Planning a family road trip? Let me guess – the thought of a long car ride with your sensory-sensitive kiddo makes you want to hide under a weighted blanket and never come out? Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count.

But here’s the thing – with some intentional planning and a well-stocked sensory kit, road trips can actually be fun. My daughter has significant sensory needs, and after years of trial and error (and yes, a few a lot of epic meltdowns along the way), I think I’m finally catching on to some life savers for sensory-friendly travel.

Today, I’m sharing some tips I’ve learned so far and all the essentials to create a road trip-friendly sensory kit so you can bypass some of the stress and instead enjoy that true crime podcast on your AirPods while you cruise the open roads. 

This post contains affiliate links to products I love and recommend. This adds no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Understanding Your Child’s Road Trip-Friendly Sensory Challenges on the Road

Before we dive into packing tips, let’s talk about why family road trips can be particularly challenging for kids with sensory issues. And if you’re a highly sensitive parent, it can be incredibly challenging for you, too! The confined space, constant motion, engine noise, changing scenery, and inability to move freely can create the perfect storm for sensory overload in even a non-sensory sensitive child. Add in excitement, anxiety about the destination, lack of sleep, or disrupted routines, and it’s no wonder our sensitive kids majorly struggle on long car rides.

The KEY is recognizing that what others might deem “bad behavior” is often your child’s nervous system trying to cope with too much stimulation and alerting you to your child’s needs. Once I understood this about my daughter, everything changed. Instead of feeling frustrated, impatient, and full of dread, I started approaching our travels with empathy and preparation.

Creating the Ultimate Road Trip-Friendly Sensory Kit

Your sensory kit is going to be your secret weapon. Think of it as a portable calm-down corner that travels with you. I keep ours in a dedicated backpack that stays packed and ready to go – because let’s be honest, sometimes those spontaneous ice cream runs turn into longer adventures!

Sensory Toys and Tactile Items That Work Wonders

Start with items that provide comforting tactile input:

• Weighted lap pad – Absolutely game-changing for long car rides and flights. The gentle pressure can help your child feel grounded and calm when everything else feels chaotic.  I have a 5-pound version for me, as well. It’s my number one travel essential!

• Stress balls (various textures) – Pack both smooth and bumpy varieties. This variety pack checks all the boxes. Some kids crave smooth surfaces while others need more intense tactile input. Large pom poms are some of my favorites because they’re super cheap when you have to replace them, and they won’t hurt anyone when they inevitably get chunked at someone’s head because they’re chewing too loudly. 

• Squishy fidget toys – Mochi squishies are great sensory toys for kids who need something to squeeze and manipulate with their hands and are fun for imagination play, as well. Their low price point makes them great for surprising kids with a new one each day of the trip.

• Smooth stones or textured fabric pieces – For older kids and teens,  a little mesh bag filled with smooth rocks that your kid can shake around or move her fingers through is relaxing. (Please remain vigilant and do not give to young children due to the risk of choking.) For younger kids, fabric touch and feel books, tag security blankets, simple cut pieces of varying fabrics, or bean bags made of differing fabrics are a great addition to the sensory bag.  

• Soft travel blanket – Non-negotiable in our family! Even in summer, having that familiar smell,  weight, and texture within reach provides instant comfort. Choose one that’s small enough not to overwhelm your car space but large enough to provide that cozy feeling. My kids are tweens and teens now, and still bring their favorite travel blanket with them on every trip. 

Managing Sound and Noise

Noise can be a huge trigger during car rides:

• Noise-canceling headphones – Invest in good quality ones! The engine, road noise, siblings talking, or music can quickly lead to sensory overload. We got Apple Airpod Pros to help with my at the time tween daughter’s misophonia, and they’ve been worth every penny. They literally are a lifesaver on

• Earplugs – Perfect option for sound reduction when you don’t want to use the headphones. My daughter prefers these Curvd brand earplugs over the other popular brands. For kids aged 6-12, these Loop Engage earplugs help block unwanted noises without silencing everything around them. And for babies and toddlers, you can find lots of options here. 

 • Soft hat or ear warmers – Sometimes just having something soft covering the ears can help. This cute and cozy fleece headband also doubles as headphones for your kiddo!

• Playlist or audiobooks – Some kids actually need more auditory input, not less. Having their favorite songs or stories downloaded and ready gives you control over the auditory environment.

• White noise machines and apps – Great for kids who need a consistent background sound to feel calm. I love how this white noise machine doubles as a customizable nightlight. 

Items for Oral Sensory Needs

Many kids with sensory challenges need oral input during stress or excitement:

• Chewable jewelry or necklaces – Safe, wearable chewable jewelry options that won’t get lost in the car.

• Chewy toys (various textures) – Pack both smooth and bumpy chewy toy varieties. Some firm, some softer – what works one day might not work the next.

• Thick straws or chew tubes – Great chewy toy alternatives that provide the oral input they’re seeking.

Visual and Focus Tools

Keep hands busy and provide visual input with these essentials:

• Coloring books – A classic for a reason! They provide focused visual input while keeping hands busy. Perfect for both littles, teens, and adults!

• Sticker books – Less messy than crayons and equally engaging. These reusable sticker books are my favorite. 

• Drawing boards – These LCD drawing boards are lightweight, reusable, and mess-free for creative expression.

• Simple fidget toys with visual elements – Toys that light up, change colors, or have interesting visual patterns. These light-up fidget spinners are favorites. 

• Color-specific items – Consider the color of items you’re packing. Some kids are calmed by certain colors, while others might be overstimulated by bright or busy patterns.

Smart Packing Tips for Success

The way you organize your road trip-friendly sensory kit can make or break your trip:

• Keep essentials within reach – Everything your child might need should be accessible from their seat, not buried in a suitcase. I learned this the hard way during a memorable meltdown flying home from Denver.

• Use a dedicated sensory travel bag – This expandable tote bag is perfect! It’s easy to carry and has a large capacity for storing everything you need. It expands open completely and has 15 differnt compartments to keep you organized. Keep it packed and ready to go for spontaneous trips or around town.

• Pack doubles of favorites – If your child has a beloved squishy toy or chew item, pack a backup. Kids lose things, and gas station parking lots are not forgiving.

• Create a small, easy-access car bag – The most critical items should sit right next to your child in a small bag they can reach and open independently.

Creating Calm in the Chaos

Even with the best preparation, challenging moments will happen. The key is having sensory regulation strategies to help your child find calm again quickly. This is where understanding your child’s specific sensory needs becomes crucial.

Some kids need to increase sensory input when they’re overwhelmed – they might need to squeeze a stress ball, chew on something, or put on their weighted lap pad. Others need to decrease stimulation – dim lights, quiet voices, and smooth textures might help them reset.

Practice these calming strategies at home before your trip. The middle of a highway isn’t the time to discover that your child hates the new fidget toy you packed or that the backup chewable item has a texture they can’t tolerate.

Also, pay extra attention to physical needs. Travel means disrupted schedules and environments. Keeping snacks and drinks on hand will help combat the hangry. Allow for extra rest/nap time, too. Sensory-sensitive kiddos need us to help monitor and anticipate their needs before the overwhelm hits. 

Managing Meltdowns on the Road

Let’s be real – sometimes, despite all our preparation, meltdowns happen. And that’s okay! Having sensory needs doesn’t mean your family can’t travel; it just means you travel differently.

When a meltdown occurs, prioritize safety first. Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Don’t try to power through or wait for the next rest stop if your child is in severe distress. 

Once stopped, resist the urge to talk too much or offer too many solutions at once. Sometimes kids need to work through their big feelings before they can accept comfort. Keep sensory items nearby, speak softly, and wait for cues about what might help.

Road Trip Ready: The Magic of Routine and Predictability

One thing that has dramatically improved our road trips is creating predictable routines around travel. For example, pack the sensory kit the night before. Make the same first stop for snacks. For my daughter, that means Starbucks as soon as we get through security at the airport or McDonald’s on a road trip. Listen to the same “travel playlist” for the first thirty minutes. You get the picture.

Predicability can be a great comfort for sensory-sensitive kids. Routines help signal to the nervous system that even though we’re doing something different, some things stay the same. It’s like giving a sensory system a roadmap for what to expect.

Wrapping Up: Road Trip-Friendly Sensory Kit Ready!

Planning a sensory-friendly road trip might feel overwhelming at first, but remember – you’re the expert on your child. You know what soothes them, what excites them, and what sends them over the edge. Trust that knowledge, pack thoughtfully, and give yourself grace.

Our family’s best memories have come from trips that didn’t go according to plan but taught us something new about flexibility, patience, and adventure. Your child’s sensory needs aren’t something to overcome – they’re just one part of who they are, and with the right preparation, they don’t have to limit your family’s adventures.

So make that road trip-friendly sensory kit checklist, throw in an extra stress ball and favorite toys, and hit the road. And don’t forget the snacks! 

The post My Favorite Items to Complete Your Road Trip-Friendly Sensory Kit | 2026 appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

When I first told family we were planning a trip to Europe with my then 9-year-old daughter, the reactions ranged from “You’re brave!” to barely concealed looks of concern. My daughter has Tourette’s syndrome and misophonia, which means certain sounds can send her into a spiral, and stressful situations trigger an increase in her tics and meltdowns. But here’s what I’ve learned over three years of family adventures: traveling with neurodivergent kids isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about preparing for them with love, patience, and the right tools.

Yes, we’ve had meltdowns in airport security lines, in subways, and crammed in crowded elevators when the stimuli became too much. But we’ve also discovered that despite the inevitable struggles, traveling with a neurodivergent child can be incredibly rewarding for families.

This guide isn’t written by a medical professional or therapist—it’s written by a mom who’s learned through trial, error, and a lot of creativity. Whether your child has misophonia, autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or other neurodivergent traits, I hope these practical tips help make traveling with your neurodivergent child a little smoother and a lot less daunting.

This post contains affiliate links to products I love and recommend. This adds no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Plan Ahead with These Pre-Trip Travel Tips

The secret sauce to successful neurodivergent family travel starts weeks before you leave home. I’ve learned that my daughter thrives when she knows what to expect, so to help prepare her, we create visual itineraries together using pictures from the internet. We include photos of hotel rooms, the airplane we’ll fly on, the airplane seating chart, photos of any other transportation we’ll be using, and the attractions we’ll visit. This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about building excitement while reducing anxiety.

Social stories have been game-changers for us. When she was younger, I would create simple narratives about what our travel day would look like: “First, we’ll go through security, then we’ll get a snack, then we’ll wait at our gate, and then we’ll board the plane.” For kids with autism or anxiety, this predictability can mean the difference between a smooth departure and a meltdown before you even leave home.

 If your child needs accommodations during travel or is traveling with an emotional or psychological support animal, get a note from your doctor detailing the accommodations needed. 

Packing Essentials for Neurodivergent Families

Our packing strategy has evolved into what I call “controlled chaos management.” The key is having the right tools accessible when you need them most. These are my must-have items when traveling with a neurodivergent child:

Headphones and Earplugs

Noise-canceling headphones and noise-reduction earplugs (my daughter prefers these CURVD earplugs over the Loop ones) are non-negotiable in our family—they’ve saved us from sensory overload countless times in airports, on planes, and in busy tourist areas. I recommend this JBL kids’ headphone version with volume limiters for hearing safety. And if you’re traveling with little bitty kids, these baby/toddler-sized headphones are lifesavers.

Weighted Blankets

Weighted lap pads are AMAZING for long flights, car rides, and sleeping in unfamiliar places. I even have one for my anxious, overwhelmed myself. They provide proprioceptive input that helps with self-regulation, and they’re much more portable than full-size weighted blankets. 

Fidgets and More

A compact sensory kit saved us countless times when she was younger. Ours included a fidget cube, silly putty, and a Pop-It. Everything fits in a ziplock bag for easy airport security screening. And on road trips, all my kids loved the Melissa & Doug reusable sticker pad books for lightweight entertainment that doesn’t require screens or sound.

Comfort Items

Don’t overlook comfort items. A small travel pillow that transforms into a stuffed animal is both space-saving and comforting. Bring a travel-sized bottle of safe, kid-friendly pillow spray that reminds them of home.  Also, a favorite hoodie or sweater can be extra comforting on long travel days. These seemingly simple items often make the biggest difference in helping neurodivergent kids feel secure

Technology

Technology can be your best friend when used strategically. Download movies, games, audiobooks, and calming apps before you travel to help keep your child entertained during long travel days or delays. I always pack extra charging cables and a portable battery pack because nothing derails a careful plan like a dead tablet during a layover. Don’t rely on airplane WiFi or international data plans when your child needs their comfort content.

Medication

Don’t forget the practical stuff either. If your child takes medication, bring extra along, just to be safe. An unexpected overnight travel delay can happen, and you don’t want to find yourself without necessary medications. Also, ask your doctor about the possibility of prescribing “as-needed” medication that could help your child with increased anxiety during travel. 

Transportation Strategies for Traveling With A Neurodivergent Child

Flying with neurodivergent kids requires some advance planning. Most airlines offer accommodations if you request them ahead of time and have a note from your doctor—things like pre-boarding, aisle seats for kids who need to move around, or assistance navigating security. TSA has a program called TSA Cares that provides additional screening assistance for travelers with disabilities. The Department of Transportation also provides this in-depth guide to navigating airline travel for people with disabilities.   

For traveling with a neurodivergent child on a long car ride, frequent breaks aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Plan stops every hour or two, even if it extends your travel time. Fast food restaurants with play areas or rest stops with walking paths can be lifesavers for kids who need to move their bodies to regulate.

Public transportation can be tricky with sensory sensitivities. The crowded, often hot train cars in the subway were A LOT for my daughter, but we’ve developed strategies. We do our best to avoid rush hour travel time, come prepared with water and snacks for her, use noise-canceling headphones, and always have an early exit plan if things become overwhelming.

Accommodation Considerations When Traveling With a Neurodivergent Child

Hotel selection matters more than you might think. I look for properties with thicker walls, away from elevators and ice machines. Many hotels will note these preferences in your reservation if you call ahead. When she was young, we immediately set up her space with her comfort items, snacks, and a drink, and planned to stay put for a while, so she could acclimate. 

Maintaining routines while traveling is challenging but crucial. We try to keep meal times consistent to regulate her blood sugar and preserve bedtime rituals even in unfamiliar places. I always pack a white noise machine and a weighted lap blanket because new sleeping environments can be particularly difficult for neurodivergent kids.

Don’t underestimate the power of familiar foods. While trying local cuisine is part of travel’s joy, having backup snacks your child enjoys can prevent hunger-induced meltdowns. I always take her shopping pre-trip to pick out her favorite travel snacks. 

Daily Adventure Management

The key to successful daily adventures when traveling with a neurodivergent child is building flexibility into your plans. We have a non-negotiable scheduled downtime each afternoon between activities. No one is too old for naptime! And I always have a “Plan B” if our original idea becomes overwhelming. We don’t expect to do every activity together, and sometimes it’s best if my husband and I split up the kids and take them to do separate activities. Museums during school hours are usually less crowded than on weekends. Many attractions offer sensory-friendly hours or quiet spaces—research these options in advance.

Timing is everything. My daughter does best with morning activities when her energy and coping skills are fresh. By afternoon, we’re often back at our accommodation for rest time before going out for dinner and whatever we feel up to that evening. This might mean missing some sights, but that’s totally ok with us. It ensures the experiences we do have are positive ones.

Crowds can be the biggest challenge for many neurodivergent kids. We’ve learned to identify escape routes immediately upon arriving anywhere new. Knowing where the nearest bathroom, quiet space, or exit is located gives both my daughter and me peace of mind. Sometimes just knowing we can leave if needed is enough to help us stay.

When Things Go Sideways: Crisis Management with Compassion

Despite your best planning, meltdowns will happen when you’re traveling with a neurodivergent child. I’ve learned that my response in these moments sets the tone for how quickly we can recover. Stay calm, validate your child’s feelings, and don’t worry about staring strangers. Most people are more understanding than you’d expect, especially when they see you handling the situation with patience and love.

Finding your village while traveling means connecting with other parents who understand. Online neurodivergent parenting groups often have location-specific advice, and many cities have autism-friendly resources that locals can recommend. Don’t be afraid to ask hotel staff, museum employees, or other service workers for help—most are trained to assist families with different needs.

Remember that self-care isn’t selfish when you’re traveling with neurodivergent kids. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so build in moments for yourself, too. Sometimes that means ordering room service instead of exploring another restaurant, and that’s perfectly okay.

Building Confidence: Growing Through Travel with a Neurodivergent Child

The most beautiful part of traveling with my neurodivergent daughter has been watching her confidence grow with each new experience she successfully navigates. Travel has taught her that she can handle new situations, that the world is full of people who want to help, and that different doesn’t mean less capable.

Every family’s journey will look different, and what works for us might need modification for your unique situation. The goal isn’t perfect trips—it’s creating positive memories while building your child’s confidence and coping skills. Some of our most treasured family stories come from the moments when things didn’t go according to plan, but we figured it out together.

Traveling with a neurodivergent child requires more preparation, more patience, and more flexibility than typical family trips. But the rewards—seeing your child’s face light up at new discoveries, watching them develop problem-solving skills, and creating shared adventures—make every challenging moment worth it. Your neurodivergent child deserves to see the world, and with the right preparation and mindset, they absolutely can.

Start small if you need to, celebrate every success, and remember that you’re not just creating vacation memories—you’re building life skills that will serve your child well beyond your travels. The world becomes a little more inclusive every time families like ours show up, and that’s a beautiful thing indeed.

The post Traveling with a Neurodivergent Child: How To Reduce the Vacation Stress appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Friendsgiving, the beloved unofficial holiday that combines the best of friendship and Thanksgiving, has become an annual celebration for so many.  Whether you’re hosting for the first time or looking to spice up your annual gathering, we’ve compiled a list of the best Friendsgiving ideas to inspire your next Friendsgiving party. From decor and themes to activities and menu ideas, these easy Friendsgiving ideas will help you create a perfect Thanksgiving dinner party this year for you and your favorite people. 

This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission. These come at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Friendsgiving Decor Ideas

Setting the right atmosphere is one of my favorite parts of getting ready for a party, and Friendsgiving is no exception. The right decor can transform your space into a warm, inviting haven that captures the essence of gratitude and togetherness. From rustic elements to creative DIY projects, these are Friendsgiving ideas that will make your space cozy and festive and will help make your guests feel right at home.

Rustic Charm

Keep it simple and use burlap table runners, mason jars, and natural accents for a cozy farmhouse feel. 

Autumn Leaves Centerpiece

Create a stunning centerpiece for your Friendsgiving table with colorful fall leaves, pinecones, and candles. 

Gratitude Tree

Here is a simple and thoughtful Friendsgiving idea. Set up a vase full of tree branches where guests can hang tags with things they’re grateful for. You can download our printable leaves to hang on your Gratitude tree here.

Pumpkin Place Cards

Use mini pumpkins as place-setting holders for a cute and festive touch. If you have beautiful penmanship, use paint pens to write directly on the pumpkins. Or you can opt to fold mini place cards to set on top of the pumpkins. 

Fairy Lights Galore

Drape string lights around the room for a warm, cozy ambiance.

Harvest Table Runner

Create a stunning tablescape using mini pumpkins, gourds, fall flowers or greenery, and lit candles. This Friendsgiving idea creates a warm, idyllic ambiance for your dinner table.

Thankful Placemats

Provide kraft paper placemats and colored pencils or markers for guests to write or draw what they’re thankful for. This simple table decor is perfect for Friendsgiving dinners involving the kiddos. 

Autumnal Scent Bar

Light fall-scented candles around the room.  Or set out warm-scented essential oils that guests can combine with a carrier oil in a glass dropper bottle to create their own custom blend. Here is one of my favorite fall aromatherapy blends that transports you into the mountains during autumn:

Friendsgiving Photo Booth

Create a color-themed backdrop with cute props for memorable photos. This is the perfect Friendsgiving decoration that lends to some of the best mementos.

Unique Friendsgiving Themes

Why settle for a traditional Thanksgiving when you can put a creative spin on your Friendsgiving celebration? Picking a unique theme can add an extra dash of fun to your event, giving your friends something extra to look forward to and talk about long after the gathering is over. This list of Friendsgiving ideas ranges from globally inspired concepts to nostalgic throwbacks, ensuring there’s something to suit every friend group’s personality.

Friendsgiving Brunch

Ditch the traditional Thanksgiving meal and instead, host a late-morning gathering with fall-themed breakfast and lunch options. Opt for pumpkin french toast, sweet potato quiche with turkey breakfast sausage, or whatever your favorite brunch foods might be! Warm up with maple cinnamon lattes. And don’t forget the cranberry mimosas!

Friendsgiving Potluck with a Twist

Allow each guest to choose a country, and have them bring menu items inspired by that cuisine. Upgrade the typical Thanksgiving main dish, side dishes, or desserts, which in my (probably unpopular) opinion, gets rather stale. Swap those mashed potatoes for patatas bravas from Spain or ditch the mac and cheese for Käsespätzle from Germany. 

Outdoor Bonfire

Take the celebration outside with a bonfire, warm cozy blankets, and hot drinks.

Decades Theme

This is one of my favorite ideas and I can’t wait to try it! Choose a specific decade and encourage guests to dress up and bring era-appropriate dishes. Grandma’s hand-me-down cardigan and jello mold never looked so good!

Plant-Based Feast

Here’s your chance to plan a delicious Friendsgiving meal for your animal-loving friends! Challenge everyone to bring delicious vegan or vegetarian dishes to your Friendsgiving gathering. As a vegetarian, I can say that such a meal would be much appreciated!

Pajama Party

This might be the easiest Friendsgiving theme idea. Host a cozy Friendsgiving where everyone wears their favorite PJs. No worrying about what to wear and you can head straight to bed with your full belly after the party. 

Farm-to-Table Friendsgiving

Level up your Friendsgiving feast. Source all your ingredients locally and create a menu that showcases the best of your region’s seasonal produce, while you support local farmers and ranchers. 

Friends-giving

This is the ultimate Gen X/ Millennial Friendsgiving. Make your Friends-giving the real deal with a Friends-themed fall party, complete with matching turkey shirts, a turkey-head hat for photo ops, some Friends trivia, and of course a re-watch of that classic episode. 

Fall Festival

If playful is your thing, plan a Fall festival-themed Friendsgiving that will make the neighbor kids jealous. Bring out carnival-style games, snacks, and fall carnival decor. Have bags of caramel popcorn prepared as party favors.

Fun Friendsgiving Games and Activities

Friendsgiving isn’t just about the food – it’s about creating memories and sharing laughs and love with your chosen family. Incorporating games and activities into your celebration can help break the ice and keep the energy high throughout the event. From traditional Thanksgiving-inspired games to creative twists on classic party activities, these unique Friendsgiving ideas will ensure your celebration is filled with belly laughs, friendly competition, and happy people as they go back home.

Game Night

After the meal bring out all your favorite Friendsgiving party games for the ultimate game night with your pals. From family-friendly games to adult-only games, you’ll be laughing for hours! Keep the party going with your favorite game night drinks and snacks!

Check out all our favorite Friendsgiving Game Ideas in this post:

Friendsgiving Bingo

Pull out the Thanksgiving Bingo cards to keep your guests entertained before or after the big meal. Have simple fun but fun prizes for the winners, such as $5 gift cards, mini bottles of liquor, cute Tupperware containers, fall decor to take home, etc. 

Pie-Eating Contest

If your guests are into it, host a friendly competition to see who can finish a mini-pie (or full pie if your guests can stomach it!) the fastest. You’d be surprised by how competitive this can get.

DIY Craft Station

Set up an area for guests to make their own fall-themed crafts, like candles, wreaths, or centerpieces. Or get a headstart on the upcoming holiday season with some merry little Christmas crafts!

Collaborative Playlist

Every party can use some mood music. Create a shared playlist where each guest adds their favorite Thanksgiving or friendship-themed songs.

Friendsgiving Olympics

The best Friendsgiving party is full of ridiculousness, and this idea has plenty of it. Bring out your crazy party-planning skills. Organize silly competitions like pumpkin bowling, turkey trot relays, old-school bobbing for apples, and pumpkin spice taste tests. 

Gratitude Jar

If you’re not on board with the crazy shenanigans and want to instead foster a gracious and beautiful Friendsgiving atmosphere, create a simple gratitude jar.  Throughout the event, have guests write notes of gratitude to put in a mason jar, then read them aloud towards the end of the evening with a toast to your cherished friendships. This is an easy way to add thankfulness to your Friendsgiving celebration.

Seasonal Cocktail Competition

This is guaranteed to make the party even more fun. Challenge guests to create cocktails with a fall theme and then vote on the best one. For non-drinkers and kiddos, create autumn-inspired mocktails instead. I can’t think of a tastier idea for Friendsgiving!

Friend-Themed Charades

This will get you laughing and is perfect if the kids will be involved with the Friendsgiving party. Play charades with words or phrases related to Thanksgiving. You can download my free printable Thanksgiving Charades here!

Friendsgiving Food and Drink Ideas

While turkey and stuffing might be Thanksgiving staples, Friendsgiving offers the perfect opportunity to get creative with your menu. These food and drink Friendsgiving ideas put a fresh spin on holiday classics and introduce new flavors that will have your guests drooling. Whether you’re looking for innovative serving suggestions, unique recipe twists, or interactive food stations, we’ve got you covered!

Cookie Decorating

Set up a space for Thanksgiving cookie decorating. Use either homemade or bakery-made sugar cookies. Provide tubs of icing, sprinkles, and other fall-colored edible decorations. Box them up in little treat boxes as DIY party favors to enjoy at home. 

Dessert Potluck

Make a Friendsgiving party a great party with extra desserts! Ask each guest to bring their favorite fall dessert to share. And remember, there’s no such thing as too many pecan pies. 

Hot Apple Cider Bar

Want a Friendsgiving party to be epic? This just might be the ticket. Set up a station with various toppings and mix-ins for hot apple cider. Think caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, red hots, whipped cream, spiced rum, or bourbon. 

Friendsgiving Charcuterie Board

Create a large grazing board with meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts. It’s the perfect appetizer to get the Friendsgiving party started.

Thanksgiving Sushi

If fusion food is your thing, then this is for you: Thanksgiving sushi. Okay, hear me out. Serve turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce rolled in nori for a fusion twist for an unusual yet delicious side dish. (See recipe here)

Fall Soup Party

Forgo all the traditional Friendsgiving menu ideas and plan a Friendsgiving soup party with your favorite fall soups. Think chicken and dumplings, butternut squash soup, zuppa toscana, broccoli cheddar soup, beef stew…are you drooling yet? When it comes to a Friendsgiving with your favorite peeps, sometimes cozy comfort is the best option.

Cranberry Sauce Flight

Offer a tasting of various homemade cranberry sauces. And if you don’t feel like making your own, create your own flight with some of Stone Wall Kitchen’s fabulous gourmet flavors, including Apple Cranberry Chutney, New England Cranberry Relish, Orange Cranberry Marmelade, Holiday Spiced Cranberry Sauce,  Hot Pepper Cranberry Jelly, and Cranberry Horseradish Sauce.

Build-Your-Own Pie Bar

Provide mini pie pans, pre-made crusts, and various fillings for guests to create their own individual desserts. Enjoy the aroma of the freshly baked pies that can be eaten at your feast or taken home as a party favor. 

Leftover Care Packages

Provide cute containers for guests to take home leftovers. I love these adorable aluminum ones that are super affordable and pretty funny. Let guests bag it up with these autumn gift bags for the most aesthetically pleasing leftovers. 

Extra Special Touches to Make It Memorable

Let’s talk about those little extras that really make Friendsgiving pop. Think heartwarming activities that’ll bring out all the feels and fun ways to capture the moment. These Friendsgiving ideas are all about adding those personal touches that’ll make your Friendsgiving feel extra special. Trust me, your friends will eat this stuff up (pun totally intended)!

Friendsgiving Invitations

Create some cute Friendsgiving invitations to send to your guests! You can find so many free options on Canva! It’s my favorite place to find attractive templates that I can edit or create my own designs. These can then be printed or sent digitally. But receiving an invite in the mail does make it feel extra special! 

Polaroid Moments

Have a Polaroid-style camera for guests to take and print photos. I love the Fujifilm Instax Mini, as a budget-friendly option with great features and consistent print quality! 

Volunteer Together

Spend part of the day volunteering at a local food bank, animal shelter, community clean-up, etc. before your celebration. No time to cook after? Opt for a Friendsgiving dinner out or delicious take-out. 

Friendsgiving Awards

Create fun awards and prizes for your guests to make your Friendsgiving even more fun! Award ideas could include “Best with a Carving Knife,” “Most Festively Dressed,” “Sauce Boss,” etc. Keep it silly and light. No one wants hurt feelings at their Friendsgiving Dinner. 

Virtual Friendsgiving

This probably isn’t the most ideal Friendsgiving idea. But sometimes distance or illness makes it impossible to be with our closest friends. Set up a video call for friends who can’t attend in person to join in for a Friendsgiving toast or game.

Friendship Plant Exchange

It doesn’t have to be Christmas in order to have a gift exchange. Have guests bring small potted plants to exchange with one another. Plants are one of my favorite gifts and are a beautiful daily reminder of the person who gifted them to us. 

“Favorite Things” Gift Swap

If plants aren’t your thing, organize a gift exchange where everyone brings their favorite item under a set price limit. Cozy blankets, a cherished book, or a favorite kitchen gadget are all to-be-loved ideas for a Friendsgiving gift swap with your closest friends.   

Friendsgiving Cookbook

Have everyone bring typed copies of their dish’s recipe. Compile all the Thanksgiving recipes into a cookbook. You can purchase inexpensive binders with clear front pockets, print a quick cover, punch holes in the recipes, and tada! It’s a Friendsgiving cookbook you can add to every year! You can access my template here!

Friend-Focused Toast Time

Designate a time for guests to give short toasts celebrating their friendships. This could be before the meal or even after dessert. Find a moment when your guests are feeling relaxed and the mood is high. This is the perfect way to cap off a successful Friendsgiving. 

Wrapping-Up: 45 Creative Friendsgiving Ideas

Friendsgiving is all about celebrating our friendships and expressing gratitude for the people who make our lives so much richer. With these 45 creative Friendsgiving ideas, you have a wealth of options to make your Friendsgiving celebration truly special. Mix and match these suggestions to create an event that reflects your friend group’s personality and interests. Remember, the most important ingredient for a successful Friendsgiving is the love and laughter shared among friends. And the food. You can’t forget the food. Happy Friendsgiving!

The post 45 Creative Friendsgiving Ideas to Make Your Celebration Unforgettable appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

If you’re reading this, you might be feeling that it’s time to shake up your Turkey Day. If you’re weary of the same old Thanksgiving routine that has your kids reaching for their phones faster than you can say, “Pass the cranberry sauce,” you’re in the right place. We’ve got 25 Thanksgiving traditions that will help take your Turkey Day from ordinary to a memory you’ll want to replicate for years to come.  

Whether you’re planning a large family gathering, an intimate Thanksgiving celebration, or hosting Friendsgiving for all your pals, these traditions are perfect for either occasion. So let’s dive in and check out these 25 Thanksgiving activities that will bring your family together and nurture an atmosphere of fun, love, and gratitude. 

This post contains affiliate links to products we love and recommend. These may earn us a small commission but come at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!

Free Thanksgiving Traditions Downloads

You can find our free printable gratitude tree leaves and kid-friendly Turkey Day Scavenger Hunt, as well as our editable template for your family cookbook down below in our post. Or simply click the buttons to jump ahead to them:

Why Mix It Up This Thanksgiving?

Just like any special holiday, Thanksgiving is often full of busyness and pressure. The shopping, cleaning, cooking, hosting, family drama, and expectations can take a special day and pile on the pressure and stress until you feel more burnt out than an over-cooked turkey.

Planning some intentional Thanksgiving traditions aside from the usual cooking marathon and Thanksgiving dinner can allow you to take a break from the busy and monotonous and focus on the important. 

These ideas are all about bringing the family together, creating lasting memories, relaxing and actually enjoying each other’s company. No cringe, less fuss—just time together with a focus on what’s really important. 

We’ve grouped these ideas into categories, so you can easily pick and choose fall activities to curate a special Turkey Day that’s unique to your family’s personalities and likes. Feel free to skip over what doesn’t work for you and opt for traditions that your whole family will enjoy. 

Practice Gratitude: Thanksgiving Traditions that Cultivate Thankfulness

1. Gratitude Tree

Set up a small “tree” with blank ornaments. You could use a tabletop-sized artificial tree. But I like to put several thin tree branches in a large vase to use as my thankful tree. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving holiday table or sideboard! Throughout November, family members write what they’re thankful for on the leaf-shaped paper ornaments and hang them up.

I’ve created printable leaf-shaped cut-outs for your thankful tree. This is also a great activity for practicing cutting skills, so let the kiddos get involved! 

2. Thanksgiving Time Capsule

Each year, have everyone write down something they’re grateful for and a goal for the next year. Seal it up and open it the following Thanksgiving. This is a great tradition to start with young kids, but don’t be afraid to start it when they’re older!

3. Gratitude Photo Montage

Challenge family members to take photos or videos of things and moments they’re grateful for leading up to Thanksgiving. Combine to create a slideshow or video to share on Thanksgiving. You can easily create and edit videos using CapCut’s free online video editor. Or if you have some artsy types in your family, create a photo collage that can be framed. It’s a piece of art you’ll forever cherish. 

4. Thankful Jar

If you’re looking for a simple activity to give thanks that requires minimal prep, create a thankful jar. This can be done throughout the year or just in the month of November. Have your family members jot down or draw pictures of things they’re thankful for and put them in a jar. Go through them together on Thanksgiving.

Beyond the Basic Bird: Delicious Food Traditions 

5. Family Cookbook Creation

Collect and compile everyone’s favorite family recipes into a shared cookbook. This is perfect if you have extended family or friends who regularly get together for the holidays! 

Give yourself some time, because this one takes a little prep. Ask everyone to type up and send you 2-3 (or more!) of their favorite Thanksgiving recipes. 

You can easily copy and paste and format them all in Canva for free. While you’re there, create or use one of their templates for a cookbook cover and table of contents. If you don’t have Canva, you need it! It’s a game changer and allows you to create incredible projects so much easier than Word, PowerPoint, or other programs. With their free templates, you’ll create designs in a fraction of the time it would normally take you.

I’ve created a free Cookbook Cover and Table of Contents Template that you can edit and customize on Canva to make it your own. You can check out my free template here!

Grab some cheap 1″ 3 ring binders and dividers with pockets (for saving Grandma’s handwritten recipes, aka treasures), print it all out,  and compile those recipe books. You could even save this step for Thanksgiving Day and turn it into a post-dinner project. 

5. Signature Dish Competition

Each family brings their signature dish. Vote on favorites in different categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Presentation.” This is a little friendly competition that might be safer than fighting over the wishbone.

6. Kids’ Cooking Class

A few days before Thanksgiving, invite older family members to teach the kids how to make a simple Thanksgiving dish or dessert. It’s a special way to pass on Granny’s famous gravy recipe and share family traditions while creating treasured memories.

7. Thanksgiving Cocktails

Each year, try or create a new Thanksgiving cocktail to enjoy before or after the meal. Think fall flavors, like cranberry, apple, cinnamon, pomegranate, or vanilla. And for the kids and non-drinkers, whip up some mocktails! This is a tasty tradition that will make you the star of the Thanksgiving table.

Create the Best Thanksgiving Vibe: Thanksgiving Table Decor Traditions

8. Nature-Inspired Decor

Take a family walk to collect pinecones, acorns, dried flowers, nuts, and leaves to create natural, eco-friendly decorations. You can fill jars with acorns and nuts, Mod Podge dried leaves and flowers to glass candle holders or vases, create garlands with pine cones and twine, etc. Use your creativity and enjoy free, festive and natural decor. 

9. Memory Tablecloth

Creating a memory table is such a simple tradition that you’ll absolutely love. Use a plain tablecloth and fabric markers. Each year, everyone adds a note or drawing. Over time, it becomes a treasured family record that you can pull out on every holiday.

10. Photo Centerpieces

Create centerpieces featuring photos of family members from past Thanksgivings. This photo tree or these little wired holders for place cards are perfect for dressing up the table while displaying photos. And don’t forget to take a group photo before everyone leaves that can be added to next year’s Thanksgiving table.

11. Handprint Turkey Placemats

A classic for a reason! Kids make handprint turkeys on placemats, date them, and laminate them to be used year after year. 

Get Moving: Fun and Active Thanksgiving Traditions 

12. Run a Turkey Trot

Sign up for (or organize your own) family fun-run or walk on Thanksgiving morning for a heart-pumping way to start your Thanksgiving day. No pressure, just movement and some outdoor time together. Plus you’ll feel a lot better about yourself after that 3rd piece of pumpkin pie that afternoon. 

13. Post-Dinner Walk

If the morning is too much, make it a tradition to take a post-Thanksgiving meal stroll after the big meal. If you’re like us, all you can think of is taking a nap after engorging all those carbs. Taking a walk will wake you up and help you get some of that turkey tryptophan out of your system. 

14. Turkey Bowl

It’s the classic Thanksgiving touch football game. Make it annual, with a silly trophy for the winning team. Invite friends and neighbors to round out the teams.  And don’t forget to tell the losing team that they get dishes duty. Instead of a coin toss at the beginning of the game, opt for splitting the wishbone. Whoever ends up with the longer piece gets the ball first. 

15. Thanksgiving-Themed Scavenger Hunt

Create a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt. For younger kids, you can opt for our at-home Turkey Day Scavenger Hunt. You download it by clicking the button below. If you have older kids and teens, they’ll love this scavenger hunt by Fun Squared, that takes them around town and the neighborhood. The first team back wins a prize! This was one one of my favorite things to do as a teenager (and it’s fun for adults, too!)

Helping Others: Giving Back as a Family Tradition

16. Volunteer Together

Find a local charity or soup kitchen and volunteer to serve as a family on Thanksgiving morning or the weekend before. It’s a great time to give back to your community and is one of the most fulfilling Thanksgiving traditions I can think of.

17. Write Thank You Cards

This is a perfect pre-Thanksgiving activity to get everyone in the spirit of gratitude. Have everyone write thank-you notes to someone special and mail or deliver it to them. This could be anyone from your mail carrier, a teacher, a grandparent, or the clerk at the dry cleaner. A thoughtful card is something everyone appreciates.

18. Canned Food Drive

Plan a family or neighborhood food drive. Collect canned food or non-perishable items the entire month of February and deliver them to a food pantry before Thanksgiving. 

19. Charity Choice

Each year, research and choose a charity as a family to support during the holiday season. I love the Salvation Army Angel Tree or “adopting” a student from a local school. Black Friday is the perfect time to shop for gifts for these deserving kids. 

Relax and Enjoy: Favorite Festive Entertainment Thanksgiving Traditions 

20. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:

If you don’t already watch this, I’d like to know which rock you’ve been living under. Kidding, kidding. But seriously, this is a Thanksgiving classic tradition for a reason and the first thing we do on Thanksgiving morning. From the Broadway Dance performances to the marching bands and larger-than-life floats, it’s a magical experience even from the sofa. It’s also one of my favorite ways to kick off the holiday season with the grand entrance of Santa on his sleigh!

21. National Dog Show

Right after the parade ends, the real star of Thanksgiving Day entertainment comes on: the National Dog Show. I might be a die-hard cat lady, but these prim and proper puppy dogs with their show-stopping tricks and haircuts are the real stars on Thanksgiving Day. This is definitely in the top 3 of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions!

22. Football

Being a Texas girl, it would be sacrilegious to not tune into the Dallas Cowboys game on Thanksgiving afternoon. The post-dinner football game is the perfect time to unwind later in the day and enjoy that second piece of pecan pie for dessert. 

23. Play Thanksgiving Games

 Set up a series of board games, dominoes, or card games. Some of our favorites are Telestrations, Yahtzee, Uno, hand and foot, tens and twos, and chicken foot. You could also opt for pool, ping pong, tennis, or pickleball if you have access to them!

The Fun Doesn’t Stop Here: Day After Thanksgiving Traditions: 

24. Leftover Remix Contest

The day after Thanksgiving, have a friendly competition to see who can create the best dish using leftovers. It’s a creative way to use up all that turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole left in the fridge. 

25. Shop ’til You Drop

Plan out your Black Friday Shopping on Thursday and then hit the stores together on Friday. Nab some of those incredible deals and take turns waiting in those mile-long lines. Reward yourself with a latte and slice of leftover pumpkin pie. And if you hate shopping, feel free to skip this one.

Wrapping Up: 25 Thanksgiving Traditions 

These 25 ideas are just the starting point. The best Thanksgiving traditions are the ones that grow naturally with your family over time. Maybe you’ll try one or two this year, and who knows? In a few years, you might have a whole new set of traditions that are uniquely yours.

Remember, the heart of Thanksgiving isn’t about the perfect pie crust or Pinterest-worthy decor.  It’s about coming together around the table, sharing laughs, and gratitude, and creating moments that you’ll treasure and look forward to recreating in the coming year.

So, why not try some new Thanksgiving traditions? You might just start a tradition that has your family looking forward to Turkey Day more than ever before. And if all else fails, there’s always pie. Pie makes everything better.

Happy Thanksgiving and cheers to beautiful memories!

The post Gobble This Up: 25 Thanksgiving Traditions to Start This Year (Plus, Free Downloads!) appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Hey there, grown-ups. Remember when your little one first toddled into preschool? Or when your teen finally cracked that tough math problem? Those moments deserve a celebration, right? But here’s the thing – you don’t need to break the bank to make your kiddos feel like superstars!

Welcome to our guide on budget-friendly ways to celebrate school milestones. We’re talking about keeping the party going all year long, from the first-day jitters to the last-day high fives, without emptying your wallet.

Think of this as your cheat sheet for turning ordinary school days into “Wow!” days. We’ve packed this post with ideas that’ll have your kids grinning from ear to ear, whether they’ve mastered their ABCs or aced their SATs. And the best part? These celebrations won’t cost you an arm and a leg. (You need those for hugging your awesome students, after all!)

So, grab your party hats (or make some from old homework sheets – we won’t tell), and let’s dive into a year full of high-fives, happy dances, and budget-friendly ways to celebrate school milestones. 

This post may contain affiliate links to products I love and recommend. This earns me a small commission but comes at no cost to you. Thank you for helping support my small business!

Back-to-School Ideas

From the first day of school to the end of the first week, the emotions are high, but the memories are precious. Make this first week of the new school year count by starting some first week of school traditions. Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate school milestones:

First Day of School Breakfast Bonanza

Get ready for the start of a new school year with a breakfast fit for champions! Whip up some pancakes in the shape of their grade number or decorate english muffins with fruit faces.  It’s a tasty way to start the day and show some extra love to your kiddos.

DIY Photo Booth

Create a yearly tradition with a homemade photo booth. Use a plain wall, add some streamer decor, funky DIY props (think oversized glasses made from pipe cleaners or a “Class of 2025” sign), and snap away! It’s Instagram-worthy without the price tag.

Survival Sundae Bar

Set up an ice cream sundae bar with your favorite toppings. (We love this homemade caramel sauce!)  Let each family member create a sundae to celebrate “surviving” the first week.

Pizza/Movie Night

As much as a dinner out might seem like a great celebration, just stop. The kids are exhausted. You’re exhausting. Stay home. Put on pajamas. Order pizza. Watch movie. Crash. You can thank me later. 

Academic Progress

Your child doesn’t have to win the school spelling bee or the math whiz award in order to celebrate their academic progress. As a former teacher, it was celebrating the small wins throughout the year that really helped keep my students motivated and feeling successful. It’s the same for your own kiddos, so make the most of all the growth you see this year! 

The Amazing Achievement Wall

Transform a corner of your home into a gallery of greatness. Every time your child brings home a test they’re proud of or a project they nailed, add it to the wall. It’s a growing testament to their hard work that costs nothing but brings priceless smiles.

Reward Jar Surprise

Fill a jar with small slips of paper, each listing a free or low-cost reward (extra screen time, choosing dinner, a special treat). When your child hits an academic goal, they get to pick a reward. It’s like a lucky dip of celebration!

Reading Milestone Pizza Party

Want to encourage your budding or reluctant reader? For every 10 books read (or whatever number suits your child’s age), have a family pizza night. Make it at home for extra savings and let your budding bookworm choose the toppings.

Subject Superstar Certificates

Create colorful certificates on your computer for when your child shows improvement or reaches a goal in a subject. “Math Magician” or “Science Sorcerer” titles can make even small victories feel huge. Especially if you include their favorite candy along with the award. 

Social and Emotional Growth

It’s easy for academic growth to get all the attention, but social and emotional growth is in my opinion, even more important. Social-emotional learning is key to every child’s success in school and beyond, so start early by focusing on this crucial facet of your child’s development. 

New Pal Playdates

Celebrate your child making a new friend by initiating a special playdate. Depending on the age invite the child or the child and his/her parent over for an afternoon of special snacks and whatever interests the kids. It’s a great way to foster those relationships your child is building at school and helps create community with other parents. 

Confidence Boost Balloons

Write confidence-boosting messages on slips of paper and stuff them into balloons. When your child overcomes a fear or shows improved self-esteem, let them pop a balloon for an uplifting surprise.

Personal Growth Tree

Create a tree on a poster board. Add a new leaf each time your child demonstrates personal growth, such as talking to a new friend, apologizing to someone he wronged, or using a coping strategy. Write the achievement on a leaf, attach it to the tree, and watch his tree bloom!

Mood Meter Milestone 

Create or download a mood meter to use at home. When your child shows improvement in identifying and managing their emotions, have a small celebration, such as going to the park or choosing dessert. 

Social Skills BINGO

Download this social skills BINGO game and play to win a fun prize for gaining social skills all year long. This is a great way to track character development and focus on specific social skills. Play for 5 in a row for a small prize or blackout for a bigger reward!

Extracurricular Achievements

If your kid is involved in extracurricular activities, chances are they may already have team awards at the end of a season or class. But it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate milestones all season long. 

Host a Mid-Season Team Party

It’s typical for an end-of-season party, but keep the energy going and encourage those team relationships by organizing a mid-season party. Join in with other parents to share the cost. Fun affordable ideas include a parent versus kid scrimmage, ice cream social, arcade day, a pool party, or a party at the park.

Talent Show

If your child is involved in a fine art activity, celebrate by planning a talent show or art show for your child and their friends. Create a DIY backdrop, pop some popcorn, and invite family and friends to cheer them on!

End of Grading Period

Make it a tradition of celebrating after every grading period. Kids work so hard at school– honor their hard work with a little creativity and fun. It’s a great time to celebrate school milestones. 

Report Card Restaurant

Transform your dining area into a fancy “restaurant” for the night. Print menus featuring your child’s favorite foods and use your fanciest dishes It’s a five-star celebration on a drive-thru budget.

Progress Picnic

Celebrate any bit of progress made with a picnic. Bring along some of your kiddos’ favorite treats… homemade cookies, strawberry lemonade, their favorite chips, etc. A picnic just feels special and will show your child you are proud of all their progress, straight As or not. 

Celebrate Seasonal Achievements

Each season is a new reason to celebrate! Check out these seasonal ideas to help you celebrate school milestones. 

Fall Fun

Celebrate autumn achievements with a hot apple cider bar or pumpkin-themed dinner and dessert.

Winter Wisdom

Mark mid-year progress with a cozy indoor campout. Build a fort in the living room, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy s’mores made in the microwave.

Spring Success

Welcome warmer weather and school year victories with an outdoor family scavenger hunt. Celebrate your child’s problem-solving skills at the end of the hunt and be sure to include a fun prize!

End of School Year

The end of the school year is a busy time of programs, field days, and award ceremonies. But often, kids who may have struggled at school can often be overlooked for special awards. So make sure you celebrate your child’s hard work and persistence as they wrap up their current grade. 

Memory Book Madness

Create a scrapbook of the year’s highlights using school papers, photos, and your child’s artwork. It’s a beautiful keepsake that costs little but means a lot. 

End-of-the- School Year Bash

Little kids often have parties to celebrate the end of the year, but your big kids might miss out. Invite their friends over for a fun end-of-the-school year party. Pull out the water games, like a water balloon fight, and stock up on easy and cheap summertime treats, like popsicles or smores. Keep things simple and let the kids let loose. They’ll love saying goodbye to school and celebrating this huge school milestone with their friends!

Tips for Budget-Friendly Celebrations:

• Focus on experiences, not stuff. Your time and attention are the best gifts you can give.
• Get creative with what you have. That cardboard box? It’s not trash, it’s trophy material!
• Involve your kids in planning. Their imaginative ideas might surprise you (and save you money).
• Look for free community events to supplement your celebrations. Those free concerts or movie nights in the park are a great backdrop for family celebrations.

Wrapping-Up: Ideas for Celebrating School Milestones

It doesn’t take too much work to celebrate school milestones. With a little creativity and a whole lot of intentionality, you’ll be investing in your child by lifting them up and filling their love bucket.

We all need encouragement and that doesn’t always happen enough in a crowded classroom. As a former teacher, I know how hard it is to give every kiddo the love and encouragement they need to thrive and feel successful.

As parents, we can make a huge difference in forming our child’s self-confidence and self-worth. By celebrating big and small milestones all year, we are showing our children that we notice them and are proud of them. And that’s priceless. 

The post 22 Creative and Budget-Friendly Ways to Celebrate School Milestones Throughout the Year appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Ever find yourself staring blankly at a menu, unable to choose between that dreamy cream-laden pasta or the healthier salad option, while your partner’s stomach growls like a disgruntled bear? Or maybe you’re stuck in an endless debate in your own head over whether your next family vacation should be a beach paradise or a mountain retreat. To make a decision can sometimes feel like beating your head against the wall. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Welcome to the world of easier decision-making, where you can choose your next adventure or dinner spot without stress-induced headaches. Picture this: instead of endless back-and-forths and second-guessing, you’re confidently picking the perfect hotel for your family getaway or nailing down that birthday gift for your bestie. Sounds like a dream, right?

Today we’re diving into seven tips that will turn decision-making into a breeze and give you a framework for how to make better decisions. Whether you’re choosing between a tropical escape or a cozy cabin in the woods, or simply figuring out whether to go for the latte or cold brew, we’ve got you covered.  So, let’s ditch the indecision and check out these 7 tips to help you make a decision, and stop overthinking.  

Tips to Help You Make Decision

These seven tips will help you easily make minor decisions and also make tough decisions easier.  Making the right decision might feel impossible to you but these tricks will help you become a pro decision maker and make the best decision for you. 

Tip 1: Define Your Priorities

The first step to making easy decisions is knowing what truly matters to you and your family. We have a lot of outside influences…extended family, friends, co-workers, society, etc. And while people who know us are often well-meaning, we often give their opinions way too much weight. We worry about making the wrong decision and disappointing others and miss making the right choice for ourselves.

You don’t have to have the same priorities as your parents, siblings, best friend, or boss. So first thing, figure out your own priorities.  Knowing your priorities helps you cut through the noise and focus on what is best for you and your family. Is everyone in your friend group taking their kids on extravagant Disney World vacations, and you and your family hate crowded theme parks but love camping on the beach? Maybe your parents frown on expensive meals, but you really want to enjoy a fancy anniversary dinner with your spouse. 

Define your own priorities before you make a decision, so you’re not choosing others’ priorities by default. Always ask yourself, “Who is going to be most affected by your decision?”

Example: Knowing my priorities has been a struggle in the past. I’ve caught myself choosing what others would want instead of what was important to me over and over again. And then, ending up disappointed. When I was teaching school, I knew I had to make a change. As much as I loved my students and co-workers, I was completely burnt out and my own kids were suffering. I had to figure out my priorities stat and disappoint some people close to me in the process. To quit or change jobs is not a small decision, so knowing my priorities was a must. 

Tip 2: Limit Your Options

Too many choices can be paralyzing. It’s the classic paradox of choice – the more options you have, the harder it is to decide. If you’ve ever taken my youngest daughter shopping, you’d know this is the honest-to-God truth. Decision paralysis is a real thing. So, set a limit on the number of possible choices you consider, so you can make a decision. 

When planning a vacation, narrow it down to three destinations that meet your criteria and then quit looking at any other options. For dinner, pick two restaurants that offer the ambiance and cuisine you’re looking for, and then stop searching.  By limiting your options, you make the decision-making process much simpler and less stressful.

Example: I could easily spend dayyyyys looking up restaurants for an anniversary or birthday dinner. In the past, I’ve read the reviews over and over and over. Sound familiar? It was exhausting and I’d second-guess every option. But last year I did it differently– I searched for about an hour and then made reservations at two restaurants in Dallas that looked really good. Then the day before, we canceled the one that didn’t sound as appetizing to us, and we ended up having an amazing dinner at the cutest spot in Plano.

Tip 3: Use a Decision-Making Framework

Sometimes, a little structure can make all the difference. Decision-making frameworks like pros and cons lists, decision matrices, or the Eisenhower Box can help you weigh your options more objectively.

We all have countless decisions to make each day. Some are low-stakes decisions, like not hitting the snooze button or brushing our teeth before we crawl into bed at night. Other decisions require more thought and attention, but it’s often hard to know which decisions require your precious time. 

The Eisenhower Box, made famous by Stephen Covey in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, will help you sort through all your decisions and prioritize. The tool will help you clarify which decisions demand your attention now, which can be put off for another day, delegated to someone else, or wiped off completely. 

Taking time for an intentional brainstorm session will set you in the right direction for making the “right” decisions and help you prioritize the important issues that require your urgent attention.

Example: When planning a vacation or any big event, there are tons of small decisions and a few important decisions to be made. Using an Eisenhower box helps me get clarity on what needs to happen now, later, passed off to someone else, or erased.

On our last trip, we did NOT do this well and 3 adults spent 30 minutes standing out in the heat after a long day of hiking with hangry kids reading restaurant reviews and trying to decide which restaurant to walk into to eat dinner. Insanity? I think so. If we’d used the Eisenhower Box before, we could have delegated this decision to one person ahead of time and saved a lot of energy and frustration. 

Tip 4: Trust Your Gut

Never underestimate the power of your intuition. Sometimes, your gut feeling can guide you to the best decision more effectively than endless analysis. Not all decisions are obvious, rational decisions. 

When you feel a strong pull toward a particular option, it’s often worth trusting that instinct. It can be especially helpful when your logical mind is caught up in overthinking every detail. It’s important to trust your intuition. It’s there for a reason and is key to helping you make a decision. 

Example: When my gut said to sleep in and let the kids rest instead of waking everyone up trying to get to Disney World right when the gates opened, I listened, and thank goodness I did. We were still exhausted and ready to leave early by the evening, but that extra sleep made a difference in enjoying our day at the park.

Tip 5: Set a Time Limit

Nothing fuels indecision like an open-ended timeline. Do you ever spend too much time trying to make a single decision? Just me? Then set a deadline for making your decisions every time, whether it’s a few days for a vacation destination or thirty minutes for picking a restaurant.

Being able to make quick decisions is a skill, and takes practice. While at first it might take you 20 minutes to look over the menu and decide, with practice it might only take 5 minutes to make a decision on what to eat. Every time you practice, you’re making progress and becoming a better decision-maker.

Example: We recently booked a vacation in 15 minutes. I found cheap tickets to Chicago on Frontier. We knew it was in our budget, and we’d never been there before. So instead of looking at all the other destination options I was considering and all other flight sales, we booked it on the spot and called it a day.

Tip 6: Seek Advice

Sometimes, an outside perspective can shed new light on your options. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or even Facebook groups or social media followers for their recommendations.

But make sure you’ve already limited your decisions to a couple of choices and you’re really solid in your own priorities before asking. If you haven’t learned how to trust your intuition and prioritize yourself, it’s a good idea to skip this step. 

Example: My favorite place to do this is at a restaurant or bar. My husband and I usually are between a couple of menu options and love to ask the waiter or bartender their favorite choice. It helps make a decision so much easier and we’re almost always pleased with the choice. 

Tip 7: Embrace Imperfection

No decision is ever perfect. Accepting this can take a lot of pressure off and make it easier to choose. The key is to make the best choice you can with the information you have, and then embrace it fully. Sometimes there’s no such thing as a right decision or even a bad decision. Take comfort in that and embrace the possible outcomes. Remind yourself that you did the best you could.  You can always course-correct the next time.

Example: When we were first married, my husband and I drove down to Galveston on a Friday night, so we could wake up and spend the day at the beach before driving back home that evening. Being young and dumb, we didn’t check the weather before and it poured rain all day. We were wet and sandy and cold huddling under a little umbrella on the beach. Was it a perfect trip? By far. But was it crazy and memorable and worth it? You bet. 

Wrapping Up: Don’t Let Decision Making Hold You Back

Making decisions doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. By defining your priorities, limiting your options, using decision-making frameworks, trusting your gut, setting time limits, seeking advice, and embracing imperfection, you can simplify the process and make a decision with confidence.

So next time you’re faced with picking a vacation spot or deciding on a birthday venue, remember these tips. You’ll be able to make easier, more informed decisions that lead to peace of mind, less frustration, and minimal decision fatigue. 

The post Simplify Your Decision-Making: 7 Tips to Help You Make A Decision and Stop Overthinking appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Ever heard of Lillördag? It’s this wonderfully cozy concept hailing from the Nordic corners of the world, specifically Sweden, translating to ‘Little Saturday’. What’s not to love about dedicating a day in the middle of the week to unwind, relax, and sprinkle a bit of weekend fun into your routine? We all love a break from the workweek monotony! 

 If you’re on the hunt for ways to add joy and self-care to your week while reducing stress and hopefully avoiding burnout, look no further. Let’s dive into why you should adopt the Nordic tradition of Lillördag into your family’s weekly calendar and explore a whopping 45 ideas to get you started. So, grab a glass of champagne, and let’s get into it!

A Bit About Lillördag and Why it’s a Nordic Tradition You’ve Been Missing

So, Lillördag is this genius idea from Sweden. Picture this: back in the day, folks figured out a clever way to sneak in a bit of weekend vibe into their very demanding weeks. Since the actual weekend was strictly for rest and religious observance, Wednesdays became the go-to for a little mid-week fun—hence, “Little Saturday.”

It was a sanctioned slice of leisure where workers and families could indulge in small pleasures or social activities, akin to the breather that Saturday offers. This whole thing is a nod to the Scandinavian way of finding that sweet spot in life—balance. It reflects their ethos of “lagom,” the pursuit of a perfectly balanced life, Lillordag embodies that idea to a T, showing us that finding moments of joy doesn’t have to wait till the weekend. It’s all about making the every day a bit more special. Sounds enticing, right?

Why Embrace Lillördag in Your Family’s Week?

If you’re not already convinced, here are a few more reasons why you’ll want to immediately infuse the Swedish concept of Lillördag to create a little break in your weekly calendar:

Take a Little Break in the Workweek

Who said you have to wait for the weekend to have a little fun or some time to rest? It’s a long wait until the weekend! Use Lillördag as an excuse to take a break from the weekly hustle and encourage social time, relaxation, and rejuvenation. I don’t know about you but between hustling kids around, working from home, homeschooling, chores, and all the other daily tasks, the days and weeks can become monotonous.  Having something fun to look forward to each Wednesday (or whichever day you decide) is a game-changer and puts us all in a better mood. 

Ironically enough, Lillördag is quite the opposite of our North American idea of Wednesday as ‘hump day’, the drag in the middle of the week with a long wait to the weekend. But we can totally flip the scripts! By shaking up our weekly schedule can help prevent the monotony that often leads to a dip in mood and energy. By introducing a break in the middle of the week, you’re keeping things fresh, which can help maintain higher levels of engagement and enthusiasm throughout the week.

Strengthens Family Bonds

Designating a day for family activities or downtime together strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories. Instead of everyone going to their rooms to their separate corners to work on homework, scroll on their phones, or watch TV, you’ve got a night on the weekly calendar for family time. My kids were immediately on board when we raised the idea with them, and now they ask each week what we’re doing on Wednesdays. Just know that once you start it, your kids won’t let you forget about “Little Saturday.”

Promotes Work-Life Balance

Lillördag is a gentle reminder that life isn’t all about work or school; it’s about enjoying moments and making time for what truly matters. Forget the homework for a night (sorry teachers), ignore the looming yard work, and take a midweek break. In five years will you regret that your kids got a bad grade on that assignment or that your grass was overgrown for a couple of extra days? Probably not. You’ll never regret the time you spend making weekly memories and traditions with your family and taking a break from work. 

Encourages Creativity

Stepping away from the usual routine sparks creativity in both adults and children. When you step away from your usual routine, you give your brain the chance to wander and make new connections. It’s in these moments of relaxation that creativity often strikes, leading to those lightbulb moments. A midweek break can also lead to discovering new hobbies and interests. 

I suggest that you give each family the chance to plan out what you’ll do for your Little Saturday. It’s a fun way to let your kids unleash their own creativity and have some ownership in the experience. Just make sure you give them a budget ahead of time, so you’re not downing all their brilliant ideas. 

Reduces Stress and Avoid Burnout

A planned break can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing something to look forward to in the middle of a busy week. There’s something called psychological detachment that tells us that stepping away from the daily grind and doing something enjoyable or relaxing can significantly lower our stress levels. It’s like hitting the reset button on your stress meter. 

Lillördag has become even more important since the COVID-19 pandemic when work-from-home has greatly increased and the lines between work and home have become increasingly blurred. When you break up a really tiring work week with a ‘little Saturday’ action, you’re giving your body and mind a chance to bounce back from stress, which can boost your overall well-being and productivity for the rest of the week.

Improves Mental Health

Engaging in relaxing or pleasurable activities can boost overall mood and mental health. And let’s not forget about the happiness boost from anticipation. Planning something fun for your Lillordag gives you something to look forward to, which can light up the reward centers in your brain, sprinkling a little extra joy into your week.

Fosters Tradition

Creating a Lillördag tradition can be something unique to your family that even future generations can cherish. Traditions are anchors in a child’s world. They’re like the family’s secret handshake—they make kids feel like they’re part of a special club, offering a cozy sense of stability when everything else is all over the place. They’re the glue that sticks families together, creating those “remember when” moments that you can talk about forever.  Plus, they add a sprinkle of excitement to the every day, giving everyone something to look forward to. It’s no wonder that traditions are very important for developing a kid’s sense of self and security. 

Does Lillördag have to be celebrated on Wednesday?

Not at all! While Lillördag traditionally falls on Wednesday, symbolizing a little slice of the weekend smack dab in the middle of the week, there’s no hard and fast rule that it must be celebrated then. The spirit of Lillördag is to break up the workweek routine and add a splash of joy and relaxation to your week, whenever you need it most, no matter the day of the week. 

If Thursdays are when you find yourself needing that little boost or if Mondays are unusually quiet and ripe for a mini-celebration, go for it! The key is creating a moment of pause, fun, and connection, regardless of the day.  So, feel free to bend the tradition to fit your life and schedule—after all, the best traditions are the ones that make you happiest!

45 Ideas for Celebrating Lillördag Freebie!

Not sure what to plan for your first ‘Little Saturday’ celebration? We’ve got some ideas for your family to toss around! Read our list below, download our digital PDF version of the list, and Pin It for later!

Outdoor Adventures

1. Family picnic in the park
2. Evening beach walk
3. Nature scavenger hunt
4. Backyard movie night
5. Bicycle parade around the neighborhood

Creative Outlets

6. DIY craft night
7. Homemade pizza and a movie marathon
8. Storytelling evening (with costumes!)
9. Kitchen bake-off challenge
10. Start a family scrapbook

Learning Together

11. Visit a local museum
12. Attend a workshop or class
13. Stargazing and constellation learning
14. Experiment with science kits
15. Plant a mini garden

Relaxation & Wellness

16. Family yoga session
17. DIY spa night at home
18. Meditation and mindfulness exercises
19. Try a new fitness challenge
20. Make homemade smoothies or a juice bar

Fun & Games

21. Board game tournament
22. Backyard obstacle course
23. Indoor treasure hunt
24. Karaoke night
25. Video game marathon

Exploring the Community

26. Support a local event or fair
27. Visit a new restaurant or café
28. Volunteer as a family
29. Go on a historical walk
30. Attend a community theater production

Just Because

31. Themed dinner nights (e.g., Mexican Fiesta, Italian Night)
32. Start a book club
33. Watch the sunrise or sunset
34. Make breakfast for dinner in your pajamas
35. Do a puzzle together

Keeping It Simple

36. Watch a movie
37. Get ice cream
38. Go to the park
39. Order in dinner
40. Hang out with friends

Seasonal Specials

41. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight
42. Visit a pumpkin patch
43. Go swimming
44. Make seasonal crafts.
45. Plan a mini road trip to see fall foliage or spring blooms.

Wrapping Up: Break Up the Long Wait to the Weekend with Sweden’s Lillördag

Slipping Lillördag into your week is like choosing to live a bit brighter. It’s not just about marking your calendar; it’s a whole vibe of finding joy, kicking back, and making precious memories with your favorites. As Majorie Pay Hinckley said, “The trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.”

Whether it’s getting outdoors, hanging with friends, getting crafty, or just cozying up at home, Lillördag is the Nordic tradition about redeeming the mundane. So, why save the fun for the weekend? Let’s shake up our weekdays and sprinkle a little extra sparkle on them, okay?

What do you think? Ready to give your week a delightful twist with Lillordag?

The post 45 Ideas for Lillördag: De-stress With the Brilliant Swedish Tradition of Little Saturday (& a FREEBIE!) appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

If you’re looking for a great way to reinforce kindness with your kids or students, then you’ll love our Random Acts of Kindness Jar. This kindness project is a way to encourage kids and adults to spread kindness to people around them throughout the year. It’s a great Valentine’s Day project, but it’s really for any time you want to reinforce positive behaviors.

When we feel like we are constantly disciplining and refereeing negative behavior, It’s easy to get bogged down in the problems. One way to combat negative behavior is by providing opportunities for positive behavior, like helping others. 

Whether you’re making a family kindness jar or a classroom kindness jar, have young children, or work with older teens, you can use the kindness jar to teach empathy and compassion. There’s no age limit on who can participate in a kindness jar! It’s a beautiful way to encourage your kids of all ages to do good deeds and show empathy for others. 

Random Acts of Kindness Jar Challenge

Supplies: 

• wide-mouth mason jar (or empty pickle jar, pasta sauce jar, etc)
• Printable random acts of kindness cards (or pre-cut slips of paper)
• Printable jar label
• scissors, tape, and something to write with

Instructions

First, decide how long you want your kindness challenge to last. Are you doing one random act of kindness each week of the year? Is it a daily month-long challenge? Are you setting a goal of 100 acts of kindness? This will determine how many acts of kindness you should come up with and how many random acts of kindness cards you need to print and cut. 

Next, find a jar that is large enough to fit a hand inside. These wide-mouth mason jars are great. Or use an old pickle jar like we did. You can download and print our kindness jar labels. Choose the pink or green one and then just cut and tape it around your jar. Easy peasy.

Once you’ve decided how many acts of kindness cards you need and have your jar ready, you are ready to introduce the kindness jar to your kids. Together with your kids or students, brainstorm ideas of ways to show kindness. This will look different depending on the kids’ age and whether your kindness jar is for home or in the classroom. 

For families, these could be big acts, like paying for a stranger’s groceries or dinner, or small acts like leaving bottled water and a snack outside with a note for the delivery person. if you’re in a school setting, it could be throwing away someone’s trash for them, holding the door for a teacher, or giving a thank-you note to the custodians or other staff members, 

Kids LOVE coming up with these! You’ll be surprised by all of the acts of kindness ideas that arise from your brainstorming session. This is also a great time to show the kids the jar and have it prepared with a kindness jar label.

Once you’ve created a list, write these down on the Random Acts of Kindness Cards and put them in your labeled kindness jar. If you don’t have access to a printer, you can cut slips of paper and use those instead.

(Note: If you’ll be repeating this kindness project,  you might want to laminate the slips ahead of time, to save you some time in the future.)

Once your jar is complete, then it’s time to practice kindness! I suggest choosing the first random act of kindness card right away. Your kids won’t want to wait! 

Free Printables!

We’ve created free printable Random Acts of Kindness Cards and a printable jar label in both pink and green. Click the download buttons below ????????

Wrapping Up: Random Acts of Kindness Jar Challenge

This simple project doesn’t take long, yet it has lasting effects. You are encouraging kindness in the classroom or at home when you provide clear opportunities for practicing compassion. When we model and join kids in the acts of kindness project with the kindness jar, we reinforce everything we’ve taught them about kindness and empathy. Helping kids take the step from knowledge to practice creates lasting effects and creates the desire to do more good in the world. It’s the perfect way to teach kindness through both words and actions. 

The post Create a Random Acts of Kindness Jar Challenge (With Free Printables!) appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate kindness and love. Whether you’re a parent, family member, or teacher, we all care for “our” kids. And while it’s easy to show love to kids on this holiday with their favorite candy and treats and special gifts, it’s also the perfect opportunity to teach our kids how to show kindness and compassion for others. 

We all want our kids to become adults who value kindness and empathy for others. And this is something that must be modeled and taught. This year, consider a new way to celebrate with these 5 easy ways to teach kindness this Valentine’s Day.

(Don’t miss out on our freebie down below, too!)

Ways to Teach Kindness This Valentine’s Day

We can talk about kindness, read books about kindness, and correct unkind behavior all day long. But if you want to really help your kids become kindhearted, the best way is to lead by example and show love to others, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity! Here are 5 easy ways to help you get started:

1. Create a Kindness Jar

Kids love this idea!  Together, think of random acts of kindness that your family could complete. Your kids will love coming up with ideas. These could be big acts, like paying for a stranger’s groceries or dinner, or small acts like leaving bottled water and a snack outside with a note for the delivery person.

Once you’ve created a list, write these down on pieces of paper and put them in a jar. You could choose to pull out one paper each week on a designated kindness day or more or less often, depending on your situation. (We’ve created some cute, FREE printable random acts of kindness cards for you! Click the link below!)

This could also work in a classroom, where students could come up with ideas for helping others at school, like picking up trash outside or holding doors for teachers. 

The goal with a kindness jar is to give kids the opportunity to brainstorm all the ways they can be kind to others throughout the year and not only show love on Valentine’s Day. 

2. Write a Note

According to Dr. Gottman, relationships thrive on a 20:1 positive-to-negative interaction ratio outside of conflicts. That can be transferred to our relationships with our kids or students. On a regular day when you’re not in the middle of a squabble, we should have 20 positive interactions for every 1 negative interaction.

When I look back at my days, often I’ve missed this mark. When our kids are only with us for a few hours each day, we have to be even more intentional about this ratio. It’s easy for me to get bogged down in the things they need to do or neglect to do before or after school. But we have to ask ourselves: when we’re harping on them about homework or picking up their mess, are we outweighing it with love and kind words? 

***Making it an intention to speak positivity into their lives is integral to our relationships with our kids.***

That’s why taking the time to write them a “love note” letting them know what you love about them and how they bring joy to your life is SO important.  It’s a simple yet genuine expression of our love that is sure to brighten our kids’ day. 

If you want to model this for your kids, you can write a note together to a family member, friend, or teacher. Showing kids how to extend words of love to others is an easy way to teach kindness this Valentine’s Day.

3. Spend Quality Time Together

My favorite part of Valentine’s Day is the time we spend together. At our house, Valentine’s Day is a family day. We spend the evening with our girls and have our traditional meal and dessert and dedicate the entire evening to being together. We’ve done this since our girls were very young, and it’s something they expect and look forward to each year.

Your family’s Valentine’s Day might look very different and that’s ok. You don’t have to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, but setting aside special, dedicated time with your kids is so important. If you can’t spend the day or evening together, consider gifting them an experience gift. Knowing that you are planning a special time gives kids something special to look forward to and creates the space for incredible memories. 

4. Do Something Kind for the Elderly

The elderly can often be lonely on the holidays. Whether they’re widowed or have lost friends and other family members, older adults are at heightened risk of becoming lonely and isolated. Here are a few ways your family can share love and kindness with the elderly this Valentine’s

• Call or Facetime elderly family members (or visit if they’re nearby!)
• Take a card, plant, flowers, or homemade treats to elderly neighbors. 
• Contact a local nursing or assisted living home and ask if you can pass out Valentine’s to the residents there. (This is great to do with multiple families!) 
• Take an elderly family member, friend, or neighbor out for Valentine’s dinner or to your house for a special Valentine’s meal. 
• Perform an act of kindness for them, such as mowing the lawn, helping them with something in their home, or running errands for them. 
• Take the time to ask them questions and listen to them. The elderly have so much lived experience to share with us.  I wish I had asked my grandparents more questions about their life. 

5.  Read Books that Teach Kindness and Love

One of my favorite ways to teach is through books. I can talk about kindness all day long, but there’s something about a book that brings the concept to life. There are some fabulous picture books that teach different ways to spread kindness and celebrate love and compassion. Here’s a list of some of the best books that you can add to your home library or check out from the public library. 

As you read the story with your child, take time to ask questions and discuss what’s happening in the story. The best time at our house is at bedtime. When they’re tucked in their beds you have a captive audience. And if your kids are anything like our kids, they’ll do anything to delay sleep just a little bit longer. 

Even older kids will benefit from reading books with mom and dad. Taking the time to read to our kids is a kindness in itself and creates space for bonding and discussion. 

Wrapping Up: Ways to Teach Kids Kindness this Valentine’s Day

However you decide to teach your kids about kindness this Valentine’s Day, remember the goal is for your child to feel loved by you. When we show our kids unconditional love and extend kindness to them, we are teaching them through modeling.

This is something that should be part of our everyday life. Our kids will benefit and so will every relationship in their life. When we put kindness first in our families, we are creating empathetic, compassionate humans. And that is something to celebrate every day of the year. 

The post 5 Easy Ways to Teach Kindness This Valentine’s Day: Celebrate Love appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.

If you’re like me, you probably have a lot of stuff. Every birthday and holiday comes with more stuff. Every kid comes with more stuff. And sadly, material things often get lost, broken, discarded, or donated.

My husband and I stopped giving each other traditional gifts years ago. Every once in a while, I’ll get him a little something that he needs, but our main gift is always an experience together. Whether it’s a big trip, a concert, or a fancy dinner, I can remember almost every birthday and anniversary because of the fun, experiential gifts we’ve gifted each other.

While certain material gifts, like my diamond ring for my 10th anniversary or a special keepsake from my Memaw, are priceless to me, a lot of stuff is forgotten. And while appreciated and wanted at the time, at the end of the day, it’s just stuff. If you’re looking to create more meaning and lifelong memories with your gifts, try skipping the material gifts. Experiences make the best gifts and here are 10 reasons why you should gift experiences instead of stuff. 

10 Reasons to Gift Experiences

If you’re trying to decide if you want to gift experiences instead of material gifts, here are a few reasons why you should consider making the change. 

1. Experiences Create Lasting Memories

If you ask my youngest daughter about her favorite gift she’s ever gotten, it’s not the iPad or a gaming system. It’s the concert ticket to see TWICE, her favorite K-pop band. We went to celebrate both her and her big sister’s birthday. And months and months later she still talks about it. It was life-changing and something she will never forget. 

When you gift someone the opportunity to create memories, you are giving them a gift that can truly last a lifetime. Now that is a priceless gift. 

2. Experiences Don’t Clutter Your Home

If there’s one thing that can instantly trigger my anxiety, it’s walking into a room of clutter. Even if the clutter is in the kids’ bedroom or the garage, it’s hard to mentally shut out the mess.

One way to fight back against the clutter is the gift of an experience. I was worried about getting some pushback when we gifted my kids an experience for their birthdays. They’re used to opening presents and having something to play with or wear that day. But as they get older, they are beginning to realize that less stuff is ok. 

Now, I’m not saying you can’t give a material gift. Kids outgrow things, and things break and need to be replaced. I’m not opposed to gifting an experience along with the pair of sneakers they’ve been asking for.

But even less stuff means less clutter. And that’s always a good thing in my book.

3. Experiences Let You Try New Things

It’s easy to get in ruts. We often catch ourselves doing the same things on the weekends. Friday night dinner out, Saturday movie night, Sunday brunch, REPEAT.

When money is tight and schedules are busy, new experiences don’t often happen, which is an even better reason to gift an experience.

A brand new experience is an incredibly beneficial thing for both kids and adults. According to an article published by UW Medicine and clinical psychology resident Juan Pablo Zapata, novelty in the form of new experiences activates the part of our brain that responds to new stimuli and creates dopamine pathways and connections that make us feel good.

When you offer a loved one the opportunity to try something new, you are helping boost their brain and emotional health. 

4. Experiences Foster Closer Relationships

As I mentioned earlier, my favorite gifts have been experiences I’ve enjoyed with someone else. While I enjoy a good spa day as much as the next girl, I would much rather create unforgettable moments with the people closest to me and have those memories to reminisce on in the future. 

When I travel with my husband, not only are we trying new things, but we’re doing it together.

According to a research study published by Yale University, “sharing an experience with another person, without communicating, amplifies one’s experience.” You don’t even have to talk about what you’re doing. Simply being there and experiencing the same moment creates a deeper and more meaningful experience for both people. 

Making memories together creates more meaningful experiences and leads to a deepened connection with the other person. 

5. Experiences Don’t Get Lost

How many hours have you spent helping your kids look for something that’s gotten lost? Just me?? I didn’t think so. With experience gifts, you are offering something immaterial that won’t go missing and end up forgotten about. You can’t say the same about more stuff.

Not only will an experience not get lost, but the memories of that special experience stay with them, and the person who gifted them the experience will have a special place in their memory, too.

6. Experiences Don’t Have to Cost a Thing

Whether you’re short on cash or are pushing back against consumerism, you don’t have to spend a thing on an experience. Some of my favorite memories are sitting on the beach watching the sunset, hiking through the mountains, or floating on the lake in the warm summer sun. 

You don’t have to spend a thing to gift an experience to someone. Giving them the gift of the day together to do something meaningful in nature or even at home can create incredible memories, as well. For my 40th birthday, my family planned a small family party with delicious homemade food and it is one of my best birthday memories ever.

When we take the time and effort to create an experience for someone, it can mean just as much and even more than an expensive experience gift. 

7. Experiences Lead to More Experiences

When we get out of our comfort zone and enjoy the experience of trying something new, it usually motivates us to want to try other adventures and experiences. Have you ever been on vacation and catch yourself talking about and planning your next vacation? Or out with a group of friends, and you’re talking about what you should do the next time? Yep, me, too!

When we have a positive experience, we crave more positive experiences. So when we gift someone a fun experience, we’re offering them a gift that can continue to deliver positive benefits time and time again. 

It can also lead to the recipient deciding to gift experiences instead of something material. It wasn’t until my daughter had an incredible experience at her concert that she considered gifting an experience to a friend.  

Experiences can be the gift that keeps on giving.

8. Experiences Fight Against Consumerism

We’ve already mentioned it above, but when we say no to material objects as gifts, we’re saying no to consumerism. When we can say no, our kids don’t need the latest iPhone or XBox or need a different style of Air Jordans. 

I’m not saying those things are inherently bad. My kids do have an iPhone and a pair of Air Jordans. 

What I’m saying is even though the media might make us and our kids feel like we’re behind because we’re wearing last season’s shoes and using a three-year-old phone, we don’t have to buy into their messages. 

Psychologist Jacinta Francis, Ph.D. writes that an emphasis on materialism leads to greater life dissatisfaction. 

When we say no to buying the latest and greatest things, we are saying no to a life of being pulled by consumerism’s strings. When we say yes to experiences, instead, we are saying yes to enjoying life and making memories that last, instead of things that don’t last. 

9. Experiences Broaden Your World

Our worlds can become pretty small when we see the same people, visit the same places, rotate the same meal plans, watch the same shows, etc. It’s easy to get into a routine that limits the scope of our world.

One way to battle this is to experience new things. When we travel to new places, eat new foods, and engage in different culture’s art and music, we are broadening our world. 

To gift experiences is to open people’s minds and eyes to the big world we live in. 

10. Experiences Improve Life

When we gift experiences, we’re aiming to add to someone’s quality of life. This could be through meaningful connection, fun, or even making someone’s life easier. Cleaning someone’s house for them or filling their freezer with meals offers a different kind of experience…the gift of time and of lessened stress. 

An experience doesn’t have to be an activity to do. It can also be something we do that improves their life and gifts them with the time or help they need. 

Experience Gift Ideas

The options are seemingly limitless when it comes to experience gifts. For me, half the fun in gifting an experience gift is planning the surprise. We’ve compiled some lists below that we think will satisfy all kinds of recipients for whom you want to gift experiences.

Plus we’ve compiled all of the experience gift ideas in one PDF for you, so you can save it or share it with your family and friends. A little hint never hurt. ????

Experience Gift PDF Download

Experience Gift Ideas for Adventure-Lovers

If your gift receiver loves adventure, here are a few ideas for experiences they might enjoy: 

• White-water Rafting
• Rock climbing
• Camping trip
• Skiing or snowboarding
• Zip-lining
• Hot-air balloon ride
• Safari
• Kayaking
• Base-jumping
• Bunjee Jumping
• Sky-diving (or indoor sky-diving)
• Scuba diving lessons
• Snorkeling
• Water Skiing
• Paragliding
• Parasailing
• Amusement Park
• Water park
• Visit a new country
• Mountain climbing
• Sailing lessons

Experience Gift Ideas for Couples

If you’re getting gifts for your significant other, here are some ideas that foster connection and fun: 

• Couples massage
• Romantic dinner
• Pickleball
• Take a trip
• A night away at a hotel
• Comedy club
• Go dancing
• Dance lessons
• Food tour
• Attend a retreat
• Sunset picnic
• Try a workout class
• Rent a unique car and drive
• Pedicures
• Cooking class
• Wine tasting
• Winery tour
• Horse-drawn carriage ride
• Visit the theater
• Visit a museum
• Pottery or art class
• Concert tickets
• Sporting event tickets
• Kayaking
• Tubing on the river
• Day at the beach
• Take a hike
• Visit a brewery

Experience Gift for Kids

While we typically think of toys when it comes to kids’ gifts, here are some activities that we’re certain kids would love and appreciate: 

• Children’s museum membership or tickets
• Amusement park visit
• Arcade visit
• Pottery or art class
• Water park season pass or tickets
• See a musical or play
• Visit a cat cafe
• Music lessons
• Zoo membership
• Horseback riding 
• Concert tickets
• Sporting event tickets
• Roller skating or ice skating lessons
• Week at camp
• Sewing lessons
• Foreign language lessons
• Date with mom or dad
• Cooking class
• Scavenger hunt
• Bowling
• Laser tag
• Escape room
• Go-carts
• Paintball
• Pedicure or manicure

Free or Cheap Experience Gift Ideas

You don’t have to spend much money to create an unforgettable experience. Here are some of our favorite free or cheap experience gift ideas:

• Hiking
• Picnic outdoors
• Visit the beach or lake
• At-home fancy dinner
• At-home movie theater
• Backyard camping
• At-home spa day
• Go fishing
• Coupon book for special things
• At-home massage
• Cookie decorating party
• Tea party
• Outdoor movie
• Scavenger hunt
• Offer free babysitting
• Offer free housecleaning
• Offer free landscaping
• Home-cooked meals 
• Visit a free museum or 
• Splash pad day
• Historical landmark tour
• Offer free services in your specialty
• Organize a game night
• At-home murder mystery dinner
• DIY escape room
• DIY cooking class
• Crafting party
• DIY painting class
• Sleepover
• Offer home organization

Experience Gift Ideas for Her

Whether you’re planning to gift experiences for a mom, sister, daughter, or friend, we think there’s something for everyone on this list:

• Spa day
• Wine tasting
• Girls night out
• Dancing
• Weekend trip
• Crafting night
• Painting class
• Pedicures
• Join a book club together
• Floral arranging
• Brunch
• Game night
• Free babysitting
• Hiking
• Fitness class membership
• Kayaking
• Cooking class
• Freezer meals
• Housecleaning service
• Home organization
• Music lessons
• Foreign language lessons
• Food tour
• Museum membership
• Concert tickets
• Sporting event
• Go camping
• Retreat
• Gardening class

Experience Gift Ideas for Him

Some of the hardest people to shop for can be the guys in my life. This list of ideas makes it easier:

• Car detailing service
• Sporting event tickets
• Concert tickets
• Batting cage
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Museum membership
• Wine tasting
• Fishing 
• Game night
• Backyard movie night
• Visit a brewery
• Camping
• Picnic
• Book club
• Cooking class
• Painting class
• Free babysitting
• Housecleaning service
• Massage
• Fitness membership
• Freezer meals
• Weekend trip
• Surfing lessons
• Music lessons
• Foreign language lessons
• Landscaping service
• Golf
• Waterpark visit
• Amusement park visit
• Comedy club visit

Wrapping Up: Give the Gift of Experience

When you forgo a physical gift and choose to give someone an experience, you are offering them more than a present.

Giving experiences can cater to more life enjoyment and less clutter. It takes the emphasis off material things and pushes back against consumerism and its negative effects. It gifts meaningful moments and treasured memories. Whether you’re buying someone the time to pamper themselves, learn or perfect a skill like cooking or dancing, or offer them free time through free babysitting or housecleaning services, you’re giving them something that creates space in their life for enjoyment and pleasure.

Experiences last a lifetime in the memories they provide. That’s why experiences are my favorite kind of gift!

Resources:

Brooks, K. (2022, January 10). Want to break out of the blues? try something new. Right as Rain by UW Medicine. https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/try-something-new

Boothby, E. J., Clark, M. S., & Bargh, J. A. (2014). Shared experiences are amplified – Yale University. Yale.edu. https://clarkrelationshiplab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/BoothbyClarkBargh(1).pdf

Francis, J. (2013, November 28). Raising non-materialistic children in a material world. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-the-neighborhood/201311/raising-non-materialistic-children-in-material-world

The post 10 Reasons Why You Should Gift Experiences Instead of Stuff and 160+ Experience Gift Ideas! appeared first on MEREDITH ADKISSON.