passion for the kitchen!
21. Space Explorer Camp
Send your child on a cosmic adventure with a space camp experience. They’ll have a blast learning about the stars, planets, and maybe even get to launch their own mini-rocket.
22. Animal Encounter Day
Does your kid love furry friends? Treat them to a day at the zoo or a wildlife sanctuary where they can get up close and personal with their favorite animals. Some places even offer behind-the-scenes tours!
23. DIY Science Kit Subscription
Keep the learning going all year round with a subscription that delivers exciting science experiments to your doorstep each month. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
24. Junior Archaeologist Dig
Unleash your child’s inner explorer with a day at an archaeology site where they can dig for fossils or artifacts. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt!
25. Art Workshop Extravaganza
Nurture your little Picasso’s creativity with a series of art workshops. They can try their hand at painting, sculpting, and maybe even make some holiday-themed crafts.
26. Sports Camp Bonanza
For the budding athlete, consider a sports camp where they can learn new skills and make friends while playing their favorite games. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or even rock climbing, there’s a camp for everyone.
27. Music Lessons Package
Help your child discover their musical talents with a musical instrument and a set of music lessons. Whether it’s the guitar, piano, or even the drums, they’ll be rocking around the Christmas tree in no time.
28. Outdoor Adventure Pass
Gift your child a pass to an outdoor adventure park with zip-lining, ropes courses, and maybe even a treehouse village.
It’s the perfect way to let them burn off some energy and have a wild time!
29. Magical Harry Potter Wizard School Day
For the little wizard or witch in your life, arrange a day at a Harry Potter-themed experience. They can attend magical classes, participate in spellbinding activities, and maybe even meet a few magical creatures.
30. Junior Gardener Workshop
Cultivate a love for nature with a gardening workshop. Your child can learn to plant seeds, tend to a garden, and watch their efforts bloom into beautiful flowers or tasty veggies.
31. Superhero Training Camp
Turn your child into a superhero for a day! Arrange a day filled with superhero-themed activities, from obstacle courses to crafting their own superhero cape and mask.
32. Dinosaur Discovery Day
Is your little one obsessed with dinosaurs? Take them to a dinosaur museum or arrange a paleontology workshop where they can unearth dinosaur bones and learn about these prehistoric creatures.
33. Spy Adventure Mission
Send your child on a secret mission with a spy adventure experience. They can solve puzzles, crack codes, and unleash their inner detective.
34. Junior Mindfulness Retreat
Help your child find inner peace with a mindfulness retreat designed just for kids. It’s a relaxing and educational experience that can set them on a path to a balanced and centered life.
35. Dance Classes
If your child loves to move and groove, sign them up for a dance lessons package. Whether it’s ballet, hip-hop, or salsa, they’ll be dancing their way to happiness.
36. Storytelling Workshop Series
Foster a love for literature with a storytelling workshop series. Professional storytellers can captivate your child’s imagination and even help them create their own stories.
37. Junior Astronaut Space Camp
Take your child on a journey to the stars with a space camp where they can experience life as an astronaut, complete with simulated space missions and astronaut training.
38. Animal Adoption Program
Teach your child about responsibility and compassion by adopting an animal on their behalf. Many organizations offer symbolic animal adoptions that come with certificates, plush toys, and information about the adopted creature.
39. Junior CSI Detective Day
Does your child dream of solving crimes? Arrange a day where they can become a junior CSI detective, complete with crime scene investigations, fingerprint analysis, and solving a mystery.
40. Robotics Workshop Series
Ignite your child’s interest in technology with a robotics workshop. They can learn to build and program their own robots, sparking creativity and problem-solving skills.
41. Rock Climbing Adventure
Elevate their holiday experience with an indoor rock climbing session. It’s a thrilling way to build strength and confidence while having a mountain of fun.
42. Marine Biologist for a Day
Dive into the wonders of the ocean with a marine biologist experience. Your child can explore tide pools, learn about marine life, and maybe even participate in a mock rescue mission for sea animals.
43. Virtual Reality Gaming Session
Transport your child to new worlds with a virtual reality gaming session. From exploring outer space to battling dragons, the possibilities are endless in the virtual realm.
44. Junior Fashion Designer Workshop
Nurture their sense of style with a fashion design workshop. They can learn the basics of sketching, sewing, and create their own fashionable pieces.
45. Junior Firefighter Training
If your child dreams of being a hero, organize a day at a fire station where they can learn about firefighting equipment, climb aboard a firetruck, and maybe even spray some water from a hose.
46. Circus Skills Workshop
Unleash the circus performer within! A workshop in juggling, acrobatics, and clowning will add a touch of magic and laughter to their holiday.
47. Junior Wildlife Photographer Safari
Equip your child with a camera and take them on a wildlife safari. Capture moments of nature’s beauty and teach them the art of wildlife photography.
48. Archery Adventure Day
Bullseye! Let your child channel their inner Robin Hood with an archery adventure. They’ll learn the basics of archery in a safe and supervised environment.
49. Chocolate Making Class
For the sweet tooth in your life, a chocolate making class is a dream come true. They can create delicious treats and maybe even sneak a few tastes along the way.
50. Farm Stay Experience
Escape the city and give your child a taste of farm life. From feeding animals to collecting eggs, it’s a hands-on adventure in the great outdoors.
51. Junior Geologist Excursion
Fuel their curiosity about the Earth with a geology excursion. Your child can explore caves, collect rocks, and learn about the fascinating world beneath our feet.
52. Magic Tricks Workshop
Abracadabra! Turn your child into a magician with a magic tricks workshop. They can learn sleight of hand, card tricks, and maybe even put on a show for the family.
53. Junior Race Car Driver Experience
Fulfill their need for speed with a day at a go-kart track. They’ll feel the wind in their hair as they navigate the twists and turns of the racecourse.
54. Minecraft Building Camp
If your child is a Minecraft enthusiast, consider a building camp where they can bring their digital creativity into the real world with LEGO-like building activities.
55. Junior Environmental Scientist Day
Foster a love for the environment with an environmental scientist experience. Your child can learn about conservation, participate in eco-friendly projects, and understand the importance of protecting our planet.
56. Puppetry Workshop
Encourage their theatrical side with a puppetry workshop. They can create their own puppets, learn puppeteering techniques, and put on a puppet show for friends and family.
57. Junior Yoga Retreat
Provide a relaxing getaway with a kid-friendly yoga retreat. It’s a perfect way for them to unwind, practice mindfulness, and connect with their inner selves.
58. Bike Riding Adventure
Explore the great outdoors on two wheels with a bike riding adventure. Whether it’s through scenic trails or in a safe park, it’s a fantastic way to promote an active lifestyle.
If you’re kiddo needs a new bike, check out these 25 Fun Bikes for Kids.
59. Pottery Painting Class
Unleash their artistic side with a pottery painting class. They can create their own masterpieces, from mugs to plates, and have a fired-up souvenir to take home.
60. Bowling With Friends
Put together a fun day of bowling with their friends where they have a couple of lanes to themselves. Or you can make it a family experience!
Thank you for checking out our list of the best experience gifts for kids. We wish you and your family much joy on your adventures.
