Holiday Experience Gifts for Kids

It’s the day after Thanksgiving and Grandma wants a list, Aunt Susy wants a list, Cousin Carol wants a list, Santa wants a list, etc. “What do the kids want for the holidays?” It’s the question of the season, and many parents will tell you that only recently did they find storage space for the plethora of generosity bestowed upon their little ones from the last holiday season. The thought of another round of beeping, buzzing, battery-laden treasures may seem a bit overwhelming. Instead, consider putting something clutter-free on their list that will stay with them forever: an experience. Here are some great gift ideas for kids. 

Why Parents Should Give Experience Gifts to Kids 

Is it possible that children may already have enough stuff? Perhaps fewer wrapped toys under the tree would be a great idea this year. According to Joshua Becker, Wall Street Journal’s best-selling author of “The More of Less”: 

• There are 300,000 items in the average American home (LA Times). 

• British research found that the average 10-year-old owns 238 toys but plays with only 12 daily (The Telegraph). 

• The United States has upward of 50,000 storage facilities, more than five times the number of Starbucks (Self Storage Association). 

These stats may seem alarming, but parents understand, especially after they clean up the toy-scattered living room for the 112th time this week. Other than teddy bears, dolls and action figures, we suggest that gift-givers try wrapping up experiences when considering holiday and Christmas gift ideas for kids this season.

The Benefits of Gifting Experiences to Children

Experiences provide more lasting happiness than material possessions, according to researchers, Thomas Gilovich and Matthew Killingsworth, in the Journal of Psychological Science. “Our experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than our material goods,” Gilovich explains. “You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things, but nonetheless they remain separate from you. In contrast, your experiences really are part of you. We are the sum total of our experiences.” 

Giving the gift of an experience is deeply meaningful and exciting. Think of the kiddos on your list and imagine being able to provide them with moments they will treasure forever, rather than a thing with momentary thrills. For children who love stuffed animals or want a pet, give them tickets to a zoo or an aquarium. For little ones who love frilly dresses or ballerinas, sign them up for a dance class. There’s an abundance of experience choices; from amusement parks and fun restaurants to sports teams or lessons. 

Give the Gift of Swim Lessons 

The options for lessons are endless; however, there are very few that will also save lives. While many experiences offer entertainment, the gift of swimming is a creative way to combine the fun tots want with the lifesaving skills they need. Plus, what child sees a swimming pool without instantly wanting to change into their swimsuit and jump in? Give them that excitement of summer fun year-round! Children can burn away that winter cabin fever in the pool, socialize with friends and coaches, and learn the necessary water safety skills they need for life.  

Experience Gift Bundle

Is your family thinking of booking a vacation or putting in a pool as a holiday gift? Prepare your little ones with the swim skills they need by letting your loved ones—like Aunt Susy and Cousin Carol—give the gift of lessons with an Aqua-Tots gift card. Combine it with a towel, goggles, diving ring, and more for the ultimate swim lesson gift bundle. Come this spring or summer, you and your tots will be ready for all those splash-tastic water activities. 

For more than 30 years, Aqua-Tots Swim School has been committed to saving lives worldwide, one swim lesson at a time and offers year-round, indoor swim lessons as early as four months old. May our lessons enrich your gift giving experience this holiday season.  

Giving the gift of swim lessons is now easier than ever with Aqua-Tots gift cards! Purchase your gift card online or pick one up at your local Aqua-Tots Swim School today.