As moms, I think we can agree that all the stuff that comes with the holidays can be overwhelming! This year we encourage you to create meaningful experiences for your kids and family while supporting local businesses.
Here at Des Moines Mom, we’ve put together a few ideas for purchasing local experience-based gifts. Enjoy and shop local!
Experience Gifts
Looking to create more memories and have less stuff? Here’s a few suggestions!
Give the Gift of Goldfish! This holiday season, give a gift that will last a lifetime. Kids learn water safety skills while having fun, making friends, and building confidence in Goldfish Swim School Urbandale’s fun, tropical environment and 90-degree pool. Parents get the peace of mind of knowing that kids are learning an essential life skill. There’s no better gift than that!
Visit Goldfish Swim School Urbandale to purchase your holiday package while supplies last. Families can choose from 3 and 6-month swim lesson packages that also include a towel and your choice of other limited-edition Goldfish retail items.
Ted Lare Design Build Garden Center
Do you know someone who is interested growing all the things? A class kit from Ted Lare Garden Center is a great way to improve your garden skills and design abilities. From wreaths and herb garden kits to planters, there is sure to be something of interest for all ages and abilities.
Cooking with Wallace Centers of Iowa
Join Chef Katie for a virtual cooking class with Wallace Centers of Iowa! She emails you recipes, a grocery and equipment list, and a Zoom link and helpful tips on getting connected. Gather all the ingredients and tools in your own kitchen, then watch while Katie demonstrates as you work.
Blank Park Zoo STEM Box
These kits from Blank Park Zoo are perfect for your animal-loving kid! Each box includes a fun STEM project to encourage imagination and creativity and is shipped every other month.
Science Center of Iowa
Spark curiosity through exploration, discovery, and learning disguised as play. Explore the Science Center of Iowa’s themed experience platforms full of hands-on exhibits, live interactive programs and demonstrations, engaging planetarium shows, and so much more!
AR Workshop Ankeny
HoneyNut Home
Maker Kits from HoneyNut Home are perfect for crafty kids. The projects are easy enough to do in under an hour and make great gifts! Choose from seasonal designs and more.
Climb Iowa
Get the adventurer on your list a gift card to Climb Iowa. They offer an amazing experience at either of their locations for first-time climbers. The professional staff will be more than happy to assist you in taking the first step into the world of climbing.
UrbanAir Adventure Park
Rainbow of the Heartland
Give the gift of outdoor play this holiday season. Rainbow Play Systems are a fun way for your kids to play by allowing your kids’ imaginations to run wild. Kids can climb, swing, and slide on Rainbow Play System.
PepperHarrow Farm
PepperHarrow Farm is a 20-acre farm is located in Winterset, Iowa, cozied amongst the covered bridges of Madison County. The owners cultivate local farm fresh flowers and host a variety of wonderful classes and workshops from cupcake making to floral design!
Tent Ventures
Bring the outdoor camping experience inside (especially in these cold Iowa winters!) with Tent Ventures. Take your sleepover to the next level with a tent adventure! They deliver, set up, style, and collect everything you need from a-frame tents and wooden tables; creating a simple, fuss-free gathering!
