The holiday gift buying season is upon us!

We all LOVE to give gifts, right?! Absolutely!

BUT…do, our kids, really need more toys? Do we need more kitchen gadgets or collectibles? Why do we collect things anyway?!

What if we collected experiences instead of things and gave the gift of adventure instead of stuff?

How would our lives be different?

Someone recently told me their rule of gift giving as it pertains to their family. Want, Need, Wear, Read!

Brilliant!

Each child gets one material gift they desire, one thing they need, something to wear and something to read.

Another friend shared that they donate a toy to get a toy.

Clutter makes me anxious! So maybe by adhering to the above rules, I could limit clutter in my house.

I would really like to get away from material gift giving all together and focus on gifts that create memories.

Very few of my favorite childhood memories involve a toy. Unless that toy was an active toy such as a bicycle, roller skates, pogo ball or basketball goal. Those toys helped create shared memories with friends, siblings and cousins.

Here are 5 ways to give the gift of experience and create memories not clutter.

1. Gifts that create a new family hobby would be amazing experience gifts.  Maybe a canoe and tent with a season pass to the closest state park. Planning a camping trip where you can spend time together in nature will be much more valuable than a hot wheel or Barbie.

2. Museum memberships are a great gift for kids and adults! In Northwest Arkansas, we have the Scott Family Amazeum. A membership here will also gain you free admission to over 350 science museums around the country. Look for something similar in your area for hours of family-friendly entertainment.

3. Local attraction season passes or season tickets are a fun way to create memories. Amusement parks, water parks, zoos, ball clubs, and state and national parks are packed full of adventure for all ages.  These are all great gifts that don’t accumulate stuff.

4. Gift certificates! Not something generic. Like here’s a gift card to Walmart because I couldn’t think of anything to get you. But something that will inspire activity and creativity. Maybe a gift certificate to the bowling alley or skate place, local jump gym, batting cages, paint with a twist or local ceramic shop.

5. Give the gift of entertainment. Maybe an Amazon Prime membership, Netflix, Hulu or Sling. Rumor has it Disney is coming out with its own streaming service next year. Get ready parents…everyone needs a little Disney. If these are out of your budget, maybe some movie tickets would do the trick!

Here is a list of my top 5 favorite gifts of the season.

1. 23 and Me A fun gift that will give insight into your loved one’s ancestry.

2. The gift of food. Maybe something home baked or a pie from your local bakery. Whatever you come up with, this is a great way to show people you care without falling into the holiday retail trap.

3. Charity donation. For the adult who has everything a charity donation to a cause that is dear to their heart is a wonderful way to let them know you’re thinking of them.

4. Full Car Detail. Everyone I know wishes they could keep a tidy car. Why not help them out by purchasing a full car detail from one of the local mobile detail shops.  They come to you! I love to get it done while I’m working and don’t immediately need my car. I bet someone in your life would love it too!

5. Xperiencedays.com This website offers a wide variety of gift packages that provide a special experience for anyone. It’s available in most states, and the price range varies from reasonable to extravagant.

Enjoy every moment you have with your family! Show them how to live!!!

Happy Holidays!