Experience Gifts That Build Family Connections: Magazines and Activity Subscriptions

Finding the perfect gifts for kids can be tough. What they like today, they might ignore tomorrow. Unfortunately, this means holiday and birthday tokens often end up unused, gathering dust in a closet or toy bin.

Instead of trying your luck with another toy, consider giving the child in your life a present they’ll look forward to with anticipation, relish in the moment, and remember for years to come: an experience gift.

What Is an Experience Gift?

An experience gift focuses on “doing” instead of “having,” such as tickets to an event, enrollment in an activity or plans for an outing to enjoy on their own or with family. From guitar lessons to monthly subscription boxes to a trip to the local aquarium, experience gifts introduce children to new adventures, people and worldviews. 

Why Are Experience Gifts Important for Kids?

Experience gifts have so many benefits for both the gift-giver and recipient:

• Building strong relationships: A 2016 study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that experience-based gifts create stronger bonds between gift-giver and receiver than traditional physical gifts. So, besides being fun, the best experience gifts help kids feel closer to the grown-ups they love!
• Creating enduring memories: While toys may come and go, the memories made by creating, sharing and learning through experience gifts can last a lifetime.
• Inspiring conversations: Shared experiences can spur long conversations between caregiver and child, opening the doors to communication.
• Encouraging self-discovery: As children learn more about the world (and about themselves!), they’ll build confidence, independence, gratitude and empathy. 

How Can I Give an Experience Gift?

Experience gifts can be new for many kids, so consider these tips to ensure holiday and birthday present perfection:

• Do some research: Before giving a gift, ask the child or their caregivers about things they’re interested in or activities they’ve always wanted to do.
• Add a small surprise: Young children often gravitate toward physical gifts they can use right away. When giving an experience gift, consider adding a small, related token to make the moment feel instantly special. For example: a set of colored pencils for a drawing class or the first issue of a subscription they’ll receive throughout the year. A simple item can spark excitement and help kids connect the gift to the adventure ahead.
• Set the stage: Be sure to explain in exciting detail the experience your child can look forward to with their new gift!

Highlights’ Best Experience Gifts for Kids

While gift-giving options are as wide as your child’s interests, Highlights has some of the best experience and activity gifts for kids of every age.

• Highlights Magazine: Every month, Highlights magazine delivers 44 pages of stories, games, experiments and hands-on activities that kids love. But Highlights  is more than just something to read; it’s something to do. As your child solves puzzles, makes crafts, laughs at jokes and even submits their own creations to share with other readers, they’ll participate in play that supports critical thinking, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Ages 6-12
• brainPLAY Magazine: Whether you’re racing to solve a riddle or tackling a tricky brain teaser together, your family can experience the fun of thinking creatively with each brainPLAY delivery. Every other month, this gift brings 32 pages of clever games, witty puzzles and mind-stretching challenges that make learning feel like play. You’ll find fun, laughter and family memories, all rolled into one. Ages 7+
• High Five Magazine: High Five offers a special opportunity for preschoolers and kindergartners to read, talk, snuggle and create with their grown-ups. Each monthly, 36-page issue is filled with age-appropriate stories, crafts, recipes and activities that help kids grow, while creating lasting family memories. Even better, you’ll encourage curiosity, independence and confidence — as well as reinforce early reading, math and social skills — along the way. Ages 3-5
• High Five Activity Box: This quarterly subscription box is the perfect hands-on companion to High Five magazine. Each box is filled with books, crafts, family games and kid-friendly recipes that strengthen creativity and family connection. Little ones can share stories, dig into exciting projects and eat fun treats with the grown-ups they love, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a mini adventure. Ages 3-6
• Hello Magazine: Even babies and toddlers will love this experience gift! Each monthly 16-page issue features colorful images, whimsical read-aloud stories and poems, and simple activities that you can enjoy together with your little one. With soft, durable pages made for tiny hands, Hello encourages early literacy and connection through close moments and shared memories. Ages 0-2

Highlights magazines, activity boxes and other experience gifts for kids are more than just presents. They’re life lessons that spark curiosity, bring families together and create lasting memories all year long.