If you’re looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, look no further than your favorite museum. Whether you get (or renew) a membership or find items for under the tree, buying items from your museum counts as both shopping local and donating to your favorite cause. Win-win.

We’re thankful to have such wonderful museums in metro Detroit. From playdates to field trips, they help us learn and bring lasting memories. Almost all museums are non-profits that rely on admission, membership and donations to operate and the holiday season is a great way to show your support by shopping their online stores. Here’s are a few gift ideas the littles on your list will love.

Museum membership is one of our favorite things. They are a great value and typically pay for themselves with two visits. We love memberships because it offers a go-to outing when we need it and gives us the freedom to drop in for a quick visit without having to stay past naptime to ‘get our monies worth’. There are often holiday deals for memberships too! Right now you can get a membership to the Michigan Science Center for only $49 with the code msc20-email.

Whether it’s a family gift you can enjoy in your home or a membership you give to a friend in need of time outside, museum membership a great gift to give!

Pro-tip – you can use your new membership to get discounts on gifts to put under the tree! We know littles may not appreciate the meaning of a membership but they’ll love a new book, outfit or toy. Museums’ online stores have creative and fun gift ideas that are not only appreciated by the recipient but also support the venue.

• Arab American National Museum // Arabic Alphabet Poster + Apparel
• Motown Museum // Children Books + Clothes
• Detroit Historical Museum // Stocking Stuffers + Fan Gear
• Detroit Institute of Arts // Books, Craft Sets + Cool Gift Guides
• Detroit Zoo // Upcycled Plush Boxes, Quest Toys + Zoo Keeper Kits
• The Henry Ford // Activity Kits + Kid Books

Although the Science Store isn’t online yet, if you’re at the Michigan Science Center or in Midtown, the gift shop has lots of great gift ideas including the MOST adorable plush planets that our boys LOVE!