In my effort to live more minimally, I have been interested in ways to give my family experiences instead of gifts. In my search, I found some really great websites that feature a lot of fun and accessible ideas for creating and giving your loved ones experiences instead of things this year. I was pleasantly surprised that there was also an argument against doing this: I have added the link at the end of the list.

What experiences have you enjoyed as a family that you bought using your gift budget? This year I have bought Jane an online art class and supplies. I plan to spend time with her learning and being creative. This is an experience I look forward to and will certainly have more value for Jane and me than a toy that she would likely ignore after a day.

One of my favorite ideas is a dad who got onto Pinterest and found activities that his kids would love. He put all the things each activity would need into boxes and had one for each month of the year. His efforts would offer his presence and a fun time the whole year round. Isn’t that so cool!?  Many of the experiences you can offer don’t have to be done during the Christmas break, they can be done whenever your family is ready. To avoid missing the chance to have the experience, I suggest scheduling them on the calendar as a family so that the year doesn’t pass without you using the gift of time together.

Here are the links to websites with awesome experiences you could give your family this year.

The Wellness Mama

Live Free Creative Co

Attainable Sustainable

Mother’s Niche

Mavis Butterfields One Hundred Dollars a Month

Living Well Spending Less

Problems with Giving Experiences instead of Gifts

Although the lists on these websites are great, you can easily just think about what your family loves to do together and offer that experience as a Christmas gift. I hope that whatever you choose to give for Christmas, that it is meaningful and well worth your time, money and effort to get.

Best,

Lucy

Also, If you need ideas for things to do during the Christmas break, check out this post.