Why We Stopped Traditional Birthdays and Started Giving Experiences Instead

Ever been through the typical birthday party routine? You know how it goes—booking a venue or preparing your house, crafting customized invitations, choosing a theme dictating decorations and food, putting together elaborate goody bags, splurging on theme-shaped cookies and the perfect cake, spending hours in preparation, only to be left with an overwhelming pile of gifts. And just like that, the party is over.

I’ve definitely been there, and while I understand the importance of making my children feel special on their birthdays, the traditional flow of a kid’s birthday doesn’t resonate with me anymore. All the excess, the gifts, and the toys—no, thank you.

A couple of years back, my husband and I made a decision: instead of extravagant birthday parties with endless presents, we started a new tradition. We started gifting our children with experiences—meaningful family vacations that we could all enjoy together. It’s not about dismissing gifts or not appreciating a traditional birthday party; it’s about recognizing the impact these experiences have on shaping the memories we create together.

We’ve explored beaches, stayed in cozy cabins, and had a blast at indoor waterparks, and I’m certain our adventures will only grow as the years pass. Whether it’s a quick trip or a long one, nearby or in a distant place, the size or location doesn’t matter. What truly matters is the happiness of being together as a family and celebrating birthdays in a unique way, creating memories that will stay with us forever.

What I love most about gifting our children with a family vacation is the quality time we share. We laugh, explore, and learn as a family. Toys lose their charm, and trends come and go. But memories? They last a lifetime. They stay with you forever. Those moments of joy, laughter, and discovery become part of our family story.

For some, our choice might seem out of the ordinary, maybe even a bit much. But for me, it’s a decision I’ll never regret. These shared adventures become stories we will tell over and over, bonding us as a family in a way that no material possession ever could. Although our children are still quite young, I take comfort in knowing that they’ll grow up with this special tradition we’ve started. I am confident as they grow, they will carry these memories with them forever. In the end, it’s not the things we have that matter; it’s the experiences we share and the memories we create as a family.