Give experiences, not gifts

"I don't remember."

That's what one of my grandsons said when I asked, "What did we give you for your birthday last year?"

I then asked "Where did Nena and I take you and your brothers last year?"

He immediately replied "We went to Jimmie and June's farm, rode the tractor and dug up some potatoes in the garden. Then we went to Canton, stayed in a cabin and drove a golf cart."

His answers to my two questions changed our gift-giving strategy as grandparents.

We now give experiences instead of gifts. We've been doing this for about two years with the following results:

1. We ALL enjoy the experiences, while only the kids enjoy a gift. Sue and I took our entire family to Washington DC for The 4th of July in 2011. Toured the White House, saw the fireworks and celebrated the twin's July 1st birthday at The Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Washington!
2. The pictures we take during an experience are a whole lot more interesting than a kid opening a wrapped gift. I will always value the picture of my son-in-law surrounded by his three sons on the steps of the Supreme Court. Especially after this past week's events (June 28, 2012 decision on ObamaCare).
3. It's much easier for Sue and I to pick the right experience than it is to pick the right gift at Toys R Us. 

We just returned from our twin grandson's 12th birthday experience, a weekend in Glen Rose. We toured Fossil Rim Wildlife Park, swam, and saw dino tracks. We also toured the Fast Back Rope factory in Granbury, a very kind gesture by their general manager Robin Postman.

Our big experience for Chrismas 2012 will be a week in December in New York City for the entire family. It's a gift that won't fit under our Christmas tree BUT it will certainly be something we all remember for years to come when we get our picture taken standing under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree!

Please share your life lessons and experiences to make our life even better.