Amazing Family Experience Gifts For Christmas Not To Be Missed

Are you wanting some ideas for family experience gifts for Christmas? Here are some of the best experience gifts for the whole family that will fit any budget.

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As you and your kids get excited about winter, you also need to think about what you’re going to do while they are off school and you can enjoy a few merciful days off from your busy schedule. Even if your kids are older and the holidays don’t possess the same magic as they once did, you can still think of exciting ideas to treat them over the holidays, so what are some great options to consider? Here are a few ideas that can keep you busy over the next few weeks.

Family Experience Gifts For Christmas

Take Them Out for Dinner

Over the holidays, you’re probably going to cook a lot. While you may enjoy making family dinners, especially because you get the chance to indulge in creativity, you also may prefer to have a day off. What’s more, there are just some meals you need to eat out because at home doesn’t generate the same experience. Taking your kids to a steak restaurant can give you a night off and make sure everyone gets to enjoy something delicious, especially after taking them to a movie, and they might be sleepy enough to go straight to bed!

Decorate The House

The holidays come with an expectation. You are expected to decorate the house from top to bottom, but you needn’t do this yourself. Decorating the home is a fun family activity that will put everyone in the holiday spirit. You can drag your old tree out of the attic or visit a local tree sale and pick up something fresh. Just remember you’ll need to clean up the pine needles afterward.

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Take a Ski Trip

If you want to do something different, there’s nothing better than a ski trip, even if you’ve never gotten on skis before. There are plenty of ski resorts suitable for all ages, making it a great choice for beginners as much as it is for experienced skiers or snowboarders. Furthermore, as you’re surrounded by snow, you’ll feel a little more festive, and the fresh mountain air will do everyone a world of good.

Go Holiday Shopping

By the time your kids (and you and your partner) get to a certain age, you may not want to ask for anything. Instead, you’d much rather be given money or know specifically what you’re getting. If you have time to kill before the holidays, a shopping spree could be ideal. Here, you can pick things up for everyone, so no one is left disappointed come December 25th.

Lazy Days Indoors

Sometimes, you don’t want to do anything, and that’s okay. The holidays can be hectic and stressful, so if you want to spend a day sitting around the house and maybe doing some lazy day activities, you’re perfectly welcome. After all, you’ll need your energy to socialize with your extended family, and you know how daunting that can be. Some activities you can do during a lazy day:

Read
Games – try a family game night
Movie– Plan a family movie night

DIY activities

There are several DIY activities you can do together and the range is anything from seasonal crafts, and DIY gifts, to updating space in your home where everyone can get in on some life skills. Here are some great DIY examples:

How do you gift experiences for Christmas?

Gifting experiences for Christmas can be a wonderful way to create lasting memories and provide unique and meaningful presents. Here are some ideas on how to gift experiences:

Tickets or vouchers: Purchase tickets or gift vouchers for concerts, theater performances, sports events, or other live shows. Consider the recipient’s interests and choose an experience they would enjoy.
Workshops or classes: Find workshops or classes in areas that interest the recipient, such as cooking, painting, photography, pottery, or dance. Pay for a session or a series of classes that they can attend and learn something new.
Adventure activities: Plan an adventurous experience like zip-lining, rock climbing, hot air balloon rides, or a guided hiking trip. Look for local adventure companies that offer these activities and book an experience for the recipient.
Spa or wellness treatments: Treat your loved ones to a spa day or wellness retreat. Purchase gift certificates for massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, or other spa treatments at a reputable spa or wellness center.
Travel or weekend getaway: Plan a weekend getaway or a short vacation for the recipient. Book accommodations, arrange transportation, and create an itinerary for them to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous trip.
Food and drink experiences: Consider gourmet food tours, wine tastings, cooking classes, or brewery visits. Look for local establishments that offer these experiences and purchase vouchers or tickets.
Subscription services: Gift a subscription to a service that aligns with the recipient’s interests, such as a monthly book club, a streaming service, a fitness app, or a specialty food delivery service.
Cultural experiences: Explore cultural experiences like museum passes, art exhibitions, historical tours, or visits to landmarks. Look for attractions or events that showcase the recipient’s favorite art styles, historical periods, or locations.

When gifting experiences, consider the recipient’s preferences, interests, and any logistical considerations such as location and availability. Present the gift in a creative way, such as through a personalized card or a custom-made gift certificate, to make the experience feel more special and exciting.

Can an experience be a gift?

Yes, absolutely! Experiences can make wonderful gifts, often providing more lasting memories and enjoyment than physical objects. Giving someone an experience as a gift can be a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. Instead of material possessions, you’re offering them an opportunity to create new memories, try something new, or enjoy a special moment.

Experiential gifts can vary widely and cater to a person’s interests, hobbies, or desires. They can include things like:

Tickets to a concert, theater performance, sports event, or a favorite artist’s show.
A spa day or wellness retreat for relaxation and pampering.
A cooking class, art workshop, or photography lesson for learning and skill-building.
Outdoor adventures like zip-lining, kayaking, or hiking trips for thrill-seekers.
Travel experiences, such as a weekend getaway or a guided tour to a destination the person has always wanted to visit.
Wine tastings, brewery tours, or gourmet food experiences for food and drink enthusiasts.
Cultural activities like museum passes, art exhibitions, or historical tours for those who appreciate history and art.

A few other family experience gift ideas for the holiday season:

Enjoy the great outdoors with a camping trip. If you have older kids try winter camping
Go to an indoor rock climbing facility
Visit one of the National Parks. This is very affordable if you purchase an annual pass.
Go to an escape room
Go horseback riding
Go to an outdoor ice-skating rink
Go roller skating
Take cooking classes as a family
Take dance lessons together as a family

Experiences as gifts can be tailored to the recipient’s interests and passions, making them personalized and special. They often create lasting memories and offer a chance for the person to indulge in something they enjoy or explore new horizons.

How do you gift kids experiences for Christmas?

Gifting kids experiences for Christmas can be a wonderful way to provide them with enriching and memorable moments. Here are some ideas on how to gift kids experiences:

Children’s Museum or Science Center: Purchase a family pass or tickets to a local children’s museum or science center. This allows the child and their family to enjoy interactive exhibits, educational activities, and hands-on learning experiences.
Theme Park or Amusement Park: Gift tickets or a day pass to a nearby theme park or amusement park. Kids can have a fun-filled day enjoying rides, attractions, and entertainment.
Zoo or Aquarium: Purchase tickets for a visit to the zoo or aquarium. This provides an opportunity for kids to learn about different animals and their habitats, and experience live animal encounters.
Sports or Music Lessons: If the child has an interest in sports or music, consider gifting them a set of lessons or classes. It could be swimming lessons, soccer lessons, guitar lessons, or any other activity they are passionate about.
Theater or Ballet Performance: Look for age-appropriate theater productions or ballet performances in your area. Gift tickets for the child and their family to enjoy a live performance and experience the magic of the stage.
Outdoor Adventure: Plan an outdoor adventure for the child, such as a camping trip, hiking expedition, or a day at an adventure park with activities like ziplining or ropes courses.
Cooking or Baking Class: Kids who enjoy being in the kitchen might appreciate a cooking or baking class designed for their age group. It’s a chance for them to learn new culinary skills and create delicious treats.
Art or Craft Workshop: Find art studios or craft workshops that offer classes for kids. Gift them a session or a series of classes where they can explore their creativity and learn new artistic techniques.

When gifting experiences to kids, consider their age, interests, and any logistical considerations such as location and availability. Make sure the experience is age-appropriate and aligns with their passions. Present the gift in a fun and engaging way, such as through a personalized card, a puzzle, or a treasure hunt, to build anticipation and excitement.

How do you ask for experience instead of gifts?

If you prefer to ask for experiences instead of material gifts, there are a few approaches you can take to communicate your preferences to others. Here are some suggestions:

Clear communication: Reach out to your friends and family members and let them know about your desire for experiences rather than physical gifts. Express your reasons for valuing experiences, such as creating memories or reducing clutter, and kindly request their support in honoring your preference.
Provide specific suggestions: Offer specific ideas for experiences that you would enjoy. For example, you can mention a particular concert, a spa day, a cooking class, or a weekend getaway that you have been eyeing. By providing options, you make it easier for others to understand your preferences and choose a meaningful experience to gift you.
Create a wish list: Consider creating a wish list that includes experiences you would like to receive. You can use online platforms or create a document where you list the desired experiences, along with any relevant details such as links, locations, or dates. Share this list with your loved ones, so they have a clear understanding of what you would appreciate.
Share your goals or interests: If you have specific goals or interests, let others know about them. For instance, if you are learning to play a musical instrument or interested in a particular hobby, communicate this to your friends and family. They might choose to support your pursuits by gifting you lessons, workshops, or relevant experiences.
Offer alternative contributions: If some individuals prefer to give tangible gifts, you can suggest alternative ways they can contribute towards your desired experiences. For example, they could contribute to a travel fund, purchase a gift card for a specific experience, or offer to cover the cost of a workshop or class.

Remember to approach the topic with gratitude and understanding, emphasizing that the most important thing is spending quality time together and creating meaningful memories.

Family Experience Gifts For Christmas Ideas

Family movie night with a selection of favorite movies, popcorn, and snacks. (or movie tickets to the latest Disney movie)
Indoor or outdoor scavenger hunt with clues and hidden surprises.
Trip to a local amusement park or theme park.
Family vacation camping trip to a nearby campground or national park.
Day at a water park or splash pad.
Visit to a local zoo or wildlife sanctuary.
Cooking or baking class for the whole family.
Family game night with a variety of board games and card games.
Visit to a trampoline park or indoor play center.
Family-friendly theater performance or musical.
Picnic in a scenic park or beach outing.
Visit to a science museum or interactive science center.
Family painting or pottery class.
Outdoor adventure activities like zip-lining, ropes courses, or rock climbing.
Horseback riding or pony rides for the family.
Family bike ride or bike tour in a scenic area.
Ice skating or roller skating outing.
Trip to a local farm or petting zoo.
Family-friendly hiking or nature walk in a nearby park or nature reserve.
Visit to an aquarium or marine park.
Mini-golf or regular golf outing for the family.
Family spa day with massages, facials, or pampering treatments.
Family sailing or boat trip on a nearby lake or river.
Family cooking challenge or bake-off at home.
Family-friendly escape room experience.
Visit to a local historical site, museum, or landmark.
Family art or craft workshop.
Trip to a nearby city or town to explore its attractions and landmarks.
Family karaoke night with a home karaoke machine or a visit to a karaoke venue.
Toys and Games for Everyone to play.

These family experience gifts provide opportunities for bonding, creating memories, and enjoying quality time together. You can bring generations together from grandparents to teens to toddlers. Choose activities that suit your family’s interests and preferences, and remember to consider the age range and abilities of family members when planning the experiences.

Family Experience Gifts For Christmas Conclusion

Treating your family is a great way to generate some holiday spirit and ensure everyone is prepared for the next few weeks. Whether you prefer to stay in or go out, there are plenty of things to do to keep busy and make the most of your time off.

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