I've tried the last couple years to start giving experiences and memories for Christmas each year. This is why (in case you missed it).
This year I want to do more of it and every year after. We have too much stuff in a world where families aren't spending enough time together. One year my husband and I only gave each other date nights for Christmas. I was suprised how many date ideas I came up with just off of Groupon and Living Social. To see some of my ideas, see: Date Nights For a Year
At home with the kids? Instantly access any of these printable activity bundles to keep them learning!
Even if you have a teenager daughter that insists that all she wants for Christmas is clothes, give her a gift card for a shopping trip together rather than just giving her clothes. Make it a family memory. Certificates.com has what's called a “Super Gift Certificate” which lets the recipient choose whatever store they want and the amount can be divided among multiple restaurants or stores.
And just because you give your kids gift cards, or certificates, doesn't mean that you can't give them ANY “things” it just means you are drastically limiting the amount of things. See this post to see some fun ways I have packaged gift certificates in the past.
Here is a fun idea my friend posted on her Facebook last year. You know those fun subscription boxes for kids that have craft and learning projects and such in them? Well her husband got on Pinterest and found a bunch of fun activities/crafts his little daughters would enjoy, and made them himself! 1 for each month of the year. What a great way to bond with your kids!
LEARNING AND GROWTH
Hello Fresh – For the future chef in the family or as a date night gift
Michaels.com– Great for someone that likes to craft
Fabric.com – Great to give for sewing projects, or as a gift with a sewing machine
24-Hr Fitness – Not just exercise, but also for classes Or Total Gym for at-home equiptment!
LYNDA.COMÂ which offers a huge variety of self-paced online courses for everything from design to music to photography. For language learning
PETCO– Gift card for your kid to learn how to take care of a new pet
ANCESTRY.COM- For your kid to learn about their family history
BARNES AND NOBLEÂ and Audible.com- Anything that will get your kid to read and learn more!
GROUPON– Many times you can find certificates for classes on Groupon
EVENTS, CONCERTS OR THEATERS
TICKETNETWORK
SCOREBIG
SEATGEEK
FUN NIGHT OUT
ENTERTAINMENT Coupon book– Great Gift for Families!
DARDEN RESTAURANTS (which includes several chains such as Seasons 52, Yard House, LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster)
PAMPERING AND WELLNESS
SPAFINDER-Â you can book not only spas but salons, dry bars, fitness classes (Crossfit, Barre, and more), acupuncture, and even chiropractors
STAYCATION IN YOUR OWN CITY
CLOUD9 LIVING
GREAT AMERICAN DAYS
TRUSTED TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS
TRAVEL
Get Away Today (Use code MOTHERSNICHE for an extra $10 off a vacation package)
What do you think?