Okay last time I threw out ideas for activities to do as a family. This time I am going to focus on more eco friendly gifts that don't require a lot of wrapping paper, and will not take up a lot of space. Gift that keep giving .... and giving : memberships and subscriptions.
Christmas gifts Part 2:
-membership to AAA. Roadside assistance, plus discounts on hotels, airfare, rental cars etc. This is great for the single lady, a military wife, maybe an older couple , or anyone who likes to travel a lot.
-membership to an Association of Science and Technology museum. A yearlong family membership to our local museum is only $75. Galleries and planetarium shows are free with membership. IMAX movies are only $2. per person. Plus there is a great little thing called reciprocity. It means that my family can also go to any other AS&T museum for FREE!. There are hundreds of these in the US and some in other countries as well. So rainy day for vacation go the museum, family tags along for dad's business trip; go to the museum during the day. Family fun and its educational.
-membership to the zoo Pretty much the same thing as above. Most of these have reciprocity with at least some zoos though you might not get in for free. There are also special deals for members. We had a membership to the Columbus Zoo for one year and went up for their members' only opening night of the Christmas season displays. Model railroads, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, lights display, life size cartoon character, and feeding reindeer. It was a great family trip.
-For a couple who likes culture try season tickets to the symphony or ballet. If there is a family friend theater production buy one time tickets for the whole family. If the kids are smaller though, you might just want to offer babysitting services. Perhaps even go with another family and they can offer babysitting and you could buy the tickets.
-If the family or couple is more into sports try season tickets for a local sports team.
-For the family who likes to read, try magazine subscriptions. There are usually grade school kids selling them in Sept or Oct for a reduced rate as part of a fundraiser. These are great because they receive a gift at least 6 times over the next year. If you order several different magazines they can then take turns reading each others for an added benefit. My kids love it when they have magazine subscriptions. They literally knocked the postman over one day when he was delivering their National Geographic. Even my 9 yr old who is not a big reader loves the magazines because it interests him, and its an easy read. He also loves gifts, and mail. I love to see him excited about reading.
-fruit of the month club, yes I know it was an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond which was based on a true story. Personally though fruit is healthy and my whole family loves it. Maybe not an ideal gift for everyone but for those who are into health food or just really love fruit it might not be a bad idea.
next Part 3 homemade gifts
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