A Holiday Gift-Giving Guide for the Mom Who Would Rather Give Experiences

Ah, the benefits of giving experiences to your kids rather than toys. This sounds wonderful until I imagine my little one with a disappointed look, or picture a beautifully decorated tree with no gifts under it. It is a complicated reality to not want the excess of the holidays but absolutely enjoy the experience of holiday cheer as we know it.

I currently have small children, so the reality is my little ones would have just as much fun playing with the box from a toy rather than the toy itself (which did happen last Christmas!). Nonetheless, there will come a point (and is probably the point for many other parents) when you realize that your child’s so-called happiness on Christmas is resting on your shoulders. No pressure.

So, for the experience-based giver, I have come up with a list of gifts when you want to create experiences instead of selecting random toys. The truth is, it is possible for toys or other things to create experiences if they are given to the right person in the right way. Here is how:

>> LISTEN :: Goodbye, Traditions :: Momfessions Podcast :: Episode 103 <<

The Gift of Holiday Cheer

The gift of holiday cheer is a gift for the entire family. There are several holiday events across North Texas that you can participate in depending on your interests. These can even become a tradition — talk about a gift that keeps on giving! Here are some of my favorites:

1. Christmas in the Stockyards :: Fort Worth :: There is nothing more Texan than enjoying the holidays in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Check out Cowboy Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, the holiday ice rink, reindeer games, Strolling Dicken’s Carolers, rodeos, a Christmas parade, and all of the festive activities starting December 2.

2. North Pole Express :: Grapevine :: The North Pole Express on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad is a special train ride that runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This festive riding experience includes cookies with frosty chocolate snow milk, a Christmas show, and pictures with Santa. Considered the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” the city of Grapevine is full of other activities that are sure to fill your day with joy and wonder.

>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: A Guide to Holiday Fun in Tarrant County :: Merry Events, Santa Sightings, Holiday Lights, and More <<

3. Prairie Lights :: Grand Prairie :: There are many holiday light parks popping up across North Texas but Prairie Lights is my favorite. Enjoy both drive-thru and walking experiences as well as food and hot drinks, and take pictures with Santa in the Holiday Village. Visit daily starting at 6:00 p.m. from November 28 – December 31.

4. Six Flags :: Arlington :: Every North Texas child’s favorite amusement park, Six Flags boasts seasonal events all year long, and the best way to see them is by membership. So, to see the festive light displays during the holidays, you have so many options. With a membership as low as $6.99/month per membership, you get discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise. The better the membership, the better the discount. Some memberships even offer unlimited soft drinks on every visit. 

5. The Modern Lights :: Fort Worth :: See The Modern’s trees sparkle with brilliant lights from November 29 through February 9. Enjoy this free holiday tradition on Fridays until 8:00 p.m. Admission is half off Sundays, and $16 for adults the rest of the week. Children always enter for free.

6. The Nutcracker :: Dallas, Fort Worth :: Another holiday tradition is seeing the Nutcracker at the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth or Winspear Opera House in Dallas. Most local theatre companies have a holiday show, so whether it’s the Nutcracker or a symphony concert, there is nothing more exciting than taking in the performing arts during the holidays. 

The Gift of Giving

When I was growing up, I always appreciated the opportunity to give to others during the holidays. Whether it was participating in toy drives or throwing holiday parties for women and children in need, helping others to have a better holiday season helps me to focus on the reason for the season.

>> RELATED READ :: Local Community Service Projects and Volunteer Ideas for Kids of Every Age <<

Here are some organizations your family and friends can partner with this season:

1. Homes for the Holidays :: Fort Worth :: The Center for Transforming Lives invites volunteers to its center and patrons to its resale shop to offer support in myriad ways to single mothers and their children who are at risk in Tarrant County.

2. Safe Haven of Tarrant County :: Arlington :: Donate toys, books, STEAM kits, plushies, newborn essentials, and other gifts to the shelter residents of Safe Haven. Drop off items December 7 – 17 from 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

3. The Women’s Center :: Fort Worth :: Sponsor a family, wrap presents, or drop off donations to the Women’s Center during its annual holiday program. See sign up details online. 

The Gift of Learning

1. Dallas World Aquarium :: The Dallas World Aquarium offers a variety of underwater experiences for the family, plus habitats with exotic animals from around the world. Memberships range from $145 – $300.

2. Dallas Zoo :: Lions, tigers, and . . . otters, oh my! Claiming the title of the oldest and largest zoo in all of Texas, Dallas Zoo offers many affordable membership options. There are several seasonal events year round, too.

3. Explorium Denton Children’s Museum :: Denton :: At this STEM-based interactive museum and play space, kids do art, puzzles, magnet mazes, giant blocks, and robot building. They can even create mini-movies with stop motion animation. The chicken coop and PVC pipe slide are big hits that can’t be missed. With a baby corner (and a private nursing room), the Explorium is designed for ages 10 and under. Annual memberships are $149 for the whole family, or opt for the daily rate of $5 per adult, $6 per child, and free for non-walkers.

4. Epic Waters :: Grand Prairie :: Perks for an annual pass holder include food, beverage, merchandise, and cabana rental discounts, 20 early admission dates, two late night after-hour annual pass parties, and a $20 arcade card for each pass holder. $239 per pass.

>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Local Business Directory <<

5. Fort Worth Zoo :: Fort Worth :: The gift of membership benefits your family and the zoo. It includes discounts on Safari Splash, merchandise, train rides, carousel tickets, and zoo education programs. 

6. Fossil Rim Wildlife Park :: Glen Rose :: This drive-thru zoo is one of my family’s favorites. Membership perks include discounts on additional guests, food, animal feed, merchandise, tours, and lodging, invitations to member-only events, a car decal, and more.

7. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History :: Fort Worth :: While the five-person membership is what I would choose for my family, there are multiple options with different levels available. 

8. Legoland Discovery Center, Sea Life Aquarium, and Peppa Pig World of Play :: The Grapevine Mills mall boasts the ultimate trifecta of experience gifts! You can visit any of the three or purchase combination packages. While Sea Life is perfect for all ages, Peppa Pig is geared toward littles five and under, and Legoland is ideal for ages three and up.

Whatever you decide to do for the holidays, make it fun and special for your family, friends, and your community.