Holiday gifts that keep on giving

METRO DETROIT — The holidays don’t have to end after the presents are opened and friends and family head back to their normal routines.

Memberships are gifts that friends, family and loved ones can enjoy all year long.

“Really, it comes down to giving the gift of family time, the gift of experiences, versus just a bunch of toys,” said Jessica Williams, the membership manager for The Detroit Zoo. “I know many parents appreciate that.”

Animal lovers can visit their favorite furry, scaled and feathered friends all year long with a membership to The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. From chimpanzees and axolotl to giraffes, lions and penguins, The Detroit Zoo has a wide variety of animals to delight in. Aside from the many zoo animals and habitats, zoo visitors can take advantage of a host of attractions, including two free PlayVenture areas, a 4D theater, the Tauber Family Railroad, a carousel, “Science of a Sphere” and a variety of special zoo experiences.

“We really have more to offer than just our animals,” Williams said. “We have a lot of educational programs and events, so it’s really a gift that keeps on giving all year.”

Whether your child loves Peppa Pig, Lego, or sea creatures, British amusement park operator Merlin Entertainments has yearlong membership options to three family-friendly attractions inside Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills.

“Anybody can go to a store, grab an item off a shelf and give it as a gift … but it takes a lot of thought to come up with an experience that you think someone would enjoy to create a memory that can last for a lifetime,” said Erik Schreefel, the marketing manager for the three experiences.

Peppa Pig World of Play is the outlet mall’s newest indoor attraction for families with young children to enjoy exploring and playing in more than a dozen free-roaming play areas, all inspired by the TV series.

The Legoland Discovery Center, also for families with children, features two interactive rides, 10 themed build and play zones, and a 4D cinema inspired by Lego.

Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, Michigan’s largest aquarium, is home to over 250 species and 2,000 creatures — including sharks, sting rays, green sea turtles and more. At Sea Life, guests can explore the freshwater lakes and rivers of Michigan before heading to the depths of the ocean to meet the creatures who live there.

“An experience is something that you can participate in with the recipient that gets you out and about,” Schreefel said. “We are definitely seeing a growth in all our memberships post COVID.”

A membership to a local museum or historical attraction is a great gift option for a history buff.

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, a historic mansion in Grosse Pointe Shores, and Meadow Brook Hall, a Tudor revival-style mansion in Rochester Hills, each offer membership options.

“With a membership, you have a full year of access to this beautiful property and the educational programs that go on here,” said Tommy Karr, the director of communications for the Ford House. “People can come, they can enjoy the grounds and special events, educational classes and workshops all throughout the year. It’s a really wonderful resource for the people of southeast Michigan to escape, get back into nature and learn about a family that had a huge impact here.”

Now through Dec. 30, those who purchase or renew a Meadow Brook Hall membership will receive an additional membership of the same level or less to gift. Meadow Brook Hall members receive free general tour admission throughout the year, enjoy member guest days, new member mixers, early access and discounts on community events throughout the year — including the Downton Abbey-themed events, summer concert series, yoga in the garden, mystery dinners — and more, all while helping to preserve the historic estate.

Katie Higgins, the marketing and communications manager for Meadow Brook Hall, said experience gifts help highlight what is really important — spending time together.

“Spending time together engaging with different things, away from screens, work and all the things that tend to consume our time, is important,” she said. “The gift of an experience is so enriching to our lives.”

Music lovers will delight in season tickets or individual tickets to a special concert or musical event.

“We love the idea of gifting experiences. It’s such a special way for people to connect and spend time with friends and family,” said Hannah Engwall, the public relation manager for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Gift givers can create their own DSO concert series packages to mix and match different music genres — classical, pop, jazz, family concerts and more.

“You can totally customize it to the person you are trying to buy something for,” said Engwall.

The DSO’s film and concert experiences are another exciting gift option, according to Engwall. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the legendary Aretha Franklin with the world premiere of “RESPECT in Concert” for one night only at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4. The DSO will also perform the entire musical score to “The Princess Bride” live in concert, along with a screening of the film, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 or 15 at Orchestra Hall.

“Especially with the pandemic over the last couple of years, people were really missing that connection, so to be able to share the joy of music with loved ones is really special,” Engwall added.