Experience Gifts for Kids, By Kids: Kids’ Gift Guide

When it comes to experience gifts for kids, we went to the experts!

We love to give experience gifts or consumables instead of things that may end up in landfills. Did you know that 80% of toys end up in landfills or the ocean? Not only is that just wasteful, but the plastics that most toys are made of are harmful to the environment and marine life.

The best gifts are not stuff anyway—they’re the ones that create memories. We teamed up with our awesome nieces, Marleigh (13) and Hendrix (8), to brainstorm the ultimate list of experience gifts for kids, by kids.

These lists are straight from the experts themselves! Whether it’s an adventure or something unexpected, these are the gift ideas they’d love to unwrap.

So, if you’re tired of giving toys that get forgotten, check out what real kids recommend!

Experience Gifts for Kids

Both girls made their own list. These are their words for the best experience gift ideas.

Marleigh- 13-year-old Experience Gift Guide

I’m Marleigh, a 13-year-old girl living in the suburbs. While physical gifts are nice, I believe that experiences and activities make the best presents.

1. Beach Day

The beach is always my go-to escape. I love the sound of the waves and feeling the sand between my toes while I collect shells or read a good book. I can speak for EVERYONE my age when I say a beach trip WITH FRIENDS is the best thing I could ever ask for. That’s why it’s number 1!

2. Outdoor Movie Night

There’s something magical about watching a movie outside under the stars. Whether it’s with family or just me bundled up in blankets, it’s a cozy way to spend the night in my backyard. Grab a bed sheet, a projector, some snacks, and blankets, and you’re all set.

3. Amusement Park

Amusement parks are pure excitement. Even though I don’t like the rides that much, the carnival games and food are AMAZING.

4. Water Park

I could spend hours at a water park. Floating along the lazy river or splashing down water slides is the perfect way to beat the summer heat, even if it’s like, really scary.

5. At-Home Spa Day

Pampering myself at home is so relaxing. Doing a face mask, painting my nails, and giving myself a mini makeover is the ultimate way to de-stress and feel refreshed. People my age would adore this because we all need time to add to our beauty.

6. Mall Trip

Even if I’m not shopping, I love wandering through the mall. It’s fun to check out new styles, try on clothes, or just grab a snack at the food court. Sometimes I go just to people-watch.

7. Backyard Camping

Camping in the backyard is like a mini adventure. I get to set up my tent, make s’mores, and stargaze. It’s peaceful and fun, especially with the family!

8. Sleepover

Staying up late at a sleepover is always the best. It’s a time to watch movies, do silly makeovers, and talk about random stuff until we fall asleep laughing. Just send me to my friend’s place, and I’ll be the happiest I could ever be! 😄

9. Ice Skating

Ice skating is so fun, even if I’m not great at it. I love the challenge of gliding across the ice, and the cold air on my face is refreshing, whether I’m with friends or my family.

10. Bonfire Night

A bonfire is such a chill way to spend the night. I love sitting by the fire, roasting marshmallows, and just enjoying the quiet night sky. Just imagine a fun night with your family, staying up late, playing outside in the dark, all with a crackling fire in the background.

11. Picnic in the Park

I love packing up a simple picnic and heading to the park. It’s a nice way to relax and enjoy nature, whether it’s chaotic like jumping around the pond and laughing with my besties, or just swinging on the swingset with the morning air.

12. Hiking

Hiking is always an adventure. I love the feeling of reaching the top of a trail and taking in the views. It’s a great way to clear my mind and challenge myself.

13. Bowling

Bowling is fun no matter how good I am at it. The feeling of rolling a strike (or missing completely) makes it a fun activity. Living where I live definitely gives me many options of which alley to choose.

14. Arcade Day

Going to the arcade brings out my competitive side. I love trying different games and winning tickets to trade in for small prizes. It’s a little getaway from everyday life.

15. Biking Around Town

I love riding my bike through the neighborhood. It gives me a sense of freedom to explore and take in the fresh air. It’s my favorite way to clear my mind.

16. Baking Something New

Baking is so fun, especially when I’m trying out new recipes. I love the creativity of it, and there’s something so satisfying about tasting something I made myself.

17. Watching the Sunset

Watching the sunset is such a peaceful moment for me. I like finding a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the sky’s changing colors as the day ends. It’s a moment of calm and reflection.

18. Game Night with Family

Game nights with my family are always full of laughter and competition. It’s a great way to bond and have fun without needing to go anywhere.

19. Visiting the Library

The library is one of my favorite places. I love getting lost in new books and discovering stories I’ve never read before. It’s a quiet place where I can be in my own world.

20. DIY Craft Project

Doing a craft project at home is such a cool way to pass the time. I love making things with my hands, whether it’s a simple bracelet or decorating my room. Rearranging and decorating my room is one of my favorite things to do.

21. Pool Day

Having a pool is so relaxing. I like floating on my back, feeling the sun on my face, and just enjoying the water without any distractions. And the tan is definitely a plus!

22. Volunteering at an Animal Shelter

Spending time with animals is such a rewarding experience. Volunteering at the shelter makes me feel good because I’m helping out, and I get to hang out with adorable pets. It would be even more fun to do with friends!

23. Exploring a New Part of Town

Exploring a new part of town is always exciting. I love finding cute shops, cool parks, or even just new scenery that feels fresh and different from my usual routine. This would be a very fun gift because seeing things that are right in front of your eyes could be a wonderful experience.

24. Learning a New Skill

I love the feeling of accomplishment when I learn something new, whether it’s drawing, trying out a new sport, or teaching myself how to play a song on the piano. It keeps things exciting and challenging. For me, giving me a ride to a local basketball court is more than enough.

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Hendrix- 8-year-old Experience Gift Guide

My name is Hendrix. I am an 8-year-old girl. I like to play, shoot my bow and arrow in my yard, and play with Barbies, too! Here are some things 8-year-old girls would like to do.

1. Going to a Playground

I love the swings and slides! You can race down the slide or swing super high. My favorite part about the swings is when you jump off of them really fast.

2. Visiting a Library

There are so many books! I could pick out fun stories and get lost in a magical world. I like to look at the weird books Marleigh picks out, too.

3. Attending a Dance Class

Learning new moves with my sister and twirling around to music makes me feel happy and free.

4. Having a Picnic in the Backyard

We could spread out a blanket, eat sandwiches, and play games right in the backyard. There’s nothing like Chick-fil-A when it comes to a picnic!

5. Going to a Farmer’s Market

Walking around looking at all the colorful fruits and vegetables, plus there are often free samples to try! I don’t know the difference, but everyone says these fruits and veggies are special.

6. Doing a Nature Walk

Collecting leaves, flowers, and cool rocks while learning about the plants and animals nearby is exciting.

7. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

I’ve Never been, (And I’m allergic) But being surrounded by adorable animals all day long seems like paradise!

8. Learning to Roller Skate

Skating around in circles is so much fun, and when I get better, maybe I’ll even be able to do cool tricks like on TV!

9. Fishing

Sitting by the water with a fishing rod feels peaceful, and catching a fish is exciting! Whether at the lake or the beach, it’s always SO cool to see all the different types of fish.

10. Helping Cook Dinner

I could help stir, measure ingredients, or set the table. This isn’t a big gift, but getting involved with something would still be fun.

11. Visiting a Firework Show

Sitting outside watching the sky light up with colors is so cool! I love how bright they are. I remember seeing the fireworks on July 4th, and they were so cool!

12. Riding our Golf Cart 

Speeding our golf cart down and around the yard is so much fun. Sometimes, we almost flip it, but it’s still fun. And what’s even better than riding it around the yard is taking it to the park!

13. Going to a Playground with a Splash Pad

It’s like a playground but with water spraying everywhere. I love running through the water, even though Marleigh doesn’t.

14. Making a Bird Feeder

I can build a feeder with seeds and hang it up outside, then watch birds come and eat. Sometimes, they don’t eat it right away, but making it is still really fun.

15. Doing a Puzzle Together

Finding pieces and putting them in the right spot is fun, especially when the picture starts to show up.

16. Going on a Ferry or Boat Ride

Feeling the wind in my hair while the boat goes over the water is so exciting, and I get to see cool views.

17. Going on a Day Trip to the Beach

I can collect seashells, play in the sand, and dip my toes in the water. I like swimming, but Mama says there are sharks, so I can’t go too deep.

18. Exploring the woods 

Going to a river or forest is the best thing to do! I love going outside and seeing all of the animals, rocks, and trees.

19. Learning How to Jump Rope 

It’s fun to see how many jumps I can do in a row and make up new tricks with the rope.

20. Taking a Pottery Class 

Making bowls or little figures out of clay is fun, and I get to paint them, too! Drying takes a while, but I guess I have to learn patience.

21. Exploring a Local Park 

There are sometimes cool trails, creeks, or even big rocks to climb on in the parks nearby. If you stand at the edge of the creek or pond, you can sometimes see little fish or even yucky frogs.

22. Making a Scrapbook 

I could collect photos, tickets, and other fun memories and put them together in a book to keep forever.

23. Attending a Kids’ Theater Show 

Watching kids act out a play is fun; maybe I could join one someday!

24. Learning to Make a Smoothie 

Picking out my favorite fruits and blending them up is fun, and I get a yummy treat after! It unusually looks gross, but it always tastes so sweet.

25. Going to a Nature Center/ Museum 

I could learn about animals and plants that live near me and maybe even touch some cool stuff like animal fur or fossils.

Consider Gifting an Experience to the Kids In Our Life

Rather than buying something that a child can open, consider one of these ideas offered by kids for kids. It’s the memories created with kids that make the most difference.

We hope you consider at least one of these experience gifts for kids!

You may also enjoy Minimalist Gift Ideas for people who don’t want clutter.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions