21 Experiences to Gift Families this Christmas

I am a firm believer in reducing clutter and not just giving people “stuff” for Christmas. I’m also a big fan of a good day out, so with that dual purpose I’ve put together this list of Christmas gift ideas for families that are vouchers for doing things as opposed to buying things or vouchers to buy things. Read the list and you’ll see what I mean.

1.  Allgifts.ie have a page dedicated to vouchers for family days out including the Irish Military War Museum, EPIC Ireland (see our review here) and Lazer Maze in Meath.

2. Bord Gais Energy Theatre sells vouchers that can be sent by post or by email, helpful for a last minute gift or one to send from a distance. Vouchers cover tickets only not food and beverages or merchandise.

3. Dublin Zoo sells gift cards on their site sent by post, prices start at one child entry for €14 , €53 for entry for a family of 2 adults and 2 children over 3 years old to €185 for a family membership. There is no charge at Dublin Zoo for children aged under 3 years old so bear this in mind if buying family tickets.

4. Explorium the hottest new family indoor attraction, gift cards are available from reception in the denomination of your choice.

5. Heritage Ireland gift cards are available at all Heritage Ireland sites, for €40 an adult can have free entry to all Heritage Ireland sites for 12 months the card costs €10 for children aged 12-18 and kids under 12 have free admission .

6. Viking Splash Tour – a voucher for a family ticket can be bought online and costs €70.

7. Zipit operate a treetop high ropes adventure open to children aged 7 upwards in Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon, Farran Wood in Cork and Tibradden Wood and sell vouchers online  from €50 up.

8. Giddy Studios  – why not give  a voucher that lets them express themselves AND take home a keepsake- a voucher for Giddy Studios in Dundrum is perfect

9. Titanic Experience in Belfast offer a gift card that can be used not just for buying tickets 46.50 GBP for a family ticket) but also in the restaurants on site and for Afternoon Tea.

10. Bunratty Castle sells family membership for €95 which includes day visit admission, discounts for other attractions and free parking.

11. Fota Wildlife Park offers a variety of vouchers including close up experiences with animals.

12. We Are Vertigo in Belfast sell gift vouchers online with loads of options, skiing, inflatapark etc

13. Kia-Ora Mini-Farm near Gorey, Co. Wexford is a great day out, with petting zoo, feeding animals, a trip in a real fire engine, go-karts, and real diggers. They sells voucher online here.

14. Flight vouchers Aer Lingus and Ryanair both sell vouchers online. Aer Lingus’ ones are in set denominations starting at €25 and there’s a €9 admin fee, with the voucher are delivered to the recipients inbox on the delivery date that you choose. Ryanair’s also start at €25 and their fee is €2.  more info;

15. Hotel vouchers – every hotel sells gift vouchers but hotel groups that give the recipient the choice of where to go include Select Hotels of Ireland, Clayton Hotel Gift vouchers can be used in their hotels in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Wexford, Belfast, Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds as well as at all Maldron Hotels and The Gibson Hotel and The Belvedere Hotel meaning a choice of over 40 hotels across Ireland and the UK. To see which 8 of these hotels have rooms that can accommodate a family of 5 in one room click here.

16. Centerparcs the hottest destination in Longford for family staycations sell gift vouchers online and they are posted out.

17. Leahy’s Open Farm in Midelton, Co. Cork offers vouchers for €30 and €50 online here .

18. Imaginosity is a very popular  play attraction for children with lots  of role play and construction fun.  It’s based in Sandyford, Dublin 18 and we would recommend for kids up to about age 8. Admission for adults and children over 3 is €8 per person €6 for age 1 and 2 and 3-12 months €2 and you can buy their “Visit Us” vouchers which include entry and a meal in their cafe at their reception.

19. Castlecomer Discovery Park in County Kilkenny, is a great family day out. Gift vouchers available online here.

20. Croke Park GAA museum offers vouchers for the stadium tour or for the Skyline tour or both. A stadium tour costs €38 for 2 adults and 2 children.

21. Tayto Park offer vouchers online or by post, the crisp-inspired theme park is a great day out and suitable for all ages.

And if you’re wondering how to present the vouchers, check out this Irish company who make personalised “Wonka” chocolate bars with a customised golden ticket to announce the prize- they gifted me one and I just love the magic that they bring.