A large ship in the snow

Alternative gift experiences that tweens will love

January 19, 2023

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You’d like to think that buying gifts for your children gets easier as they get older, in some ways, it does, however, there is an argument to say that we should be looking to share experiences with them and make more memories rather than buying more stuff.

It can get really hard trying to buy birthday and Christmas gifts for our children as they get older. From the age of ten upwards, they seem less and less interested in toys and good old-fashioned on-the-floor play. Figures become a distant memory, playsets a thing of the past, play-doh and paint… do they even know craft stuff exists anymore?

It’s a hard time for tweens and parents, alike. Watching your children grow older is great but it’s also sad to see them let go of their childhood so willingly. Of course, it’s completely natural, normal, even, but for parents, it can definitely be an emotional period.

Share experiences and make memories

I’ve decided that the solution is to get creative about gifts and select stuff that will really enhance their tweenage years. It’s oh-so-easy to fall into the trap of purchasing electronic devices, accessories, and games. They’re everywhere these days, and we can’t deny that it’s not the norm. Scratch that, and take a look at these alternative experience gifts I’ve found for your not-so-youngsters.

Searching for a buyagift voucher code can help you save money on whichever experience your tween will love.

Gift experiences suitable for tweens

Up at the O2 - Alternative gift experiences that tweens will love

Adventure experiences

Up at The O2 Climb Experience for Two

Enjoy some quality time together with your tween with an Up at The O2 for two adventure pass. Climb a suspended walkway up, up, and beyond, to view London City from a height of 52 metres above ground level. All safety equipment and climbing gear are included, all you have to do is turn up with your tween to embark on this urban mountaineering adventure.

Segway Adventures

Segways topped the list of must-have Christmas toys in 2015. Since, they’ve gone from strength to strength, with so many cities across the UK offering Segway tours or off-road adventure safaris. This will definitely be considered a cool Crimbo present.

Bounce Below for Two at Zip World, Wales

From way up high Up at The O2 to deep down below at Zip World, Wales, Bounce Below promises to be a magical way for tweens, teens, and adults to rediscover their inner child. This subterranean play park is contained within the chambers and caverns of a slate mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales.

woman in black shirt beside white llama - Alternative gift experiences that tweens will love

Nature inspired experiences

Meet and greet Llama Experience

Tear your tween away from the computer screen with the prospect of meeting a real loot llama for the day. That’s got to be better than an afternoon looking out for the Fortnite pinatas, right?

Horse Riding Experience

Signing up for a horse riding experience is a perfect gift idea for novices and experienced riders alike. Those new to riding will be introduced to the basics of halting, walking and trotting, during a fun and informative hour-long session with a trained professional instructor, allowing them to really perfect their riding skills.

Meerkats encounter

If they have always wanted to get up close with a family of meerkats, then a meerkat encounter would be an incredible experience not to be missed. A chance to learn all about these friendly, inquisitive little mammals and some interesting facts along the way. Alongside a trained zookeeper, they will enter the meerkat enclosure and can even assist in feeding the furry friends. 

A large building - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Hogwarts in the Snow

Fantastic days out experiences

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Experience the wonders of the wizarding world with a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. At the studio tour in Leavesden, you’ll step onto the original sets from the beloved film series, exploring iconic locations like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾. Withdraw some Galleons from Gringotts Wizarding Bank, sip on a tasty Butterbeer and be enchanted by the beautiful costumes and props used over the eight films.

KidZania London

Designed to empower and entertain kids, KidZania gives children the chance to challenge themselves and explore the world of opportunities. If your child has ever dreamt of becoming a pilot, a firefighter or the next award-winning dancer, watch the excitement on their faces as they try out real-life activities! The concept effectively gives them their first taste of independence and gets kids thinking about what they might want to be in the future. 

Monopoly Lifesized

Taking the fun of family games night to a whole new level with the Monopoly Lifesized experience. Experience this iconic game through new eyes as the board comes to life around you – pick from three thrilling options and tackle your choice. Put your teamwork to the test and work your way through the puzzles to complete the game. Whichever your preference, you’re sure to be swept into the wonderful world of Monopoly. Don’t miss out on this immersive treat!

If these gift experiences aren’t for you, or your family, take a look online. There are hundreds upon thousands of alternative gift ideas that you can purchase. You’re sure to find an unexpected gift that will even tempt your tween into cracking a smile.

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