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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 and on and on. “What do the kids want for the holidays?” It’s the question of the season, and many a mom and dad 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. 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 (SSA).

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 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.”

This research makes giving the gift of an experience seem 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, give them dance lessons. There’s an abundance of experience choices from amusement parks, dining options, classes or lessons (you know where we are headed with this one)!

Give the Gift of Swim Lessons 

The options for lessons are endless, however, there is only one that will also save lives: SWIM LESSONS. While many experiences offer entertainment, the gift of swimming is a creative way to combine the fun tots want with the life-saving skills they need. Plus, what child sees a swimming pool and doesn’t have the urge 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? Let your loved ones—like Aunt Susy and Cousin Carol—give the gift of swimming with an Aqua-Tots gift certificate. Bonus: Bundle that gift certificate with a towel, goggles, diving ring or all three for the ultimate swim lesson gift bundle. Come this spring or summer, you and your tots will be prepared for all those splashtastic water activities.  

For 30 years, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools 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 experience enrich your gift giving experience this holiday season. Contact your local Aqua-Tots Swim Schools today to pick up your swim lesson gift certificates. 

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