My family and I are very big on handmade, secondhand, or experience gifts for the holidays (and beyond). Our kids have way too many toys, and I don’t like picking up all that clutter all the time anyway, so experience gifts are my favorite thing. I hope these experience gift ideas for all ages will help inspire you this holiday season—and on your child’s next birthday or any other gift-giving occasion!
MUSEUMS
DFW has some truly awesome museums and interactive experiences. There are fabulous ones right here in Collin County, too! Most of these museums have discount days or reduced/free tickets for young children. A day trip to one of these would make a great gift for any age.
Heritage Farmstead Museum
Nestled in the heart of Plano, this farm is a classic Collin County landmark. It’s a great place to take kids of all ages, but kids 2-10 would probably enjoy the animals and interactive bits the most.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
An amazing outdoor experience makes for an excellent all-ages gift. Check out some of the Heard’s specific programs like birding or Zip Line Day for a more unique gift.
Kimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum is in Fort Worth, and just like the DMA, its regular collection is free for all ages.
Collin County History Museum
Perfect for the history lovers in your life, adults and kids alike. They are only open Thursday–Saturday, so plan accordingly.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Like the Heritage Farmstead Musuem and the Heard Museum, the Perot has specific exhibits designed for children (and all three of these are generally geared towards kids, overall).
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP GIFT IDEAS
Give a gift that will last all year!
Here are some of the best family memberships in DFW. The Frisco Museum Pass and the Pogo Pass both offer a lot of bang for your buck. Check the link for details on those (and more!).
CLASSES
A one-day class on something specific is a lovely outside-the-box gift idea for a kid or an adult. You can find good value in classes offered by your city, so start by checking city websites. If your child has expressed interest in a certain activity, but you don’t want to shell out big bucks yet, these classes are a great place to start.
City of Plano Class Catalog / McKinney Activity Guide / Frisco Classes & Activities
Yoga
One of our very own contributors is a yoga instructor and offers several amazing classes. The perfect gift for a mom in your life!
Knitting
Several local places offer these; check out Michaels, Joann’s, or an independent yarn shop near you.
Art Classes
These can be the perfect gift for an adult who needs a creative break and a night out! Check out Board and Brush in Central Plano for a fun night of painting wood signs and and sipping wine. Painting with a Twist has branches in Plano, Frisco, and McKinney.
Pottery
Check out Walls of Clay in Downtown McKinney for a fun time painting your chosen piece of pottery. A delightful experience gift for kids or adults.
SPECIAL TRIPS / OUTINGS
Theater tickets
Check out The McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) or North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA).
Movie tickets
Symphony tickets
American Girl Doll Store
The perfect experience gift for any little doll lover. Try lunch in their bistro!
Zoo trip
Arboretum visit or membership
Six Flags (maybe even a Season Pass?)
Play Street Museum
Play Street has locations in McKinney, Allen, Frisco, and Plano. Each has its own theme, so find the perfect one for your child!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the experience gift ideas you can give this holiday season. If you have any others that you’ve given in the past (or plan to give this year), I would love to hear about them!
Read More: Practical Ways to Save Money This Holiday Season
