If your house is anything like ours, it often looks like a toy store exploded. And then a holiday or birthday comes up, and you either have relative asking you for gift ideas, or you’re wondering what YOU’RE going to give your kids that they 1) Don’t have already. 2) You have room for in your house! That’s where “experience” gifts are perfect. When your kids already have too much STUFF, give the gift of quality time together! I’ve put together a list of gift ideas that focus on developing interests, learning new things, getting out of the house, and making memories. Since I live in Bucks County, I’m mainly linking to places in this area; but the ideas can be applied to any location really. And because many people might think that it takes the fun out of it if the child doesn’t have something to physically open, I included “Unwrapping Tips” with small, useful gifts to pair with the experience. I hope this helps make your gift giving less stressful during the holiday season and when your child has a birthday!
NOTE: Don’t forget to check for Black Friday Membership deals!
1. Season Passes/Membership
If your family already has a favorite local destination for day trips, a season pass is a great gift idea. And with many places, Memberships get you additional discounts on food, merchandise and additional friend passes. Plus, they often pay for themselves after just a few visits. So it’s worth it if you know you’ll go at least once a season. Season passes are great for those days where you NEED to get out of the house. And they also ease the pressure of feeling you need to fit everything in during one visit.
We currently have Memberships/Season Passes to Sesame Place, Bucks County Children’s Museum and Grounds for Sculpture, Morris Arboretum, Legoland Discovery Center, and Adventure Aquarium.
Not ready to commit to a season pass? Many spots offer the option of upgrading a day pass to a season pass after you go. So give it a try and then see if you like it!
Get your search started:
Bucks County Children’s Museum (Here’s a blog post about BCCM!)
Unwrapping Tip: Depending on the spot, you might be doing a lot of walking. So perhaps a pair of new sneakers are in order? Or maybe a pair of water shoes if it’s a location like Sesame Place. Other ideas could be a small backpack for carrying snacks, water and other necessities; a book about the topic (animals, sea creatures, science), a LEGO set, or maybe a child-friendly camera to capture memories from your visits.
2. Play Center Tickets
Are your kids always on the go? Let them burn off energy and buy tickets to a local play center.
Get your search started:
Playpad Bucks (Here’s a blog post about Playpad!)
Unwrapping Tip: Most kid gyms are shoe-free zones. Give your child some fun socks that’ll show off their personality while they run and jump! If the facility requires you to buy their socks, consider a new refillable water bottle. They’ll need to stay hydrated!
3. Skill/Hobby Classes
If your child has been showing interest in a particular area, develop those skills and socialize by signing them up for classes! Gymnastics, swimming, dance, art, cooking, music … there are so many options.
Get your search started:
Unwrapping Tip: Pair this gift with something your child can use in class (or to practice the skill at home.) Think swimsuit, leotard, spatulas, sketchpads, etc.
4. Event Tickets
After a year of mostly empty theaters, the curtains are going up again! If theater’s not their thing, maybe it’s tickets to a sporting event, monster truck show, magic show, or even gift cards to the local movie theater. In a time where we’re all so used to streaming entertainment to our TVs and handheld devices, we sometimes forget how exciting it can be for kids to watch something on the big screen! I took my kids to their first movie just last week ($1 Summer Movie Express at Oxford Valley), and they thought it was awesome!
Get your search started:
Town & Country Players Theater
Unwrapping Tip: As long as the venue allows, try to think of something your child can bring along with them to the show. This will get them excited about the venture, and it’ll likely save you money from buying it there! Some ideas include small boxes of candy or other snacks, glow necklaces, or light-up wands. If going to the theater is likely to become (or already is) a tradition, you might want to get them a small photo album or scrapbook to keep playbills and theater tickets.
5. Day Trip/Outing
“What’re we doing today?” This seems to be just about every kid’s favorite question. Be a Super Mom or Dad by having a really cool answer the next time this comes up. Depending on how far away you’re going and the length of the experience, you can pair with other gifts. Maybe it’s a gift card to a cool restaurant nearby or even a hotel stay. And if you love it, you might decide to get a season pass to many of these spots.
Get your search started:
Strasburg Railroad (Here’s a blog post about Strasburg)
Unwrapping Tip: Get great pictures during your outing with cute themed shirts! (Plus, they’ll probably be cheaper than buying on location.) Trains, construction vehicles, Sesame Street characters … Many of these locations are really great for that. Other ideas could be sunglasses, a new water bottle, small toy, or special road trip snacks. To give them a little freedom, you could also give a $10 bill (or whatever you decide) to specifically spend in the gift shop while you’re there. (Psst – If you’re going on a train ride, I have a whole post full of small gifts to go along with that!)
6. Mail Subscription
Kids love getting mail! And today, there are plenty of options when it comes to magazines and subscription boxes, so it’s relatively easy for them to receive something that’s geared toward their interests.
Get your search started:
America’s Test Kitchen Young Chef’s Club
Unwrapping Tip: This gift is something more tangible, so you might be able to time it that your child can open the first one on their special day. If not, consider something that they can use when they get it each month – or a spot to open it! That could mean a reading light/flashlight, a backrest pillow, or a designated crate to store their magazines or creations.
7. Free/Cheap Activities
Often, kids don’t care (or know) if something is expensive or free. They’re just happy to be doing something fun! If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a gift, get creative with the way you present (pun intended) the activity. In addition, did you know that many local libraries have passes that you can check out for free! Here’s a whole list of free/cheap things to do that I put together this summer.
Other Ideas:
Movie Night – Wrap up a box of popcorn and other movie snacks and make a certificate letting your child know that they get to pick the movie to stream (or check out from the library!)
Baking Night – Wrap up a box mix, an apron, cupcake liners, or other baking tools and include a note that they are the Baker, and you’re just the assistant!
Playground Passport – Print out a list of all of the nearby playground in your area and purchase a cute stamp or pack of stickers. Then get outside and enjoy exploring all of the playgrounds on your list. Here’s a list to get your started.
Coupon Book – Are there things your kid is always asking for, but you like to reserve as special treats? Make a coupon book for them to cash in – no questions asked. Stay up 30 minutes after bedtime, an extra treat after dinner, 15 minutes extra screen time … you get the point.
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Sweet Mini Moments 
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