Experience Gifts for Children — Meaningful, Joy-Filled Alternatives to More Stuff

Give Memories, Skill-Building, and Community Connection This Christmas

As parents, we all know the feeling: the toys pile up, batteries run out, interest fades… and the clutter remains. Montessori philosophy reminds us that the best gifts are often experiences, not things. Experiences help children grow through movement, creativity, joy, and real-world learning.

This Christmas, consider gifting something your child will remember long after the wrapping paper is gone: a chance to try something new, strengthen their confidence, or explore the world beyond the classroom.

Here are some fantastic experience-based gift ideas right here in our community—bonus points, some are just steps away from Waterfront Academy!

Waterfront Academy, or this blog article, is not sponsored. All the businesses mentioned are based on my personal opinion from my experiences.

The Little Gym — Stay Active All Winter Long

Give the gift of movement! The Little Gym offers engaging, developmentally aligned physical classes that keep children strong, confident, and active—even when winter makes outdoor play tricky. Their gymnastics-based programming supports balance, coordination, and resilience, while offering a fun social outlet.

Bonus: It’s only one block away from Waterfront Academy! Perfect for before or after school activities.

Gift idea: Purchase a class pass, membership, or winter session enrollment.

Joy of Motion — Dance Classes for Every Child

If your child loves rhythm, movement, and creative expression, Joy of Motion is the perfect experience gift. From ballet to hip-hop to musical theater, their children’s programs help kids grow stronger, more disciplined, and more confident.

Dance supports grace, coordination, and emotional expression—all beautiful complements to Montessori development.

Gift idea: Enroll your child in a winter class or give a gift certificate for spring sessions.

Miracle Theater — Family-Friendly Films & Live Programming

Give the gift of storytelling and imagination!The Miracle Theater hosts delightful children’s movies and family programming that bring joy, culture, and togetherness. A movie outing becomes a special memory—one that doesn’t add clutter to your home.

Gift idea: A pack of movie passes or tickets to upcoming children’s shows.

Camp Aventura — A Summer Experience They’ll Never Forget

Why wait until June to start planning?Camp Aventura, Waterfront Academy’s beloved Spanish immersion summer camp, is one of the most joyful, enriching experiences you can give a child ages 3–12. Campers enjoy hands-on projects, nature, culture, Spanish language practice, science activities, art, water days, and adventure-filled weeks.

And because registration fills quickly, an early camp purchase makes an amazing Christmas present—and supports our school’s mission.

Gift idea: Gift a week (or two!) of Camp Aventura and give your child a summer to look forward to.

BONUS: Waterfront Academy School Store — Wear Your Spirit!

While not an experience, the Waterfront Academy School Store is the perfect companion to all of the above. Pick out:

• Youth and adult shirts

• Cozy hoodies for cooler months

• School pride gear to wear around the neighborhood

A wonderful stocking stuffer and a meaningful way to represent our bilingual Montessori community.

Why Experience Gifts Matter

Experience gifts nurture creativity, physical development, cultural appreciation, and connection. They strengthen family bonds, build lasting memories, and support the child’s natural curiosity—all while reducing clutter and supporting local organizations that enrich our community.

This season, choose gifts that grow the child, not the toy box.

Support Waterfront Academy This Christmas

If this guide inspires you, please consider giving a small Christmas gift to Waterfront Academy to support all the work we do. Click here to donate and support our mission.