experiences and activities instead of things

[megletthesecond]

Has anyone done this?

The dc's (9 & 8) have what they need and tbh I'd rather like less clutter in the house.

Am thinking about buying us an annual Chessington pass and asking relatives for vouchers for the cinema, bowling etc. We'd have some quality time together and I wouldn't have to find storage for more plastic and gadgets.

They'd still have some presents to open, plus stockings.

[HungryHorace]

We asked people for money last year to put towards an annual pass somewhere rather than physical stuff and it worked well.

I don't think there's any point people buying stuff just because it's Christmas. Much better to put towards something that'll get used.

[megletthesecond]

An annual pass seems so much more worthwhile than more toys.

I've added climbing taster sessions to the possible voucher list too.

Last xmas I remember looking at the cardboard and plastic explosion in the living room and swearing it would never happen again.

[HungryHorace]

We got Sealife Centre passes which also get us one free entry into another Merlin attraction so we are off to Legoland next week now that the schools are back.

[Ratbagcatbag]

I'm happy either way but have bought my DSS fab days out rather than birthday stuff. Seems to work well. My dd is 3 so still in the explosion of plastic crap.

[fitzbilly]

We do this, and in general much prefer surrendering our money in experiences over things.

For birthdays we do experiences too, and this has worked out particularly well as the DC have become teenagers, so for example paint balling, fishing, treasure hunts in country parks, surfing, climbing, mountain biking trips etc

Go for it!!

This year as family were thinking of going on a surfing holiday over Christmas, instead of presents.

[I8toys]

We get Merlin passes every year.

[megletthesecond]

fitz loving the sound of a surfing holiday!

I've been throwing ideas at the dc's this afternoon and dd has added London Eye tickets to her wish list. And indoor sky diving.

If this works we could actually start the new year with a tidy house.

[FlyingFortress]

I think it is great if the kids buy into it. It only doesn't work if you look under your christmas tree and feel that there aren't enough "presents" so end up with buying extra stuff to compensate!

[NotLostJustSomewhereSafe]

Our two (10&11 at the time) had zoo keeper experience tickets one year. Officially the best present ever according to them!

[clippityclop]

Yes, go for it! Theatre tickets and dinner, cinema passes, zoo memberships, vouchers for posh afternoon teas, garden shows, craft courses etc have all changed hands between our family in recent years with great success. Great to look forward to and many memories to enjoy afterwards.

[Oh2beatsea]

This fits well if you have done KonMari job on your house too.....much less rubbish to clutter the house up with!!!