Coming up with family gift ideas can add major stress to the holiday season. Opening gifts should be occasions for delight and surprise, but too often, the act becomes routine. Don’t feel too guilty, though: psychological studies suggest there’s a reason for this.

“We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed. But only for a while,” said Cornell psychology professor Thomas Gilovich in Fast Company. “New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them.”

The solution? Instead of focusing on things, focus on unique family gifts that everyone can experience together. After all, which gift are you more likely to remember: the board game you had to have at age 10 or the off-roading adventure you took with your family?

But gifting experiences can be easier said than done. Gift-giving traditions are hard to change, especially if your family has spent many holidays tearing into wrapping paper and opening huge boxes. We suggest introducing creative gift ideas as a new tradition unto themselves, framing them as fun activities or big gestures. Check out our gift ideas for the whole family below, and you’ll have new beloved gift-giving traditions in no time.

Tweak the Boring Present-Opening Routine

Secret Santa

What’s the plan? Have everyone fill out a brief questionnaire about their favorite hobbies, their ideal night out, or something they’ve always wanted to do. On Thanksgiving, draw names out of a hat. Each person can use their assigned gift recipient’s answers as jumping-off point to come up with some family gift ideas.

What makes it more special? Since you’re only buying one present, you can spend the time coming up with something very personal.

Got any gift ideas? Don’t be afraid to take a piecemeal view of your giftee’s dream experiences. Providing them with a stepping stone to their larger goal—for example, classes, workshops, boot-camps, and certification courses—shows thoughtfulness and encouragment of their interests.

Christmas in July

What’s the plan? December 25 isn’t the sole day reserved for giving presents. If something pops up during the year, and you know your loved one would like, there’s nothing to bar you from giving them their holiday gift early—like, six months early.

What makes it more special? If you’re not a snow-bunny, winter is sadly bereft of many outdoor events and activities that make great experience gifts. Giving early spontaneous gifts that are in-tune with your giftee’s interests can extend the spirit of the holiday season by months.

Got any gift ideas? Pay attention to the calendar. Perhaps their favorite baseball team is unexpectedly in the playoffs or their favorite musician is putting on a surprise concert. Then, if you’re really set on giving them something on to open on the actual holiday, create a customizables photo book or piece of canvas art to mark the earlier experience.

Go All in on Something Big

A Family Outing

What’s the plan? Schedule an official family-oriented outing (outside of the house!) when you’re all gathered together for the holidays. To decide, have everyone propose an out-of-the-ordinary activity—i.e., not the movies, unless you’re going to a midnight sing-a-long screening of a holiday classic—and vote on the choices.

What makes it more special? Even if your favorite idea doesn’t get chosen, you get to do something that’s outside your usual routine with the people you love. (And less-than-stellar experiences can turn into great stories!)

Got any gift ideas? If everyone is a sports fan, pool your cash to go see the favorite team play, and shell out for good seats. If the beer-loving faction wins out, you can organize a road trip to visit area breweries. Still stumped? Take our quiz to find your family’s perfect holiday activity.

A Family Trip

What’s the plan? First off, figure out a place you all want to visit. And if there are kids in the family, consider wrapping up a box with plane or train tickets, or even a note that simply says “Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure.” Chances are they’ll forget about a lack of physical presents.

What makes it more special? Quality time in an exotic location! And, as Cornell’s Gilovich told the Atlantic, waiting for an experience “elicits more happiness and excitement than waiting for a material good.”

Got any gift ideas? Book a getaway to a tropical island or an exciting international city. Closer to home, plan to visit beautiful national parks, and load up on extra perks once you’re there. For example, if you’re planning a local vacation to celebrate your parents’ 50th anniversary, surprise them with an engrossing tour or a pampering couples massage.