Surely your kids’ holiday wish lists are chock full of toys, but it’s so hard to justify buying the hottest new trends when you know they’re going to end up in the trash come next Christmas. This holiday season, take a pick from our list and get your kids something they’ll never forget. From magazine subscriptions to family heirlooms, we’ve got plenty of ideas for experience gifts that keep on giving.
1. A magazine subscription. There are so many incredible publications made just for kids, and little ones deserve to know how great it feels to read in print. Try Highlights or The Week Junior. If you want to go the digital route, we suggest Time for Kids.
2. A scrapbook of the past year. Kids will love looking at the photos and you’ll be happy you preserved the memories of quarantine.
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3. Wall decals to decorate their room. Pick out a wall sticker of your kids’ favorite celebrities or sports players to inspire them every time they walk in their room. Fathead is a great company for this.
4. A year subscription to a streaming service like Disney Plus. Think about all the family movie nights!
5. Their first pet. Whether it’s a fish or hamster or you’re willing to go all the way to a new puppy, a pet present will surely make it a holiday to remember.
6. A donation to a charity of their choice. It’s never too early to teach kids empathy and philanthropy. Donating a gift to a charity that matters to them will do just that.
7. Books, audiobooks, or a book subscription. Wise words come in many different forms. No matter which you choose, inspire them to get reading!
8. Cooking and baking supplies. A mini kitchen set and some important ingredients can kickstart a life of healthy eating (and maybe they’ll start making you dinner).
9. A library card. Having fun isn’t hard if you’ve got a library card—and it’s free!
10. A family heirloom. This may be better for the older set, but kids will love having a little piece of family history, especially down the road.
11. A personalized ornament. Gifting your kids an annual ornament is both a fun tradition and a great way to memorialize what each new year has brought their way. Plus, the tree will look better and better every year!
12. A DIY coupon book. We know, this has been done before, but who knows what your kids want better than you do? Create coupons for back rubs, favorite meals, bedtime extensions and more.
13. Craft supplies. We’re talking clay, pencil crayons, canvases, watercolors, beads, googly eyes, and more. They’ll never get sick of being creative.
14. A brand new instrument and lessons (online or in-person) to go with it. Perhaps you’ll inspire a lifelong passion.
15. Adventure tools like binoculars, hiking boots, a telescope, a bucket hat, sunglasses, a good backpack, a camera and more. Perhaps a planned adventure to go with it!
16. A kid-friendly subscription box or service. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some of our favorite picks are Baketivity, KiwiCo, Little Passports and the Girls Can! Crate.
17. A one-on-one outing of their choice with mom or dad. Whether it’s a trip to the ice cream store or horseback riding, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.
18. A membership to your local zoo, aquarium, amusement park or kid-friendly museum. It’s budget-friendly for you, and a year of fun for them. (Some are even offering at-home experiences if they’re currently closed due to the pandemic.)
19. After-school lessons for a skill they’ve always wanted to try. Chess, piano, dance, art…the options are endless. KidPass has plenty of online classes to choose from, too!
20. Tickets to a streaming concert or children’s theater production while live theater is currently on paused.
21. A visit (virtually) with Santa.
22. A virtual magic show or online magic lessons. Try Magical Dave!
23. The chance to give back by participating in a volunteer experience. Deliver food to those in need, send letters to first responders or pick up trash along the beach.
24. An online escape room for the entire family to play together.
25. Plan ahead with tickets to Disneyland/world!
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