To avoid the mass invasion of toys into your house, try asking relatives to consider giving your family "experience" gifts each holiday season instead.
If you live near family, encourage them to participate in the experience gift with your children. This is a great way for them to enjoy some quality one-on-one time -- the greatest gift of all.
Need ideas for great experience gifts? Here's a great list to help get you started!
 Memberships are the gifts that keep on giving! Typically annual memberships come with free daily entry or tickets, along with other perks. Here are some ideas for places that may offer annual memberships or season passes that are great fun for the whole family: |
| Zoom Flume is a favorite for our family. They are known to put out a great holiday deal for season passes. Purchase these passes for the holidays you'll be ready for a summer of fun by June! | ||
| The Bronx Zoo | The kids and I love when my parents gift us an annual pass to the Bronx Zoo. We go multiple times per year, and with the pass we get in to all the extras (Congo, Kids Zoo, Carousel, Nature Trek & more) | |
| Fitness Center | Teens and older may appreciate a membership to a local fitness center! | |
VIA Aquarium | VIA Aquarium is great for a quick day trip. They have season passes available for families up to 10! | |
 Gift cards or homemade gift certificates can mean the world to parents and kids. Consider offering: |
Tickets to the movies | Pair some movie tickets with a gift card for purchasing candy, popcorn and a drink! | |
| Gift cards | Gift the opportunity for the recipient to shop or pick out some sweet treats at local shops, ice cream stores, and favorite restaurants! | |
Babysitting Services | Parents will love the opportunity for a monthly date night! | |
House Cleaning | I will definitely test one out for you if you need to send one over and get some feedback! | |
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Lessons | Swimming, Music, Photography, Kids Cooking, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Theater, Dance, Gymnastics, Coding, Graphic Design, Sewing, Ninja, Skiing/Snow Boarding |
 Experience gifts are a great way to encourage quality family time that everyone looks forward to. Here are some ideas for gifts that are worth a fortune in terms of memorable family time: |
Family Ski Trip | Book a stay or take a day trip to a favorite ski mountain! Spend the day or weekend on the slopes. | ||
Movie Night in a Box | DVD or redbox rental, popcorn, candy, hot chocolate and a cozy blanket. | ||
Tickets | Tickets to a favorite sport team, musical, monster truck show, Ice show, concert etc. If tickets are available for purchase, you can gift the ticket, if not, print a picture of the show and use as a ticket placeholder! | ||
Rides | Train ride, hot air balloon ride, horseback ride, gondala ride, rail bike ride!
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| Day of Fun | Spa day, amusement park, water park, 1:1 shopping and lunch or icecream, escape room, archery, rock climbing, trampoline park etc. | ||
Looking for more holiday fun?
More Holiday Fun!
 | Be included in our guide. Submit your event! | |
 | Fire Departments, local participants and lots of festive lights! | |
 | Support local friends and neighbors at holiday craft fairs! | |
 | Find out where the big guy in red or some of his friends may be! | |
 | Check out the local farms where you can chop down your own tree! | |
 | Holiday movies, shows and performances nearby! |
