Moms of Teenagers: The Struggle of Holiday Gift Giving
I swear the ticking of Vecna’s clock is ringing in my ears, and the countdown to the Holidays is on… insert streaming emoji because I’m panicking now…
Hi, I’m Corinne with Sweetbay Travel Concierge, but you can call me Cori 🙂 I’m a mom of five kiddos, two of which are still teenagers and a young adult who lives at home with me and their dad. So the weeks leading up to the Holidays are often stressful since I don’t know what I should get for their presents at the end of the year. Over the last few years we have transitioned from “stuff” and focused on building memories. BUT with a teenager, you never know what will “hit” or what will “miss.”
I’m here to tell you from personal experience, a trip to Universal Studios Orlando can be a fantastic gift idea for a picky teenager, especially if they have an interest in movies, entertainment, or theme parks. Here are some reasons why it could be a great choice for you and your family as you prepare for your 2023 Holiday Celebrations:
Diverse Entertainment: Universal Studios Orlando offers a wide range of attractions and shows, including those based on popular movie franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and The Simpsons. Your teenager is likely to find something they enjoy, and they might even crack a smile at some point. 😱
Interactive Experiences: Many of the attractions at Universal Studios Orlando provide interactive and immersive experiences, which can be appealing to tech-savvy and screen-oriented teenagers. Not only does the theme park offer these amazing experiences, but there are a variety of options outside of the parks to keep your teenagers entertained as well! (Ask me about how you can add on an Escape Room Activity that will keep you and your family connected and working together while there)
Variety of Rides: From thrilling roller coasters to more relaxed experiences, there's something for everyone. Your teenager can choose the level of excitement they're comfortable with. Thrill-seekers and more timid adventure-seekers alike will enjoy all that Universal Studios Orlando has to offer.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: If your teenager is a fan of the Harry Potter series, they'll be especially thrilled to visit Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, two immersive areas dedicated to the wizarding world. From sipping on a ButterBeer, to winding down Knockturn Alley, or being matched to their perfect wand. You and your teenagers will be able to let your imagination come to life, all within the parks at Universal Studios Orlando.
Creating Memories: The trip can be a wonderful opportunity for bonding and making lasting memories as a family. It's a chance for you and your teenager to share experiences and enjoy quality time together.
A Break from Routine: Teens often appreciate a break from their daily routines, and a vacation to a place like Universal Studios Orlando can provide a refreshing change of scenery and activities. Treat them to a holiday as a “way to go” for all their hard work over the course of the Fall Semester.
Social Interaction: Being in a theme park setting can encourage social interaction with peers and other visitors, which can be a positive experience for teenagers. You want to see their faces out of their phones?? This happens, I’ve seen it! They might break it out a few times to take some pictures, BUT you might be in them too!!
While it's a great idea, make sure to consider your teenager's specific interests and preferences. Get them excited and perhaps present them this amazing gift before The Holidays, so they can be part of the planning process! Some teenagers may prefer to be part of the vacation planning experience, so it's essential to have an open conversation with them to gauge their level of enthusiasm for this particular trip. You might be surprised at how much they begin to look forward to spending time with you and the family at Universal Studios Orlando, and you can count down the days together until your Holiday 2023 Family Trip at Universal Orlando Resort !
Interested in learning about Holiday Packages available for your 2023 Family Holiday? Schedule a free consultation call with me, and we can get to planning!
Happy Holidays!
Corinne “Cori” Speare