Some of the most cherished gifts are things you can’t wrap to put under the tree. Since most of us don’t need more material goods, I love giving experiences that make lasting memories!
One of my favorite gifts from my parents was a family membership to the DuPage Children's Museum. It was so much fun, and we thought of them every time we went there throughout the year.
When you give an experience as a gift, the key is finding something they will enjoy that fits your budget. It could be a date to a local coffee shop or something more extravagant. The cost does not matter as much as the personalized touch behind it. So, think about the person. How can your gift show them that you know and care about them?
Let’s look at some ideas for experiences your loved ones may enjoy!
Children
Experiences give the child a memory that will last far longer than any 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)
- kid's manicure/pedicure
- ticket to a children’s show at a local theater (Frozen is playing at the Paramount in Aurora, IL)
- ticket to a sporting event
- couple of games of bowling (don't forget the shoe rental)
- horseback riding lesson
- series of swim lessons
Teens
Teenagers have outgrown most toys, but money feels so impersonal. A great solution is giving them an experience they would love! Perhaps they would enjoy a/an...
- ticket to a new movie (with money for popcorn of course)
- manicure/pedicure
- ticket to a show at a local theater
- ticket to a sporting event
- a Spotify credit
- craft class (pottery, macramé, etc.)
- horseback riding lesson
- music class
- escape room experience
Adults
Most adults do not need more things but would enjoy a special memory. Would the person you are shopping for like a/an...
- ticket to a sporting event
- manicure/pedicure
- ticket to a show at a local theater
- Spotify credit
- store membership (Costo, etc.)
- escape room experience
- axe throwing experience
- massage
- 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 your extra airline miles
- membership to an outdoor space (Morton Arboretum, Brookfield Zoo, etc.)
- membership to a museum (Art Museum, Field Museum, etc.)
One of the special parts of giving experiences is the personal touch. You can be creative when you think about what the person enjoys. If you can not think of an experience, you could donate to a cause that is important to them.
Dr. Jamie