Every year I find myself wanting to give gifts that feel a little more intentional and a lot more meaningful. Instead of adding more things to the shelves of my nephews and nieces, I’m craving moments that let us slow down and actually be together. Experience-based gifts feel like exactly
that—opportunities to share something fun, new, or inspiring together. They give our kids memories they can hold onto right now, and they give us the gift we never seem to have enough of: time.
I’ve gathered a collection of experience ideas that make giving (and receiving) feel special without the clutter. Because at the end of the day, the best gift we can offer the people we love most is time spent is time having fun!
Leisure Guide
Looking for a gift idea this holiday season? Give the gift of recreation with a City of Winnipeg Recreation Gift Card. They’re a great way for friends and family to enjoy fun, fitness, and well-being through many recreation and leisure activities. From gymnastics and pottery to skating and swimming, there is something for everyone! In addition to Leisure Guide programs, gift cards can also be used towards fitness memberships, single admissions to recreation facilities, merchandise, equipment rentals, or facility rental permits. They can be purchased at any City of Winnipeg indoor pool or recreation facility and are available in any amount from $5 to $500. For more information, visit winnipeg.ca/giftcards.
Manitoba Children’s Museum
Give the gift of hands-on fun this holiday season with passes to the Manitoba Children’s Museum. With twelve galleries – like the Splash Lab, Tumble Zone and Illusion Tunnel – to explore and learn, the Manitoba Children’s Museum is unlike the no-touch exhibits at other more traditional museums. The latest innovations in education come together with creative environments to provide a powerful learning experience that entertains as it educates. Turn holiday magic into everyday discovery with a gift they’ll never forget. Visit: childrensmuseum.com
Forum Arts Centre
Art classes are the perfect gift that sparks creativity rather than clutter! An art class experience at Forum Art Centre lets young artists dive into colour, clay, stories, and imagination. With classes for kids, preteens, and teens, there’s truly something for every budding creator. Younger artists can explore drawing and painting with fun instructors who make every session feel like an adventure. Preteens get hands-on fun with pottery, storytelling through acrylics, and mixed media creations. Teens can dive into manga, comic art, or mashups of multiple mediums—ideal for kids who love to express themselves in unique ways.
Giving an art class means giving confidence, creativity, and a place to make something all their own. It’s a gift that lasts long after the paint dries.
For that perfect gift, or information on Art Classes visit forumartcentre.com/
Manitoba Theatre for Young People
Give a gift that feels like following a trail of fairy lights on a winter afternoon with MTYP!
Tickets to a production this season at Manitoba Theatre for Young People is the perfect gift to spark imagination and family fun! Come into a world where stories build, characters sparkle, and imaginations wake up. The shows are designed with children in mind, but grownups will be just as entertained! And unlike most gifts, unwrapping this one comes with a built-in sense of wonder! If you can’t wait, join us for The Lightning Thief from December 5 to 28.
For tickets and information about our 2025/26 Season, visit mtyp.ca or call 204.942-8898.
Sagehill Stables
Saddle Up for the Best Gift Ever!
Sagehill Stables Introductory Riding Program is a gift for anyone ages 8 to 70+ to live out their horse-riding dreams. Friendly coaches and plenty of hands-on learning have students meeting the horses, learning the basics, and hopping in the saddle with confidence. With lots of time in the barn, discover new skills, and have a whole lot of fun along the way! And who knows—this could lead to finding a new favourite hobby. Give someone the gift of fresh air, excitement, and unforgettable barn magic!
Western Canadian Aviation Museum
Discover one of Winnipeg’s most unique holiday shopping destinations — the Landing Zone Boutique Giftshop, located inside the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, just across from the Winnipeg airport. The boutique offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts, books, and collectables, along with locally made goods perfect for anyone on your list. From model aircraft and flight jackets to puzzles, jewellery, and handmade items, there’s something for every aviation enthusiast and holiday shopper alike. Every purchase supports the museum’s mission of education, preservation, and community engagement. Visitors coming to shop at the Landing Zone Boutique do not need to pay for museum admission or parking.
