Halloween is behind us and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it…which means, we are inching that much closer to the Holiday Season. We all know it’s been an enormously tough year for our local businesses, and what better way to make sure they stick around than to shop from them this season? From experience gifts to puzzles on a snowy night, here are some great ways to treat someone you love while supporting our local community. 
- Give an Experience – Everyone loves an experience gift – especially parents with a storage room full of toys and overflowing drawers! While it’s more challenging this year to find experience gifts (no Madison Children’s Museum memberships or trips to the Overture anytime soon), we still have a TON of fun local options. Swim Lessons at SwimWest would be a great gift, as well as a session of Swim&Gym Camp. Experience gifts are a great option for any activity your child is interested in. Gymnastics? Check out Badger Gymnastics lessons or day camps, or have a private playdate at the Little Gym with your Quaranteam. Other great options include: Keva, Infinity Martial Arts, Go Ninja, Creative Soul Camp or Monroe Street Arts. All offer safe, Covid-friendly options for kids.
- ALLLLL The Outdoor Gear – Bikes, Snowshoes, Skis, Ice Skates…You name it, it will probably sell out this winter. We are all desperate to find ways to stay active and busy in a very tough year, and one of the best ways to do that in Wisconsin is to embrace the blustery weather and find something you love to do in the elements. We have a lot of shops geared towards the outdoors (Dick’s, REI) but don’t forget to check our locally owned businesses that would love your support this year (Fontana Sports, Simply Swimming, etc). Grab your new gear and hit the local trails (Governor Nelson or Elver both have cross country skiing and there are many local ponds to go ice skating!)
- Puzzle Together – Find a way to stay warm and cozy on those brutally cold days this winter – enjoy a fun new game or puzzle! This is a simple way to get some fun family bonding in while “teaching” the kids math, logic, rule-following, turn-taking and more. Locally, check out I’m Board or Noble Knight Games for a great selection and excellent service!
- Get your Craft on – Being creative is fun for kids AND adults, and we have several local businesses that offer at-home crafting kits. Has there ever been a better year to dive into crafting than 2020? Revel, Board and Brush and Signs by Caitlin are a few of the local shops that offer do-it-yourself crafts. They will send you all the materials you need along with instructions to complete the project. The gift is the process AND the finished product!
Have a wonderful time shopping for family and friends, and please let me know if you have any other suggestions in the comments below! For more information on SwimWest lessons or gift cards, please call us at 608.831.6829.
