85+ Experience Gift Ideas Your Kids Will LOVE

Finding the perfect gift for children can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when they seem to have everything! This year, why not consider giving the gift of experience rather than material possessions? Experiences create lasting memories and can often be more meaningful than toys that may end up forgotten in a corner. Here are over 85 exciting experience gift ideas that will surely delight your kids and leave them with stories to share.

1. Theme Park Adventure: Treat them to a day of thrills at a local theme park, complete with roller coasters and fun fair games.

2. Animal Encounter: Arrange a visit to a wildlife sanctuary or a zoo where they can feed animals or participate in special events.

3. Creative Workshop: Sign them up for a pottery, painting, or craft workshop where they can unleash their creativity.

4. Outdoor Movie Night: Host a backyard cinema experience with a projector and their favourite films under the stars.

5. Cooking Class: Enrol them in a fun cooking class where they can learn to make their favourite dishes or desserts.

6. Horse Riding Lessons: For animal lovers, a few horse riding lessons can be a delightful adventure.

7. Adventure Day Out: Gift them a day of rock climbing, hiking, or zip-lining at an adventure park.

8. Theatre Tickets: Take them to a local play or musical for a wonderful evening of entertainment.

9. Treasure Hunt: Create a personalised treasure hunt, taking them on a journey to discover clues and surprises.

10. Spa Day: Treat them to a pampering session at a kids' spa with fun treatments tailored just for them.

With these experience gifts, your children will not only have a fantastic time, but they will also cherish the memories created for years to come. Exciting adventures, creativity, and learning await! Choose an experience that aligns with their interests, and watch their faces light up with joy and anticipation!

As the festive season approaches, there's nothing quite as enchanting as creating your own Christmas ornaments with Shrinky Dinks. This delightful craft allows children to unleash their creativity while making personalised decorations for the tree. With a few simple materials—plastic sheets, permanent markers, and a trusty oven—youngsters can draw their favourite holiday motifs, from whimsical snowflakes to jolly Santas.

Once their designs are brought to life and carefully cut out, the magic truly happens as the Shrinky Dinks are placed in the oven, shrinking down to a fraction of their size and transforming into sturdy little ornaments. The smell of warm plastic fills the air, and in just a few minutes, the kids are left with a collection of charming keepsakes, ready to hang with pride. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together, spreading festive cheer while fostering artistic expression. These DIY decorations not only add a personal touch to the holiday décor but also become treasured memories for years to come.

50 Christmas Gifts You Can Buy at the Thrift Store

As the festive season approaches, the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift can sometimes feel overwhelming, both in terms of time and budget. Fortunately, thrift stores offer a treasure trove of unique and thoughtful gifts that won't break the bank. Here are 50 delightful Christmas gift ideas you can find at your local charity shop or vintage emporium:

1. Vintage Christmas Decorations – Add a touch of nostalgia to the festive season with charming, retro decorations.

2. Classic Books – A well-loved novel can make a wonderful gift, especially if it’s a timeless classic.

3. Board Games – Encourage family fun with a second-hand board game that promises hours of entertainment.

4. Handcrafted Pottery – Unique mugs or bowls can bring a personal touch to anyone’s home.

5. Scarves and Hats – A warm accessory can be both stylish and practical during the chilly winter months.

6. Picture Frames – Find an eclectic mix of frames to gift along with a cherished photo.

7. Candles – Scented or decorative candles create a warm ambiance and make for a lovely present.

8. Glassware – Vintage wine glasses or quirky tumblers are perfect for someone who enjoys hosting.

9. Cooking Utensils – Unique wooden spoons or baking trays can delight the culinary enthusiast in your life.

10. Christmas Sweaters – A kitsch Christmas jumper is sure to spread festive cheer.

Exploring a thrift store can lead to unexpected finds that are not only budget-friendly but also rich in character. With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, your gifts can truly shine with the spirit of giving. Happy thrifting this Christmas!

As the festive season approaches, there’s no better way to build excitement for Christmas than with a unique DIY Advent calendar. Gone are the days of standard chocolate-filled options; this year, why not craft something truly special? Here are ten delightful ideas that will transform your countdown into an unforgettable experience.

1. The Reusable Fabric Calendar: Sew or stitch pockets onto a festive fabric backdrop, filling each one with personalised treats or notes. This sustainable option can be used year after year, making it both a beautiful and eco-friendly choice.

2. The Storybook Calendar: Create a personalised book with a festive story for each day. Fill the calendar with various tales that capture the spirit of Christmas, allowing your family to relive the magic of storytelling.

3. The Photo Countdown: Decorate a large board with envelopes containing cherished family photos from past Christmases. Each day, reveal a new memory that serves as a heartwarming reminder of times shared together.

4. The Treasure Hunt Calendar: Each day unveils a clue leading to a small gift hidden around the house. This interactive twist adds an element of adventure and keeps the excitement flowing throughout the month.

5. The Acts of Kindness Calendar: Each pocket contains a suggestion for a small act of kindness to perform throughout the festive season. This idea not only fills the countdown with joy but also encourages giving back to the community.

6. The Scented Calendar: Fill jars with different scented items like cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or pine needles. Each day, open a new jar to inhale the delightful scents of the season, creating a truly immersive experience.

7. The DIY Puzzle Calendar: Each day reveals a puzzle piece, leading to a complete image by Christmas Eve. Choose a festive or family photo to create a memorable keepsake.

8. The Advent Jar: Decorate a jar and fill it with different activities or challenges for each day, ranging from festive crafts to baking sessions. This calendar is perfect for families eager to make memories together.

9. The Countdown Wreath: Create a stunning wreath by attaching little bags or envelopes filled with goodies. Hang it on your door for a decorative and festive countdown that guests will admire.

10. The International Treats Calendar: Explore global holiday traditions by filling each slot with snacks, recipes, or trinkets from different countries. It’s a delightful way to celebrate diversity while indulging in seasonal flavours.

Each of these DIY Advent calendar ideas promises to add a touch of creativity, excitement, and warmth to your festive countdown, making this Christmas one to remember!

21 Best Creative Unique Christmas Money Gifts

As the festive season approaches, finding the perfect present can become quite the challenge, especially when it comes to gift-giving traditions. While cash might seem impersonal, it can actually set the stage for creativity and thoughtfulness. Here are 21 unique ideas for Christmas money gifts that will not only delight your loved ones but also allow them to spend their festive funds in ways that truly resonate with their interests.

1. Personalised Money Envelopes: Instead of just handing over cash, present it in a beautifully designed envelope featuring their name or a festive motif, making it feel special.

2. Money Tree: Create a decorative "money tree" using branches or a small potted plant decorated with cash "leaves."

3. DIY Scratch Cards: Arrange cash in a fun way where recipients can 'scratch' to reveal amounts, adding an element of surprise.

4. Cash Jigsaw Puzzle: Print a picture or message on a jigsaw puzzle and conceal notes of cash within the pieces, making the gift interactive.

5. Gift Card Bouquet: Craft a bouquet using gift cards instead of flowers, allowing them to choose where to spend.

6. Penny Jar with a Twist: Fill a jar with unique pennies, old or foreign coins, alongside a note promising a certain amount to spend.

7. Money Chocolate Coins: Combine sweets and cash by wrapping real coins with chocolate wrappers or buying chocolate coins with cash hidden inside.

8. Travel Fund Contribution: If your friend has travel aspirations, gift them cash in an elegant travel-themed envelope, encouraging them to explore new destinations.

9. Subscription Service Voucher: Provide a cash voucher for their favourite streaming or subscription service, presenting it in a fun, festive way.

10. Adventure Fund with a Map: Alongside cash, include a map where they can plan fun activities or adventures using the money.

11. Charitable Donation: Donate a portion of cash in their name to a charity they support—an incredibly thoughtful and meaningful gesture.

12. Cash Origami: Transform cash into intricate origami shapes like butterflies or hearts, offering a beautiful presentation of their gift.

13. Experience Vouchers: Gift cash along with vouchers for local experiences, such as dining out or activities, tailored to their interests.

14. Money Balloons: Fill balloons with cash and let them pop the balloons to reveal their gifts, adding an element of excitement.

15. Savings Plan Kit: Provide a small savings box and some cash to inspire saving for a future goal, coupled with a personalised note.

16. Custom Money Puzzle Box: Hide cash inside a puzzle box that they must solve to access the gift—stimulating both their brain and curiosity.

17. Handwritten Letter with Cash: Accompany your cash gift with a heartfelt handwritten letter expressing your best wishes for the new year.

18. Mystery Adventure Cash Envelope: Place cash in an envelope filled with clues that lead them on a small treasure hunt.

19. Cash in a Mug: Place notes of cash inside a quirky mug that matches their personality, making it both a gift and a functional item.

20. Holiday Traditions Book with Cash: Combine a book of local holiday traditions along with cash they can use to participate in various festive activities.

21. Fun DIY Money Holders: Get creative with colourful craft supplies to create unique holders that display cash in an eye-catching way.

This holiday season, break away from conventional gift-giving norms and embrace the spirit of creativity with these thoughtful money gift ideas. Your loved ones will appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness, making their Christmas all the more special.