As we settle into the holiday season, you’re likely on the hunt for the perfect gift. Studies show that 74% of people prefer experiences over traditional gifts and that Gen Z especially values experiences involving adventure or trying new things. While experiential gifts like a summer camp, trip, or concert hold so much value, how do you make sure your child stays excited about an event that’s far in the future? We’ve got ideas for you.
5 Ways To Maximize Experiential Gifts
1. Start with art
Kids tend to understand visual languages much more than we give them credit for. Build hype for the moment by creating art in theme with the experience. It can be something simple, like decorating a card with drawings inside or something more intricate like a sculpting with clay or hot glue and the “junk” in your house. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about the joy of creating and the memories that come with it.
2. Create an adventure
Build anticipation through fun activities like a scavenger hunt. It’ll make the whole thing so exciting, and you can give your child clues about the destination as you go. Play 20 questions, write little riddles, or make an old school treasure map to the big reveal!
3. Countdown to the big event
Creating anticipatory activities can make it all the more special. Whether it’s keeping a countdown calendar and marking off each day or doing one thing a month to prep the experience (finding a new outfit, purchasing a disposable camera, etc.), you can make this the gift that keeps on giving!
4. Provide a physical token
Printable gift certificates are a great way to give an experience so your child has something to unwrap. But if you want to kick it up a notch, providing a physical token that represents the gift is a way for your child to have an everyday reminder of what’s to come. For example, gift Robux as a symbol of summer Roblox Camp to promote excitement.
5. Document the whole experience
Take a video during the unwrapping to serve as the beginning of the journey. Then, use a tool like “1 Second Everyday” to create a video compilation of the entire countdown to the experience that will allow your child to relive those memories forever! Bonus: After an iD Tech camp, you’ll have access to all the photos from the week so you can add those core memories to the final product.