Inside:Why giving Experience Gifts instead of toys and other things to our kids and teens has been one of the best decisions we ever made.
’Tis the season of “more stuff” — overflowing toy bins, crowded closets, and relatives asking for gift idea lists. If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering: Will the kids even remember the sweater Mom bought them?
This year, I decided to flip the script. Instead of adding another “thing” to their piles, I’m giving the kind of gift that actually sticks: an experience. Something the whole family can share, the kids will remember, and that won’t end up hiding under the bed.
Below are 12 experience-gift ideas that span budgets, ages, and interests — and are perfect for tweens, teens and fun-loving families. (Yes — even the teen who says they “have everything.”)
Why Experience Gifts Matter
They Become Memories, Not Clutter
Think back to your childhood: what do you remember now? Probably the family trip, the game night, the summer camp. Not the plastic toy that broke after a week. Research shows that experiences are more meaningful and memorable than material items.
They Promote Connection & Time Together
When you give an experience, you’re giving time — time as a family, or time between cousins, grandparents and kids. That shared time builds relationships and memories that last.
They Are Often More Sustainable & Budget-Friendly
Experiences can cost less than the latest gadget and often create less waste. From an ice-cream outing to a local museum pass, you can find meaningful gifts at every budget.
Looking for something specific to this season? Here are the top Holiday 2025 experience gifts trending with families, tweens, and teens right now — perfect for parents who want meaningful, clutter-free presents this year
Holiday 2025 Experience Gift Ideas (Trending & Timely)
If you’re looking for the most relevant and in-demand experience gifts for Holiday 2025, these are the experiences families are booking early — and teens/tweens are actually excited about. These ideas reflect current trends, new attractions, and what’s rising in popularity this season.
Related: Free Printable Christmas Bucket List: 25 Fun & Festive Ideas Every Family Will Love
1. Immersive Events & Pop-Up Experiences (NEW for 2025)
Holiday pop-ups are huge again this year, especially photo-friendly immersive installations.
Ideas:
- Holiday Light Trail events
- Immersive Nutcracker or Grinch experiences
- Drive-through holiday wonderland shows
Great for ages 6–17 and perfect for family photos.
2. 2025 Concert Tickets or “Golden Days” Music Tour Gifts
Many artists have already announced 2025 tours, and concert tickets are one of the hottest teen gifts of the year.
Ideas: Local arena shows, amphitheater concerts, teen-friendly artists, or a family concert night.
Perfect for teens 13+ who would rather “go somewhere” than get another sweater.
3. Holiday-Themed Weekend Getaways
With travel trending up again for 2025, a festive mini-trip makes an unforgettable gift.
Ideas:
- A snowy cabin weekend
- Christmas town festival
- Holiday markets
- A cozy one-night hotel stay with an indoor pool
Great for families and ideal for gifting “together time.”
4. “Year of Adventures 2025” Subscription or Punch Card
Give one experience every month for all of 2025.
Create a DIY punch card with ideas like:
- Ice skating
- New restaurant try-outs
- Indoor rock climbing
- Local museum day
- Beach sunset picnic
This spreads the joy well beyond Christmas morning.
5. Cooking or Baking Experiences for Teens
2025 trend alert: teens learning life-skills in fun, hands-on ways.
Ideas:
- Holiday baking class
- Sushi-making workshop
- Teen cooking class gift card
- Macaron or gourmet cookie workshop
Great for teens 12–18 who love TikTok food trends.
6. Winter Outdoor Adventure Gifts
For families in colder climates, winter adventure experiences are big this year.
Ideas:
- Snow tubing
- Ski day pass
- Ice castle or ice sculpture festival
- Snowshoe nature hike
Ages 8+ depending on the activity.
7. Subscription Kits That Include an Experience Component
Experience-based kits are trending for 2025 — they’re part activity, part keepsake.
Ideas:
- Science experiment boxes
- Craft kits
- Baking boxes
- Robotics/engineering kits
Perfect for kids 7–14 who love hands-on fun.
8. Social-Media-Friendly “Day of Choice” Pass
Perfect for teens — let them design their own festive day:
- Starbucks holiday drink
- Thrift shopping
- Game Day
- Holiday movie
- Festive photo spots
- Dinner out
Wrap it with a cute printable “Voucher for a Holiday Day of Choice.”
9. Holiday Volunteer Experience
Families are asking for meaningful experiences in 2025, not just fun ones.
Ideas:
- Adopt-a-family gift shopping
- Soup kitchen volunteering
- Animal shelter holiday helper day
Teens love the sense of purpose, and families make lasting memories.
Related: 50+ Family Christmas Traditions To Build Lifelong Memories
12 Other Year Round Experience-Gift Ideas to Try
(Each idea includes age-range suggestions & budget tips)
1. Online Class or Subscription Platform
Give access to an online course — art, animation, cooking, music — that the kid can explore on their own schedule. Great for ages 8–18, and usually under $50.
Example: a monthly art membership with new content each month.
2. Tickets to a Live Event
Concerts, sports games, theater shows — pick something coming to your area this winter. Ages 10+ typically for larger shows, but there are plenty of family-friendly options too.
3. Annual Membership or Season Pass
Zoo membership, science museum pass, local attraction season-pass. Especially great for families who live near a city or travel regionally. Ages all.
4. Local Food/Outing Gift Card
Round up the family for mini-golf, ice cream + playground, trampoline park, or your favorite local restaurant. Ages 6+.
5. Lessons / Extracurricular Experience
Donate toward a week of summer camp, music lessons, sports tuition. Perfect for budding teens or pre-teens with an interest.
6. Mini-Getaway or Overnight Trip
A local hotel with indoor pool, beach cottage staycation, or winter ski weekend. Ages 12+ if geared for older kids.
7. DIY Experience Box
Put together a “movie night” kit (movie pass + popcorn + candy) or “family game day” pack they can redeem later. Ages 6–14.
8. Volunteer or Service Experience
Give a gift of giving: a family service project day, animal shelter visit + lunch, etc. Ages 10+.
9. Skill-Building Workshop for Teens
Photography class, coding bootcamp, cooking masterclass — ideal for older teens prepping for college or independent life.
10. Year of Memberships / Subscription Experiences
Not just games — think cooking kit subscriptions, monthly science boxes, theatre-in-a-box clubs. Ages 8–18.
11. Personalized Family “Bucket List” Voucher
Create a voucher for “your choice family outing” to be redeemed any time this year: camping trip, museum day, beach day. Ages all.
12. Memory Keepsake Experience
Photo-shoot day, memory-making journal workshop, or custom “choose your adventure” day where the child picks the main event. Ages 5–18.
Related: Battery Free Gifts for Kids – Tech Free Can Still Be Fun!
How to Pitch the Idea to Grandparents & Relatives
• Frame it as “less clutter, more connection”
• Provide a simple “gift card” version: print a certificate that says “One afternoon at the zoo with the whole family”
• Include sibling parity: one experience for all kids, or make it individual but budget-balanced
Tips for Making the Gift Work
• Book early (holiday seasons fill up fast).
• Choose an experience that aligns with kid’s interest (and maybe your family schedule).
• Include a tangible “voucher” so the gift feels real under the tree.
• Capture the memory (photo, journal entry) so you have evidence it happened — and kids remember it.
• Set expectations: some experiences may cost more up front but last longer.
FAQ
Q: What if the gift isn’t used?
A: Pick an experience with a flexible date or a long-validity voucher.
Q: What if the kids want “things” too?
A: Offer a small tangible item (like a fun ticket holder or themed ornament) with the experience voucher.
Q: Budget is tight. Are there free/low-cost experiences?
A: Yes! Local library events, museum “free days”, community pools, nature hikes + picnic can all count.
Q: My teen says they’re “too old” for experience gifts.
A: Ask them what they would rather do than acquire stuff. Let them help plan the voucher. Many teens prefer autonomy over more stuff.
This holiday season, let’s give our kids something they won’t forget. Replace the “make-it-fit-in-the-closet” gifts with moments, adventures, and time together. Pick one of the 12 ideas above, wrap it up with a certificate or voucher, and enjoy the memories you’ll all share.
Ready to light up your tree with memories instead of more stuff? Let’s make it happen.
Shelley says
I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for the reminder that experiences are more memorable than gifts. I can hardly remember any gifts from last Christmas. I’m definitely trying “a year of doodles” for my daughter!
Cat says
Love that someone else is doing this! This year I directed our kids to fill out their lists with 4 categories, but no more than 5 items in each category… Something I Want; Something I Need; Something to Read; Something to Do. I got this idea from this family’s 4 gift rule (http://hugsandpunches.com/how-we-do-christmas/) and decided to start with the list first.
See my kids “suffer” from Too Many Grandparents-itist as well and between step parents and step parents with step parents they are truly blessed with too much love (and gifts) during the holidays. Usually my requests for toy alternatives were brushed off, but this year with the KIDS requesting specific wants, needs, reads, & dos, I’m getting more positive feedback!
At first my kids couldn’t think of anything they needed or anything to do, but after we talked about needs vs wants and activities they’ve been begging to do, they completed their lists quickly. For example: My 10 y/o son said he “needs” jeans so he doesn’t have to wash laundry so often (a valid request since he is down to 1 pair after his growth spurt); my 5 y/o daughter wants to go to her favorite pizza place for dinner with her family as a “do”; my 11 y/o stepson wants a whole series of books as his “read” so he can read them over again with having to check them out from the library (his words!).. And don’t tell the kids but us parents are probably making them this DIY tent for a group kid’s gift (http://blog.bitsofeverything.com/2014/08/diy-fort-kit.html).
Fingers crossed this starts a new tradition in our family! I’m happy to tell everyone who asks that I’ve already finished my Christmas shopping because I never started! Each kid will get something from their “Do” list from me and I’m hoping as time goes on my kids will tell their kids, “I always remembered mom took me to _____ every year at Christmas. I have the best memories of that.” Warms my heart already. Thanks for listening, GREAT IDEA! Keep it up!
Nidia says
I am feeling so grateful after reading all the comments and feeling this is an answer to my prayers! Thanks…my thanksgiving dinner is going to be great! Love you all!
Lisa @Retro Housewife Goes Green says
My husband and I take a trip nearby each year near Christmas time for part of gift. It’s so much fun and we don’t have to try to find room for more things.
My parents, brother, husband and I also do something together each year as part of our gifts. One year we’ve gone to a NBA game, a concert, and a nice dinner out of town and a fancy movie theater. We always have a great time!
I found you on the Pinworth Projects Link Party.
AmieJo says
I love this idea. I think this is something I will have to talk to my husband about doing.
Erin Kennedy says
I have actually never heard of this, but it is such a great idea. Love your ideas and pics!
Aisha says
Great tips! i love experiences over physical things anyways. Last year my boyfriend surprised me with a trip to Washington DC!
Kim says
Looking back, the memories I treasure most are the experiences I have shared with people that I love and value. You are on the right track with these recommendations.
Jen @ The Halfway Homemaker says
We try to do experience gifts as well. My husband’s 40th birthday gift was a family trip to Hawaii.
Sarah White says
Great ideas! I’ve been really thinking of getting our family a “family gift” of yearly passes to a local children’s museum so that we can go often. I think these kinds of gifts are really great!
Jessica Doll says
I love this concept! Last year we all planned to take a vacation together instead of exchanging gifts.
Caroline says
Those are really great ideas and I know kids appreciate those gifts a lot more then toys!!!
Jeanette Ford says
Great Tips! With 4 kids it is hard to pay for all the activities they want to do. This is a great idea. And thanks for reminding me I wanted to check for Disney on ice tickets. LOL
naima says
This is the greatest alternative I’ve ever seen as an alternative to tangible gifts ever. I definitely will use this when i have children
Leigh Powell Hines says
I really love this post because it’s how I spend a lot of my life daily. My kids don’t have as much material possessions as others, especially when I go in other’s homes and see for myself. My kids have plenty, but I prefer to spend out money on experiences and trips.
Amanda {Planning It All} says
I love gifting experiences – my parents are both retired and have downsized to a 2-bedroom condo so they do not have space for anymore “stuff” so I’ve been brainstorming ideas for experiences instead. Great list!
Danielle K says
I love this. My son honestly has so much stuff that I would much rather have experiences with him than more toys.
Lauren says
This is such a great idea! I need to start incorporating this into my Christmas traditions!
xoxo
Lauren
http://www.dressingdallas.com
Alana (@ I have a Future and a Hope) says
My kids love getting to do things as a family instead of physical toys. One of their favorite things is going to a hotel near by that has an indoor water park at Christmas and spending a few days there. If I ask them what they remember the most, it’s our trips as a family. 🙂
Erin says
This is SO true! The experiences are always so much more memorable than the physical gifts. This year my mom bought the whole family tickets to the Lion King for Christmas so we can all have a night out together 🙂
Patti says
Great ideas and I agree. My husband’s only brother is turning 50 so for his gift they are going on a weekend trip together and bought tickets to a tournament ball game.
Kira Lewis says
That’s fantastic! How much fun!
Lani @ Life Anchored says
We’re getting a family pass to the children’s museum this year as our gift for our little guy.
Kristine @ Big Dreams, Shallow Pockets says
Memories are sooo much better than things. My grandmother used to always give us memberships to the zoo and what an amazing gift that was! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Susan Mahlburg says
I was JUST telling my husband that what I really want for Christmas is a date night!
Cajun says
This is a great idea! Last year, my sister and I got my mother and Aunt concert tickets to see Cher. IT. WAS. E-P-I-C!!!!!!!! Just them opening the gift was so gratifying, and we still had to wait until March 31 until the concert. But then getting to take them to see their idol was so awesome. I don;t think we will ever be able to top that experience. It was fantastic and highly reccommended.
Ricci says
This is a fantastic idea!! I have 5 nieces and 2 nephews and I feel like I never know what to get them!! I think gift cards to their favorite stores/things they need for their various extracurricular activities would be a great gift!!
Neely says
My husband and I are big on gifting experiences. For the first birthday we spent together(they are a day apart) we took a vacation. We would rather have memories than things.
Hannah Diane says
This is such a great idea! Love it!
Karen says
Those are wonderful ideas to do instead of buying all toys for the kids.