While the holidays are often synonymous with gift giving; holidays and clutter don’t have to be. This year, consider purchasing experience gifts in lieu of material items. We’ve compiled this list to help you find presents that will please the recipients, without cluttering up the house!
Virginia State Parks Pass
The Virginia State Parks offer so much for families, including: camping, hiking, exploring nature, programs, classes, and more! With several parks less than an hour from Richmond, using the parks pass would allow families to visit the parks, free of charge, an unlimited amount of times throughout the year. Help the giftee plan some hiking adventures by pairing this gift with Erin Gifford’s hiking guide: Hiking with Kids Virginia: 52 Great Hikes for Families.
Area Memberships
For all ages, a membership to SMV offers families an infinite amount of visits throughout the year, as well as access to special exhibits, DOME passes, guest passes, and other perks, like discounts on summer camps! I love taking my children to Science Museum of Virginia during the winter months, as it is an indoor venue where they can burn energy, while also learning and having fun. Gifting an SMV membership for the holidays would allow for admission to “Wild Kratts: Creature Power!” a hands-on exhibit, especially popular with the 8 and under crowd.
For younger children, a family membership to Children’s Museum of Richmond allows learning through play at both the Downtown and Chesterfield locations. The grandparent membership would make an excellent present to encourage togetherness.
For older kids, memberships to Virginia Museum of History and Culture or Virginia Museum of Fine Arts provide educational and fun experiences. These memberships also have benefits like discounts on classes and programs, and savings in the cafe and gift shops. Enter our giveaway for VMHC’s Virginia History Ornament! This gorgeous ornament would be a wonderful tangible add-on to the membership present.
Broadway in Richmond
Did you know you can purchase gift cards for Broadway in Richmond? I love this idea for family or friends who you know love to go to the theater, but you aren’t comfortable choosing which show, seat, etc. they would prefer. If you go to the show together, save the tickets, program, photo of you all at the show, to make a shadow box or collage as a precious keepsake to give for the next gifting occasion.
Art classes
Art classes are an excellent gift for toddlers through seniors. Whether you’re hoping to offer a chance to work on fine motor skills or promote lifelong learning through a new experience, Richmond has no shortage of art classes. From Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen, offering an array of classes from ceramics to cookie decorating; to Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s LEGO Letterpress class, there are options for everyone.
As you prepare your home and heart for the holidays, remember that experience gifts often last in our memories much longer than any toy, or other new material possession ever could.
For more ideas and inspiration to #givefunnot stuff, check out Karen’s post: How to Un-Stuff the Holiday Season.
