I have 3 kids. Those 3 kids alone with all of their running around take up a lot of space in my house. Now add in their necessities like, clothing, shoes, back packs, school papers and projects and I’m at capacity. THEN add in holidays, like Christmas and Birthdays where loving grandparents smother them with every little thing they ask for while batting their cute little eye lashes. And when Santa brings all the things from the catalogs and wish lists, my house is busting at the seams, just begging for an additional room to be added.
This year, I’m hoping to change that. Not actually just say it, but really stick to it. Focusing more on experiences and memberships that will in the long run, bring them way more fun than a robot dog they’ll leave out for the real dog to eat before New Year’s.
Here are my ideas for any of you that resemble the above description.
Memberships and Experiences.
Our city has a lot to offer when it comes to family fun and a Membership to an area attraction is a gift that keeps on giving.
McWane Science Center – This is a GREAT option for grand-parents buying for multiple grand-children. They can even choose to add a Grand Parent on to the Membership for bonus together-ness. McWane is great because whether it’s hot or cold, rainy, sunny, or snowing, you can use this gift. As many days in the year as you want. PLUS you get discounts on the fun events they offer through out the year and member exclusives. Did I mention parking in the deck is FREE for members? Well, it is. That’s an additional $5 saved each trip.
The Birmingham Zoo – Much like the McWane center, this is a great idea to pass off to the grandparents for a family gift for a gift for all of your kids combined. They also offer member exclusives (like free admission to Zoolight Safari) and have just added a “Plus” Membership option that allows you Unlimited Rides for the year.
The Circus – Ringling Bros. always rolls through Birmingham in January, making it the perfect experience for your little clowns to enjoy. That show will hit the Magic City 1/19/17 – 1/22/17. This year the show is taking on a whole new vibe and we were lucky enough to preview this last week in Chicago. You’re not going to want to miss this new show that features all of the same things you loved, but with the twist of a story about good and evil and clowns and acrobats on ice. If you purchase tickets now you can save 25% when purchasing 4 or more tickets. No code required.
Are your kiddos into sports, music, or acting? Most every kid I know is involved in some type of extracurricular activity. Think about extending their season or letting them try something new.
Acting Out Academy is great for your budding performer. Whether it’s to foster a love for the art or to build up their self confidence, their classes (or summer movie camps) would be a fun way to introduce them to acting.
Adventure Course at Red Mountain Park. If your kiddo is old enough, give them the gift of Adventure with a Zip Line Tour or an adventure through Beanstalk Forest. A treetop course with 20 unique ropes course obstacles. Six lanes of rappelling and traditional rock climbing.
Mason Music Great for lessons or looking ahead to camps
Gift Cards
Yes, technically gifts cards can lead to the tiny humans going on a shopping spree picking out all the things on their own, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Think Movies, itunes for app purchases or give them a Mommy/Daughter Date for Mani and Pedis. A gift card to their favorite restaurant and a movie is a fun night out and again, bonus points for family togetherness.
Ice Cream shops, yogurt places, for the older crew, coffee shops. Gifts cards also make great stocking stuffers.
When all else fails.. Try going the Want, Need, Wear, Read route. It keeps the Holidays simple, and doesn’t break your budget.
What ideas do you have for keeping down on all the “stuff” that accumulates during gift giving holidays?
