Every year during the holidays we hear from Moms who are fatigued by the abundance of material stuff that accumulates in American households at Christmas time.  It seems that many parents share concerns over losing the message of Christmas in the overabundance of gifts that end up under our trees.   Most express feelings that our kids don’t need more stuff.   And then there are the adult gift exchanges- especially those with family.  Are you ever going to wear that scarf or sweater from your in-laws?

While I am one of those people that is in favor of stopping the madness of gifting and instead focusing on spending the time, energy and $ on building relationships and helping those in need, I am yet to become successful in rallying my family around that idea.  So rather than losing the battle, I’ve instead begun requesting that we exchange experiences rather than things.  I don’t remember what was under the tree for my 9th Christmas, but I vividly remember my grandparents taking me to Busch Gardens and Jamestown for my 10th birthday.  I bet we can all recollect childhood memories far better than

Recently I asked YOU, our Momsanity Followers and Sisters to share your favorite gift experiences that you’ve both gifted and received.  I am blown away by the creativity and am super excited to share the list with you all!

Gifts for Kids / Families with Kids

1. Sports or Activity Lessons (Soccer, Dance etc)
2. Music Lessons
3. Horseback Riding Lessons
4. Tickets or Annual Pass to the Zoo or Aquarium
5. Tickets to a Sporting Event 
6. Swimming Lessons
7. Tickets to a Musical or Concert
8. Family Movie Night- Bucket with Popcorn, Movie Tickets and 
9. Ropes Course or Trampoline Park Passes
10. Family Camping Trip (or camping supplies for a family who loves to camp)
11. Ziplining Excursion
12. Go-Cart Passes
13. Amusement Park/Water Park Tickets/Passes
14. Amazon Prime Membership

Gifts for Guys

1. NASCAR racing experience
2. Sporting Event Tickets
3. Shooting Range Lessons
4. Golf Lessons
5. Flying Lessons
6. Pass for a Weekend Away with the Guys

Gifts for Couples

1. Carriage Ride
2. Date Night:  Movie Tickets and Dinner
3. New Year’s Eve Event Tickets
4. Gift Card to a Favorite Date Night Restaurant
5. Cover the Baby Sitter for Date Night
6. One-Night Hotel Stay for a Mini-Getaway
7. Ballroom Dancing Lessons
8. Hot Air Balloon Excursion

Gifts for Girl Friends

1. Plan a Girl’s Night out and purchase everyone’s wine/coffee/etc.
2. Mani/Pedi Gift Cards
3. Massage Gift Card
4. Coffee Shop Gift Card 
5. Kindle/Audible Gift Card
6. Cooking Lessons
7. DIY Stress Relief Bucket (Bath Salts, Wine etc)
8. Dinner On The Go Gift Card

What would you add to the list?  Post on our social media post!