75 Best Experience Gifts for Families and Kids

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Unwrap something unique this holiday season, when you gift them an experience instead of more stuff. Experience gifts encourage activities, family bonding and learning, all invaluable and priceless. These are the presents your family will remember, more so than the latest video game or hot toy.

Best Experience Gifts for Families

What's my favorite part about giving (and receiving) experience gifts? They feel the most personalized and special. The best experience gifts are distinctly tailored to each person, with a focus on their wants, needs, and desires.

Are experience gifts physical things?

Some of these experience gifts are physical items that can be wrapped and given on Christmas day. Look in this article for the items labelled "Experience gifts for under the tree" or "In the Stocking".

Can experience gifts be events or activities?

Some experience gifts are an activity or event. These might be one-time entertainment events or a pastime that can be used all year. For people who like to gift the entire family one present rather than individual items, these type of experience gifts are perfect!

Experience gifts offer something that physical gifts can't

The bottom line is that experience gifts create memories that most "things" cannot. Doing an experience together can create bonds that items just don't. I've included a variety of excellent experience gifts for different ages in a range of budgets.

If grandparents, aunts or uncles would like to purchase presents for the family, these items are a great move away from physical gifts. These items are also easier to give, as most are experiences that don't rely on supply chain shortages (so they're fitting for last minute shoppers!) These are the best experience gifts for kids, men, and women!

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Travel Lovers Best Experience Gifts

Travel is one of the BEST experience gifts for families who love to explore together. These global experience gifts will take you around the world, both physically and virtually!

Universal Yums

This box of snacks from around the world is a monthly highlight for our family! Everyone (even the picky eaters) gather around to learn more about the chosen country and to sample regional goodies.

The interactive booklet is super fun to do together. Choose to order one box or a year-long subscription. READ MORE about our experience and review of Universal Yums.

Rosetta Stone

This online website is long known for teaching second language fluency. Perfect for anyone who has been wanting to expand their speaking skills in a new language. The lifetime plan is reasonably priced and allows learners the chance to tackle 25 different languages on the site!

Cruise Vacation

Definitely a bucket list item, an all-inclusive family cruise is tailored to fit every age. My travel partners at Get Away Today can help find the right cruise ship that works for you. This includes childcare, teen clubs, and adults-only spaces.

Atlas Crate

This travel-focused subscription box will take kids around the world, with STEAM inspired projects. My kids loved the Atlas Crate we received, which included a map, passport book and globe craft. Experience gift for under the tree.

Entertainment to Enjoy Together

Can't get enough family time? These experience gifts bring you all together, both in and out of the house, with shared entertainment opportunities.

Streaming Subscription

A streaming television subscription is the hottest ticket for family shows at home or on the road. With entertainment classics and new series for all ages, a year-long Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ subscription is always welcome!

Sporting event tickets

Whether it's an NFL or NHL game, motocross, or fight match, the entire family can enjoy a shared event together. Take it beyond just the game by making it a complete destination event vacation to watch your favorite team!

Amazon Prime Music

This streaming service is on my Christmas wish list! Unlimited songs without advertising...sounds perfect!

Magic Kit

I received a classic magic set as a gift when I was a kid. What a great way for families to bond, as they learn new tricks together. Experience gift for under the tree.

Adventurous Experience Gifts

For the family that craves adventure, these experiences will take them beyond the typical. This type of family gift might be splurge-worthy and take the place of the usual wrapped presents.

Adventure Travel

If white water rafting, hot air balloon rides, and zip lining through a jungle are your speed, these are the vacations for you!

Adventures by Disney offers both domestic and international trips for families that are full of adventurous exploration.

Ski Vacation

Find the kid-friendly ski resort that works best for your family using these tips from my friend Leslie at Trips with Tykes.

Escape Room

These popular pastimes are popping up in cities everywhere and are especially fun for older kids and teens. Try the Escape Room board game for excitement at home.

Registration into Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts

Cultivate a sense of community while teaching valuable lessons and skills.

Indoor Skydiving

Look for local escapes like IFly that won't take you too far off the ground.

Kid's Indoor Camping Set

For children that can't get enough of the adventurous lifestyle, gift them something they can use every day of the year. This adorable set includes a pop up tent with lantern, faux campfire, and play food. Experience gift for under the tree.

Annual Pass

The gift of year-round entertainment in your area can be priceless. Ideal for low-budget recreation, families can often pack a lunch and make the day cost-free after admission.

Tickets for Local Activities

Purchase a season pass or tickets to a local museum, aquarium, or zoo for year-round family fun. Living in San Diego, I've made excellent use of the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND annual passes.

U.S. Parks Pass

Open a world of exploration with a year admission to national parks in the United States.

Build excitement for the outdoor adventures by reading the National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States book. Experience gift for under the tree.

Best Experience Gifts for Relaxing

Hey Mom, I'm looking at you. These are the pampering gifts that everyone wants but rarely make the time for. A relaxing experience gift like this will remind to take time for self care. (PS: It's totally okay to buy one of these for yourself; it's what I do!)

Spa Getaway

The gift of wellness like no other. Behold the power of a massage, foot rub, sauna, mud bath or facial on your overall well being! A SpaFinder gift card can be used at locations across the county.

Include a top spa resort along with your gift, whether local or on a destination vacation. Read more about my personal spa experience at Renaissance Esmeralda in Palm Springs.

Kindle Unlimited

For the person who wants to read everything, give the gift of unlimited reading from a library of over a million books! Kindle Unlimited offers 6, 12 and 24-month membership plans.

Overnight luxury hotel stay

Want to get away but not too far? Book at stay at a local upscale hotel.

I recently stayed at the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, a AAA Four Diamond hotel. Enjoy the soaking tub, order room service and lounge in bed. Staying in the cozy robe all day sounds like my idea of calm.

IPSY

The gift of year-round pampering, with monthly bags filled with indulgent skin care and make-up items. Reasonably priced for a month-by-month subscription, this one is perfect for gifting to teachers, babysitters, and girlfriends. Experience gift for the stocking.

Top Stay at Home Gifts

Everyone else might want to go out and party, but some of us introverts appreciate just staying home! Cozy up with one of these experience gifts to enjoy at home.

Amazon Audible

Listen to unlimited audio books with Amazon Audible. Kids love audio stories for road trips or during bedtime. Adults enjoy them when exercising or relaxing. Audible Gift Memberships are available in 1, 3, 6 and 12-month membership options.

Virtual workshop online classes

If you have a family member who wants to learn how to cook like Gordon Ramsay sign them up for a MasterClass. This online treasure trove offers access to 100+ video lessons taught by field professionals.

Not only can you find cooking classes, but also business, photography, dog training, tennis, gardening, and so many more. An all-access subscription begins at just $6 per month.

Magazine subscription

Roll up an issue as a stocking stuffer, with the promise of receiving a new issue monthly. Consider Highlights for kids, Parents for a new mom, or Food Network magazine for adults. What a great unplugged gift for readers! Experience gift for the stocking.

Explore New Places

Anyone else daydreaming of a family vacation? Giving the gift of travel is more meaningful than ever. Collect memories instead of things - make that family trip happen this year.

Disney Vacation

I'm a huge Disney travel fan and my family loves planning vacations together. A trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World fits everyone!

Get Away Today can help get you there with a layaway plan. For a bonus, use code REWRITTEN on participating packages for an additional discount.

Beach Vacation

Ready to escape the winter weather? Hit the sand instead of the slopes by booking that Hawaiian vacation you've always wanted to take.

Consider Mexico or a Caribbean Sandals Resort for the ultimate warm-weather travel you've been dreaming of!

Indoor Water Park

All day swim fun with dining and hotel rolled into one! Indoor themed water parks like the Great Wolf Lodge are awesome when the weather outside is less than ideal.

The Great Wolf Lodge Garden Grove/Anaheim location is conveniently located in Southern California, just a few miles from the Disneyland theme parks.

Southern California

If an international trip is out of the question, consider Carlsbad in San Diego. Gorgeous weather, amazing dining and beaches that stretch for miles! There's the added bonus of the LEGOLAND theme park, if you're bringing younger kids.

Save Money While Shopping for Experience Gifts

I've been a Rakuten member for years and have saved hundreds of dollars just by clicking through to their link before online shopping. I have Rakuten added to my computer so a reminder pops up to shop through the link and earn a percentage back on my purchase.

There's no gimmick. Rakuten offers excellent discount codes including double cash back incentives. This includes shops like Old Navy, Sephora, Lands' End, and Sunglass Hut. For travel, Rakuten also offers cash back on travel including Expedia, car rentals, hotels, and luggage essentials.

The best part is that you'll receive what they call the "Big Fat Check" - your cash back in the mail by simply shopping through their link! Find out the current sign up incentive at Rakuten.

Fitness Experience Gifts

Get the family in shape together with these gifts that give back in the way of better health! When a family member asks what they can buy your kids, request that they purchase a month of classes or assist with paying for sports equipment.

Gym Membership

Sign up for a fitness club membership that everyone in the household can enjoy. Look for locations (like the YMCA) that offer kid's classes or babysitting so you can workout.

After-school Sports

Support your niece or nephew by signing them up for sports, like baseball, karate, basketball, flag football or soccer. Even better? Give the true gift to busy parents and make a promise to take them to all their practices!

Home Gym

Bring your exercise routine home with equipment from Life Fitness including a treadmill, stationary cycle, elliptical or strength machines.

Dance or Gymnastic Class

Look into local studios or recreation centers that offer gymnastics, tumbling or dance, including ballet, tap, jazz or hip-hop.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about your kid's first dance class.

Active Family Games

There are a number of active games that families can play together, both indoors and outdoors. Cornhole, trampoline, horseshoes, Spikeball, ladder toss, tetherball, and pickleball are all great for getting kids off the couch.

Engage in a challenging game of darts with this safe Indoor Magnetic Dart Board set that's under $20. Experience gift for under the tree.

Deliciously Tasty Gifts for the Family

Is family dinner an important part of your daily routine? Then consider gifting one of these mealtime gift experiences that combine food and family fun.

Dinnerly

This meal kit delivers delicious ingredients and recipes to your front door at a reasonable price. Customize the box and get cooking with creative dishes that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, start to finish.

Dinnerly is perfect for foodies who don't have time to shop, but still want healthy and tasty meals on the table each night.

READ MORE about this subscription service in my complete review of Dinnerly meal boxes.

Cookbooks

Finding recipes online is okay, but there's something about trying new recipes from a compilation cookbook.

Know someone who loves copycat restaurant recipes? The Taste of Home Copycat Restaurant Favorites is the book for them, with lots of popular replica recipes to make in your kitchen.

Do-It-Yourself Kit

Calling all cheeselovers...behold this set from Urban Cheesecraft on Etsy for crafting your own cheeses at home! The DIY Kit for Mozzarella, Ricotta & Farmers' Cheese will help you create 4 batches of cheese in your own kitchen.

Restaurant Meal

As much as I enjoy a home cooked meal, there's nothing quite like eating out (ie: someone else does the dishes!). Dining gift cards are ideal gifts for college students, parents with new babies, or those who love to try new restaurants.

Herb Growing Kit

Every meal tastes better with fresh herbs! This windowsill gardening set will help you grow 9 useful kitchen herbs from seed at home. Experience gift for under the tree.

Experience Gifts That Feel Like a Splurge

Raise your hand if you like receiving a big box of goodies! Bonus if it's all items you were able to personally pick and choose yourself. These splurge-worthy items allow the recipient to customize their experience, allowing for the ultimate personalized present!

FabFitFun

One of my favorite subscription box includes items for me and giftable things for family and friends. Indulgent skincare items and modern household goods are some of the items I've been receiving in FabFitFun boxes year-round. As an Annual Member, I've been able to customize all the items that come in my boxes.

Stitch Fix

The gift of a new wardrobe with pieces chosen by you! Stitch Fix stylists curate a box based upon your likes. Preview the choices, where you get to pick which 5 clothing, accessories, shoes, and jewelry items you'd like to receive.

Pieces are high quality at a great price and exchanges are complimentary. My clothes from Stitch Fix are front and center of my closet! Sign up and receive a $25 credit off your first StitchFix order.

Gift cards

It's the gift that fits everyone! Easy for the gift giver and so-much-fun for the receiver. Look for gift cards to a local restaurant, favorite boutique, or website. Experience gift for the stocking.

Looking for more? Check out this round-up of 42+ best gifts for women.

The Gift of Visual & Performing Arts

Combine a love of music and theater by planning a trip to see the biggest concert of the eras. This is the year to finally see that talked-about show in person - here are some suggestions.

Symphony

Forget about boring orchestra concerts and look for hybrid models that appeal to a range of guests. Live music that combines favorite films like Star Wars are popular with kids and adults alike.

Stub Hub

Find tickets to fit a range of budgets for live theater, concerts, theater and comedy shows. You're sure to find a production that fits your group with local shows throughout the nation.

Pull out the calendar and plan for a family trip to see Harry Potter & the Cursed Child on Broadway in NYC, Hamilton in LA, or the Coachella Music Festival. Disney On Ice travels from town to town, bringing the magic of beloved characters to you!

Movie tickets - There's nothing like watching the newest blockbuster on the big screen. Drop a few movie tickets into their stocking and make it a date.

Experience Gifts That Teach

Try something new by gifting lessons that will expand their horizons. Learning something new is the gift that everyone of all ages can appreciate.

ABC Mouse

I gifted this online resource of learning games and activities to my daughter last year. This "early learning academy" helped give her a step up before beginning kindergarten with age appropriate computer fun.

Read more about things to do at home with preschoolers.

Music Lessons

Think outside the music box. Piano and guitar are the norm. But what about learning how to play the harmonica or ukulele?

Physical Exercise Lessons

Get the kids active year-round with swim lessons, horseback riding, snowboarding, fishing, or surfing.

DIY Guidebook

The Family Handyman Whole House Repair Guide is for the tinkerer who knows how to do it (or thinks they do!). Over 300 step-by-step repairs are covered in this do-it-yourself guidebook. Experience gift for under the tree.

Crafty Experience Gifts

I love crafting, but finding the time away from the kids is the hardest part. The second part of gifting someone a craft is to give them allowance to actually do the project!

Consider bundling the gift of crafts with babysitting to allow the recipient uninterrupted art time. Looking for more unplugged ideas? Try these best games and toys that don't require batteries.

We Craft Box

Ideal for younger kids and families that like to create together, this monthly subscription box includes all the supplies needed for 3+ projects. Each month a new theme is presented in a hands-on way, with detailed instructions and high quality materials.

Craftsy

Members of this online site can access lessons on quilting, painting, knitting, cake decorating, woodworking, and more.

Experts under each field share insider tips and step-by-step instruction for projects or skills. An annual premium membership allows viewing of all video content on the site.

CreativeBug

Adults and kids alike will enjoy learning new techniques through these online classes. Stream arts and crafts classes under a variety of skills including sewing, jewelry making, canning, and other projects. Forums allow members to discuss projects together and share their completed works.

Kiwi Crate

There's a Kiwi Crate for everyone in your family. We've had a wonderful time exploring them all in our family. The monthly subscription box includes everything you need for a STEAM project.

• Koala Crate is awesome for toddlers and young preschoolers.
• My teenager loved the Doodle Crate and learned how to work with leather and soap making.
• The Maker Crate for teens and adults has been a fun way to learn new crafting techniques including macrame.

Gifts That Give Back

Before the holidays even begin, clear out kid's toys, clothes and other unneeded items. Donate them to local charities that will use the resale money for a good cause. Here are a few other suggestions:

The Gift of Time

It's what most everyone has in short supply - time. But if you're able to commit to volunteering your time, there are a great many local groups that could use your help.

Think about churches, soup kitchen, and retirement homes. Read more about teaching thankfulness and gratitude during the holidays.

Samaritan's Purse

My family has loved working with this non-profit to bring joy to children around the world! This year my daughter's dance school collected donations to participate in Samaritan's Purse annual Operation Christmas Child.

This program encourages families to create shoe boxes filled with meaningful items for kids who are less fortunate. You can build your own box or donate to have one made for you.

DIY Bird Feeder Kit

Every birdie in the neighborhood will be at your house on Christmas morning! This family project is appealing to complete with kids and easy enough for toddlers to help. The payoff is watching all the beautiful birds flock to your yard.

This article originally published November 22, 2021 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

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