Why Modern Parents Are Prioritizing Experiences Over Toys

Something interesting happened at PUNO recently.

We got a call from a grandmother planning her grandson's birthday. "He has enough toys," she said. "His room is overflowing. I want to give him something he'll actually remember."

So she booked a party at PUNO instead.

And honestly? She's not alone. This shift is happening everywhere, and for good reason.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Recent research reveals a seismic change in how parents think about gifting. A survey of 2,000 parents found that 73% now prioritize experiences like learning and travel over physical things like toys and games for their children . In comparison, only 49% said their own parents prioritized experiences when they were kids .

That's a generation-defining shift.

But numbers don't tell the full story. Let's dig into why this is happening-and why it makes so much sense.

Kids Remember Experiences, Not Toys

Here's a truth every parent eventually learns: the things you buy for your kids won't last-but the moments you create with them will .

Think about your own childhood. Can you clearly remember the toys you got for your 8th birthday? Maybe a couple. But the family trip to the mountains? The unexpected snowball fight? The day you built a fort in the living room? That sticks .

Why this matters: Memories are anchors. They shape your child's identity, values, and sense of belonging . A toy is forgotten in weeks. A shared experience becomes part of who they are.

The Screen-Free Childhood Movement

There's another factor driving this shift: screens.

With digital devices dominating children's attention, parents are consciously rethinking how their kids spend time . Instead of relying heavily on screens for entertainment, families are turning to hands-on activities that nurture creativity, encourage learning, and promote meaningful real-world interaction .

The numbers back this up: Searches for "screen free activities" and "family traditions ideas" have grown by over 200%. Searches for "no phone summer" have increased by 340% . Even aesthetic trends around "digital detox" are seeing a notable rise .

Parents aren't just saying no to screens-they're saying yes to something better.

What This Means for Celebrations

This shift explains why places like PUNO are becoming the go-to for families. Not just for birthdays-for any celebration.

A parent's perspective: One mom shared how her parents took her son out for a special day instead of buying another toy. The result? "My son had the best day and kept raving about how much he enjoyed it. Afterward, he said he would rather have experiences than things for all his birthdays moving forward" .

Her 6-year-old daughter even piped up: she wanted an experience too .

The expert take: Research confirms that buying life experiences-like a meal out, a vacation, or a trip to the theater-leads to greater happiness for both the consumer and those around them . Material possessions give a quick hit, but they quickly lose their novelty. Meaningful experiences create memories that last a lifetime .

The PUNO Vibe

This is exactly what we do at PUNO. We've created a space where families can step away from screens, step into adventure, and step closer to each other .

We see it every day. A family walks in. The kids are buzzing with excitement. The parents are smiling. And by the time they leave, they're not just a family who spent time together-they're a family who shared an experience. Stories to tell. Inside jokes to remember.

The proof is in the reaction: One visitor called PUNO "easily one of the most energetic and fun adventure parks in the city" with activities that are "great for all age groups" . Another visitor praised the immersive indoor entertainment park for providing "year-round fun and a range of experiences" .