It’s December and that means everyone is on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift. The problem nowadays is that there are SO. MANY. TOYS. Ask any mother of young children and she will probably tell you that she doesn’t have the space to add more toys to the already overflowing toy bins.
Something that I started last Christmas is giving my girls experiences instead of toys. For my daughter’s first birthday, all of my friends chipped in and got us a family membership to The Detroit Zoo. It was the best gift ever! We went so many times that following year and made amazing memories as a family. This year we asked the grandparents to chip in on signing our 2-year-old up for dance classes. Mainstreet Dance Connection just opened a new location in the Birchwood Mall and is offering classes for all ages. The classes start in January and she will be performing in her first dance recital this spring. Truly one of the best experiences for her- and for me! (Hello- toddlers in tap shoes and dance costumes?!?!)
Classes at PKSA Karate are another option for an active kid.
For my 6 month old- it is a bit more challenging. We are asking friends and family to contribute towards her education fund. Boring? Maybe. Practical? Absolutely! She is so young that giving her a pair of socks to unwrap is the most fun thing she could do. We also mentioned passes to the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium at Great Lakes Crossing. She loves checking out new places and I know it would be a fun family day!
We have also asked for passes to local places to get some energy out this winter. Blue Water Jump Zone is one of our favorite places and they offer gift certificates that can be used for open play times as well as classes. There are several other experience-focused options at Birchwood Mall and throughout the Blue Water Area. An art lover might enjoy art experiences at The Painted Toad in Marine City.
For me, and I know for many other moms out there, the best gift I could receive is quality time with my children. Toys break and become outdated, but memories last forever. My goal this holiday season is to spend more intentional time with my daughters, and I hope these ideas can help some other families out there too!
For BlueWaterParent.com – Alyssa Dock
Click here for the Detroit Zoo Trip Guide.
Click here for the Kids’ Activities Page.
