Why More Families Are Choosing Experiences Over Toys

If your family is anything like mine, then you know how stressful a trip to Walmart or Target can be. As I shop for groceries, my kids constantly ask if we can walk down the toy aisle, begging to get something special. It can be hard to say no to your kids, especially when they give you their “innocent face,” so I often end up caving in. However, constantly buying toys for your children is not the answer. In fact, a constant influx of toys can often do more harm than good. Many other parents are realizing this as well, and that’s why you’re likely to hear about how families are choosing experiences over toys more and more each year.

There are many great experiences you can provide for your kids, from vacations to nature outings to trips to the local museum, and they can be more fulfilling than spending your budget on plastic toys. In this guide, we’ll tell you why experiences can be awesome, toys can be unnecessary, and how the activities you can do with your kids strengthen their lives and the bonds of your family.

Families are Choosing Experiences Over Toys

While parents still buy plenty of toys for their kids, many are starting to realize that nothing beats a new experience or a family vacation. According to 2024 data, 85% of parents are likely to travel with their kids this year. Along with that, a number of trends were identified. The increase in remote workers means that more people can take time off than they could before. Also, there was an increase in the number of families traveling to destinations where museums and educational experiences were found. Finally, there’s been an increase in multi-generational travel as kids, parents, and grandparents enjoy time and learn new things together.

The bottom line is that families are beginning to see the benefits of spending time together. A well-researched vacation can provide plenty of opportunities to learn new things and connect as a family. Experiences simply provide perks that random toys cannot.

There’s also research that shows people who receive an experience have a stronger emotional response than those who get a physical gift. A similar study shows that recipients of an experience are also more grateful. While there’s nothing wrong with providing the occasional toy, a memory or experience is simply more powerful.

Benefits of Experiences

While many families are choosing experiences over toys, we are just starting to see the many benefits that come along with going out in the world and trying something new. Here are just a few:

Cognitive Growth

When you bring your kids to new places, they get to learn with real-world experience. Many museums offer interactive exhibits that can teach your kids nearly anything they want to learn. Going on vacation to a new place can help your kids learn about a new culture and potentially even pick up a new language. Experiences also trigger all of the senses. Your kids can remember the sights and smells of a location, which will make it easier to remember. 

Cultural Awareness

In addition to learning new things, traveling to different states and countries can help your kids with their cultural awareness. They can learn that there’s more going on than what’s in their comfortable bubble. They may learn about new foods, languages, and lifestyles that they wouldn’t discover at home with a toy. 

Builds Confidence

When you try something new with your family, you show your kids that they can do more than they thought possible. Take a trip and go hiking, swimming, rock climbing, camping, or anything else they’re comfortable doing. You never know what they may love, and some of these experiences could also lead to future careers. 

Encourage Creativity

Many toys do all of the thinking for your kids. Change that by enjoying an experience that encourages your kids to think creatively while sparking their imagination. A trip to an art museum can inspire them to think about using pencils and paint brushes to create their own masterpieces. Many nature exhibits and experiences can also spark the curiosity-driven part of a youngster’s brain.

Form Lifelong Skills

While there are some legitimately educational toys out there, nothing can teach your kids lifelong skills like getting out in the world. An activity as simple as a camping trip can teach your kids essential life-saving skills, from building a fire to identifying dangerous plants. Many museums also have educational puzzles that can challenge your child’s mind and help them think about things differently. 

Types of Experiences

Families are choosing experiences over toys, and as they do, they’re exploring just how much there is to do out in the world. If you’ve already explored your town and you’re looking for more fun things to do with your family, consider this list:

• Go to the zoo
• Enjoy an amusement park
• Visit a local trampoline park
• See a botanical garden
• Take a beach trip
• Go skiing
• Taking a cooking class
• Go on a boat
• Attend an educational film
• Plant a garden
• Go ice skating
• Take a train ride
• Go fishing
• Visit a friend who lives out of town

Add all of these fun activities to your bucket list. You never know when one of these experiences can lead to more adventures and new family traditions.

The Downside of Toys

There are many reasons why families are choosing experiences over toys. A big one is that many parents are starting to realize that toys don’t provide the benefits they used to think they did. The downsides of toys include:

They Cost Money

Toys can be expensive, and prices have increased in 2025 after being relatively flat or declining in previous years. These days, there are more electronic toys, video games, and items with costly parts. In the end, you could end up paying hundreds of dollars for a single toy or game. After paying for the toys, you may find they go out of style quickly or your kids stop playing with them altogether. Even if you purchase educational toys, it's important to do your research because many of them are less academic than they appear to be. 

They Create Clutter

I've discovered that the more toys you buy, the more clutter you end up with around the house. You can try to sort things out and hide them in drawers and storage cubes, but eventually, that space runs out, and specific toys can be impossible to find. More clutter means more cleaning and dusting, and potentially even mental health issues. Plus, the more toys you buy them, the less they appreciate what they have.

Overstimulation

While toys often provide short-term happiness, vacations and experiences can provide lifelong memories and the chance for your kids to immerse themselves in a new culture. Some toys can also overstimulate the senses with their loud sounds and flashing lights, which can stall creativity. Plus, when kids only play with a toy for a short time, it can lead to shorter attention spans. This negative behavior can carry into their lives at school and follow them into adulthood.

Too Many Screens

As your kids get older, they’re likely to have more toys and gadgets with screens, which can be an issue if you’re not monitoring them. Constant exposure to screens can have many drawbacks, including health issues like obesity, sleep disturbances, dry eyes, and eventually cognitive impairment. If your kids have screen-based toys, avoid letting them play near bedtime, as the blue light can disrupt their sleep. Or avoid them completely, bring your kids on vacation, and let their eyes be their screens. 

Developmental Issues

Another reason why families are choosing experiences over toys is to avoid the potential developmental issues that can occur over time. These days, toys have become so advanced that many of them essentially leave your kid’s creative thinking skills out of the equation, which can limit their creativity. Sitting at home playing with toys can also potentially limit the opportunities to be social with other kids, and that shyness can affect them later in life. Getting out, playing with others, and seeing new things while on vacation can be a major boost to their development as they get older.

Experiences Are Good For Everyone

Ultimately, everyone in your family can benefit from reducing the toy collection and taking the time to enjoy new experiences. Collecting toys can only improve the chances that your kids will prioritize materialism over the beauty of life. So, let this be the push you need to plan a special holiday getaway or an educational summer trip. It will be a great time, and your kids will hold onto the memories for the rest of their lives.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sorapop Udomsri/Shutterstock.com