Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
The holidays are right around the corner and the stress of gift-giving is beginning to set in. While there is great joy in opening an abundance of presents, the reality is most of our children don’t need more “stuff.” More and more parents are looking forward to giving non-tangible gifts this year. When they’re older, our children likely won’t remember the stocking stuffer they got in 2021 but they will hold the experiences that we offer them and the time we spent close to their hearts forever. Mix it up with some non-toy gifts this holiday season.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Season Passes
Give a gift that keeps on giving. A season pass for your child’s favorite amusement park, aquarium, or museum will keep the excitement buzzing for your little one through 2022. Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township is an excellent idea for younger children who want to experience year-round magic.
Check out season passes or ticket bundles at Playland’s Castaway Cove, Morey’s Pier, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, Steel Pier, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Diggerland USA.
Most season passes pay for themselves within two or three visits. Look out for Black Friday deals on season passes and discounts.
Art classes
Does your child love to paint? Are they curious about pottery? Schedule an art class at one of the local art studios or book a private paint party for them and a few of their friends. Check out these studios in our area:
Glazed Over Studio – Ocean City
Painty Happy Studio – Linwood
Your Creations Art Studio – Galloway
Session Arts – mobile
Leah Morgan Art Works – Little Egg Harbor
Themed Day Kits
Gift-giving meets quality time with themed day kits. Schedule a special day with your little one centered around something that they love to do. Movie day kits can include candy, popcorn, and a soft blanket with a coupon for one special night of movies and cuddling. Spa-themed kits can include face masks, nail polish, a new robe, and bath bombs with a note about your upcoming home spa day. Other ideas include craft days, sports days, video game days, and baking days. Get creative with the items necessary to make a beautiful memory with your child.
Lessons
When kids want to try every activity, it doesn’t always fit in the monthly budget. Use the holiday budget to finally indulge in those horseback riding or piano lessons that they have been asking for. Buy a month or several months upfront and package the gift card with some equipment they will need for their new adventure.
Suggestions:
Baker Stables – Mays Landing
Split Elm Equestrian Center – Mays Landing
Bonilla Vocal Academy – Mays Landing
Chicken Bone Beach Youth Jazz Institute – Atlantic City
Ocean City NJ Surf School – Ocean City
Heritage Surf & Sport – Ocean City
Weist-Barron-Ryan Acting Workshops – Smithville
Ocean City Theatre Company – Ocean City
Can’t find what you’re looking for around here? Check out outschool.com for a variety of virtual lessons taught by professionals.
As you finish up your holiday shopping, remember that keeping your dollars in our community helps another family put presents under the tree this year. Shop local as often as possible! Next week you can look forward to engaging with local businesses for their Black Friday and Small Business Saturday deals.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
