Experience gifts instead of 'stuff'

[weeblueberry]

My daughters are 2 and 4 and we are properly stowed out with toys, books and craft stuff. In fact we moved recently and there are about eight toy boxes we've not opened and they've not even enquired about...

When people ask what we'd like for then for Christmas this year (and my sister has already asked ) id like to request experiences and vouchers for things instead of things. It would be helpful to make suggestions too which is where you lovely lot come in.

So far I have softplay vouchers, cinema vouchers, play/show tickets, annual passes for nearby farms/zoos etc.

Any other ideas?

National Trust? Joint for you all so you (and OH) aren't also accumulating stuff.

Otherwise suggest day to day stuff that will actually be used. Examples in our family would include duvet cover - something a bit frivolous/exotic with a favourite TV character on - or pyjamas or clothes or winter hat/gloves or wellies. They get a lot of use but are still special and celebratory for a young child who is mainly interested in the wrapping and performance of the gift exchange. You can specify quality to ensure it's not 100% polyester

What about a magazine subscription to their favourite magazine? My DD is 7 and loves spending her pocket money on a comic

pool sessions/ swimming lessons/ day at a waterpark
Kiddie music or dance lessons/sessions if you have them in your area.
cafe voucher/Starbucks card/afternoon tea
Educational apps for a tablet
Ice skating

It doesn't even have to cost anything! I'd love if some of my speedy relatives would take the kids for a picnic in their back garden (and give me an afternoon off) instead of cramming my house with junk toys

Thanks for the great ideas guys! 4 year old likes magazines so that's a particularly good idea. Second the babysitting/picnic in garden idea. Everyone wins with that one.

Also MrsHathaway love the idea of the bedding etc.

How about homemade vouchers? When i was 5 my mom gave me a voucher for and afternoon bakng chocolate cake and them taking the cake and lemonade to eat in the park. It was one of the greatest gifts she ever gave me as i looooved baking with her.

We usually ask for things they need from family e.g. slippers, PJs, hats, onesies, fluffy hoodie, footie stuff. They are usually generous and add in extras anyways.
Money towards something specific e.g. bike/scooter
Money towards a bigger experience like horse riding
Magazine subscriptions are good
Book tokens
Adopt an animal

I'm with you! I have got my girls Disney on ice tickets for in between Christmas and New Year and also Tale as Old as Time Beauty and the Beast themed afternoon tea in Kensington. They're 4. I'm hoping they like.!!

Another good option which someone mentioned up thread is subscription gifts. Also a good idea instead of a ton of plastic rubbish! Probably going to look at Toucan box which we've had before. Mrs Wordsmith as well and maybe a mag subscription.

Are your family the type to listen to you op? Mine would not buy experiences so we either get them to club together to buy something 'big' e.g. scooter or vtech camera which they like doing or give them useful ideas wellies /swim suits / duvets / dressing up all fall in that category. Still we have lots of family some of whom don't listen at all (DH's ) (fair enough) and my kids (5 and 3) do like the plastic tack for 5 minutes.

Riding lessons.

Are there any farm parks or zoos you like going too? Annual passes for them maybe?

What about a netflix or disneylife subscription? My lot are getting disneylife for Christmas from dm, probably for the next 10 years!
We had a years netflix given to us a few years ago, which was fantastic.

I always answer DH's family with "just buy her an ice cream when you see her".

She'll be able to open an ice cream parlour if they ever make any effort to see her pay up.

I'm getting my nephew a year's pass for the Science Centre in Glasgow. Is there anything like that near you?

With many vouchers for "experiences" there are expiry dates, so you need to be confident you have time to do the activities.

Hi We were brought a few experience gifts from buy a gift last year and was so nice to use through the year, like meal vouchers and family days out and I have started buying same for friends and family

If you use my referral link you will get £10 off no min spend (as will I)

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Oh wow sorry I hadn't realised people had replied again. Thanks so much for all the suggestions. I'm writing them all down in my Christmas planner yes I'm sad

Viva yes the Science Centre in Glasgow as a matter of fact.

Ric yes on the whole I think the family will listen. Obviously we'll have 'distant relative' gifts which is fine (normally clothes) but the big bulky stuff normally comes from my childless sister and my dad and his wife.

One year we asked for contributions towards a large climbing frame for the back garden - it lasted years. We always get national trust membership and I often ask for useful stuff like duvet covers, dressing gowns etc. Last year they got personalised swimming towels and bags - so useful and they loved them.

What about Little Starts Gift Cards (www.littlestartsgiftcards.com)?

You can buy for any amount and spend them with classes and activities for the 0-5s on their website?

One of the best we did for DS2 was to sponsor an animal at Chester Zoo, they get a cuddly toy, a pack with a certificate and tickets to the zoo plus they get their name on a plaque for a year. DS loved going to see 'his' tiger and his name, we got a family day out and there was a nice gift to open too.

Brownie or beaver uniform when old enough
Books - as they need more as learn to read