Gifts That Keep Giving, Part 2

December 16, 2009

Molly de Aguiar, Program Associate

At the beginning of this month, Wendy Liscow offered an extensive selection of thoughtful holiday gift ideas that also benefit New Jersey non-profits.

But some of you are procrastinators. We know it.

So, here are a few more last minute gift ideas, in addition to Wendy’s comprehensive list – many of them are just a phone call away. And in case you missed the news that the State of New Jersey has frozen $10 million in grant money to arts organizations across the state, a donation to any arts group, or a purchase of gift tickets/subscriptions is especially meaningful and useful to them while also making a lovely gift for anyone on your list.

Shakespeare Theatre Box Office

Shakespeare Theatre Box Office

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has a well-stocked gift shop with handmade items like jewelry and scarves, as well as toys, t-shirts and, of course, Shakespeare-inspired gifts. They also offer gift certificates for subscriptions, tickets and the gift shop in all denominations as well as gift passes to any performance of any production in the 2009 or 2010 season. You can call their box office at: (973) 408-5600

Shop the Pinelands Preservation Alliance online shop for many Pinelands-related items including books and history DVDs, as well as affordable art prints and photographs. (Today is the last day to shop online for holiday delivery, but you can stop by the Pinelands Visitor Center on Saturday from 11am to 4pm or Sunday from 1pm to 4pm).

Centenary Stage is offering a sweet deal: with your ticket purchase to any of their events, they’ll wrap your ticket purchases in a mug filled with chocolates. Nice! Call their box office: (908) 979-0900.

The Zimmerli Holiday Boutique is in full swing until December 23rd. The museum’s gorgeous gift shop has many things to choose from, and just $3 will give you access to the museum, too. The gift shop is free to enter and open during regular museum hours.

Thanks to Twitter, we know that the Surflight Theatre, which is the only professional theatre in Ocean County, and Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, a residential arts camp for kids 9-17 years, are offering gift certificates as perfect Christmas gifts. You can call their box offices for more information. Surflight: (609) 492-9477 and Appel Farm: (800) 394-1211.

And if none of the above seem just right, we urge you to remember your local food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters need all the support they can get. A donation to these vital organizations in someone’s honor is a truly thoughtful and meaningful gift that directly supports people in need. Here in Morristown, there are too many organizations to mention them all, but if you are local to the area, please consider supporting Homeless Solutions, Interfaith Food Pantry, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Deirdre’s House, and the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown.

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