Give the Gift of Experience With These Action-Packed Presents

’Tis the season for festive lights, holiday cheer and, for many kids, extra-long wish lists. Beyond the typical kid-centered purchases parents make every day, the holidays can often put even more strain on our collective wallets. When all is said and done, what’s left to show for it (besides endless piles of torn wrapping paper), are toys that all too often get overlooked.

In the spirit of creating meaningful memories this holiday, we’ve rounded up more than 25 experiences that will surely inspire, thrill and excite your little ones for this year and, we hope, many years to come.

Click the arrow above the image to see all our gift ideas, or jump to the category of your choice with the links below:

• If your kid loves animals
• If your kid loves the great outdoors
• If your kid loves learning new things
• If your kid loves adventure
• If your kid loves sports
• If your kid loves spending time with you
• If your kid loves shows
• Get creative!

Up first: If your kid loves animals

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated most recently for ParentMap’s December 2024 print issue by the author.