Ditch the Toys for Gifts That Build Skills, Spark Interests, and Create Bonds

The holiday season often brings a rush to find the latest toys and gadgets for our kids, but those material gifts often lose their appeal over time. What if this year, instead of giving more “stuff,” you could give your children experiences that help them grow, learn, and create lasting memories? By focusing on non-material gifts like time together, learning opportunities, and new adventures, you’re providing something far more valuable—the chance to enrich their lives for years to come.

Give the Gift Of Experiences

Experiences stay with children throughout their lives. They broaden their horizons, teach them about the world, and create precious memories they’ll cherish long after the holiday season ends.

Here are some experience-based gifts you can give your children this holiday season:

• Museum or Zoo Memberships: A year-long membership to a local museum, zoo, or aquarium means multiple outings throughout the year, filled with fun and learning.
• Tickets to Events: Whether it’s a children’s theater performance, a sporting event, or a concert, experiences like these stay with children long after the event is over.
• Adventure Day: Plan a day trip to a nature park, amusement park, or even a local hiking trail for an exciting day of exploration.

Enroll Them In Lessons Or Classes

Instead of filling your child’s holiday with more toys that will eventually gather dust, why not give them the opportunity to develop new skills and passions by enrolling them in lessons or classes? Whether it’s a creative outlet, a physical activity, or an academic pursuit, these gifts provide experiences that can ignite lifelong interests and foster personal growth.

• Music, Art, or Dance Lessons: If your child has shown an interest in a particular creative outlet, enrolling them in music, art, or dance classes can nurture their talents and passion.
• Sports or Martial Arts Classes: Keep your child active and build their confidence with sports or martial arts lessons. Not only will they develop physical skills, but they’ll also learn discipline and teamwork.
• STEM or Coding Workshops: In today’s tech-driven world, giving your child the gift of a coding or STEM workshop can spark their interest in technology and problem-solving.

Share the Gift Of Time

One of the most precious gifts you can give your child is your time and attention. This holiday season, instead of focusing on material presents, consider gifting special experiences you can enjoy together as a family.

• Family Activity Coupons: Create a coupon book filled with fun activities you can do together, like movie nights, baking sessions, or family game days. Let your child “cash in” these coupons throughout the year for quality family time.
• One-on-One Days: Plan a special day where you spend one-on-one time with your child doing an activity they love—whether it’s going to the park, seeing a movie, or exploring a new museum. These moments create lasting memories and deepen your bond.
• Cultural Experiences: Take your child to a local cultural festival, museum, or historical site to expose them to new traditions, foods, and ways of life. It’s a fun and educational way to spend time together while broadening their worldview.

Teach Skills and Share Knowledge

One of the most meaningful gifts you can give your child isn’t something you can buy in a store—it’s your time and the knowledge you’ve gained over the years. Teaching your child a new skill or sharing a family tradition can create priceless memories while passing down valuable lessons they’ll carry with them for life. This holiday season, instead of focusing on material gifts, think about what you can teach them and how you can spend meaningful time together.

• Gardening Together: If you have a green thumb, share your love of gardening with your child by teaching them how to plant and care for a garden. This is a great way for children to get outdoors and engage in a hands-on activity that they can enjoy throughout the year.
• Cooking or Baking Lessons: Pass down family recipes or teach your child basic cooking and baking skills by spending time together in the kitchen. Whether it’s baking holiday cookies, preparing a family dinner, or experimenting with new recipes, cooking together is a fun and interactive way to spend quality time with your child.
• DIY Craft Days: If you’re handy or crafty, plan a DIY day where you and your child can create something special together, like homemade decorations, artwork, or woodworking projects. Not only will your child learn new skills, but they’ll also have a physical reminder of the fun time you spent together.
• Sharing Family Traditions: Do you have a hobby or tradition that has been passed down through generations? Teach your child how to fish, knit, sew, or play a family card game, sharing not only the skill but the story behind it.

Invest In Their Future

Another meaningful gift idea is to invest in your child’s future by contributing to their education or savings. While this might not feel like an exciting present now, it’s a gift that will provide long-lasting benefits when they grow up.

• UGMA Accounts: These custodial investment accounts allow you to set aside funds for your child that can be used for education or other important life expenses when they come of age. It’s a practical gift that will give them a financial boost later in life.
• 529 College Savings Plan: Contribute to a 529 College Savings Plan, which offers tax advantages and helps cover future educational expenses. This investment will grow over time and can help significantly reduce the financial burden of college.
• Books and Educational Resources: Gift your child a series of books or educational resources that encourage learning and spark curiosity. Whether it’s a subscription to a science magazine or an online learning platform, you’re investing in their intellectual growth.

No matter if it’s contributing to their education, building a nest egg, or teaching them how to manage money wisely, you’re giving your child the tools they need to build a secure and successful future.

As the holiday season approaches, remember that the most meaningful gifts aren’t always the ones you can wrap. By giving your children experiences, lessons, and quality time, you’re providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and create lasting memories. These non-material gifts will stay with them long after the holidays are over, enriching their lives in ways that toys simply can’t. This year, focus on giving your kids gifts that will truly last—time, love, and meaningful experiences.