Over the years, I’ve leaned more and more into experience gifting rather than giving physical presents. While our home is far from minimalist, we’ve been making an intentional effort to prioritize meaningful moments over “stuff.” Experiences create memories that last a lifetime—and who wouldn’t want that?
The best part? Experience gifts don’t have to break the bank! I’ve rounded up a mix of ideas, from free to splurge-worthy, so you’ll find something for every budget and kiddo in your life—your own children, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or even your best friend’s little ones.
Let me know if you decide to give one of these experiences a try this year! Share your stories with me on Instagram or Facebook—I’d love to see the joy these moments bring. And if you’re looking for ways to create holiday memories together, check out Eat Play Cbus for even more inspiration.
How to Gift an Experience
The trickiest part of gifting an experience? Figuring out how to “wrap it”! But don’t worry—it’s easier than you think to make experience gifts just as exciting to open as physical presents. From creating custom invitations to wrapping up small tokens that represent the experience, there are so many fun ways to build anticipation.
Here are some creative ideas to make your gift extra special:
- Print out tickets or membership details.
- Wrap up a related item (like a book, stuffed animal, or outfit) to represent the experience.
- Write a heartfelt note or create a cute invitation to the outing.
- Include a disposable camera or journal for documenting the memories!
While I’ve written this guide with the holidays in mind, these ideas are perfect for birthdays, graduations, or “just because” days. And for those of you outside of Columbus, swap in your local spots—or better yet, come visit us and try these experiences firsthand!
Gift Ideas by Budget
Experiences Under $20
These budget-friendly ideas prove that creating memories doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
- Library + Dessert Date: Pair a library visit with a sweet treat! Some favorite combos include:
- Main Library + Pistacia Vera
- Worthington Library + Mrs. Goodman’s
- Bexley Library + Kitties Cakes
How to Gift: Wrap a $20 gift card to the dessert spot with a note inviting them to the library.
- North Market Snack + Goodale Park Stroll: Explore the market, grab a snack, and enjoy it at the park.
- How to Gift: Include a market gift card and a frame for a selfie you’ll take together.
- Volunteer + Ice Cream Reward: Teach kindness with a community project and celebrate with ice cream after. Ideas:
- Volunteer at the Franklin County Animal Shelter → Ice cream at Jeni’s.
- Participate in Seeds of Caring → Ice cream at Whit’s.
- How to Gift: Include a note from Santa or a holiday character about the joy of giving back, plus a gift card for ice cream.
- Free Art Sunday + Breakfast: Visit the Columbus Museum of Art (free on Sundays or use a Culture Pass) after breakfast at Fox in the Snow.
- How to Gift: Make a cute breakfast + art invite on Canva.
Experiences Under $100
Perfect for a day of bonding or something a little extra special.
- Bookstore + Dessert Combo: Upgrade the library experience with a stop at a local bookstore and a treat. Favorites include:
- The Book Loft + Winans German Village
- Cover to Cover Books + The Original Goodie Shop
- How to Gift: Bundle gift cards for the bookstore and dessert, with a note about spending the day together.
- Theatre Night: Take your kiddo to a local production and make it an event with dinner beforehand. Pairings:
- Columbus Children’s Theatre + East Market
- Palace Theatre + House Taco
- Nutcracker at the Ohio Theatre + Spaghetti Warehouse
- How to Gift: Print tickets, add a gift card for dinner, and include a disposable camera for capturing memories.
- Foodie Adventures: Explore Columbus through food! Try themed tours like:
- Ice Cream: Jeni’s, Handel’s, Graeter’s
- Donuts: Destination Donuts, Schneider’s Bakery, Buckeye Donuts, Resch’s Bakery
- How to Gift: Create a custom foodie map and a notepad for rating your stops.
Experiences Over $100
These splurge-worthy gifts are perfect for families or big moments.
- Annual Memberships: Gift a year of adventure with memberships to places like:
- COSI
- Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and/or The Wilds
- Ohio History Connection use code HOLIDAY24 for 20% off a membership!
- Franklin Park Conservatory
- How to Gift: Pair the membership with a small gift, like a stuffed animal from the museum gift shop.
- Staycation: Book a hotel night for a mini getaway. Pack matching pajamas, snacks, and a stuffed animal for extra fun.
- How to Gift: Wrap up the pajamas and snacks in an overnight bag, plus an itinerary for your adventure.
- Sporting Events: Tickets to a game make for an unforgettable experience! Options:
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Columbus Crew
- Any Ohio State Sport – Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Baseball, etc.
- How to Gift: Pair the tickets with a team jersey or shirt.
This year, let’s make the holidays less about things and more about memories. Which of these ideas are you excited to try? Let’s create magic this season—together!
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