As much as we all enjoy to savor the holiday season with our families, before we know it, Christmas will be over and the year will be starting anew. Sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, and eggnog will have been made, packages adorned in beautiful paper and bows will have been torn open, having revealed new games and toys to play with. By March, their games and toys that were opened with squeals of delight will have been played with, broken, or even forgotten.
Of course there will be a few toys that make it into the heart of our children, but the reality is that the vast majority of toys that that they receive for Christmas will soon be forgotten. It’s true, watch Toy Story, you’ll see!
Give your Children the Gift of Lasting Memories this Christmas
Last year, instead of toys I gave my nieces and nephews a gift that kept giving for an entire year, and more! I gave them each a book and then a membership to our local zoo. I honestly wasn’t sure what they would think of this gift as I handed it to them on Christmas day. I didn’t know if they would be bummed to not have something to play with immediately; however, when they understood the magic that this little card held in the palm of their hands, they were thrilled! They were excited to know that they could visit the zoo anytime they wanted to.
I spoke to my sister about the gift of the zoo pass and she told me that it was one of the best gifts they’d ever received. They were able to plug into the zoo community and frequented often (many times taking my own kids, #winning!).
They made memories to last a lifetime.
Gifts that Create Lasting Memories
Below is a list of gift ideas that will create lasting memories for your entire family.
1. Museum Memberships
What’s great about a museum membership is that besides being able to frequent anytime you want to, you’ll be in the loop to all of the extra events and activities that they offer throughout the year. Also, check to see, but often a benefit of membership is that you’ll also get free or discounted admission to more than 200 other museums across the country.
Local Iowa Museum Memberships:
2. Nature Memberships
We are nature explorers in this family! We spend much of our time in the fall, winter, and spring, exploring outdoors throughout our great state. We enjoy to frequent arboretums, gardens, refuge and reserves that are tended to with great care. These organizations preserve our local ecosystems and put together fabulous educational activites for our enjoyment. Becoming a member to an organization like this will allow your children to become a part of the important work that they do. It will allow your whole family to be a part of that community and allow you to frequent many of their educational and fun events that they plan throughout the year.
Local Iowa Nature Memberships:
3. Theater
Another great gift idea to create lasting memories are tickets to a play or musical. Last year, I purchased tickets for my husband’s side of the family, including our own, to see The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, presented by our local theater group. It gave us a day to look forward to spending with one another. We ended up going to the play together in late February and then coming back to my home for a warm chili supper. It was so much fun!
Local Theater Groups:
4. City Pool Pass
What kid wouldn’t want a city pool pass?! They will have so much fun just knowing they can hit up all the local swimming pools for FREE! This would be a great gift that your children will enjoy for a long time.
5. Art Classes
Our local Art Center offers summer art classes for children. I think it’s a great way to keep your children engaged through the summer. They will have a lot of fun meeting new people and learn new skills along the way.
6. Give the gift of Making
I can’t think of a better gift than a life skill! I love Craftsy! There are so many great online classes that Craftsy offers including photography, art, sewing, crochet, knitting, and cooking … just to name a few.
7. Monthly Subscription Box
There are many subscription boxes that keep giving all year long! Some that I’m particularly interested in are educational and cooking subscription boxes. These boxes will create lasting memories for you and your children as you learn new life skills together.
Monthly Boxes I’m Looking Into:
- Creation Crate: This is tech education in a box. I’m excited to start building some of these electronic projects with my boys as part of our homeschool day. It’s a complete kit that includes one project to build and program. It’s pretty sweet!
- Raw Spice Bar: This is for Mama and our homeschool cooking class! Each monthly kit contains three freshly ground spice kits with included recipes for wildly flavorful meals. I love it!
These are some of the gift ideas that I had and will be gifting this year. I hope they can be of some inspiration for you!
Diana:
Today I am reading your Christmas gift giving ideas. You mentioned Creation Crate projects and the electronic building projects you are wanting to do with ‘your boys’. . I have 3 daughters I must add that they would enjoy these projects as well. . Girls like building and creating things also. I just bet your daughter does too.
I do enjoy your blog but felt this was something important to voice.
I definitely agree with you, Jean!! However, my daughter is 4 and the Create Crate is geared for children 10 and up! It’s a bit much for her now, but one day, I’m sure she’ll love it!