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Gift giving is one of my love languages. I love shopping for gifts and searching for just the right thing for each person. As a parent though, gifts can quickly get out of control – especially around the holidays. There are a lot of really fun toys out there, but space in our home is limited. So in addition to a few requested items from the boys, our family always has a few non-toy items on our wishlist too. The gift of an experience can last far longer than any plastic toy (and it doesn’t take up any space or teach your kids colorful new words when you step on it). Here are some of my favorite non-toy, experience gift ideas for kids:
This post is part of our ongoing partnership with Goldfish Swim School.
1. Local memberships
This is probably one of my favorite non-toy gift ideas because these keep on giving all year long. Family memberships to local attractions are generally pretty affordable, especially once you consider how much you’d spend on gifts for a family as well as the cost of general admission. For instance, our zoo membership pays for itself within the first couple visit. Not only do we get to visit our favorite animals all year, but our membership also gets us access to special events like their Boo at the Zoo around Halloween and Wildlights at Christmastime. Check out other local attractions like museums, science centers and amusement parks for great gift ideas too.
2. Music lessons or sports fees
Extracurricular activities were always big for me as a kid. If I was interested in something, my parents always tried to find away for me to explore that. I feel like it had such a great impact on my childhood that I want to be able to do that for my own kids. There’s also a lot of expense that can come with that, so it’s not always feasible. Gifting money for things like music and sports has been a great way for us to fit some of these extras into our budget. My mom gifted Liam swim lessons his first few birthdays and Christmases. The boys’ swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School have been amazing to build their confidence in the water and teach them about water safety. She’s also gifted money for soccer and even a few months worth of piano lessons. This is a non-toy gift option that’s great for kids, because they get to explore their interests, and also for the gift giver because they get to see the impact their gift makes.
If you like the Goldfish Swim School idea, they’re currently offering their New Member Holiday Package. It’s a great way to give the gift of swim lessons and water safety AND check out your local Goldfish Swim School. The package includes $176 in family credit, an annual membership fee, one pair of goggles, the first two classes are free, two extra Family Swim passes, and one snack shack punch card. The cost is $201 and the whole package has a value of $300 and is available through December 23 or while supplies last. You can stop in or call any of the Columbus locations (Lewis Center, Westerville or Dublin) to purchase.
3. Tickets to a concert or activity
Tickets to a concert or activity is another great non-toy gift option. It’s an opportunity to gift a unique experience and create some fun memories for the child. For example, this could be tickets to a Wiggles concert, Daniel Tiger “Live”, Disney on Ice, a local performance of the Nutcracker or a ride on the Polar Express. You could also gift admission to local attractions like an amusement park or waterpark.
4. Entrance fees for travel activities
Our family travels a lot throughout the year. Whether we’re going someplace new or somewhere we’ve been before, we’re always looking for something fun to do with our kids. When we went to Gatlinburg, we visited Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. In Indianapolis, it was The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. If you’re planning a big trip to Disney, include gift cards or money towards your tickets on the kids’ Christmas lists. Headed to NYC? Ask for money towards a broadway show or for your visit to the Statue of Liberty.
5. Subscription boxes
My kids love getting stuff in the mail just for them. Monthly subscription boxes are a fun way to send a child multiple gifts throughout the year and gift them something they’re interested in. My kids love book subscription boxes like Tiny Humans Read. There’s also subscriptions like Kidstir for kids who like to cook, KiwiCo which has hands-on STEAM activities, and KidBox which is a monthly clothing box. Even for babies, something like a diaper subscription box to Hello Bello or Parasol Co. is a great idea.
What non-toy, experience gifts does your family enjoy giving and receiving?
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