Why Gifting Experiences Might Be the Best Idea This Year

Think about what they'll love

My kids have very different hobbies and passions, so their gifts are always very different. My artsy oldest generally gets performance-based gifts, with trips to Broadway shows and the ballet; my younger daughter is into nature and wildlife, so overnights at zoos and one-on-ones with dolphins have been her favorite adventures.

But sometimes it pays to think a little outside the box, to see if your gift recipient might be interested in trying something new. My parents may not have taken up pottery as a hobby, despite enjoying the pottery class I gifted them a couple years back. But they have returned to the shop several times to buy the owner's handiwork.

Keep your budget in mind

While you can definitely go big budget for this (a Broadway show and dinner isn't cheap), you don't even have to spend a penny to offer the gift of a good time. You could present them with a day at the lake, a hiking or biking adventure, or a fun day of crafting or baking at home.

Brainstorm your options

It does take some time to research and look for just the right gift. Try some of these gift ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Tickets to a concert, play, sporting event, or performance
• Classes or lessons (cooking, dance, sports, or crafts)
• Camping trip
• Theme park tickets
• Museum visit or overnight
• Horseback riding
• Movie night
• Planting a garden
• Baking or crafting day
• Scavenger hunt
• Animal encounters at a zoo or aquarium
• Kayaking, paddle boarding, or other water sports
• Hiking or biking
• Game night
• A tasting excursion or food tour
• Walking history tour
• Zoo or aquarium visit
• Spa day
• Afternoon picnic
• Tea party
• Beach day
• Brunch
• Food festival
• Video game playing day
• Play a sport together
• Go fishing
• Garden tour
• Cocktail making class
• Fun transportation tour—like a hot air balloon flight, helicopter tour, or sailboat excursion
• Wildlife sanctuary visit
• Ziplining or skydiving
• Skiing or snowshoeing
• Golfing (miniature or full-fledged!)
• Escape room
• Ice skating or rollerblading

Share your own skills

If you have a skill or hobby they might want to learn—or that you know they enjoy—use that to inspire your special event. You could teach them to tango, or spend the day blissfully adding new bulbs to their garden.

Have fun with your presentation

We usually present my kids with a note that shares the details of that year's adventure (usually crafted with goofy pictures related to the gift). We went a little crazier the year that we took them to Universal Studios and Disney World—with a Harry Potter-inspired letter inviting them to Hogwarts, delivered by an owl balloon.

If you still want something they can unwrap, include a little something related to the gift—like a paint-by-numbers kit if your gift is a trip to an art museum, or a nice canteen if you're taking them camping.

Decide if you're tagging along

While you don't have to be part of the experience, I'd definitely recommend it if it's possible.

My husband and I trade off years planning (and attending) our daughters' birthday adventures. For us, the chance to spend that quality, one-on-one time with our daughters is absolutely priceless—and a wonderful gift we're giving ourselves, too.