How to give memorable gifts? What gifts can we give our kids that they will never forget? How many gifts do you remember receiving when you were a kid that really marked you? For me, most of my special memories around holidays and festivities were about the people I had around me, the atmosphere and how it made me feel, and faith.

I understand that kids expect a gift under the Christmas tree or when they have their birthday. My parents would ALWAYS give me educational gifts. I never got a toy or game that didn’t have a purpose to teach me something.

My husband and I focus more on giving experiences as gifts to our kids. We believe it creates memorable moments and generates more long lasting feelings then material gifts. Plus, the whole family can enjoy it together! Some examples are:

• Horse back ridding class
• Overnight at a farm
• Yearly card to the Zoo or Amusement Park
• Waterpark passes
• Virtual reality game center passes
• Tickets to a sport event

But the most unforgettable gifts you can give your kids can’t be given only once. They are the ones you give to them in small doses periodically. These will truly impact their lives and change them forever.

Here are the 11 gifts your kids will NEVER forget:

1- Encouragement and Affirmation

Word you say today can have big impact on your kids in the future, positively and negatively. Small messages of encouragement are very powerful.

2- Generosity

Be generous and kids will mirror that.

3- Integrity

Honest people tend to feel better about themselves and live happier.

4- Creativity

Give room for imagination, art, music, dance and fun.

5- Intentionality

Be intentional about your life and parenting. Slow down, pounder, meditate and make active choices instead of living in auto-pilot. Talk your kids through this process as well so they start to think with intention even on small daily decisions.

6- Curiosity

This virtue will allow them to embrace and enjoy a life long learning.

7- Self-Esteem and self-confidence in your kids

Be kind to yourself, have good values and stick to them. Self-confident kids tend to make choices and stick to it, even when their peers won’t.

8- Resilience

It is important to let you kids know that there are ups and down in life. Things can change, and it is ok. The important thing is to adapt and continue to develop.

9- Sense of Humor

Life is better with a good laugh, music and dance!

10- Faith

We are made of body, mind, soul and will. Several studies show that faith makes us see the world and ourselves in positive and optimistic ways. It also gives us hope in difficult moments.

11- Love

It is certainly the greatest gift. It can be given in form of hugs and kisses or as simply as having meals together.