Looking for a gift that children will remember? Consider giving an ‘experience’ gift this holiday season. Enjoy our hyper-local Westchester list with easy links to purchase and a token gift idea for each adventure!
Charitable
What better time of year to teach children the importance of helping animals in need? PetRescue offers a Donation Dedication in someone’s name and you can designate where the funds are to be used.
Token Gift Idea: Purchase an item from the rescue’s wish list and make an appointment to drop it off. Doing something for others is the sentiment of the season.
Crafts
Ready to turn last summers t-shirts into something magical? Radiant Janes offers a private tie dye workshop at your home; making it a wonderful gift for a busy family.
Token Gift Idea: Grab a pack of white cotton socks and dream up all different colors to tie dye!
Not only is sewing a practical life skill, but it also ignites boundless creativity in children. Sew Happy offers in-home sewing lessons and even brings along the sewing machines!
Token Gift Idea: Children with all levels of sewing skills will adore this starter sewing kit.
Discover + Explore
In early 2020, Westchester Children’s Museum will triple in size! It’s the perfect time to give a membership gift and discover their amazing exhibits and weekly programs (free to members).
Token Gift Idea: Snag this magnifying glass to spark imagination!
Foster the love of art, science and history with a membership to the Hudson River Museum. Conveniently located in Yonkers, the museum offers a large art collection and an awe inspiring planetarium.
Token Gift Idea: Kids young and old adore astronaut ice cream!
Food
The Cooking Crew school mixes in math, stirs in science and adds a dash of games and crafts to bring culinary fun to your kitchen! An in home sushi or pizza class will be a holiday favorite.
Token Gift Idea: A set of children’s oven mitts will set the tone for fun!
Do you have an aspiring baker in your life? Nora’s Overworks has a calendar filled with baking classes for children and adults.
Token Gift Idea: Every great baker needs a hat and apron. Available in 9 colors; there is something for everyone.
Nature
Located in Harbor Island Park, the Marine Education Center offers visitors an up close view of local fish and marine life in multiple aquariums! Their private touch-tank experience for up to 8 children is sure to delight young and old. Don’t let this one get away!
Token Gift Idea: This book about sea stars will prepare them for their touch tank event.
Sheldrake Environmental Center offers 60 acres of green space, abundant bird life around the pond and picturesque views year round. Their pre-school nature camp or one of their many holiday themed programs make excellent gifts to spark interest and appreciation for nature.
Token Gift Idea: Kids won’t miss a thing with these binoculars.
Children intrigued by animals; will love Greenburgh Nature Center’s annual membership. Enjoy unlimited access to the indoor animal exhibits where staff is always willing to ‘introduce’ their flock of friends. Members also receive discounts to special events like Festifall, The Easter Egg Hunt and many more!
Token Gift Idea: These nature flip books will thrill many age groups.
Performance
Nothing ushers in the holidays quite like The Nutcracker. Enjoy this classic ballet at Emelin Theater with professional dancers from Ballet des Amériques and additional roles performed by local talent.
Token Gift Idea: Paint your own Nutcracker is sure to delight!
Play
Children of all ages enjoy Legoland! Whether it’s the rides, 4D cinema or even the factory tour; Legoland delivers hours of family fun. Check out the Legoland annual pass and it’s half-off 11/2/19-12/2/19!
Token Gift Idea: This adorable Christmas pack will thrill any Lego enthusiast.
The winter months can drag on indoors with a baby or toddler. Give an open play pass or monthly membership to Tig+Peach for little ones to enjoy a kid-safe space to slide and climb, explore the art room, magnetic walls and even a pivoting wind tunnel!
Token Gift Idea: Hat and gloves will help mom get the kids bundled up and out the door.
To burn off tons of kid energy, Life-The Place To Be, is the answer! Laser tag with a maze, mini bowling, rock climbing, arcade games and a soft play area are just some of the fun to be had!
Token Gift Idea: Get the kids excited with this foam bowling set!
Sports
Can’t stop the kids from climbing on the furniture? Then The Rock Club’s Junior programs are the perfect gift. There is something for every age; starting as young as 3 and as old 16, summer camps and tons of options for adult classes as well.
Token Gift Idea: This practice knot tying kit will get little ones ready for a climbing adventure!
The Goldfish Swim School offers a wonderful opportunity for your tadpole to get in some practice over winter! Their Holiday Package includes 2 months of lessons, a waived membership, a 6 punch family swim card and some swim goodies!
Token Gift Idea: After a long swim, this hooded towel will keep kiddos warm and dry.
Technology
Think Space Studio offers middle school and high school students a variety of classes on the fundamentals of computer programming in a casual and fun way. Tech savvy teens will enjoy a high energy, hands on, small group environment.
Token Gift Idea: This board game will set the tone for some coding fun!
Of course, there are tons of FREE experience gifts to give as well! Get crafty and create a gift certificate for a “Day at the Beach with Dad,” “Day of Gardening with Grandma,” or even “Living Room Family Dance Party!”
