During this weird year, the need to support local businesses has become even more apparent. As we spend more time at home, the need to create meaningful experiences, instead of filling our lives with stuff, has become even more obvious. 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!
Ted Lare Design Build Garden Center
Do you have someone who is interested growing all the things? Or perhaps they have a black thumb and they are looking to improve their skills. Improve your garden skills and design abilities with one of the class kits from Ted Lare Garden Center. From wreaths and herb garden kits to planters, there is sure to be something of interest for all ages and abilities.
Wallace Centers of Iowa
Join Chef Katie for a virtual cooking class with Wallace Centers of Iowa! She will email you recipes, a grocery and equipment list along with a Zoom link and helpful tips on getting connected. Gather all the ingredients and tools in your own kitchen, then watch while Katie demonstrates right alongside as you work.
Goldfish Swim School Urbandale
Skip the typical presents and give the gift of swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School – Urbandale! Swim lessons provide essential skills that last a lifetime. Kids learn safety skills while having fun, making friends, building confidence, and learning life lessons. Kids love Goldfish’s fun, tropical environment and 90-degree pool. Parents get the peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are learning an essential life skill based on our proven curriculum.
Science Center of Iowa & Blank Imax Dome Theater
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, larger-than-life IMAX films, and so much more!
AR Workshop Ankeny
School of Rock West Des Moines
Do you have someone who dreams of being a rock star? Give the gift of music at School of Rock West Des Moines with lessons, workshops, and camps in the areas of guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals.
Climb Iowa
Climb Iowa offers an amazing experience at either of their locations for first-time climbers. Bring an adventurous spirit and be ready to step outside your comfort zone. The professional staff will be more than happy to assist you in taking the first step into the world of climbing. They have experience working with individuals of all ages and abilities. Get the adventurer on your list a gift card to Climb Iowa.
Cupcake Addict
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 at their boutique Iowa flower farm. They host a variety of wonderful classes and workshops from lavender soap making and tea mixology, 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!
