Day in and day out during the holiday season, we hear parents begging for fewer toys and more experiences. Every year, I read article after article with ideas for my five nieces and nephews, and feel helpless because I can’t get them all a pass to a theme park or other activity or class.
I know I can’t be the only person who experiences this and then defaults to an item that can be wrapped and tossed to the side again. So this year, I compiled a list of experience gifts that are affordable to help make the wish of so many parents a little bit more attainable.
Ice Skating at Knoxville Ice Chalet, $15 per session with skates
Drive thru zoo at Briarwood Ranch Safari, $15 for ages 3-12
Zoo Knoxville, $19.95 for ages 3-12
The Muse, $10 for ages 1-64
Smart Toys and Books, $8 for ages 2 and up
Indoor rock climbing at OnSight Rock Gym, $6 for ages 5-12, $14 for 12-13
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, $10 for ages 2-5, $25 for ages 6-11
Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, $6 for ages 3+
Gift card ideas for any amount:
Chick-fil-A and other fun restaurants
Movie theaters
These are just a few ideas of affordable gift options that don’t leave us feeling like we can’t gift an experience. What other experiences have you thought of that are both affordable and fun?
