When it comes to buying gifts for kids, we tend to go straight to toys, right? But here’s something to consider – instead of adding another gadget to the toy pile, what if you gave them an experience? A trip to the zoo, a fun cooking class, or even a family adventure? Experience gifts aren’t just exciting in the moment – they create memories that stick around for years.
Here’s why experiences beat “stuff” every time:
1. You Get More Family Time
Experiences are meant to be shared. Whether it’s a day at the aquarium or trying something new together, these moments bring families closer. You’re not just giving a gift – you’re creating memories your child will treasure for years. Plus, it’s way more fun than watching toys collect dust.
2. They’re Learning Without Even Realizing It
A visit to a museum, a pottery class, or even a nature hike – all these experiences open your child’s eyes to new things. They get to explore, discover, and build new skills. It’s learning disguised as fun!
3. Say Goodbye to Toy Clutter
Let’s be real – toys pile up fast, and half the time, they’re forgotten a week later. Experience gifts don’t take up space in your house, and they don’t come with the dreaded clean-up. Instead, you get moments filled with joy and laughter that don’t end up under the couch.
4. Teaching Kids What Really Matters
One of the best things about experience gifts is that they teach kids the value of moments over material things. They start to understand that the best parts of life aren’t the things we own, but the memories we make with the people we love.
Some of the links on this site may be affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Here are some experience gift ideas for families in East Texas.
MEMBERSHIPS
Zoo–
Caldwell Zoo – as a member, you can access 50% off admissions to thousands of zoos and aquariums around the country.
Children’s Museum-
Discovery Science Place– With a premium membership you can explore thousands of museums around the country, for FREE.
*in my opinion it is worth the extra price if you travel*
Museums like:
NASA in Houston
Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney
Longview World of Wonders in Longview
Mayborn Museum, Baylor University in Waco
Thinkery in Austin
and many many more!
Amusement Park-
Keep a lookout for their Black Friday deals, you can snag a year membership with free access to Hurricane Harbor.
GetOutPass– Unlock a year of adventure with the GetOutPass! Enjoy admission to amazing attractions and things to do near you! Activate anytime, then valid for a full 365 days!
Most of the places are located in the Dallas area, but the waterparks that are included are worth the price.
Watch for sales around holidays for huge discounts, (I snagged them for $10/person) then apply code HOOD5 so they know I sent you.
Free access to all the State Parks in Texas.
There are about a 1/2 dozen within an hour of Tyler.
Hike, fish, swim kayak/SUP/canoe
Movie Theater Package
Gift Card
Refillable Popcorn Bucket
Refillable Cup
Special Experiences
Animal Encounters –
you can find a list of the local animal experiences HERE.
Day at the Spa
Massage
Pedi/Mani
Facial
Coupon Books
Extra Dessert
Chore Pass
Pick Dinner
Go to Bed Late
Extra Screen Time
Classes
Art Classes
Drawing
Pottery
Painting
Gymnastics/Dance
Martial Arts
Cooking Class
Coding Class
Horseback Riding Class
Tickets
Baseball Game–
Rough Riders – a minor league team, but their field has a lazy river.
Soccer-
Circus-
There are multiple shows that come through town throughout the year.
Concert Tickets
get tickets to their favor band or artist
Trips
Grapevine/Dallas
Webster/Houston
*sign up for their free membership and get great deals
Family Cruise
Airplane pickets to visit an out-of-state friend
Snow/Ski Trip
High Adventure
Gear
Starts a hobby together as a family
Swim Bag/water toys/goggles/snorkeling
Fishing
Bikes
Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP) & Life Jacket
Subscription Box
Baking
Swim Bag/water toys/goggles/snorkeling
GAmes
Qwarkle
King of Tokyo
Sushi Go
Uno- No Mercy
Sorry