I’m going to let you in on a dirty little secret. My daughter doesn’t really play with her toys.

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes she’ll pull them out of her toy basket, one by one, and spew them around the living room, but she doesn’t actually play with them.

Now maybe my daughter is just a specific breed of human-child that prefers to examine a pine cone or crinkle a granola bar wrapper for entertainment. Or perhaps children, in general, are just more keen to explore the world rather than stay confined within the limits of their toy box. Either way, I have a humble request this holiday season: more experience-based gifts, please!

I know. There’s something that feels so icky about specifying to family and friends what kind of gifts we want them to get our children. But let’s be honest, when you buy someone a gift, don’t you do it in hopes of adding value to their lives? Nobody wants their well-intentioned present to end up sitting in a toy basket or donation-bin, randomly proclaiming, “The cow says mooooooo” and “You’re my best friend!” like sad plastic mermaids singing crappy siren songs to no avail. That’s not only a tragic fate for any gift, but also the plot of Toy Story 3; which by the way, is super sad.

Disclaimer time. By experience-based gifts, I mean simple things like tickets to the movies, a children’s museum, or a state park. I in no way expect you to pay my family’s way through Disneyworld, although I also won’t necessarily discourage it. I also think It’s essential to say on behalf of all moms; thank you. We’re always so grateful for anyone who takes time to pick out a present for our children. Experience-based, or not. With that being said, here are some reasons why experience-based gifts are where it’s at.

They Get Everyone Out Of The House.

My daughter loves any opportunity to get out of the house. From playgrounds to aquariums to even doing a few laps around Target, it’s safe to say she’d rather be anywhere but home. Experience-based gifts serve as the perfect opportunity to get the whole family up and out of the house and experiencing something new or tried-and-true together. 

It’s An Opportunity To Learn And Grow.

Often times, experience-based gifts allow kids to expand their realm of understanding on a particular topic, like brushing up on animal facts (or in my toddler’s case, sounds) at the zoo. Sure, we could squawk like a bird in the comfort of our own home, but it’s so much more fun when you’re in the presence of an actual toucan. 

Less Clutter.

Okay. So this one might be a little selfish on my part, but experience-based gifts literally mean less stuff. I know I’m not alone when I say, my once minimalist living room has quickly grown to resemble that floating pile of trash the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean. It’s not good for the environment, and it’s definitely not good for my sanity. 

Make Memories.

I highly doubt my daughter’s fondest memories thus far involve me drinking coffee and scrolling on my phone while shes left to entertain herself with a small mountain of toys. Experience-based gifts encourage us to be present and spend time together as a family, which as corny as it sounds, might be the greatest gift of all.