One of our favorite ideas for the new year is giving the gift of time. If your new year’s resolution is to spend more quality family time together then you’re going to love this! Instead of more stuff, for each month of the year you gift shared experiences, memories, and moments so that you can enjoy spending time together across the year. This idea also works really well as a birthday gift that lasts all year long.
This “gift of time” idea works perfectly for families, couples, grandparents, or even close friends. It’s simple to set up, incredibly thoughtful, and easy to personalize.
Each month, you open an envelope to reveal an activity you’ll do together, turning the entire year into something to look forward to, and we have a free printable you can use to make it even easier
How the Gift of Time Works
To create your own gift of time, you’ll need 12 envelopes, one for each month of the year. Inside each envelope, write an activity you’ll do together that month. You can keep it as a handwritten note, add a printed card, or even include tickets or vouchers if you already have something booked.
At the start of each month, open the envelope together and plan when you’ll do the activity. The key is flexibility. If life gets busy, you can swap months around, move ideas to another time, or save them for later. The goal is togetherness, not pressure.
We’ve created a printable letter to go with this idea (download at the end of this blog post) that you can include at the front of your envelopes or gift box. It explains the concept in a sweet, simple way and sets the tone for the year ahead.
You can also hand write it if you don’t have a printer!
For each month fill in whatever works best for you but here are a few ideas to get you started.
Quality Time Ideas for January: Start the Year Together
January is a great month for something fun but low pressure. After the holidays, simple shared time can feel especially meaningful.
You might plan a cozy movie night at home, go bowling, try an indoor activity like laser tag, or have a family game night with snacks. It’s also a nice month for a relaxed day out, such as visiting a museum or going for a winter walk followed by hot chocolate.
Quality Time Ideas for February: Something Fun or Creative
February doesn’t have to be about big gestures. It’s a great time for an experience that feels special but easy to enjoy together. You could plan a theater show, a comedy night, a craft or painting session at home, or a themed dinner night where everyone helps cook. If you prefer something more active, an ice skating session or an indoor sports activity works well too.
Family Times Ideas for March: Get Moving
As the weather starts to change, March is perfect for something a little more energetic. Ideas could include go-karting, a trampoline park visit, a family hike, or trying a new sport together. This is also a good month for a mini road trip or day out exploring somewhere nearby that you’ve never visited before.
Family Time Ideas for April: Try Something New
April is ideal for trying something different. You might go to a workshop, take a class together, visit a local attraction, or plan a creative day like photography, pottery, or baking something new. Outdoor picnics or nature scavenger hunts are also great if the weather cooperates.
Quality Time Ideas for May: Make a Memory Outdoors
May often brings better weather, making it perfect for outdoor experiences. You could plan a day at the park, a bike ride, a visit to a garden or nature reserve, or a simple outdoor lunch together. If you want something a bit more exciting, an adventure activity or outdoor game day can make the month feel special.
Summer Family Ideas for June
June feels like a celebration of longer days and lighter evenings. This is a great time for a concert, outdoor movie night, mini golf, or an evening out doing something fun together. You could also plan a family challenge day with different activities and friendly competition.
Family Time Ideas for July
July is perfect for experiences that feel like a treat. Think about a beach day, water park, outdoor theater, or a full day out somewhere exciting. If you’re staying closer to home, you could plan a backyard movie night, barbecue, or evening of outdoor games.
Quality Time Ideas for August: Slow Down or Adventure
August can go either way depending on your energy levels. Some families love a big day out like a theme park or adventure activity, while others prefer slowing down with a stay-at-home spa day, board games, or a creative project. This is also a great month for a short getaway or overnight trip if that fits your plans.
Family Quality Time Ideas for September: Back-to-Routine Treat
September often marks a return to routines, which makes it a lovely time for something to look forward to. You could plan a special meal out, a theater show, an escape room, or a relaxed afternoon doing something everyone enjoys. Even something simple like a dessert date or coffee and cake outing can feel special.
Family Time Ideas for October
October is perfect for seasonal activities. You might plan a fall walk, pumpkin picking, a themed movie night, or a fun indoor activity if the weather turns colder. Craft days, baking sessions, or a spooky-but-not-too-scary event can make this month feel memorable.
Ideas for November Quality Time Together
November is a great month for slowing down and focusing on connection. You could plan a gratitude-themed dinner, a family photo day, a cozy board game night, or a creative project you can work on together. It’s also a nice time for an experience that encourages conversation, like a long lunch or coffee date.
Special Family Time Ideas for December: End the Year with Joy
December is the perfect time for something festive or comforting. You might plan a holiday show, a winter walk with treats, a special movie night, or a day dedicated to family traditions. This month can be about celebrating everything you’ve shared throughout the year.
Mix, Match, and Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this idea is that it’s completely flexible. You can mix and match activities between months, swap them around if plans change, or save ideas for later. Some families like to keep things spontaneous, while others enjoy booking everything in advance. Both approaches work beautifully.
This gift of time idea isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about choosing to show love through shared experiences and making space for time together, even when life gets busy.
If you’d like to get started, don’t forget to download our printable letter to include with your envelopes. It’s a simple but meaningful way to introduce the idea and turn your plans into a gift that truly lasts all year.
Download The Gift of Time Letter PDF
To make this gift extra special and easy to put together, we’ve created a printable letter to go with your envelopes. This page explains the idea in a simple, heartfelt way and is perfect to place at the front of your envelope bundle or inside a gift box. Just print it out, pair it with your 12 envelopes, and you’re ready to gift a year of shared experiences and memories.
Terms of use: This gift of time printable is free for personal use.
The gift of time is such a meaningful way to start the year. Instead of rushing through busy months, this idea helps you pause, plan, and intentionally make space for each other. Whether your activities are big adventures or small moments, it’s the togetherness that makes them special. By the end of the year, you’ll have a collection of memories that truly mean something.
More New Year Printables to Start the Year Strong
If you love ideas that help you slow down, reflect, and plan meaningful moments, you might also enjoy our other New Year printables. From reflection activities to goal-setting pages and family-friendly planning tools, these resources are designed to help you start the year feeling organized, connected, and inspired.
- Free Printable 2026 Calendar for Kids To Customize and Draw Each Month
- New Year Roll a Story Printable
- New Year’s Resolutions Writing Pages for Kids
- How to Make Your Own Vision Board For Kids (with printable template)
If you found this idea helpful, please consider sharing this blog post with friends or family who might love it too. A simple share helps others discover meaningful ways to spend more time together and supports us in creating more free printables and ideas like this.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.