If your grandchildren are anything like mine, they have lots of stuff. Too much stuff. So much stuff—toys and games and other goodies—that I’m reluctant to give them any more stuff for the holidays. Of course, being a grandma, there’s no way in the world I’d let a holiday go by without giving them something. And not just a few dollars added to a piggy bank or college fund; I want them to have something to enjoy now. Just not more stuff. The way around the gift-giving dilemma? With a gift certificate for an experience—a new activity, a membership, a performance and more. The options are as endless as a child’s interests, as endless as the interests you’d like to encourage or expose your loved ones to.

The great thing about gifting an experience—in addition to not adding to the piles of playthings—is that age is no barrier. For example, the youngest of grandchildren can benefit from experiencing a “Mommy & me” sort of gym class, activity class, or swim sessions. At the other end of the spectrum are the teen and early adult adventurers for whom rock climbing and scuba diving classes may be coveted. In between is a plethora of good times to be had. Think memberships to children’s museums, art museums, natural history museums, aquariums and zoos. Most cities have indoor play places and activity centers that offer gift certificates or punch cards for multiple visits. And art centers—pottery, doll making, computer-assisted design—often provide the same.

For one-time fun, you might consider concert tickets for attending a performance by a favorite artist, everything from Yo-Gabba for the little ones, Justin Beiber for the middle-graders, and whomever gets the hands clapping and feet tapping for the older kids. Along the same lines, tickets for the entire family—maybe even including Grandma—to attend a Broadway show of any sort together is an experience to be treasured and remembered forever. Last but surely not least, don’t forget one of the best experiences of all, especially for long-distance grandchildren: an airline ticket for a visit to his or her beloved grandparents. (Which, of course, is a gift you’ll enjoy yourself, no doubt.)

There’s no end to the experiences one might wrap up and give to the grandkids. Such gifts will be cherished far longer than even the latest and greatest toys on the market. Best of all: They won’t end up forgotten in a toy box mere days after the gift wrap has been removed.

Share Blog Post!

•