Give the gift of experience to your kids for the holidays! Here are 13 ideas for experience gifts along with a small, optional tangible gifts to pair with the experience. These ideas are also great to pass on to grandparents or anyone who wants to give a gift to your child for the holidays, while allowing this caregiver to spend quality time with your child as well!

We (myself included!) have so much STUFF –  I feel lucky that we truly don’t need anything for the holidays. This year, I wanted to focus on giving the give of experience to my kids and enjoy all our city has to offer! These tips aren’t exclusive to Chicago – they can be applied to any city or town.

1. Museum pass 

So many cities, Chicago included, have incredible museums. Gifting a museum pass for the day or for the year is a great way to give a gift of experience. 

If you’re wanting to also give something tangible, pair with a Super Encyclopedia book related to museum. Finn’s favorites are Super Dinosaur Encyclopedia (great for the Field Museum), Super Shark Encyclopedia (perfectly paired with the Shedd Aquarium) , and Super Space Encyclopedia (in addition to the Adler Planetarium).

2. Cooking class

A cooking class is a great way to expose your kids to new foods as well as teach them how to prepare and cook the foods! The quality time together is an experience you can bring home and use new skills such as cutting foods carefully.

Optional: Pair with a cookbook, kid-friendly set of knives and a cutting board, or a kitchen helper.

3. Gymnastics, ninja or trampoline park pass

Physical movement classes allow children to explore their bodies in a new way AND get energy out! A monthly pass for a local gymnastics class, ninja school, or trampoline park is a great way to spend time, especially in winter months.

Optional: Pair with this leotard, a ninja or karate outfit, balance beam or floor mat.

For local Chicago places, we love:

• IGI Gymnastics
• IGI Ninja School
• BIG Gymnastics 
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park (nationwide)
• Little Gym

4. Camping experience 

No need for a long trip, this gift can be completed in your backyard! A night under the stars in a tent, cozied up with sleeping bags, smores and more!

Optional: Pair with binoculars, compass, sleeping bag and a camping light.

5. Zoo pass

The Zoo is an excellent way to get outside with your kids while doing something educational. A yearly zoo pass is a phenomenal gift from grandparents or other caregivers and a way they can also spend time with your kids.

Optional: Pair with animal themed lunch box and water bottle.

Chicago Zoos:

• Brookfield Zoo
• Lincoln Park Zoo (entry may be free – check website!)

6. Art, photography, or music lessons

Art, photography or music classes are a great way to explore a more artistic and creative side for children. A month long class or a few spread out through the year is a unique way to engage your child’s inner muse!

Optional: Pair with drawing pad and paint sticks, polaroid camera, or instrument such as a keyboard or mini guitar.

7. Swim lessons

Comfort around water should start at an early age! Children as young as 6 months old can enjoy swim lessons. Exposure to water and water safety during winter months is important for children so when summer months come, the water isn’t scary to them. Gifting swim lessons is a great way not only to get out energy, but also to keep your child exposed to water.

Optional: Pair with a pair of goggles and personalized towel.

Check out our blog posts on water safety and the importance of kids wearing bright swimwear.

Chicago places we love:

• Foss Swim School
• Goldfish Swim School
• ISR swim lessons (nation wide)

8. Ceramic painting 

Many cities and towns have adorable ceramic painting places! Ceramic painting is a fun way to spend time together with your child and a great gift from grandparents. You can even swing by the ceramic place to pick out a few items to gift or have your child pick upon arriving. Watch as they paint their masterpiece and you can even join in on the fun!

Chicago places we love:

• Color Me Mine
• Glazed Expressions

9. Magazine subscriptions

Magazine subscriptions are a gift that keeps on giving! This is something special your kids will love looking forward to in the mail. You can read with them or help them solve the puzzles monthly for up to 12 months for most subscriptions. We love Highlights or The Week Junior. If you want to go digital, we love Time for Kids. 

10. Play subscription 

Play and kit subscriptions are a personalized gift that keeps on giving! This is something special your kids will love looking forward to in the mail. Even as young babies, a subscription to a play kit grows with your baby. We love Lovevery, Baketivity, KiwiCo, Little Passports and the Girls Can! Crate.

11. Science camp or theater camp

Gifting a local science camp over spring break or the summer is one of our favorite gifts! Finn loved science camp at Kids Science Labs, an all day science camp that is year round.

12. Concert or event tickets 

What a great way to experience a large event together with a favorite artist! Pair with a t-shirt from the artist to wear to the event. Some great ideas are tickets to Disney on Ice or local theater programs.

13. Amusement park pass

Share your love for amusement parks or a carnival as a gift!

Optional: gift a “ticket” to a special event in the amusement park or to specific attractions or games.

Other blog posts you might like:

• 8 ways to safety proof your home for the holidays
• Practical allergy safety tips for the holidays
• 13 best experience gifts for the holidays
• Holiday safety – book CPR now
• Holiday gift guide for the whole family
• 5 easy DIY projects to do with toddlers
• Your Chicago guide for babies and kids (city + suburbs)

**Bumblebaby makes a commission on some items listed above.