5 Reasons "Experience Gifts" Beat Toys for Creative Kids & Teens

We’ve all been there. By lunchtime on December 25th, you’re wading through a knee-deep sea of torn wrapping paper, stepping on already-lost plastic doll accessories (that cause injury through Boxing Day), and tripping over buried video game controllers. You look around and wonder, where on earth are we going to put all this “junk”?

Don’t get me wrong, toys and gadgets are great (take it from a life-long toy collector!) But for the kid or teen who’s got a big imagination, a quirky creative flair, or who needs an outlet for expression, another box of forgotten stuff might not be the answer.

And why should kids have all the creative fun? Look at the innovators, imagineers and great creators of any generation—this applies to the 'grown-ups' too. Whether they admit it or not, many of them would be happy to toss the spreadsheets and pick up a sketchbook.

We’re seeing a huge shift lately. More families are swapping the "plastic mountain" for experience gifts with meaning and longer term impacts. And it’s not just parents driving the change—it’s the students, too.

I recently had a moment that put a huge smile on my face. A parent of a current student told me that their child specifically said to the family: "I don’t want toys for Christmas. I just want more Upchuckle lessons." (I realize that sounds like a made-up, fake promotion and I’d scoff while rolling my eyes too, but I swear it’s the truth—and I was incredibly touched to hear that…while also hoping they get some toys too!) :)

All people crave connection and creativity more than we sometimes acknowledge. Whether kids, teens, or adults, everyone desires a way to express themselves and have something to show for it. An outlet to find their voices and be heard.

If you’re on the fence about gifting an experience versus a physical gift this year, here are five reasons why the experience wins every time.

1. It Doesn’t End Up in a Landfill by February

We all know the cycle. The gadget is the most exciting thing in the world for 48 hours. Then a piece goes missing. Then the neighbor gets the upgraded version. Six months later, it’s clutter collecting dust under the bed.

An experience gift—like a Cartoon Camp or an art or animation class—doesn't add to the donation pile. It builds skills rather than taking up shelf space. It occupies their imagination, not your living room floor.

2. It Builds Much More Than Minecraft Worlds—It Builds Confidence

Creative kids (and adults!) often have big ideas but don't know how to express them. When you gift a class, you aren't just giving them "something to do." You’re giving them a safe space to be bold, be weird, and figure out who they are with real professional guidance, training and support.

Creative classes teach students to trust their instincts. That confidence doesn’t disappear when the class ends; it follows them into their school presentations, their friendships, and their daily lives.

3. The Memories Last Longer Than the Stuff

Psychology research confirms that we get more enduring happiness from doing things than having things. The joy of a new object fades as we get used to it, but memories of an experience tend to get fonder over time.

When a student unwraps a registration for an art class, they get the anticipation of the first day, the joy of creating, and the pride of the projects they make. They know the possibilities are endless, and their eager imaginations are flooded with worlds, characters, creatures and stories. You’re gifting a core memory, not just an object.

4. It Connects Them with "Their People"

Creative kids—and especially teens—sometimes feel like the odd one out. High school can be tough when you feel like you have to fit a certain mold or don’t belong.

At our school, they walk into a room and realize, "Oh, these are my people." Even among our instructors. It fosters connection, empathy and sense of belonging. A video game is fun, but it doesn't teach you how to collaborate or create something unique that will last from scratch. Finding a community where they can discover what they have in common and make new friends is priceless.

5. It’s the Gift That Keeps on Giving (like the Jelly-Of-The-Month Club)

I know, that’s cliché. But it fits. When you give someone the confidence and tools to draw, design, or express themselves without fear, those are life skills: the ability to be bold, to be brave, and to believe in their choices while creative problem-solving.

The student who asked for lessons instead of toys realized that the joy of creating is worth more than something in a cardboard box. They’re asking for growth and laughter. And really, isn't that what we all want to give?

And we at Upchuckle Education want to support this growth, while offering you a gift of our own. That's why we're offering a bonus of 20% on all gift card purchases up until Christmas Day.

Get Your Gift Card (+ a 20% Holiday Bonus) Here

Until next time, keep on creating and Happy Holidays, everyone!

Brad Ferguson
Founder & Director of Upchuckle Education