{"id":12604,"date":"2024-12-06T13:43:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T06:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=12604"},"modified":"2024-12-06T13:43:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T06:43:02","slug":"53-ways-to-give-experience-gifts-instead-of-stuff-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=12604","title":{"rendered":"53+ Ways to Give Experience Gifts Instead of Stuff This Year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>With 6 kids and multiple business ventures (and an indoor plant obsession!), it\u2019s easy for things to pile up around the house. Amidst the holiday season gift-giving these gifts can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/organization\/simplify-christmas\/\">more stress<\/a> for both the giver and receiver. Over the years we\u2019ve embraced a minimalist lifestyle, including giving experience gifts whenever we could. <\/p>\n<p>After some trial and error, it\u2019s now the norm\u2026 and the results are amazing!<\/p>\n<p>An experience gift can be easy to arrange and thoughtful, even if it\u2019s last minute. They\u2019re also rewarding to both the giver and receiver. And you don\u2019t have to live near Chicago or NYC and see a Broadway play to have a unique experience. Going to the movies as a family, taking art classes, or learning to scuba dive are priceless memories or skills that last a lifetime.<\/p>\n<p>We still give a few material presents out at Christmas (you can find many of those unique gifts in this <a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/natural-home\/gift-giving-guide\/\">ultimate gift guide<\/a>). However, our focus has shifted from piles of gifts to experiences that often the whole family can enjoy.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-we-have-too-much-stuff\"><strong>Do We Have Too Much Stuff?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/podcast\/077\/\">Joshua Becker<\/a> is my favorite expert on the topic of clutter and minimalism. He shares some sobering trends on his<a href=\"https:\/\/www.becomingminimalist.com\/clutter-stats\/\"> Becoming Minimalist blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Consider this:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The average American home has over 300,000 items in it.<\/li>\n<li>At least 4 in 10 of us have a storage unit to store our excess stuff.<\/li>\n<li>There\u2019s enough physical space for every man, woman, and child in America to stand in U.S. storage facilities\u2014all at the same time!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-give-experiences-and-not-stuff\"><strong>Why Give Experiences and Not Stuff?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Those staggering statistics wouldn\u2019t worry me if it seemed the excess stuff somehow improved our lives. But that isn\u2019t the case. Statistically, we\u2019re not happy. Over 54% of us report being overwhelmed with clutter, and 78% of us have no idea how to overcome it! There are tons of topics on<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/podcast\/103\/\"> organizing and decluttering<\/a> out there to help us deal with all of our stuff and the stress it causes us.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas Gilovich, a researcher at Cornell University, spent more than a decade on the subject. He explored<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fastcompany.com\/3043858\/the-science-of-why-you-should-spend-your-money-on-experiences-not-thing\"> why experiences <\/a>contribute more to happiness than stuff. He found that experiences are a uniting factor. You\u2019re more likely to bond with someone who enjoys the same hobby or has traveled to the same places as you.<\/p>\n<p>Even the anticipation leading up to<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/travel\/kids-travel-games\/\"> a family trip<\/a>, event, or experience has the potential to give happiness. This makes it the gift that keeps on giving! Happiness in anticipation, during the experience, and in the memories. Beats the heck out of a pile of toys you trip over while tucking the kids in at night!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-experience-gifts-the-importance-for-kids\"><strong>Experience Gifts: The Importance for Kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Shared family time (<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/podcast\/702\/\">even at family dinners<\/a>) is drastically important for a child\u2019s well-being. Much more important than the toys we give them or the dozens of extracurricular activities we often neglect family time for.<\/p>\n<p>There are lots of reasons to have<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/motherhood\/family-time-traditions\/\"> shared family time and experiences<\/a>, including:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>bonding within the family<\/li>\n<li>fewer behavioral problems in children<\/li>\n<li>a stronger sense of identity and sense of security<\/li>\n<li>higher rates of academic success<\/li>\n<li>lower rates of violence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These shared experiences can be as simple as time spent together during or preparing meals. Or even while driving or reading stories before bed. Prioritizing shared experiences as gifts helps reduce unwanted material items while fostering family bonding. These ideas are great for Christmas or as a birthday gift.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-53-ways-to-give-experiences-this-year\"><strong>53+ Ways to Give Experiences This Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The average parent spends over $276 per child on toys and gifts each year! And over 40% of Americans are willing to go into debt over Christmas gifts. That just adds to our clutter and stress.<\/p>\n<p>Experience gifts are great because they reduce clutter, give kids something to look forward to, and promote bonding.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-family-experience-gift-ideas\">Family Experience Gift Ideas<\/h2>\n<p>Bigger experiences, like memberships or vacations, are often family gifts. It\u2019s a fun way to check a few things off of your bucket list. Or try a new activity as a family, ranging from kayaking or rafting to setting up a zipline at home in the backyard. Feeling adventurous? Schedule a hot air balloon ride!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-season-passes-or-memberships\">Season Passes or Memberships<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Museum Memberships<\/strong> \u2013 Look into which local museums offer annual memberships near you. Some even offer discounts for local residents or have programs for kids.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Science Center Memberships<\/strong> \u2013 Many cities have an interactive children\u2019s museum or science center with an annual pass option. Sometimes these end up costing less than one visit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Orchestra Season Tickets<\/strong> \u2013 We have a local orchestra that performs every few months. I found children\u2019s season tickets to be extremely affordable (less than $8 a show). It\u2019s now a fun family activity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Community Theater Tickets <\/strong>\u2013 If you have a local theater, buy season tickets. If you can\u2019t buy one for each member of your family, buy two. Parents can go to the more grown-up plays as date nights, and then Mom or Dad can alternate taking the kids for special nights.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sporting Events<\/strong> \u2013 Any professional or college teams in your area? Purchase season tickets to your favorite sport. Or if that\u2019s too expensive, buy tickets to one game. My family loves baseball, and it\u2019s been a great outing that lasts all summer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nature Center Tickets<\/strong> \u2013 Check for local nature preserves or nature centers in your area and see if they offer an annual pass. I\u2019ve found these for nature centers, a local cave, and state parks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Zoo<\/strong> \u2013 Many zoos offer season passes and some have exclusive benefits for members. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Local Attraction Season Passes <\/strong>\u2013 Any other local attraction with a season pass can be a great gift. Check for other types of museums, historical sites, or local attractions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-family-activities\">Family Activities<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Camping Tent<\/strong> \u2013 Sometimes, a material gift leads to an experience.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Sundome-Person-Green-color-options\/dp\/B004J2GUP4\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> This tent<\/a> was a family gift a couple of years ago, and we\u2019ve used it quite a few times. I picked this one because it\u2019s easy to set up!<\/li>\n<li><strong>New Family Hobbies<\/strong> \u2013 Get the necessary equipment or passes to take up a new family hobby. Try hiking,<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/health\/camping-benefits\/\"> camping<\/a>, card games, a sport, or another fun activity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Escape Room<\/strong> \u2013 This is an ideal group activity that Mom, Dad, and older kids can do with extended family for some fun quality time. Check to make sure the theme is family-friendly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be Puzzled<\/strong> \u2013 Feeling brave?<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Wildlife-33-600-Educa-Puzzle\/dp\/B00IA3HH5K\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> This 33,600-piece puzzle<\/a> is the world\u2019s largest. It might take you the whole year to put together and will foster a LOT of family time!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fun Family Outing<\/strong>\u2013 You don\u2019t have to go all the way to the Grand Canyon or New York City to have a fun family trip. Visit an amusement park, take a local food tour, or plan a family staycation. Remember, looking forward to an experience makes the experience more fun and fosters happiness on its own!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Volunteer<\/strong> \u2013 Truly a gift that keeps on giving. If your kids are old enough, volunteer at a local food pantry or charity. Give your kids (and yourself) the gift of helping others!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Give to Charity<\/strong> \u2013 Another favorite in our family. We designate $100 per child, and they decide where to give it. They love choosing gifts like farm animals, fruit trees, or educational supplies for those in need around the world through programs like<a href=\"https:\/\/foodforthepoor.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Food for the Poor<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-experience-gifts-for-kids\">Best Experience Gifts for Kids<\/h2>\n<p>Kids love learning new things or spending time doing their favorite activities. It\u2019s always special to spend one-on-one time with their parents. Experiences are a great way to give them both!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-learn-or-perfect-a-skill\">Learn or Perfect a Skill<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Local Pottery Painting <\/strong>\u2013 An absolute favorite with my girls. Our local pottery place has dozens of options to paint. This has been a fun activity for the kids (and me!).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pottery Making<\/strong> \u2013 For older kids, some places offer pottery-making lessons or classes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>New Skill<\/strong> \u2013 Does your child want to try horseback riding,<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/motherhood\/kids-use-knives\/\"> cooking<\/a>, sewing, painting, or another similar activity? Give them classes for a new hobby or skill. You can even<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/organization\/learn-skills-online\/\"> buy virtual classes<\/a> through sites like Udemy. Or, to keep costs down, look at your local recreation center, or ask a family member to teach your child. Here are my<a href=\"https:\/\/sl290.isrefer.com\/go\/kcrf\/wellnessmama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> favorite cooking classes<\/a> for kids.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rock Climbing<\/strong> \u2013 Have a local rock-climbing gym? See if they offer annual passes or pick-up gift certificates for a climbing outing with older kids. Bonus: It\u2019s a great way to get exercise too!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Learning Magazine Monthly Subscription<\/strong> \u2013 Our kids love getting \u201creal mail\u201d in the mailbox. This is one gift my extended family members often get for them. They look forward to it coming each month and doing the activities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Craft Bucket<\/strong> \u2013 One of my favorite Christmas gifts as a child: a basket of craft activities that lasted me all year! My aunt filled a large basket with scissors, paper, glue, string, and every craft supply imaginable. It led to hours of fun for me. My kids love getting these baskets, plus<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/How-Draw-People-Dover\/dp\/0486420604\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> books about how to draw<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Darice-120-Piece-Deluxe-Art-Set\/dp\/B002PNV6YE\/ref=as_at\/?tag=wellnessmama-20\"> art kits<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B004PBN9BC\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> sticker pads<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B0013CDJTS\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> construction paper<\/a>, and other craft kits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Musical Instrument<\/strong> \u2013 A favorite gift one Christmas was a steel drum for my kids. Though I admit, on a couple of especially loud days, I have regretted the idea!<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Panyard-Jumbie-Table-Steel-Silver\/dp\/B00ALWDK04\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> This is the one I got<\/a>, and they\u2019ve loved learning to play it. I also ordered<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/LOOIKOOS-Instruments-Percussion-Preschool-Educational\/dp\/B098DX4X79?pd_rd_w=zxdc2&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.1179ac71-bcd0-4ec5-9c37-37cc097a57e2&amp;pf_rd_p=1179ac71-bcd0-4ec5-9c37-37cc097a57e2&amp;pf_rd_r=KWMP65Y5W2J2FYTJRCV0&amp;pd_rd_wg=9rPJg&amp;pd_rd_r=51c58a5f-79cb-402d-a228-e67402c3d263&amp;pd_rd_i=B098DX4X79&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=wellnessmama-20&amp;linkId=749c39f3a2dda0aa086480cd53dc964d&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> mini musical instrument kits<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Music Lessons <\/strong>\u2013 Along with their new instrument, you can gift them some music lessons. Piano or guitar lessons are popular, but there\u2019s also violin, harp, and even ukulele!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Subscription Box <\/strong>\u2013 The gift that keeps on giving! Kids love getting these regularly in the mail and you can choose from a wide variety of activities. <a href=\"http:\/\/kiwi-crate.7eer.net\/rdY9v\">KiwiCo<\/a> has art, STEM, or geography boxes, <a href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=1437989&amp;u=774148&amp;m=92473&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">while CrateJoy<\/a> offers everything from arts and crafts to gardening or alien paraphenalia!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-active-experiences\">Active Experiences<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Local Jump Gym <\/strong>\u2013 Another fun activity that helps kids stay active. See if you have a local jump gym or indoor trampoline center and get annual passes or gift cards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Batting Cage Membership<\/strong> \u2013 For a child who loves baseball, look for a local batting cage. Some offer year-long memberships or bulk discounts on packages. This is a great way to stay active and have a fun outing together.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bowling or Skate Tickets <\/strong>\u2013 If you have a local bowling alley or skating rink, ask about family passes or gift certificates. Roller skating and ice skating are both fun.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Every Kid in a Park <\/strong>\u2013 If you have a fourth grader, there\u2019s no excuse not to get this one. It\u2019s a free year-long park pass to all the national parks. It provides access to everyone in your immediate family, not just the fourth grader. (<a href=\"https:\/\/everykidoutdoors.gov\/pass.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Here\u2019s how to get it<\/a>.)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treasure Hunt<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re giving a material gift, make it a fun experience. Instead of wrapping it up, create a scavenger hunt for the child to find the final gift. This is especially fun for a larger gift or experience!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Geocaching<\/strong> \u2013 Speaking of treasure hunts, geocaching is a fun, free way to go on a treasure hunt with your kids almost anywhere in the world.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.geocaching.com\/play\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> You can learn more about it here.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-family-time\">Family Time<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lunch Dates <\/strong>\u2013 Give vouchers to a favorite breakfast or lunch place to a child and plan a one-on-one date with them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Movie Tickets<\/strong> \u2013 We don\u2019t go to the movies often, but sometimes there are some great family movies coming out around Christmastime.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Question Book<\/strong> \u2013 My kids all love this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Q-Day-Kids-Three-Year-Journal\/dp\/0307952967\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Question A Day Book<\/a>, and it gives us a fun conversation starter each day. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Garden Kit <\/strong>\u2013 Just like crafts, gardening is a great activity to do with children. If you have a budding gardener (pun intended), wrap up<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gopjn.com\/t\/SENJTE1MT0hDR0dMSk9LQ0dLSUdOSw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> some seeds<\/a> and gardening supplies and let your child help you garden all year!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Movie Night Packages<\/strong> \u2013 My children don\u2019t watch much TV, but we love family movie nights. To make it even more fun, I wrap up a new DVD and some healthy snacks for each child to let them \u201chost\u201d the movie night.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Game Night Packages <\/strong>\u2013 Giving each child one game is a fun way to expand our collection. And they love playing \u201ctheir game\u201d when we have a game night. Some favorites are<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Apples-Party-Box-Combinations-Family\/dp\/B00112CHCK\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> Apples to Apples<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/SEQUENCE-Original-SEQUENCE-Folding-Packaging\/dp\/B00000IVAK?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> Tsuro<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/SEQUENCE-Original-SEQUENCE-Folding-Packaging\/dp\/B00000IVAK?tag=wellnessmama-20\"> Sequence<\/a>, and basic card games.<\/li>\n<li><strong>DIY Kits<\/strong> \u2013 My kids enjoy getting the supplies to make DIY items together (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Caydo-Pieces-Papermaking-Absorbent-Supplies\/dp\/B09XGRDM5G?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=wellnessmama-20&amp;linkId=1cf46e9a8414d3e7b4d6f2f9aff15b73&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">like this DIY Christmas garland<\/a>) or give them as gifts.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Caydo-Pieces-Papermaking-Absorbent-Supplies\/dp\/B09XGRDM5G?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=wellnessmama-20&amp;linkId=1cf46e9a8414d3e7b4d6f2f9aff15b73&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\"> This paper-making kit<\/a> was an especially big hit. Bonus: they\u2019re learning new skills too!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Learn a Language<\/strong> \u2013 Learn Spanish, Italian, or even Japanese together. <a href=\"https:\/\/talkbox.mom\/ref\/95\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Programs like Talk Box <\/a>offer an easy and natural way to learn together as a family through everyday conversation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-experience-gifts-for-dad\">Experience Gifts for Dad<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/natural-home\/gifts-for-men\/\">Check out this post<\/a> for ideas of usable, practical gifts that dads will enjoy (and that help them be healthier, sleep better, etc.). In my experience, guys are the toughest to find experience-based gifts for. But here are a few ideas that have been a hit over the years:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Home Brewing <\/strong>\u2013 For the guy who loves beer, give him an organic (or at least non-GMO) home brewing kit. There are<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Complete-Equipment-Kit-Gallon-Carboy\/dp\/B008I3B0HS\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=wellnessmama-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> pre-made brewing kits<\/a> but go to a local homebrew store if possible to find out what supplies and ingredients he\u2019ll need.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sports<\/strong> \u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/seatgeek.pxf.io\/c\/2006511\/1753574\/20501\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> Tickets<\/a> to see his favorite teams play can be a big hit. These tend to be more expensive, so you may have to save for a while, but they can make for an amazing and memorable experience!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Outdoor Activities<\/strong> \u2013 This will vary depending on the guy, but finding outdoor experiences he already loves is a great gift idea. This might be finding time to camp as a family or for him to go hunting, hiking, or playing sports like golf.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scuba Certification<\/strong> \u2013 Why not give each other scuba certifications as a gift? Go through the process together and then enjoy a great hobby together.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Skydiving<\/strong> \u2013 Is your guy adventurous? Skydiving is a ton of fun, and many cities have a local place you can go. They can also do indoor skydiving if they\u2019re not feeling quite as adventurous.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-experience-gifts-for-mom\">Experience Gifts for Mom<\/h2>\n<p>Memes abound online about moms enjoying going to the bathroom alone. Here\u2019s a fun list of<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/natural-home\/gifts-for-her\/\"> material gifts for mom<\/a> for the perfect gift. But moms also love experiences too!<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Day(s) Off<\/strong> \u2013 One of my favorite gifts ever was a series of \u201cdays off\u201d that I didn\u2019t have to cook, clean, or have any household responsibilities (and it included a gift card to go out<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/go\/coffee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> for coffee<\/a>!). Instead, other family members can take over mom\u2019s tasks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Painting Session<\/strong> \u2013 These sessions are a great way to learn and have fun while being creative. Treat mom to a night of painting, even better if it\u2019s with a few best friends.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wine Tasting<\/strong> \u2013 It would be great to get her a trip to Napa or Italy, but not everyone can do that. Instead, arrange an in-home wine tasting. Dry Farm Wine has<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dryfarmwines.com\/pages\/wellness-mama?transaction_id=102d68235a5d6ca6313cf1580caf5f&amp;offer_id=1&amp;affiliate_id=2317\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> wine gift boxes<\/a> that will ship straight to your door.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spa Day <\/strong>\u2013 All moms can use some pampering! Plus, it\u2019s something mom may only do if it\u2019s a gift.<a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/go\/massage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> Massages are my favorite<\/a>!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Date Nights<\/strong> \u2013 A couples getaway or time alone can be tough with kids. Give mom a pre-planned date night and handle all the arrangements, line up a sitter, and make the plans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Craft or Hobby Supplies <\/strong>\u2013 Some new yarn, drawing supplies, or even an adult coloring book are all great experience gifts for moms. You can get<a href=\"https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-7555990-11424558\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> art supplies here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Meal Kit Subscription<\/strong> \u2013 While I love my meal planner app, some days I don\u2019t feel like cooking. For the healthy foodie, I like the meals from<a href=\"https:\/\/meals.balancedbites.com\/discount\/wellnessmama?rfsn=3988009.a8d0ed&amp;utm_source=refersion&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=3988009.a8d0ed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> Balanced Bites<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegoodkitchen.com\/?rfsn=776200.e9ea52\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> The Good Kitchen<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nap or Getting to Sleep In<\/strong> \u2013 This may be one of the toughest gifts to pull off, but definitely one of the most appreciated. If you can figure out how to do it, she\u2019ll be grateful!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Any Family Gifts<\/strong> \u2013 Any of the family gifts listed above are also a great option to get for moms. They\u2019ll enjoy the family bonding and the idea of an activity to do with the kids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gifts-for-grandparents-extended-family\">Gifts for Grandparents + Extended Family<\/h2>\n<p>Often our loved ones don\u2019t need any more material gifts or just really appreciate experiences. I\u2019ve found these to be really popular options with my family members.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Day Out with Kids<\/strong> \u2013 The kids pick a fun activity to do with grandparents and give it as a gift. It could be something like going out for smoothies, playing at the park, or going to the store to gather ingredients to cook a meal together.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Window Garden<\/strong> \u2013 Sometimes it\u2019s harder for grandparents to get down in the dirt like they used to. A windowsill garden with herbs is a great way to have flavorful spices all year long and have fun gardening. My kids and I love this<a href=\"https:\/\/aerogarden.com\/home\/?CJID=cj&amp;cjevent=a6ca0823df1911ed810f5b4f0a82b839&amp;utm_placement=Core%20Wellness%2C%20LLC&amp;cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> countertop version from Aerotop<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Memory Book <\/strong>\u2013 I love making<a href=\"http:\/\/imp.i310051.net\/WnEx3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"> a photo book<\/a> with a company like Mixbook that showcases favorite memories with the giftee. Or let your kids make a homemade scrapbook by printing and cutting out pictures and writing captions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Membership Add-Ons<\/strong> \u2013 For grandparents who live close by, add them to any of the family memberships listed above. This lets them come for free and spend time with the kids. And as a bonus, you have extra eyes to help with the kids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-experience-gifts-the-bottom-line\">Experience Gifts: The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>Even if you\u2019ve already purchased gifts this year, consider adding some experiences as well. Or slowly transition to more experience-based gifts. Family time and memories are worth so much more than material gifts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Have you given experiences instead of gifts in the past? What other suggestions would you add to this list?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/motherhood\/give-experiences\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With 6 kids and multiple business ventures (and an indoor plant obsession!), it\u2019s easy for things to pile up around the house. Amidst the holiday season gift-giving these gifts can lead to more stress for both the giver and receiver. Over the years we\u2019ve embraced a minimalist lifestyle, including giving experience gifts whenever we could. &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[271],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-healthy-recipes"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12604","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12604"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12604\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}