The Gift of Experience: Make more memories, buy less stuff by Laura Byrne
THE GIFT OF AN ANNUAL PASS
SUBSCRIPTION BOXES FOR KIDS
This gift keeps on giving all year long. As well as the year-round benefits of being able to go to your favorite attraction, passes often offer perks like free parking, discounts on summer camps and even reciprocal discounts at other fun spots in town. Some of our favorite spots for families: GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, MOSI, ZOOTAMPA, BUSCH GARDENS, THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM AND LEGOLAND. You might even find special deals for annual passes and memberships during the holiday season, so it’s worth joining the email lists to stay-up-to date!
Okay, so a subscription box is a tangible item the child will receive in the mail. However, the subscription boxes we’re about to mention come with an experience. Even better, our top picks were created by Tampa Bay area families, so you’re helping to support a locally owned business when you purchase. Win-win!
WE CRAFT BOX: We Craft Box is an award-winning monthly kids’ craft kit delivered to your little crafter’s doorstep every month! Each box has enough materials for two crafters and is geared toward kids 3-9 years old. You’ll get 5 or more crafts that go along with a themed story.
An annual pass is a great gift from a grandparent, too. You can bundle the pass with a small toy or book so the child has something tangible to open.
Use code HOLLY40 at check out for 40% off on your first subscription box! wecraftbox.com
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES UPGRADE THEIR DAY: If you already have an annual pass to a local attraction like Busch Gardens or ZooTampa, consider upgrading the next visit with a unique animal encounter. At Busch Gardens, kids 5 and older love the Serengeti Safari Tour because they get up close with the giraffe. ZooTampa also offers a variety of different encounters. Some of our favorites are the Aldabra Tortoise Encounter, Giraffe Backstage Encounter and Indian Rhino Feeding.
LOCAL MOM BOX:
Little Global Citizens was recently named the #1 Craft Box by the Subscription Trade Association. You can purchase monthly boxes or even a bundle to take you and your child on a journey to a different country around the world. Each box is packed full of activities and crafts. You can also purchase the Christmas Around the World box to learn more about how families from around the world celebrate the holiday. little-globalcitizens.com
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Tampa mom of three and former teacher Johanna Sanchez designed this kit for busy moms like you who are looking for screen-free activities. Because she believes that self-care is essential for moms, these boxes include a special product from a local Tampa business for moms. localmombox.com
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Plantation on Cr ystal River
LITTLE GLOBAL CITIZENS:
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SWIM WITH THE MANATEES: Yes, this is something you can do with the kids! Crystal River and Homosassa are the only places where you can legally ‘swim’ with manatees in their natural environment as a passive observer. The coldest months of the year, which we’re approaching, are the best time to go. One of our favorite tours is with the Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River. When you book the tour, it’s best to book the early morning tour and aim for a weekday to avoid larger crowds.
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NOVEMBER 2021 TampaBayParenting.com
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