Last fall, it was my close friend's daughter's fifth birthday, and instead of a toy, I got her a pass to the local indoor playground.

Interestingly, the one who enjoyed it the most that day was not the child but my friend. She said she felt relieved that there was one less toy in the house.

These days, many parents living in apartments complain about not having enough space to store their children's belongings. I've heard several times that in such households, experience gifts are more appreciated.

It seems I'm not the only one who feels this way. In a survey by the travel platform GetYourGuide, 92% of Americans said they would prefer to receive experiences as gifts rather than material items during holidays or special occasions.

In the same survey, the figure was 62% in 2021, indicating a significant shift over the past few years.

Research also shows that people who receive experiences as gifts feel more gratitude for a longer time compared to those who receive material items. Toys can break or become boring quickly, but memories last longer, which makes sense.

There are also studies indicating that children play more creatively and for longer with fewer toys. As the number of gifts increases, the affection for each individual item tends to diminish.

Speaking of birthdays, let's talk about money. The average American family spends $314 on a child's birthday party.

When you add in the cost of gifts for invited friends, the expenses can really add up.

Experts recommend a budget of $20 to $30 for gifts for other people's children, but many families actually spend between $50 and $75 per invitation.

With that amount, you could get a one-hour pass to a trampoline park for $15 to $25, plus a few dollars for sock rentals, allowing for two or three visits.

However, it's essential to check the expiration dates and age restrictions for experience gifts. Otherwise, the thoughtful gift could end up being wasted money.

There's also the option of purchasing a monthly pass, with some places starting at $24.99. This means you can let a child play for an entire month for the price of one or two toys.

I found that annual zoo memberships can be surprisingly affordable. The Houston Zoo offers a family membership for two adults and three children for just $89 a year.

In contrast, some other regional zoos have family memberships that exceed $140, so it's wise to compare prices for the same experience gift by location.

Children's museum memberships also vary significantly. In Minnesota, there's a $45 option if you meet certain conditions, while in Indianapolis, a family membership can cost $225.

Even for the same benefits, the price differences can be substantial, so I recommend comparing a few options before purchasing a gift.

I've seen parents share a membership among several families or take turns bringing children each time they visit. When one person buys it, several families can benefit together.

Personally, since I have a strong interest in dance and music, I often find myself drawn to experience gifts like one-day dance classes or concert tickets.

Toys may be exciting when given, but often end up neglected just a few days later. There are plenty of cases where boxes pile up while the toys go untouched.

Of course, I don't think experience gifts are the only solution. Younger children definitely have phases where they prefer tangible items.

Still, when my niece or a friend's child has a birthday coming up, I find myself checking experience gift websites before looking at the toy section.

If I can compare prices and match the gift to the child's interests, I feel like I can satisfy both the parents' budget and the child's reaction, which is a win-win situation.