Last Minute Terhific Gift Idea - Experiences

Consider giving experiences instead of material Gifts

My house is drowning in stuff. My kids rooms are filled with toys. My house is about to burst. This is a topic that is often covered during my discussions with friends who have children. We all share the notion of not wanting any more plastic toys for our children. And we all think that experiences would be much nicer gifts especially from Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and other relatives.

Here are 5 Terhific Experience Gifting Ideas that would work in many countries:

1. Consider sponsoring a hobby and/or an after school activity. Think about what you like to do. Do you and the child share an interest such as a type of sport or love for fine arts and crafts or music?  The choices are endless. Make sure to check with the parents whether your plans sound good to them as well before purchasing the classes. If you live close by, then you could also volunteer to take the child back and forth to the activity. That would be a wonderful way for you to build a strong bond with the child. Here are some ideas:
1. Piano lessons (or any other instrument)
2. Swimming lessons
3. Singing in a choir
4. Fine art lessons
5. Sports Clubs: for example soccer, volley ball, gymnastics, etc...
2. Consider giving the child and his or her family a chance to see a live show. Think of child friendly concerts, dance performances and plays.
3. Consider buying museum memberships for the child and his or her family. Think of museums that offer activities such as story telling and crafts for children, or special exhibits made especially for children. Science, Air and Space, Natural History, Art Museums and Children's museums, just to name a few, are wonderful places for children.
4. Consider helping the child learn about your heritage through enrollment into language schools. 
5. Consider helping the child stay healthy through access to a sports facility. Here in the States, YMCA offers sports, classes and events through YMCA child or family membership.

Here is also a list of Terhific local San Diego Experiences:

1.  Balboa Park Explorer Tickets which would allow the child and his or her family to access 17 museums at Balboa Park for the whole year! This is my absolute favorite!
   
2. San Diego Maritime Museum Membership which would enable the child and family to climb on board 5 different ships along downtown water front. This museum also organizes lovely family days filled with ship worthy activities.
3. Tickets to Nut Cracker or any other dance performance. Many Dance Companies have Nutcracker performances throughout the San Diego County.
4. Tickets to go and see Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! play at the Old Globe Theater
5. USS Midway Museum Membership would be a lovely gift for a family with ties to the US Navy and others as well. I am always amazed by the sheer size of this ship. The Midway Museum has also recently started to organize wonderful Family days which entertain both the parents and kids.
   
6. San Diego Zoo Membership. There is always something going on at the zoo. My little entomologist loves the insects at the Children's zoo. The best part of the membership is that it allows full access to both the Zoo and the Safari Park.
7. Tickets to San Diego Symphony's Family Festival Concerts. These concerts are designed with families in mind. The kids get to try playing instruments before the concerts. The performances are exciting and entertaining.
8. Tickets to try something new: Go Ice Skating at the Kroc Center.
9. Museum visit or membership to Birch Aquarium
10. Enrollment into a language and culture school that ties you and the child into your heritage. Finnish communities organize Finnish schools (Suomi-Koulu) so that the children can learn about Finnish culture, customs and language. Greek communities also organize Greek Schools for their children. I am also aware of Japanese schools and German speaking preschools here in San Diego. These are just a few examples.
11. Outdoorsy families would love Annual National Parks Passes or a camping trips to County Parks or State Parks!

Parents also appreciate financial gifts towards college funds. Getting a little help with preschool tuition might be a wonderful way to help out young families.

Hope these lists give you some new ideas. Have you ever received an experience as a gift? What was it and how did you like it?