
Anyone else feel like toys are taking over your home? So much so that the very thought of the annual holiday influx of toys makes you cringe? If so, this could be the year to try finding experience gifts in Fargo, rather than toys.
Gifting Memorable Experiences
For the holidays, we make the conscious decision to focus on non-toy gifts for our children. We choose instead to focus on making memories together.
One year, we chose to take our twins to their first “performance” and got tickets as a family to PJ Masks Live. The kids still talk about it when we drive pass the arena, almost a year later. As they danced in their seats and watched their beloved characters on stage, I realized this gift outshone any toy we could have had given them.
There are so many experience gift ideas you can give your family locally!
Ideas for Experience Gifts in Fargo & Moorhead
Zoo Membership
I can’t recommend this one enough: purchase a family membership to the Red River Zoo. This gift keeps giving year-round; providing you with something fun to do to get out of the house. This membership includes early access to the zoo if you want to go and avoid the crowds, plus any special events at the zoo are included! Also, there’s reciprocity at 150+ zoos and aquariums.
Looking for a zoo or aquarium trip to surprise them with? Check out nearby zoos and aquariums!
Swimming Lessons or Fun
If your kiddo is a little fish in the summer, then encourage gifts that continue the fun in the winter. There are plenty of places in our area that are offering indoor swimming lessons in the colder months. For something other than lessons, the Hulbert Aquatic Center typically offers inflatable swim events in the winter months (watch their website for updates and scheduled events) and YMCA of the Northern Sky offers Sunday Funday passes where kids can use the aquatic center, complete with a water obstacle course! Otherwise, a staycation at an area hotel with a pool might be just the thing.
Art Lessons or Craft Sessions
Encourage creativity by gifting your artist with an art program or kit. The Plains Art Museum, Fargo Park District and West Fargo Park District, and Moorhead Parks & Rec all offer a variety of offerings for different ages in a variety of mediums. Looking for something you can do together? Clay Your Way, Unglued, Rising Dawn Ceramics, and many local plant nurseries all have single day experiences with the opportunity to create a new masterpiece.
See our full list of places to craft with kids here to find a spot!
Sports & Activities
Kids are notorious for their ability to learn new things. Consider purchasing or contributing towards lessons that encourage a new interest: gymnastics, karate, piano, coding, skating, music…the list goes on. As parents, we love to see our children embrace these experiences. However, the costs of classes along with all the needed supplies/equipment can really add up. So this could be a great gift suggestion for other relatives to get involved in the fun of giving experiences. Summer camps and activities are also a fun way to give a gift that keeps on giving!
Indoor Play Memberships
Purchase punch cards or family memberships and find ways to be active indoors with your masks in tow. The indoor playgrounds at places like We Rock the Spectrum and Kidco can be a good solution for cabin fever over the next few months. Jumping at Sky Zone or rock climbing at Fargo Climbing are also excellent options for kids to get their energy out. Have a toddler? Check out all the local preschool open gyms happening around town to find places to purchase gift cards or punch cards.
Fun Family Experience
Do you have middle schoolers or teens in your family? Book a private nerf battle or tactical laser tag party with Tactical Action Gaming for a unique holiday experience you’ll be talking about for years. Are you a family of puzzlers? Clues & Keys Family Escape Room offers escape rooms designed with kids in mind. Other adventurous ideas include horseback riding and kayaking.
Another idea would be to book a weekend trip somewhere nearby! Find some location ideas here.
Arcade Gift Cards
If you have a gamer in the family, a gift card to Kingpinz or Thunder Road are a great gift option. See our full list of local arcades here!
Cooking Class
If you have a budding chef or baker in the family, consider a gift card for a cooking or baking class! There are even fun options for cookie decorating, too. See our list of places to check out here.
Event Tickets
Who says you can’t include a gift that’s for the whole family? The FARGODOME isn’t just for Bison games! Check out their calendar for a list of events that include everything from concerts to Disney on Ice to the Monster Jams. SCHEELS Arena is another venue to visit to find upcoming events the whole family will love. Tickets to a Fargo Force game would be fun, too!
Toys can still have their place. It is fun to watch your child’s face as they open the very thing they have been talking about for weeks. I’ve just realized that, for our family, one or two toys to unwrap are enough. I’d rather give the gift of an experience that will make memories throughout the year.
For more experience gifts in Fargo and gift-giving inspiration, check out our Local Holiday Gift Guide!
More Holiday Fun to Check Out
More Holiday Fun to Check Out