With the holidays just around the corner, and those hard-to-shop-for-people in your life, did you know you can purchase a Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate and it never expires? I am very excited to share this information with you!
A picnic basket with gift certificate is a great gift (Call 800-933-7275 Mon-Fri 9a.m.- 5p.m.)
BUY LOCAL:
First and foremost I want to urge you to BUY LOCAL. How does this differ from buying some poorly constructed Tchotchkeat a big box store that is made oversees in a third world country? Oh, what is aTchotchke? How did I know you would ask that:
Tchotchke (pronounced /?t??t?ki/ choch-kee) are small toys, gewgaws, knickknacks, baubles, lagniappes, trinkets, or kitsch.The term has a connotation of worthlessness or disposability, as well as tackiness.
Consider this – buying local means putting your hard earned cash not only back in the U.S. economy, but in the commonwealth of Virginia specifically, making the most out of your money. This means that every penny you spend on someone else at a Virginia State Park will in-turn come right back at you. Employing reputable staff, keeping the parks clean and well maintained, adding programs and features to enhance your stay…this is all a part of the Virginia State Parks system that we love!
VIRGINIA STATE PARKS *GIFT CERTIFICATES CAN BE USED IN MANY WAYS:
–Cabin rental
–Camping
–Boating or Equestrian Pass
–Parking Pass
–Shelter rentals (great for family reunions/birthdays/church picnics)
–(*not valid for merchandise in the park)
Gift Certificates can be used year-round, you can purchase them in any whole dollar amount and use them at any of the 35 or all Virginia State Parks! (The gift certificate must be redeemed through the reservation center).
HOW TO PURCHASE:
Call the reservation center Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with your credit card handy and purchase your gift certificate in any dollar amount. They will ask you for your information and the recipients name and phone number. The toll free number is 800-933-7275 and they will be more than happy to assist you!
You can have them send the Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate to you so you can present it or post to the recipient, or they can mail it directly for you.
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE:
Here is my idea, for what it is worth. If you want to split the cost and do an office "gift hamper" for someone, or for that relative that has it all, and yet enjoys the great outdoors, or Grandpa (maybe he will get the hint and take you fishin!)…
a) Fisherman: I would get a wicker fishing creel, I would stock it/decorate it with items such as: gummy worms, goldfish snacks, red and white fishing bobbins, hooks, pliers, wet wipes, small net, sunscreen, wishin' I was fishin' water bottle, bucket hat with lures attached, VSP gift certificate and a DGIF Virginia Wildlife Magazine!
b) Hiker: I would get a backpack, I would stock it with couple field guides for wildflowers/mushrooms/birds, trail mix, power bars, sunscreen, filtered water bottle, red bandana, bug spray, flashlight, leatherman or swiss army knife, VSP gift certificate,VDGIF Birding and Wildlife Trail book, and maybe a copy of backpackers magazine.
c) Family Camping: I would get an igloo, I would stock it with family fun items like s'mores fixin's, jiffy pop, funky water bottles, red plaid vinyl tablecloth, a pack of cards, yahtzee, goofy hats, beach towels, sunscreen, bug spray, LED flashlights for the kids, first aid kit, compass, VSP gift certificate.
d) Corporate: Business gift basket or office gift basket – I would get a picnic basket and add a wine opener, a bottle of Virginia wine and glasses, Virginia Peanuts, other Virginia made products like our Virginia Ham, crackers, some oversized Victorian era throw-back style straw hats,VSP gift certificate and then include any or all of the above!
e) Generic: Put it in a Christmas Card as is, the gift certificate speaks for itself!
Virginia State Parks brings families together
OTHER BENEFITS:
Getting Outside! Fresh air, exercise, family friends and fun. Need I say more? This is what Virginia State Parkshas been all about for 75 years. You are giving THIS as the gift, now how else could ya wrap that up and put it under a tree? And just think, you may be introducing someone to our award winning state parks for the first time. How cool is that!
You’ll find plenty of programs, events and activities at Virginia State Parks. Whether you’re after a relaxing picnic or a two-week vacation, leave life’s daily pressures behind and reconnect with nature and your family at a nearby state park.
Call the reservation center today 800-933-7275to buy your gift certificate and start giving the gift of fun! By the way, I am declaring 2012 "The Year of Fun!" Shop now and you can begin thinking of a gift basket to go with it (or, ahem, around it).