In the midst of the holiday season, how often have you encountered the phrase “experiences over things”? In our cluttered reality, shaped by minimalism and organization movements, experiences have become the go-to gifts. Celebrities like Olivia and Sarah might be focusing on giving memorable outings instead of material possessions, but our children often have different desires.
As parents, we aim to reduce the accumulation of items in our homes, and it’s evident that many children already possess an overwhelming amount of belongings. For context, while only 3% of the world’s children live in the U.S., they consume a staggering 40% of the world’s toys. A recent survey from the UK revealed that kids typically engage with only about 5% of their toy collection, likely due to sheer volume.
From my own informal study conducted in my kitchen, I found that three out of four kids struggle to recall last year’s gifts without hints, and only half can identify more than one.
While the mantra of “experiences over things” resonates, putting it into practice can be challenging. Children may express a longing for the latest tech gadgets, and creating experiences requires time and effort. Often, parents must participate in these activities too, which can feel like an additional burden on an already busy schedule. Plus, families often don’t agree on what constitutes a fun experience. You might cherish the idea of a quiet weekend at home, but it’s unlikely that your children would be thrilled to unwrap a note suggesting that.
Undoubtedly, experiences tend to create more lasting memories and can bring joy to both kids and adults alike. However, witnessing the delight on a child’s face as they unwrap a coveted toy is a gratifying moment that’s hard to replicate. It’s important to note that the majority of my children’s wish lists are filled with tangible items. Of the eighteen requests from my two kids, only one was for something intangible: my daughter wishes for “my own room.” Sorry, sweetheart.
I suspect that these material desires stem more from societal influences and holiday traditions than from genuine reflection. When I think about gifts for my kids, it’s often easier to identify what they’d love to do rather than what to buy. My youngest son would be overjoyed to play Monopoly as a family; the daughter longing for her own room would treasure a crafting afternoon with me, away from her siblings. My oldest son would easily exchange fancy headphones for tickets to a Bruins game, while my youngest daughter would prefer a day cooking together without interruptions. These aren’t extravagant requests; they’re achievable experiences that could even include wrapped components, like tickets or crafting supplies.
However, we need to be cautious. If our planned activities become like a mirage—promises of fun that never materialize—we risk disappointing our kids. Perhaps we can avoid this by scheduling our experiences and providing countdown calendars to build anticipation, ensuring they are far more memorable than a new plastic toy.
This doesn’t imply that trendy gadgets and headphones are negative gifts. Many parents will still choose to include these items under the tree. But a revealing statistic from that British survey shows that 61% of adults believe their children would engage with a broader range of toys if parents joined in on the fun. Ultimately, humans crave connection more than material items, and even if we wrap socks or quirky T-shirts, the intention remains the same.
With this perspective, “experiences over things” becomes more than just a catchy phrase for those who can afford extravagant trips; it serves as a reminder that gifts enjoyed together are the most meaningful and will be cherished long after the holiday season ends.
Looking to infuse more experiences into your gift-giving this year? Consider these ideas:
- Plan a Family Outing: While Broadway shows and sports events may be high on the list, consider simpler pleasures like a night at a budget-friendly hotel with a pool. Pair a movie gift card with a planned date and some snacks to enjoy at home. You could even gift a visit to a local farm or petting zoo, complete with a cute calendar marking the day.
- Take a Class Together: Whether it’s cooking, crafting, or another skill, spend time learning alongside your child or even with a relative.
- Try a Kit: The winter break often offers ample downtime, making it an excellent opportunity to tackle projects together, like building a fun device or creating DIY crafts.
- Subscribe to Kits: Monthly subscription services like Tinker Crate provide age-appropriate activities that can be enjoyed together.
- Enjoy Gaming: Board games are timeless classics, but digital group games can also be a hit. Just ensure to choose family-friendly options.
- Make Plans Together: Even if the experience isn’t a gift, prioritize family activities over the holiday. Build a gingerbread house or celebrate traditions like exchanging books on Christmas Eve, then reading together.
In conclusion, let’s aim to shop less, prioritize family time, and see what truly stands out in our memories next year.
For a more creative approach to family traditions, check out DIY Popcorn Costume for Halloween: A Fun and Creative Idea or explore this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.