“Experiences over things.” How many times have you heard that phrase this holiday season? In a world overflowing with stuff, especially post-Kondo, it’s the trendy gift choice. I can only imagine what celebrities like Chloe are gifting—perhaps some luxurious wellness retreat, while others might lean toward more traditional presents.
As parents, we often want to cut down on the never-ending influx of toys and gadgets. Let’s face it, most kids already have more than enough. Did you know that while only 3% of the world’s children live in the U.S., they account for 40% of toy consumption? Plus, a study from the UK revealed that kids typically only engage with about 5% of their toys. It’s no surprise that, in my informal study—conducted right in my living room—three out of four kids can’t recall what they got last year without a little help.
But while “experiences over things” sounds great, it’s not always easy to pull off. Children may sulk or beg for the newest tech, and planning experiences takes effort. Plus, as parents, we usually have to join in, which can feel like adding another task to an already overflowing to-do list. And let’s be honest: what you consider a fun experience might not jive with your kids’ ideas of a good time. Your dream of a quiet weekend at home might not spark excitement in them when they unwrap that note.
Experiences are often more impactful than material gifts, bringing joy and lasting memories to both kids and adults. But it’s hard to resist the thrill of seeing the joy on their faces when they unwrap that highly coveted gadget. I’ve got wish lists from my kids, and out of 18 items, only one is about an experience—my daughter wants “my own room.” Sorry, kiddo, that’s not happening!
I suspect these lists reflect cultural trends more than genuine desires. I can rattle off what my kids want to do in an instant. For example, my youngest son would absolutely love for the family to sit down and play Monopoly together. The child dreaming of her own room would cherish a crafting afternoon with me, not her siblings. My oldest would swap the latest headphones for tickets to a Bruins game, while my youngest daughter would happily spend a day in the kitchen with just me, no interruptions.
These aren’t far-fetched dreams; they’re doable experiences, many of which can even come with a wrapped component—like tickets, supplies, or a new Monopoly game. There’s a risk, though; if we don’t follow through, those plans could turn into disappointments rather than cherished memories. To combat this, we could schedule these moments in advance and even create a countdown calendar.
This doesn’t mean we should forget about those trendy toys (believe me, we’ll still be unwrapping our share). However, it’s important to remember that, according to that UK survey, 61% of adults believe kids would enjoy a wider variety of toys if parents got involved too. Ultimately, we crave connection more than anything else, and even if we’re gifting socks or funny T-shirts, that’s the core intention behind our choices.
So, if you want to prioritize experiences over material items this year, consider these ideas:
- Plan a Family Outing: Whether it’s tickets to a local sports game, a night at a cheap hotel with a pool, or a movie night complete with snacks, these outings can create lasting memories. You could even book a visit to a local farm or a petting zoo for a spring adventure—just present the calendar with a countdown to the big day!
- Take a Class Together: Cooking, crafting, or any shared skill can be a wonderful bonding experience. Look for classes you can take together or find activities your kids can enjoy alongside a grandparent or relative.
- Try a Kit: Winter break usually lends itself to downtime—perfect for tackling DIY kits like building a Useless Machine or making DIY lip balm. Just make sure you’re interested in the activity too!
- Subscribe to Activity Kits: Services like Tinker Crate send monthly age-appropriate activities right to your door, making every month feel like a holiday!
- Get Gaming: Board games are timeless, but don’t overlook digital games that everyone can play together. Just make sure to stick with family-friendly options!
- Make Plans: Even if it’s not a gift, set aside time for special shared activities over the holidays. Whether it’s making a gingerbread house or celebrating the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod—giving books on Christmas Eve and spending the evening reading together—these moments matter.
At the end of the day, let’s focus a little less on material gifts and a bit more on time spent together. Trust me, those are the memories we’ll all cherish when next year rolls around.
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In summary, balancing the desire for experiences with kids’ material wish lists can be tricky. But with a little creativity, we can create lasting memories while still indulging in some fun gifts.
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