Presence Over Presents

            The holiday season is here again, and many parents find themselves scrambling to shop for all the important people in their lives. Shopping for the perfect gift for your kids can be stressful. Gift giving can be full of joy, but oftentimes what kids want and need is their parents’ time more than a pile of gifts. This year, try prioritizing presence over presents. This slight change in perspective can relieve this stress and give your kids the gift of memorable experiences that last longer than the thrill of a new toy.

The gift of experience

            Sharing an experience can be a great alternative to giving a physical gift. Find something your family enjoys doing together and make it into a surprise. Some ideas may include taking a trip, attending a concert, visiting a museum or a local attraction, or eating at a special restaurant. Most importantly, you will be enjoying the activity as a family. Experience gifts promote family bonding and create memories that will last a lifetime.

            “We always ask my in-laws for a zoo pass. My parents have gotten us a Union Station pass. We went to see Dude Perfect in Wichita one year, and I’m thinking about getting my theater lover a Starlight season pass for next summer,” says Emily Hilley, Olathe mom of two.

The gift of time

            Time spent together holds great value for kids. When you are shopping for gifts this year, look for items that promote family time, such as games, puzzles, a cookie baking kit, sports equipment or crafts. Take the time to play and spend moments and hours together. You may find these activities become family traditions you return to every year.

The gift of helping others

            Taking time to serve those in need not only brings joy to those who receive help, but also to those who offer it. Kids who volunteer regularly have a better appreciation for the blessings they have in their own lives and are more likely to be generous and serve others as they become adults. Ask your kids what needs they see in the community and decide how your family would like to serve. Some ideas may include a coat or food drive, serving meals at a shelter, adopting a family for Christmas, raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, sending holiday cards to veterans, baking and delivering cookies to neighbors, or picking up litter in your community. Choose what fits your family’s time and budget and make it a priority.

The gift of trying something new

            Has your child always wanted to try a particular activity or sport but the cost of lessons was not in the budget? Consider purchasing this gift for your kids. This will give them the opportunity to try something new and will also let them know you are considering their interests. Families may also want to purchase a membership to a local zoo, amusement park, community center or museum. This will be something the family can enjoy together over the year ahead.

Plan a trip

Many families may consider taking a trip rather than buying more gifts and toys. This could be a big trip to Disney, the beach or abroad, or it could simply mean a weekend getaway. When choosing a location, consider budget, travel time and interests. Some families may enjoy traveling out of town for a Royals game, others may find a weekend trip to Omaha to visit the zoo and other attractions is the right fit, and others may decide to take a cruise. A family trip will create memories your kids will cherish forever.

            You don’t have to get rid of gift giving all together, but being intentional about buying things you can enjoy as a family and taking the time to purchase a few gifts that are really special to your children will help them see the importance of presence over presents. Your kids will likely agree that the best gift is time spent with you.

Creative Gift Ideas

• Membership – KC Zoo and Aquarium, Science City, Urban Air, Worlds of Fun, Sea Life Aquarium, Starlight Theatre, Union Station, Wonderscope Children’s Museum
• Backstage tour – animal encounter at the zoo, Chip’s Chocolate Factory tour at Crown Center, Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium tour  
• Subscription – cooking box, crafting kit, science experiments, magazines, book box
• Experience – escape room, hot air balloon ride, horseback riding, rock climbing, zip lining
• Class – drawing, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, sports clinics or camps, cooking, swimming, music, theater
• Coupon book – extra dessert, chore pass, dinner pick, extra screen time, date with a parent
• Tickets – concert, sports game, circus, ice show, play, musical, theater, ballet, Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium, Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City
• Fan experience – Comic-Con, anime, behind-the-scenes tours of favorite sport
• Digital item – kid-friendly apps, Kindle Unlimited, gift cards for games or music, Spotify, Disney Plus, Audible
• Day of fun – “yes” day, spa day, arcade trip, bowling, movies, shopping, lunch, ice cream, pizza buffet, breakfast, coffee, donuts, museum
• Summer camp – sports, art, horseback riding, history, drawing, theater, robotics, coding
• Weekend trip – indoor water park, camping, hotel downtown, amusement park, favorite sport’s away game, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children including 9-year-old triplets. Her family is trying to find creative and meaningful gifts this year instead of the “toy overload” of years past. She lives in Olathe with her family.