31 Ways To Gift Experiences Instead Of Things This Holiday Season | Columbus, OH | 614 Mom

Together Riley and I decided that as a family we were going to teach our children the value in memories over things.  There is plenty of research that shows this can actually make you happier, and we really enjoy making those memories with our kids.  You can read an article published by Forbes, here, to get a glimpse into why that is.  I firmly believe that children should get toys for Christmas - I really do.  I also think that they will be happier with a smaller/less expensive toy and an experience or less toys and an experience.  Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, making memories with the little ones in your lives and each other is so important and so much fun.  Here is my list of 31 different ways to create experiences or give experiences to the ones you love in Columbus, Ohio.  There is something for every budget on this list.  The only advice I would give you - is to keep communication open.  It wouldn't be fun to buy tickets to something to find out Mom and Dad already did.  It's harder to return the things on this list.  Please enjoy!! I hope you find this helpful! If you have something you think I should add, I'd love to hear it! 

Luckily our family is totally on board with this and we get a lot of memberships for presents whether it's Christmas or birthdays.  One year my kids got tickets to The Children's Theatre from their grandparents and mom and dad weren't invited haha! It made for some really great memories for them, to do something "SO COOL" with Grandma and Grandpa.  

1. Columbus Zoo Membership

2. Wilds Membership

3. COSI Membership

4. Franklin Park Conservatory Membership

5. Columbus Museum of Art Membership

6. Ohio History Museum Membership

7. World of Bounce gift card

8. Tickets to see The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

9. Tickets to see a show at the Children’s Theatre

10. A date to Dave and Busters

11. Gift Cards to Sweet and Sassy

12. Class or Camp at SIMPLR STEAM Playground

13. A date to Buckeye Bounce or a gift card to Buckeye Bounce

14. A date to Good Makery and lunch after

15. Tickets to Disney On Ice

16. A date or gift card to Sports Ohio

17. Lunch at the American Girl Store

18. Tickets to a sporting event - Buckeyes, Clippers, Blue Jackets.

19. A trip to Newport Aquarium followed by lunch at Dewey's nearby

20. Tickets to see Paw Patrol LIVE

21. Cooking class or camp at Young Chef’s Academy in Gahanna

22. Ice Skating at the Chiller

23. Glow Putt Mini Golf

24. Recreations outlet gift card

25. Tickets to see Taylor Swift at Ohio Stadium on July 7

26. A date or gift card to Color Me Mine - they also have special events that are perfect gift opportunities

27. Swimming Class or Gift Card for open swim at Goldfish Swim School

28. A trip to the Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

29. Lunch at North Market followed by a trip to Goodale Park

30. Tickets to see Beauty and The Beast at The Palace Theatre

31. Tickets to see The Columbus Orchestra - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets