There was only one gift too big to fit under the tree, and it’s the only one that’s still unopened. You know what it is. The kids know what it is. They look to you expectantly.
You give the nod of approval, and an immediate flurry of red and green paper covers the floor. Then comes the sound of car keys tearing through tape. Cardboard is ripped. Finally, it’s here. The Toy.
The Toy is that gift that the kids just couldn’t live without, just like they couldn’t like without last year’s Toy, or the Toy before that. They promise that they’ll never ask for anything else if you get it. Look at the commercials! Did you hear that person talking about it on the radio? Every single one of their friends is getting The Toy for Christmas; in fact, they inform you, every single child everywhere is getting The Toy. They’ll have fun with it forever.
But we parents know the truth. We’ll buy The Toy, sure, but we know that in a week or two the shine and sparkle of novelty will fade, and then this Toy will become like all the rest, another toy buried in a pile of toys in a closet, every one of them unable to satisfy our kids’ limitless expectations. The same disenchantment happened to us when we were kids, and now it happens to them. It’s as much a part of Christmas as wreaths and holly.
But this year, what if you changed that tradition? What if you gave your kids a gift that couldn’t be tossed into a closet or forgotten beneath a pile of clothes? What if one of your gifts this year was an experience, an adventure, a new skill for your kids to learn with new friends?
Here are a few ideas to get you started. This post contains affiliate links
1. Art Classes
Many children love to draw, color, or paint, and in art classes they can learn new ways to do what they already love. With a trained artist as their guide, kids can explore things like drawing with perspective or molding with clay, and they’ll leave class with something to show for it. Art classes are fun for kids and supply moms with original home decor — win / win!
2. Rock Climbing
If your kids love to scale your furniture like squirrels love to climb trees, then this may be the perfect gift both for them and for your sanity. Indoor rock climbing lets kids satisfy their thirst for adventure in a safe, controlled environment. It’s a full body sport, exercising kids’ arms, core, and legs. In addition to strengthening muscles, rock climbing teaches kids how to choose between many alternative paths as they navigate their way to the top of the climbing wall, a great way to work on problem solving and decision making.
3. Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that emphasizes kicking. Kids are taught how to balance on one leg and use the other to kick, so it’s a great way to improve both their core strength and their coordination. As kids learn newer and more difficult skills, they’re awarded colored belts to show how far they’ve come. This can help them develop healthy self-esteem and confidence in their ability to learn.
4. Acting Classes
Many kids love to act out stories at home, but are terrified when it’s time to perform in front of classmates or an audience of strangers. Taking an acting class could be a great way to overcome those fears while they’re young. One day they’ll have to give presentations in front of classmates or coworkers, so acting classes are a gift that will come in handing again and again.
5. Music Classes
Does your child like to really dig in to new things? If so, music classes are be a great option. They require kids to practice at home, not just during class, so this gift is really a whole new hobby, not just a series of one-time experiences.
Music also has the advantage of providing well-researched educational benefits. Pbs.org reports that “learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas.” Since it involves the same part of the brain that processes language, learning music at a young age may help prepare kids for the reading and writing they’ll be doing in school.
6. Skiing Trip
If you’re in an area where the coming of winter means beautiful white snow banks, consider giving your kids the gift of lift tickets or ski lessons. Learning to ski is a hands-on activity, so the kids can have fun even if this is their first time. This trip could be the beginning of a new Christmas tradition!
7. CityPASS
Try getting a CityPASS to yours or a close by city. These are a great value as they provide you with discounts to multiple attractions in your area. For example, with a CityPASS in Houston you can see the Space Center, the Downtown Aquarium, the Museum of Natural Science, the Zoo and the children’s museum (there are a few more options too). It’s a great way to have an epic staycation with your kids!
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While these ideas are all experiences, not physical gifts, each requires some physical equipment which can go under the tree on Christmas morning. For the soon-to-be skier, you can look for ski equipment like gloves, outerwear jackets, and goggles. The art student can unwrap an easel and paint brushes. And the new musician can open up their very first instrument.
The best thing about these experiences is that each is an opportunity for your child to learn valuable skills that will last a lifetime. A toy can disappear without a second thought, but the gift of a new experience can never be misplaced.
This post is brought to you by Jessica Socheski, a writer who loves family life. You can find her on Google+.
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