adventuremomblog

5 Reasons to Give the Gift of Adventure + Experience Gift Ideas For All Ages

Looking for a gift that keeps on giving?

Why don’t you give someone the gift of adventure instead?

Here are a few reasons why you should consider giving an experience gift instead of a physical one.

adventure mom on the Big Zipper Zipline at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort

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1. Experience Gifts Don’t Add Clutter

Nothing is more frustrating to me than entering my kid’s room and discovering toys and clothing that were former gifts, discarded on the floor, and not treated with value.

Living more with less means getting to enjoy life with less physical baggage.

The only space that an experience gift takes up is a memory in your mind… unless you bring home a souvenir.

under a bridge at the beach in North Carolina

2. Experience Gifts Give You Something to Look Forward to

In a culture of instant gratification, there is something about building the anticipation of an upcoming adventure.

You can give the gift of an upcoming concert, vacation, or local adventure.

It’s nice to have something to plan for and look forward to doing in the future.

teenage boys skiing in Washington State

3. The Memories Are Priceless

You can’t put a value on an experience. It goes beyond whatever monetary value was spent.

Sharing experiences together with friends and family is a gift.

Memories together also make great stories to be shared for years to come.

woman taking a cooking class

4. The Recipient Will Always Remember the Gift and the Giver

I can tell you who gave me the gift and the special occasion that it was for with all of the experience gifts that I’ve received.

Adventure is better shared.

You are giving the gift of an experience that will be memorable.

For example, we have chosen to give my kids season passes to a local amusement park for their birthdays for the past few years.

We have shared countless memories together that are way better than a physical gift, that would have lost its newness over time.

blue Full face snorkel

5.  It’s All About Presentation

You can still give a physical gift if you want to.

For example, if you are planning a surprise trip to Disney, you could wrap up a small toy, themed clothing to be worn on the trip, or maybe something that could be used on the way to the destination, like a special movie, etc.

If you are going on a ski trip, maybe some gear, or a snorkel if you are going somewhere tropical.

If you are giving tickets as a gift, you can still be creative in how you present your gift, whether it’s in a large wrapped box, or presented as a scavenger hunt.

hot air balloon ride red rock park new mexico

Need some experience gift ideas?

I’ve got LOTS of them.

give-gift-adventure-annual-passes-adventure-mom-blog

Annual Passes

  • Amusement Park
  • Water park
  • Zoo
  • Museum
  • Children’s Museum
  • Nature Park
  • Fitness Center With Indoor Aquatics
  • Ski Resort
  • Swim Club
indoor go karts

Fun for All Ages

indoor trampoline arena

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Take a Tour

gift-giving-zipline-adventure-mom-blog

Go Outside

  • Ziplining
  • Extreme Tree Climbing
  • Fishing Trip
  • Standup Paddleboarding
  • Surf Lessons
  • Snorkel tour
  • Kayak/canoe/ or rafting tour
  • Cable Wakeboarding
  • Archery Range
  • Shooting Range
  • Frisbee Golf
  • FootGolf
snow tubing in Pennsylvania

craft-class-adventure-mom-blog-gift-giving

Make Something

Services

  • Massage
  • Hair Salon
  • Nail Salon
trapeze lessons

Lessons to Give As a Gift

  • Swim lessons
  • Cooking
  • Art
  • Sport
  • Private lesson/ coaching
  • Personal Training
  • Dance
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hula Hoop class
  • Aerial Silks
  • Gymnastics
  • Ski/Snowboard
Weezer concert

Entertainment

  • Theater Tickets
  • Comedy Show
  • Dinner Theater
  • Concert of a favorite Band
  • Sporting Event
  • Go see a Special Speaker or Conference tickets

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Extreme Adventure

adventures-animals-gift-giving-ideas

Adventures with Animals

ocean-getaway-gift-giving-ideas-adventure-mom-blog

Take a Trip

You can either make it a surprise or give little gifts that can be used for or during the trip.

aquarium-unique-overnight-stays-adventure-mom-blog

Unique Overnights

I hope that you’ve found lots of experience gift ideas to give the gift of adventure to someone you love.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Save on Attractions

Here are some ways to save on experience gifts

An Attainable Adventure on the Emerald Azzurra Luxury Yacht

Looking for Some Destination Recommendations?

2 thoughts on “5 Reasons to Give the Gift of Adventure + Experience Gift Ideas For All Ages”

  1. We do this every birthday, anniversary, and Christmas. My favorite anniversary was Turkey Run in Indiana. Amazing hikes!

  2. So many great holiday gift ideas! I love the idea of giving the gift of adventure. An experience that lasts a lifetime

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