I love this time of year. I love the excitement, the glitz, the goodwill and wholesome reason of the season. What I don't love is the stress. The shopping, the fret of finding that ultimate gift to give and the rush. It's exhausting and a real damper. This year I'm trying something new and I have to say - I'm really exited! Agree with me when I say (and pardon my French) I'm tired of wasting money on crap. You know, the 'fillers' that make their way to the garbage faster than the line I waited on to buy them. Nope, not gonna do it. And here's why...
Think outside the 'box' this year! Here is the solution that will end your mission of searching for that perfect gift! And you can even customize this idea to accomplish everyone on your gift-giving list.
This year we are gifting experiences to our kids for the holidays (and even birthdays). Yes, of course, they will still have goodies to open but for the most part we are trying to give our kids experiences that will outlast that box of Moonsand I thought was so cool at 2:30am while Black Friday shopping. While many of these ideas are geared towards older kids, who are honestly the hardest to buy for, you will certainly find some great ideas for all kids -and kids at heart.
Family memberships~There are some great destinations around Sussex County that can provide your kids and family with a year of fun. Some to check out:
YMCA
Minerals Spa
Space Farms
NJ State Parks
Museums
Skylands Stadium
Take a trip:
Wrap up some new snow gloves or a sled and plan a trip to the mountains for a day or overnight. Mountain Creek offers great group rates on select days. Or plan an overnighter in the Pocono Mountains!
Warwick, Tannersville, Woodbury Commons and Peddler's Village are just a short drive and could make a great girls shopping weekend or day. Tons of great places to shop and eat, take your tween or teen for the ultimate mother/daughter get away.
All Aboard! Check out Delaware River Railroad Excursions for a fun experience and pair the tickets with a wrapped toy train.
Giddyup! How about a trip to Malibu Dude Ranch?
Explore the Appalachian Mountains. You can even plan for a hike at High Point or Kittatinny and do some family geocaching. Wrap the gift up with some cozy wool socks or a compass.
Stay Home:
New Pj's for the family, a movie, popcorn and a full pint of ice cream for a treat followed by full family sleepover in the family room is sure to build an amazing memory for you all.
Tickets for kids~we love when our kids make us coupon books, why not make one for them. Mom makes your bed for a week, get out of chores free day, dad puts your laundry away, mom/dad to yourself day, pick dinner, pick dessert, out for dinner, family football game, family hike, family game night kids choice etc. Base the tickets on your families interest and watch your kids delight in having some of the power in the house for once!
More ideas:
How about a baseball hat with a bag of tokens to Vernon's batting cages?
I just bought my 8 year old a new addition to her MiWorld mall set (nope, that's not sponsored), which is a mini mall playset with real stores names. I got the Build-a-Bear store and bought a Build-a-Bear gift card to go with it. Something to play with now and something to look forward to doing!
Take a class together: cooking, cake decorating (check out ACMoore or go big at Carlo's Bakery!), painting, music, photography and more. There are tons of classes that parents and children can take together. These are great for a weekly committed date with your little buddy.
Gift a tea party! Calico Rose in Hamburg is a great destination for a cute little personal pot of tea, savory lunch and amazing dessert. Everything is homemade! And when your done, browse the two story Victorian gift shop and back consignment barn for a little something for yourself!
A truly unique experience is waiting at Serendipitous Scents located just over the Vernon border in Warwick, NY. Candle making, body lotions, lip balms and more are available for you to make your own. Gift a date to customize a creation! Stop in to discover a great line of home fragrance, body care, gifts and more!
Know a Bookworm? Try a Family book club, read a classic together, meet once a week to talk about what you have read. Read the book to your younger children so they can participate also. Give everyone a copy of the book for the holidays and make set aside some special time each week to meet and talk about the book. You can even write inside the book each persons ideas and thoughts to preserve the memories of book club.
Looking to go big? Something magical? Let Melissa from Tink's Travels help you plan the ultimate surprise Disney getaway. She is the best of the best when you put the two words: Disney and travel... together!
Show tickets: there are some great shows nearby at Newton Theater and Centenary College. Dinner and a show tied up with the show soundtrack is sure to delight.
Tickets to sports: check out Skylands Stadium for inexpensive tickets to sporting events.
Make them flip out! Stop in to Westy's Gym in Franklin for a gift certificate and leotard to go with it! Yes, boys are included too - how about a pass into the coolest Ninja class Westy's offers?! Wrap it up with a Westy's tee or sports bottle. How about that for an awesome ONE stop shop??
How does a little TLC sound? Leave it to the experts at Shear Intensity Salon in Sussex for a feel-good makeover. Pair a gift card with a salon product! Boom - perfect!
Looking for something for your girl, momma or... yourself? Synergy Dance in Newton has an unbelievable line-up of classes for just about everyone. Have you heard of the new exercise dance trend - Country Fusion? Oh boy. Go check it out.
The ideas are limitless... this year think beyond the store. Explore ideas that will give the gift of memories and time that last well beyond opening presents. Any other ideas? Leave your ideas in our comments below
