By Ashley Irwin & Andrea Hinds
The holidays are here, and if you are shopping for children, you may be overwhelmed at all of the choices you have for gifts. Most kids probably ask for things like video games, movies, and music, but there are a ton of other great gift options out there that aren’t video games or electronics. Here are 7 great gift ideas for kids that you may not have thought of:
1.Taekwondo Classes
Taekwondo classes are a great gift idea for any child who enjoys being active, and the skills learned in Taekwondo can improve focus, self-esteem, and physical fitness. Locally, Robinson’s Taekwondo Academy is a great option for parents or loved ones who want to introduce their children to Taekwondo. Children can enroll at any level of fitness and experience. Kids enrolled in class also have access to all of RTA’s other programs at no extra cost. Robinson Taekwondo is located at 102 Lumber Drive Ste. 600 in Franklin. Click here to learn about their youth programs.
2. Nashville Zoo Membership
Why not a membership to the Nashville Zoo? The Nashville Zoo is not only a fantastic zoo, but the zoo also offers exciting events throughout the year; there is always something new and exciting to experience with every trip to the Zoo. Right now, the Nashville Zoo is having a sale, in which you can get 15% off a membership. Click here for details. The cost of a membership pays for itself in 2-3, depending on the level of membership you purchase. The Nashville Zoo also partners with many other nearby zoos and Nashville Zoo members get 50% off admission to dozens of other zoos and aquariums, like the Memphis and Atlanta Zoos.
3. Music Lessons
If your child has been wanting to learn how to play a musical instrument, the holidays can be a great time to help them get started. There is a wide variety of music lessons offered in and around Williamson County that can motivate your child to try something new. Music lessons can teach children the value of working hard to improve their skills. Mastering an instrument can also improve children’s confidence and self-esteem.
4. A Trip to the Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center in Nashville has wonderful exhibits like the Adventure Tower, BodyQuest, and Space Chace. They also feature exhibits that change often and there are always new exhibits in the works. The Adventure Science Center provides the perfect environment for learning and having fun. The not-for-profit institutions strives to educate people of all ages about the excitement and wonders of science. A trip here is a great gift for any child that has an interest in science and learning.
5. Magazine Subscription
If your child has a special interest, then a magazine subscription can be the perfect gift. A magazine subscription is a great way to encourage your child to read more, and because there are so many magazines out there, you are sure to find one that your child would be interested in. Children will enjoy learning about something that they are interested and can look forward to a new magazine every month.
6. Family Outing to Build-a-Bear Workshop
A trip to the Build-a-Bear Workshop at CoolSprings Galleria is a whole family affair. Kids get to pick out exactly what kind of bear or other stuffed animal they would like and be a part of the process of building it, as well as pick out clothes and other accessories for their new furry friend! Build-a- Bear Workshop is located on the Level 2 of the CoolSprings Galleria.
7. Tickets to Events
If you child loves sports or music, buying them tickets to an event that they are interested in is an excellent gift choice. It’s also a great way to introduce them to something new and giving them tickets to a future event gives them something to look forward to.
Some upcoming events that kids would love would be tickets to include:
Tickets to a Preds game
Monster Jam – Jan 7th at Bridgestone Arena
Harlem Globetrotters – Jan 15th at Bridgestone Arena
The Sound of Music – Feb 14-Feb 19 at TPAC
