6 Exciting Experience Gifts for Kids

Gifts don’t always come wrapped in fancy papers. As we adults understand, some of the most unforgettable gifts we will ever receive are time, moments, and experiences.

There is a generous amount of time in a year to teach kids to appreciate both material and non-material gifts. Christmas is just one of them. As it is one of the most anticipated times of the year for unwrapping gifts, you as a parent, grandparent, ninong or ninang, or tito or tita, may deviate from the usual and give kids experience-based gifts so they also learn to find value in “what they gain, rather than what they get.”

Here are some non-material gifts that will surely excite them!

Your kids most likely spend their day at home watching videos or reading books of farm animals. It’ll surely be a treat for them to finally see these animals face to face. Some farms here in and near the metro even allow kids to feed and interact with the animals, which will surely heighten your kids’ experience and give them a story to share endlessly to family and friends!

Photos courtesy of @yokis_farm

Museums are like life-sized books. Being in it will give your kids an immersive experience they will not necessarily get from a material gift of a similar topic or theme. Walking in a museum while taking pictures and learning more about a person or an era with you is definitely time well spent.

Photos courtesy of @bgcartscenter

If your kids can be seated for an hour or so watching a movie, then a ticket to an age-appropriate play or musical would be a perfect gift. They will love the spectacle of the production and will greatly appreciate music and artistry at such a young age. Prepare them for the experience by not only introducing theater rules, but also the characters and the songs that they will see and listen to during the show.

The great thing about gifting a kid a class or a series of it is that you never know how far that one to two hours would go. Your kid could develop a passion for music with a session of guitar or piano lessons, or could discover their knack for literature with a class of reading or writing. Plus, this will also help them prepare for big school if they haven’t started yet.

Photos courtesy of Manila Symphony Orchestra Music Academy

While your kids feel cozy with their nursery or play area at home, it wouldn’t hurt to bring them to an indoor playground for cooperative play. Apart from them developing their social skills, they will also learn how to be more courteous and polite with other kids. Be prepared for your kids’ squeals in larger ball pits and bigger slides, and for endless running after your seemingly tireless kids.

Photo from Shangri-La Hotels | Lifestyle: Plan Your Next Weekend Trip to These Indoor Playgrounds Around Metro Manila

Photo from PLAY at Okada Manila | Lifestyle: Plan Your Next Weekend Trip to These Indoor Playgrounds Around Metro Manila

Photos serve as a remembrance of a happy memory that kids can look back on, so it’s also a good idea to have them dress up to go to a photo session. Encourage them to freely express themselves and their creativity here. You may also choose to schedule a make-over such as a haircut before the session to make this experience extra memorable!

Photo from Mirror Studios | Lifestyle: Take Your Family to these Self-Photo Studios in Metro Manila!

If you’re concerned with the space material gifts occupy in your home, give your kids a staycation experience that will occupy their hearts instead. Maximize the home rental’s amenities such as grilling out and swimming in the pool. Implement a no-screen time rule so you can all be present in the moment. Bring your board or card games, give parlor games a fun twist, or pose a holiday challenge such as a cook out to make your staycation an experience they will never forget.