Money Smarts Blog

Another sweater? Another candle? Another gadget destined for the junk drawer?

Don't get us wrong. We love a good present. But what if this year, instead of giving someone more stuff, you gave them something they'll talk about for years?

We're talking experiences! From family vacations and horseback riding lessons to concert tickets and cooking classes, experience gifts are a fun way to make memories without adding to anyone's collection of things they don't really need.

And trust me, sometimes those gifts become the ones you remember most.

The Christmas Gift I'll Never Forget

When I was a teen, my grandparents moved to Florida. My sister and I were incredibly close with them, so having them move so far away was a pretty big adjustment.

That first Christmas after they moved, my parents decided to do something a little different. Instead of buying us the usual Christmas presents, they surprised us with plane tickets to Florida so we could spend the holiday season with our grandparents.

And you know what? I couldn't tell you what toys or clothes I got for Christmas the year before or the year after. But I still remember that trip… 20-some years later!

It wasn't about the plane tickets or even getting to go somewhere warm in December. It was about being together with people we loved and making memories we wouldn't trade for anything.

Looking back, my parents gave us something much more meaningful than another present under the tree. They gave us time with our grandparents.

And all these years later, that's a gift I still treasure.

Why Give an Experience?

Think about the gifts you've received over the years. Can you remember every sweater, pair of slippers, or kitchen gadget? Probably not.

But that family vacation? The concert where you sang every word? Or the time you tried something new and discovered a hidden talent (or a hilarious lack of one)?

Those memories tend to stick around.

Experience gifts give recipients something to look forward to, something to enjoy, and something to remember. And when you share the experience, you're giving the gift of quality time, too.

Big Trips, Little Adventures, and Everything in Between

Need a little inspiration? Here are a few ways to trade traditional presents for unforgettable experiences.

The Big Family Adventure

Imagine telling your kids that instead of a pile of presents under the tree, the whole family is heading to Hawaii or Disney World! A family vacation can become a gift everyone enjoys, from the excitement of planning to the memories made along the way. Of course, trips like these aren't exactly stocking-stuffer prices. That's why planning ahead is key.

The Gift of Trying Something New

Know someone who's always wanted to learn to ride a horse? Take a pottery class? Try rock climbing? Give them the opportunity to finally say, “Let's do it!” Lessons, classes, and hands-on activities make great gifts for kids and adults alike. Plus, you might help someone discover a new favorite hobby.

The Perfect Date Night

Dinner and a movie? Classic. But why not shake things up? Think comedy shows, cooking classes, concerts, escape rooms, or tickets to a sporting event. Experiences also make great gifts for parents and grandparents who might rather spend time together than unwrap another coffee mug.

The Little Adventures

Not every memorable gift requires a plane ticket or a big price tag. A trip to the zoo, a museum membership, an afternoon of ice skating, or a special one-on-one day with a child can be just as meaningful. Sometimes the simplest experiences become the best stories.

But What Do You Actually Unwrap?

We get it. Watching someone open a gift is half the fun!

Luckily, experience gifts can still come with a little surprise.

Wrap a pair of Mickey ears to announce a Disney trip. Give a toy horse with a certificate for riding lessons. Tuck concert tickets inside a record sleeve. Or create a scavenger hunt that ends with the big reveal.

The experience might happen later, but the excitement starts immediately.

Make Memories, Not Money Stress

An unforgettable gift shouldn't come with an unforgettable credit card bill.

Before booking that dream getaway or buying those concert tickets, give your budget a little attention.

• Pick your price first. Decide what you can comfortably spend before falling in love with an experience.
• Start saving early. A separate savings account can help you build your experience fund a little at a time.
• Remember the extras. Travel, meals, parking, souvenirs, and other costs can add up quickly.
• Look for deals. Weekday activities, off-season travel, and local discounts can help stretch your dollars.
• Think beyond the price tag. A $30 afternoon together can mean just as much as a $3,000 vacation.

For example, saving just $25 a week can add up to $1,300 in a year. That's a pretty great head start on your next adventure!

Give Them Something to Remember

All these years later, I still think about that Christmas trip to Florida. And while I'm sure my sister and I would have been perfectly happy tearing into a pile of presents, I'm so grateful my parents chose something different.

Because the best gifts aren't necessarily the biggest, fanciest, or most expensive. They're the ones that make someone feel special.

So whether you're planning a tropical getaway, signing someone up for horseback riding lessons, or simply spending an afternoon doing something they love, remember that you're giving more than an experience.

You're giving them a story they'll get to tell.

And sometimes, decades later, they'll still be telling it.

Ready to start saving for your next big memory? Explore IHMVCU's savings options and start turning those someday plans into unforgettable experiences.