Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
With Christmas and Hannukah right around the corner, we are knee-deep in the gift-giving season. Lists are being checked, gifts are being wrapped, and money is flying out of our pockets. If there’s one thing we are passionate about at Shore Local, it is keeping our dollars in the local community. As you shop for the kids in your life this holiday season, check out these opportunities to keep it local and support the small businesses right here in our backyard.
Plan ahead for summer
While we are dreaming about the return of warm summer days, cash in on some local deals that will save you money when Summer 2023 rolls around. Purchasing tickets for amusement parks in Ocean City, Wildwood, and Atlantic City, while they’re on sale is a great way to fill a stocking with a gift that the kids can get excited about all over again when summer comes to town. Check out Playland’s Castaway Cove Holiday Ride Ticket Sale at OceancityFun.com or the Buy One Get One Free 80 Ticket Sale at SteelPier.com.
Find unique gifts at a local market
If you’re looking to support small businesses, local vendor markets are the way to go. Check out Shore Local’s Christmas Fair and Market this Saturday, December 3rd for over 25 local vendors. Keep an eye out for our weekly list of events and happenings at shorelocalnews.com.
Season passes
Season passes truly are the gifts that keep on giving. A season pass tends to pay for itself after the second or third visit, saving you money while offering children a full year of joy at their favorite places. Storybook Land is a locals’ favorite and the perfect holiday gift for the little ones in your life. Save an extra 15% off all Storybook Land season passes until 12/30 at storybookland.com.
Share the arts
Introduce your child to the world of performing arts with show tickets to one of our local theaters, including the Stockton Performing Arts Center and Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point. For the theater-loving child in your life, check out the summer program, Gateway to the Arts offered at Gatewaybythebay.org.
Give an experience
Material gifts expire as children outgrow them. Experiences, however, last a lifetime in the memories of the children we love. Give an experiential gift this year for something they haven’t tried before. There are so many wonderful opportunities right here in South Jersey.
For teenagers 15+, consider a trip to Westecunk Axe Throwing in Atlantic City.
Renault Winery is hosting a Winter Wonderland experience now through February, complete with ice skating, tractor rides, shopping, and more.
Book a weekend ski trip to the mountains. Whether you ski, tube, or sit by the fire, the change of scenery and a winter vacation will be a memory they’ll never forget. Before you go, load up on all your winter gear at Alpine Ski and Snowboard Shop in Egg Harbor Township.
These are just a few highlighted local businesses, but the list is truly endless! Before you head off to the big-name department stores to check off those shopping lists, visit a local store. Stroll Downtown Asbury Ave in Ocean City or peruse the shops in Historic Smithville. The money spent supporting a small business goes directly to the gifts under the tree this year for local children. When you buy from a small business, a real person does a little happy dance. Spread love the South Jersey way this year by buying local.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
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