As the holidays approach, we are all trying to think of unique gifts to give–particularly ones that spark joy and excitement. It can be a challenge to think of a stand-out gift that won’t be forgotten soon after the presents are all unwrapped.
This is one of the many benefits of gifting an experience to your family and friends. In fact, there is more delight in store as they enjoy the anticipation of the event, and the actual experience. Truly, it’s a gift that keeps on giving!
Additionally, experience gifts can help keep your money local, create fun memories, and surprisingly make great last-minute options when you are short on shopping time. Metro Detroit boasts so many outstanding businesses, creators, and artists. These gift ideas are sure to help you deliver a unique experience that is bound to delight this holiday season.
Unique Experience Gift Ideas for Younger Kids
Toys have their place under the Christmas tree, but clutter in my house is a real problem. To help curb the clutter, I love encouraging family members to help us create a mix between physical gifts and experience gifts. In doing so, my daughter is able to enjoy unwrapping gifts, but also has fun activities to look forward to after the holiday season.
Some fun experience gift ideas for younger kids include:
Creativity
Perfect for little hands with big imaginations! Plus, they won’t be spilling glitter all over your floor all day long because they’ll be where the mess is encouraged!
- The Art Attic | Plymouth
- Art Connections LLC | Milford
- Kidcreate Studio | West Bloomfield
- Stemville | Detroit, Howell, + Northville
Movement
Shake those sillies out and find peace (while you sit back and watch) while your kiddos tackle a new sport or activity!
- DownPup Yoga | Plymouth
- NFL Flag | Metro Detroit
- Troy Gym Munchkin Ropes Course | Troy
- Shredder Indoor Ski + Snowboard | Livonia
Music
It’s so much fun to get all dressed up for a day at the show! Your kids will love wearing their fanciest outfit and listening to the live sounds.
- Detroit Symphony Orchestra | Detroit
- The Wiggles at the Fisher Theater | Detroit
Nature Camps + Classes
Because a little nature does a whole lot of good!
- Howell Nature Center | Howell
- Huron-Clinton Metroparks | Various locations
- Leslie Science and Nature Center | Ann Arbor
- Stage Nature Center | Troy
Unique Experience Gift Ideas for Older Kids
This age group can be daunting when it comes to gift giving. I fret over finding a “cool” gift that doesn’t fall flat on Christmas day. Experience gifts can deliver on fun and entertainmen–two words that this age group is seeking!
Some experience gift ideas for older kids include:
Creativity
These classes truly give your teens + tweens the chance to stretch their artistic muscles.
- Art Evolution–Teen Art Club | Milford
- POST | Detroit
- Signal Return | Detroit
Entertainment
Who doesn’t love a night out with friends?!
- Concert tickets
- Full Throttle Adrenaline Park | Novi
- Sporting events: professional or college!
Movement
Because teens + tweens are thrill-seekers.
- Bower’s Farm Winter Park | Bloomfield Hills
- DYNO Detroit | Detroit
- Hawk Island Park Snow Tubing | Lansing
- iFly Indoor Skydiving | Novi
- NFL Flag | Metro Detroit
- Planet Rock | Ann Arbor + Madison Heights
- Shredder Indoor Ski + Snowboard | Livonia
Unique Experience Gift Ideas for the Whole Family
Who says you can’t also benefit from a gift that you give? Planning and giving an experience you can enjoy as a family creates the perfect opportunity to bond and make lasting memories. Furthermore, those memories just might be the true gift that sticks with your kids for many years to come!
Here are some ideas for experience gifts for the whole entire family:
Explore
Head out for a day they won’t soon forget!
- Broadway in Detroit at the Fisher Theater | Detroit
- The Rink at Campus Martius Park | Detroit
- Blake Farms | Various Locations
Hit the Slopes
Not sure where to start? Check out indoor classes at Shredder before hitting the outdoor ski hills.
- Alpine Valley | White Lake
- Mt Brighton | Brighton
- Mt Holly | Holly
- Pine Knob | Clarkston
Gifting these unique experiences can help pack more cheer under the tree this holiday season, bringing happiness and joy to the ones on your list. Wishing you a happy holiday season!
Still not convinced that an experience gift will be appreciated? Read one mom’s perspective of being a minimalist.
This post was originally written by Jessica Johnson and updated by Whitney Cornelli in 2024.
