A northern beaches mum has launched a Red Balloon-style website - for children

Business mum launches new gift site that offers children experiences such as learning to surf, rather than more toys or games

Sara Eastwood said she wanted to offer a way for relatives and friends to buy something more meaningful for children, other than toys they would only play with a few times.

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A MOTHER who was getting frustrated with the amount of toys her children were accumulating has launched a Red Balloon-style company selling experiences for kids.

Sara Eastwood, 37, said she wanted to offer a way for relatives and friends to buy something more meaningful for children, other than toys they would only play with a few times.

And when Mrs Eastwood’s mother wanted to buy a gift voucher of ballet lessons for granddaughter Mia, 4, and could not find one, she struck on the business idea.

Along with husband JJ, Mrs Eastwood, of Bilgola, took out a loan to launch MyBestGift.com.au which offers activities including intergral aerial silk in Brookvale.

Along with husband JJ, Mrs Eastwood, of Bilgola, took out a loan to launch MyBestGift.com.au.

She now has dozens of companies on board, offering activities such as ballet and aerial yoga.

“It’s been quite a big financial investment,” she said. “Experiences make us happy. There’s a really fleeting enjoyment we get out of ‘stuff’.

“I think, for kids, experiences become part of who they are – they’ll remember the first time they learnt to surf.”

Gifts start from $25 for a voucher for a music lesson or ballet class and go up to about $1000 for driving lessons, a two-day polo course or a private jet boat party.

Experiences are on offer all over Sydney, including on the northern beaches, and are aimed at newborns to teenagers up to 18.

Some offer the chance for parents or friends to join in.

“We’ve got lots on the northern beaches, everything from newborn experiences to music classes and aerial silks,” said Mrs Eastwood, also mother to Sophie, 18 months.

Mrs Eastwood also runs a talent management agency.