Christmas Gifts for Kids Under £50

It can be so sad to go to a restaurant that is designed for children, to then see said children sat on a screen not even taken in the surroundings that were so carefully created for them! Or, for a kid to open many presents on Christmas day, only to find they spend the rest of the day on a device not really taking in all these physical presents they were gifted.

That's the beauty of experience days as it makes children and families get out and actually do something together, that generally doesn't include a phone!  Experience gifts offer a unique way to inspire curiosity and create cherished memories, giving essential life skills often lost in today’s fast paced digital age.

It also helps to highlight gifts on a budget as, with the cost of living so high these days, finding decent gifts for kids under £50 can be a real challenge!

Why Choose Experiences Over Physical Gifts?

Before diving into the ideas, let’s explore why experiences make such impactful gifts for children:

1. Memories Last Longer Than Toys
   Research shows that shared experiences foster stronger emotional connections and leave lasting impressions. A day out or an exciting activity becomes a story they’ll retell for years.
2. Building Essential Skills
   Activities like cooking classes, driving experiences, or escape rooms teach problem-solving, creativity, and resilience in a way no screen ever could.
3. Combat Screen Time
   With so much time spent in front of tablets or phones, active experiences help children unplug and engage with the world around them.
4. Environmentally Friendly
   Experiences reduce the demand for physical products that often end up in landfills, making them a more sustainable gifting choice.

The Best Christmas Gifts for Kids Under £50

1. Pottery Painting Experience

Price: £25-£35
Let their creativity shine with a pottery painting session. This experience allows kids to choose their favourite ceramic piece and decorate it however they like. Whether it’s a mug, plate, or ornament, they’ll leave with a personalised keepsake. It’s an excellent way to nurture their artistic side while spending quality time with family.

2. Falconry Experience

Price: £45
Introduce your child to the fascinating world of birds of prey with a falconry session. They’ll learn about these majestic creatures, handle them under expert supervision, and witness stunning flying demonstrations. It’s an educational yet thrilling experience that connects kids with nature.

3. Junior Supercar Experience

Price: £49
Perfect for petrolhead kids aged 10 and above, this gift for kids under £50 lets them take the wheel of a real supercar like a Lamborghini or Ferrari. Guided by a professional instructor, they’ll navigate a safe course, providing an unforgettable adrenaline rush and boosting confidence.

4. Thorpe Park EntranceWildlife Safari Park Adventure

Price: £40-£50
Take them on a safari experience where they can see exotic animals up close. Many safari parks offer discounted child rates, and some experiences allow kids to interact with animals like giraffes and lemurs. This adventure is both entertaining and educational.

5. Indoor Skydiving

Price: £50
Feel the thrill of freefalling with indoor skydiving. Children as young as five can experience the sensation of floating mid-air in a wind tunnel. It’s a unique activity that combines fun and a little bravery, making it ideal for adventurous spirits.

6. Escape Room Challenge

Price: £45 (for a group of up to four)
For kids who love puzzles and teamwork, an escape room experience is a fantastic gift. Themed rooms like “Pirate’s Treasure” or “Enchanted Forest” transport them to another world where they must solve clues and overcome challenges to escape within the time limit.

7. Baking Masterclass

Price: £40
Budding chefs can join a baking workshop to learn how to make delicious treats like cupcakes, cookies, or pastries. This hands-on activity not only teaches practical skills but also instils a sense of achievement when they see their creations come to life.

8. Theatre or Show Tickets

Price: £20-£50
Gift the magic of live performance with tickets to a family-friendly show or pantomime. Productions like “The Lion King” or local Christmas pantomimes captivate children with their storytelling, costumes, and music.

9. Junior Archery Experience

Price: £35
Unleash their inner Robin Hood with a junior archery session. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, kids learn how to aim and shoot arrows safely, improving their focus and coordination in a fun and supportive environment.

10. Farm Visit with Animal Encounters

Price: £30
Many farms offer interactive experiences where kids can feed animals, pet fluffy lambs, or even try milking a cow. These activities teach children about farm life and the importance of caring for animals.

11. Mini Golf Adventure

Price: £20-£30
Mini golf is a simple yet enjoyable activity that brings the whole family together. With creative themes like pirate ships or jungle settings, kids can practice their putting skills while navigating fun obstacles.

12. Treasure Hunt Adventure

Price: £20-£25
Turn any city or countryside into an adventure with a treasure hunt experience. Armed with a map and clues, kids solve riddles and follow trails, combining outdoor exploration with critical thinking.

Why These Gifts Matter

Encouraging Active Participation

Unlike toys or gadgets that entertain passively, experience gifts for kids encourage them to actively engage their minds and bodies. Whether it’s holding a falcon or decorating a piece of pottery, they become active participants in their own fun.

Promoting Family Bonding

Many experiences, like escape rooms or farm visits, are designed for families to enjoy together. These shared moments strengthen relationships and create priceless memories.

A Love for Nature

Activities like wildlife safaris or farm visits nurture a deeper appreciation for the environment. In an age of climate awareness, such experiences instil values of conservation and respect for the natural world.

Developing Life Skills

From teamwork in escape rooms to patience in pottery painting, these experiences teach skills that help children thrive both socially and academically.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Experience Gift for Kids

1. Know Their Interests
   Theree's no point arrange a stadium tour if they hate football! So make sure, you pick an adventure around them and not just within the budget.
2. Consider Their Age
   Checking the age limit on an expereince not only helps you work out if your child can do that trip, but also helps you plan a gift that they'll enjoy instead of one that might be too young or old for them.
3. Choose Something New
   Experiences that push children slightly out of their comfort zones, like indoor skydiving, can be both exciting and empowering.
4. Plan for Family Involvement
   Look for activities that involve parents or siblings for added bonding opportunities.

This Christmas, step away from the world of plastic toys and tech gadgets. Choose gifts for kids that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and build stronger family connections. Experiences provide children with unique opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun—all while creating stories they’ll cherish for years to come.

By giving the gift of an experience, you’re investing in a child’s happiness and development, far beyond the fleeting excitement of unwrapping yet another toy. Let this festive season be the start of a new tradition: gifting memories that truly matter.