Green holiday gift guide
This year, celebrate the people you love by giving memories they’ll treasure. Gifting experiences instead of packaged presents not only reduces waste, but also gives you meaningful time with the people you value.
For the outdoorsperson: Park pass.
Give a gift that’s a breath of fresh air (literally) with a pass or permit to one of Ramsey County's beautiful parks, a state park or other parks. Enjoy scenic places, historic sites and outdoor activities right here in Ramsey County, or around the state. Make this gift extra special by planning a trip to one of the parks with your loved ones.
For the hobby-enthusiast in your life: Community education class.
Sign both of you up for a class with your local community education. Many offer a range of courses, from fitness to cooking to language to crafts! There’s something for everyone on your list. If you're working on a budget, you can find activities for all ages through the Ramsey County Public Library system.
For the person who insists they “don’t need anything”: Donation.
We all know someone who insists every year that they don’t need any gifts. This year, make a donation in their name to an organization that matters to them. You can print out the receipt or make a homemade card explaining where their donation will go.
For the kids who are no longer *really* kids: Escape room.
For the older kids in your life, plan an excursion to one of the many escape rooms in the metro area. Solve puzzles to try to complete a joint mission before time runs out. Or, plan an escape room or murder mystery party at home.
For the history buff in your life: Museum tickets
Gift two tickets to spend an afternoon with your person at one of the many museums located around the metro.Learn some local history, enjoy art and culture from around the world, see science in action, and much more.
For the self designated "foodie": Restaurant gift certificate
Do some research to find a unique, new spot or rely on a favorite restaurant to treat your person to a meal neither of you has to cook.
For the person who is already ready for warmer weather: Theater or movie tickets
Escape the cold and be transported to a new setting for a few hours. No plane ticket needed!
Alternatively, for the Minnesotan who relishes the cold: Ice skating day
The land of 10,000 lakes has no end of ice skating opportunities in the winter. Pick out a rink, rent or bring along some skates and spend an afternoon enjoying the crisp, cold air. Bonus: End the day with some hot cocoa and tater tot hotdish (or your favorite cold weather meal).
For the introvert in your life: A night in
Not everyone loves going out on field trips and excursions. Celebrate a homebody in your life by doing exactly that, staying home. Plan a fun movie night, craft time or board game tournament complete with snacks and beverages.
Final Tip
Make it fun! Regardless of age, unwrapping a gift is always exciting. Find a creative way to present your present. Ideas include wrapping an item to go along with it (ex. a wooden spoon to bring to your cooking class), giving a photo or brochure of the activity, making a coupon or certificate, or hiding a ticket inside of an ornament.
This article is featured in Green Ramsey, an environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.
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