21 Non Gift Ideas for Christmas - How to Give Experiences Instead of Gifts

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Do you want to give experiences instead of gifts that add to the clutter? In this post, I’m sharing non gift ideas for Christmas so you can give gifts that aren’t things, but fun experiences or memories.

We all have someone on our Christmas list that has everything and needs nothing. Or someone who likes to live minimalistic. Or a sweet little kid with way too many toys.

Check out these non gift ideas for Christmas and non toy Christmas gifts for kids to find the perfect gift that isn’t a thing to create clutter!

This list of awesome non stuff gift ideas are meaningful and will create fun times and memories instead of clutter or more stuff.

21 Non Gift Ideas for Christmas – How to Give Experiences Instead of Gifts

Give experiences instead of gifts with these creative non gift ideas for Christmas perfect for all ages from kids to families to parents and grandparents.

What can I do instead of buying Christmas gifts?

These fun ideas are perfect for experience gifts that can be enjoyed later to spread the Christmas joy a little longer.

You can give gifts that aren’t things that kids and adults will love and appreciate!

This list of clutter free, non stuff gift ideas are perfect for people who have everything or you don’t know what to get them!

1. Tickets to a movie

This can work for your spouse, kids, or another family. Get a movie pass and plan a fun afternoon to go out to the movies.

A movie outing is a fun gift experience for kids and adults! You could gift another family movie tickets for a fun family experience gift!

2. Bookroo subscription

What do you get kids for Christmas that aren’t toys? A book subscription!

Technically, this would be gift, but the subscription would keep the fun going all year long.

We have a Bookroo subscription for my 6 month old daughter and love the great quality board books she has received.

The books come wrapped in fun wrapping paper that is such a fun experience for kids to open and enjoy.

Check out Bookroo here.

3. Concert tickets

Tickets to a concert would be a perfect experience gift for your husband, or another couple to join you.

4. KiwiCo crate subscription

KiwiCo is a fun subscription service for kids of all ages. They have different crates for different ages and they focus on the STEAM learning model.

We got Emmie the Panda crate and loved the high quality, interactive items she received.

The older kid’s crates have activities for arts, crafts, science and more. This is a great gift that will give kids an experience and several hours worth of playing and learning.

Check out KiwiCo here.

5. Tickets to a play

Gift tickets to a play to your spouse, parents, or kids. This would be a fun outing to dress up, get dinner beforehand, and enjoy a play together.

6. A planned weekend getaway

Plan a weekend getaway for your spouse with all the details planned out and everything paid for. All you’ll need to do is pack your bags and enjoy!

You could head to the mountains, the beach, a city, or the middle of nowhere! 🙂

7. Local museum tickets

There are museums for all ages and interests. Get tickets for your whole family, your parents, or another family to enjoy.

8. Plan a fishing trip

Does your Dad, husband, or Grandpa love to fish? Plan for warmer weather and plan an all out fishing trip for him and his buddies or your family to enjoy together.

9. A pre planned and paid for date night

This would be a great gift for another couple to enjoy, or for you and your spouse.

Plan and pay for the whole date and type up the details for the gift.

10. Free babysitter night

Do you know of a couple who could use a free babysitter for a night? Make a cute DIY voucher for a free babysitter for 3 hours.

11. A paid for golf outing

Know someone who loves to play a round of golf? Get a gift certificate from their favorite golf course or put “golf money” in an envelope if you don’t know where they prefer to golf.

12. Planned hike and picnic day

Plan an outdoor getaway with your extended family, parents, or your family and enjoy a hike and picnic day.

You could get together with your extended family or several friends and celebrate Christmas with no gifts, just enjoying the outdoors and a fun, festive picnic.

13. Bowling passes

Bowling is a fun activity for anyone! Get passes from your local bowling alley for another family, your family, or for a kid’s gift.

For kids, you could pay for their bowling pass and a few friends as their Christmas gift.

14. Local attraction tickets

Get tickets to a local amusement park, science center, museum, water park, or another attraction as a fun non gift ideas.

15. Charity donation

If you want to get something for someone who really does not want a thing for themselves, find a meaningful charity and make a donation in their honor.

16. Tickets to the zoo

We got my nephew and his parents tickets to the zoo for Christmas, and it made for a fun outing!

17. Complete a project

I ask my husband for a DIY project almost every birthday, but this can work for Christmas, too! If you know of a project someone would like done that you can help with, make it a Christmas present.

You could help with interior decorating, painting, building something, gardening, or something else.

18. Massage

A massage would be a great experience gift for anyone! You can gift a SpaFinder gift card that they can use at many different places.

19. Manicure & Pedicure

A gift certificate to a nail salon would be a great non gift Christmas idea for a mom, Grandma, best friend, teacher, or anyone to relax and enjoy.

20. Tickets to a local brewery

Get tickets to a local brewery, winery, or distillery for another couple, or your spouse for a fun adventure.

21. Host a game night

Have another family or friends over for a game night and let that be your Christmas celebration without gifts. You can play games, eat a snack style dinner, and just have fun without spending money.