Every December it happens. The tree goes up, the presents pile underneath, and by Boxing Day half of it is under the couch, missing a piece, or already forgotten. Meanwhile you're the one who has to find somewhere to put it all.
If you're already dreading the clutter, here's a gentle nudge. This year, give your kids (and the grown-ups on your list) something to do, not just something to unwrap.
Why experience gifts stick
Ask any adult about their favourite childhood present and there's a good chance it wasn't a toy. It was the camp, the lessons, the day out with Nan, the thing they got to do.
Experiences give kids something to look forward to, something to remember, and often something new to be proud of. For a kid who's decided they're "not creative", a few weeks of having a go with no right or wrong answer can change how they see themselves. That's a lot more than a battery-powered thing that beeps until February.
And bonus, it doesn't need a cupboard.
Faire & Ho Ho Ho: our Christmas gift ideas
Yes, we change our name at Christmas. No, we're not sorry. Here's what you can wrap up from us this year.
Gift vouchers. The easy one. Pop it in a card or a stocking and let them choose what they want to book. Vouchers come in [voucher amounts] and can be used on [what vouchers can be used for].
A membership. The gift that keeps giving all year. Members book into the same weekly class, and they get extra perks on top:
Free three-day Summer School in January
20% off our school holiday programs
Discounts on birthday parties and retail
[any other member perks to add]
Our Foundation membership is one class a week at $125 a month, and Flair is two classes a week at $215 a month, which is perfect for the kid who never wants to leave.
Creative & Confident in 28 Days. Not sure if they'll love it? This is four weeks, four classes, and an easy way to find out before you commit to more. Wrap it up as a "new year, new thing" gift and they can start in [start date or term].
Gifts for the grown-ups, too
Let's be honest, mums are usually the last ones on the list. And when someone asks what you'd like, it's hard to say "two hours where nobody needs anything from me".
So here's what you can forward to your partner, your sister or the family group chat:
A Paint & Sip night with a friend. A glass of something, a canvas, and a chat that isn't interrupted every 30 seconds. Our next dates are [Paint & Sip dates].
Rediscover Your Creativity in 28 Days, our four-week program for adults who used to love making things and can't remember when they stopped.
A gift voucher for Nan or Pop, so they can bring the grandkids along for a class together.
No experience needed for any of it. Plenty of adults haven't picked up a paintbrush since Year 7, and that's exactly who these are for.
Make the school holidays easier on yourself
Here's a sneaky one. Christmas presents can double as your summer holiday plan.
The long break is long. By week two, the novelty has worn off, the screens are on, and someone is "bored" at 8:15am. A voucher or membership under the tree means you've already got something booked in for when the walls start closing in. Members also get that free Summer School and 20% off holiday programs, which adds up quickly if you were going to book anyway.
Our holiday programs run at our North Perth studio [and other locations] across [summer holiday dates]. Spots go quickly once term finishes, so it's worth getting in early.
How to wrap an experience (so it still feels like a present)
Kids like something to open. A few easy ideas:
Pop the voucher in a box with a new set of pencils or a sketchbook
Write a "you're invited" card with their first class date on it
Wrap a little art kit with a note saying "more of this, every week"
For a membership, roll up a drawing they did and tie the voucher to it
Simple, cheap, and no extra plastic for you to tidy up.
Ready to tick some names off the list?
Grab a gift voucher or set up a membership now, so it's sorted before the December madness kicks in. If you're not sure what suits your kid, or you want a voucher for a particular class, just message us and we'll help you pick.
Here's to a Christmas with a bit less stuff and a lot more making.
Fay and the Faire & Co team
