Gift Giving (part 1 of 4 - Experiences)

I recently came across the concept of giving the gift of an experience rather than buying another dust collector, ugly Christmas sweater, more plastic toys, or other things that no one needs.  Most of these are aimed at children, but most would be great for adults as well.  Keep in mind, that if the gift is for someone in another family, that it shouldn't cost the family to take the gift recipient to these places, so consider the cost of the parent, siblings, date, and/or a best friend.  Think about the person's interests or something they have wished that they could do and then think of something TO DO that is related to that interest.  Here is a list of ideas for giving an Experience as a gift (realizing that everywhere has different places to go and things to do, so these are general suggestions):

• MEMBERSHIP, SEASON TICKETS, or ADMISSION to:

• butterfly garden
• zoo
• circus
• aquarium
• amusement park
• science center
• planetarium
• museum
• indoor play center
• botanical garden
• the movies
• live theater
• concert
• roller skating
• ice skating
• bowling
• ice show
• water park
• petting zoo
• horseback riding
• factory tours
• city tours
• nature parks, caves, caverns
• hot air balloon ride
• sky diving
• glider ride
• helicopter ride

• MEAL or treat at their favorite:
• restaurant
• bakery
• ice cream shop
• candy store

• GIFT CARD for:
• art lessons
• craft making
• music lessons
• swim lessons
• dance class
• gymnastics class
• karate class
• photography class
• ceramics class
• scuba/surfing/skiing/skateboarding lessons
• flying lessons
• apps
• music
• ebooks
• audiobooks
• massage
• manicure/pedicure

• ACTIVITY with you (make a homemade coupon) such as:
• decorate cookies
• fingerpainting
• manicure/pedicure
• baking/cooking
• movie rental
• board game date
• picnic
• hiking
• camping
• a trip to the park
• fruit picking

• Savings bond or money to put in college account

• Summer Camp or other retreat

• Extras for their birthday party
  
• pinata
• bouncy house
• karaoke machine
• an entertainer
• DJ
• live band/singer
• magician
• balloon animal maker
• photographer

No more of this: