I remember receiving many gifts when I was a child and how excited I became. I cannot think of one kid that would not be happy for receiving a toy. But even more exciting were the moments that felt special, the experience gifts for kids that involved going to a new place or doing something different with my parents. Those memories have stayed with me far longer than any toy.
Let’s explore why experiences make better gifts than toys even for young children, their long-term benefits, and how to find the perfect experience-based gift for kids of all ages.
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Why Experiences Make Better Gifts Than Toys
I have a young daughter and although she has many toys, I am trying to expose her every day to more experiences. She still receives toys from family and friends, and as exciting as a new toy can be, the joy it brings is often quickly replaced by another must-have item. When I decide to buy her a toy, I try to focus on educational games and toys that can also provide family bonding and promote learning.
My daughter at the Willis Tower
Gifting experiences creates memories that last a lifetime, helping children grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially. For example, experiences have sparked my daughter’s curiosity and encouraged her to explore the world in meaningful ways. She enjoys them just as much as we enjoy sharing them with her.
The author of Giant tree versus iPad kids found that when adults reflected on their childhood, the memories they cherished most weren’t toys, but experiences such as climbing a giant tree, playing outside with friends, or exploring nature. Today, many children spend much of their time glued to screens, missing out on these simple, memorable experiences.
How to Find the Perfect Experience-Based Gift
The best experiences are those that enrich children’s lives by helping them learn and gain knowledge. They allow kids to connect what they see in books, movies, or at school with real-world activities and places.
Family vacations and travel are some of the most rewarding experiences you can give your children, and they’re my personal favorite, but there are many other meaningful options that don’t require travel or spending thousands of dollars.
Examples of Experiences
Experiences can consist of visiting a new place, practicing something new, or having a new adventure. Some experiences cost money, but some can be done at home or in nature with no extra cost.
At the Florida Central Zoo
Here is a list of meaningful experiences you might consider for your children:
- Skating ⛸️
- Snorkeling 🤿
- Flying kites 🪁
- Riding a bike 🚴♂️
- Making cookies 🍪
- Riding a horse 🏇
- Driving a race car 🏎️
- Learning a new language 📖
- Tasting a new type of food 🥟
- Getting on a hot air balloon 🎈
- Feeding farm or zoo animals 🐮
- Learning a new sport or hobby 🏐
- Going to the beach or the river 🏖️
- Getting on a plane, train, or boat 🛳️
- Going to a science or art museum 🔬
- Visiting a new town, city, or country 🗼
- Swimming with dolphins (on my bucket list) 🐬
- Flying in a controlled environment (e.g., iFly)
- Taking an art, paint, robotics, or jewelry class 🎨
- Going to an amusement park or to the movies 🎢
- Going to a theater and watching a musical or a play 🎭
- Getting on a bus and going on a field trip with classmates🚌
At Popstroke
By exposing our children to new experiences, not only do they acquire new knowledge, but we also open the door for them to have new opportunities and can even help them define their future interests.
Do not force something on your child, let them experience it and decide for themselves if they enjoy it and would like to repeat or not.
At Museum of Illusions
Preparing for an Experience
Build excitement and make the most of the moment by preparing ahead:
- Talk to your child about what you’ll be doing.
- Read a book related to the experience.
- Look up images or videos online to spark curiosity.
- Share your own photos or stories related to the activity.
You can also get creative with how you reveal the experience; consider using a fun voucher, a themed gift box, or a surprise announcement.
At iFly
While the focus should be on enjoying the moment, taking a few photos can help capture those special memories. Later, you can create a scrapbook filled with your shared adventures, something far more meaningful than a shelf full of toys.
Remember that material gifts may bring temporary happiness, but experiences offer long-lasting joy and valuable life lessons.
Benefits of Experiences for Kids
New experiences give our children wings to fly.
There are many reasons why choosing experience gifts for kids is the best option. Here are a few:
- Experiences foster personal growth and challenge us to step out of our comfort zones, learn new skills, and broaden our perspectives. Gifts may be enjoyable, but they don’t offer the same opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Experiences create connections. Shared experiences, such as traveling with family or attending a concert with a loved one, can create stronger bonds and deeper connections than material gifts.
- Experiences are more environmentally friendly. Many physical gifts come with packaging and waste that can harm the environment. Experiences, on the other hand, are often more sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Experiences are more unique. While physical gifts can be replicated, experiences are often unique and can’t be duplicated. Each experience is special and tailored to the individual, making them more memorable and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Choose gifts that truly matter and will impact your children’s lives in a positive way. Experience gifts for kids create lasting memories and life skills that outlast the temporary joy of toys. Let’s start normalizing gifting experiences for kids.
Best wishes,
Mel
Reference
Shin, M. Giant tree versus iPad kids: Reflecting on childhood outdoor play, then and now. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-025-00197-5
