Black Friday is over, but you still may be shopping for the next couple weeks. In our family, some of the most cherished gifts are things you can’t wrap under the tree. Most of us don’t need more material goods, so giving experiences can be a great way to express your love and make memories that last!
One of my favorite gifts from my parents was a family membership to the Naperville Children's Museum for our family. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! We thought of them every time we went there all year.
When you give an experience as a gift, the key is finding something they will enjoy that fits in your budget. It could be something super simple like a date with you to a local coffee shop, or it could be a little more elaborate.
Let’s look at some ideas for experiences that your loved ones may enjoy!
Children
Many children enjoy a new toy, but it can quickly get lost among all the others. That’s why experiences are so great. They will have the memory far longer than they will enjoy a toy. Think about getting them a…
- pass or membership to the Zoo (Brookfield and Cosley Zoo are both great)
- membership to a children's museum
- ticket to a new movie (with money for popcorn of course)
- ticket to take the Metra train (into the city or to Toot Toot’s restaurant in Glen Ellyn)
- kids' manicure/pedicure
- ticket to a children’s show (or school play)
- ticket to a sporting event
- couple of games of bowling
- horseback riding lesson
- series of swim lessons
Teenagers
Teens have outgrown most toys, but money feels so impersonal. A great solution is to give them an experience they would love! Consider giving the teens in your life a…
- ticket to a new movie (with money for snacks)
- manicure/pedicure
- ticket to a show at a local theater
- ticket to a sporting event
- Spotify credit
- craft class (pottery, macramé, etc.)
- horseback riding lesson
- music class
- escape room experience
Adults
Many of us have more things than we know what to do with. Organizing more things can be overwhelming. That’s why experiences are so valuable. Some ideas for adults are a…
- ticket to a sporting event
- manicure/pedicure
- foot, back, or full-body massage
- ticket to a show at a local theater
- Spotify credit
- store membership (Costo, etc.)
- escape room experience
- ax throwing experience
- coupon for watching their kids
- coupon for making them dinner
- weekend away
- cooking class
- sip and paint night
- craft class (pottery, macramé, etc.)
- trip away through extra airline miles
- membership to an outdoor space like the Morton Arboretum
You don't have to buy into the crazy shopping season. In fact, there is a new movement of people who declared November 25th as "Buy Nothing Day". You can still give meaningful presents. Giving experiences can help keep it simple. I’m sure you can think of many more creative ideas. I’d love to hear if you use any of these ideas or what you come up with on your own!
Dr. Jamie