We all want our gift giving efforts to be unforgettable - or at least not returned - this holiday season. But many times some of the seemingly great presents and even the most coveted toys are discarded and forgotten by mid- January. When searching for a gift that will be memorable and cherished, it’s not the size of the box, the wrappings, or even the price tag that matters. Sometimes the best gifts - the ones with the best memories- are times spent with those loved ones.

This Christmas, when aunties and grandmas come asking, “What do the kids want for Christmas?” our answer is “To spend some time with you; take them to a museum and let them pick out something fun from the gift shop!”

Last weekend my kids went with their grandma to the Henry Ford for a day at the museum and an IMAX movie. They had a great time, took some photos, saw Santa, and stopped in at the Gift Shop to find something to take home. My son wound up with a pale blue 1957 corvette, just like his great uncle used to have. My daughters got a quill and ink set, and have been working on just the right curlicue to put at the end of their names. They are even writing thank you notes to grandma just as an excuse to use their gifts. These may not be the gifts that top their list for Santa, but I know they will cherish them, and when they use them they will be reminded of the cold December afternoon at the museum.

Around Ann Arbor, there are lots of fun museums to explore with children. A favorite - of course - is the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. As a science aficionado, I love to let my kids explore the different floors of inquiry at this children’s museum. The first two floors may give the impression that the museum is only for the very young; Bob the Builder dominates the main floor with all of his building vehicle friends, and the preschool area is reserved for the under five crew on the second floor. But give older kids a chance to climb higher and they will find a mini rock wall, a room devoted to sound and light, circuitry and physics displays, media works, and more.

You cannot miss the gift shop. The glass sided store in the entryway is a kid magnet. Store manager Ari Morris tells me that they just finished up their member appreciation sale with phenomenal success. Members got a double discount on all store items, and that meant for some great bargains on some inquiry based holiday gifts. Sales were almost double last year’s numbers.

As schools go on break, attendance numbers will also surely rise. “We see a lot of people making a day of it; spending time at the museum, and then adding a gift too. Many times one parent will surreptitiously sneak off and make a quick purchase and ask for a plain brown bag to hide a gift.”

The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum also just launched its online store - with about 1/10th of the stores stock available to purchase. Might be a nice option if your item is too big to sneak home.

Morris shared with me the top picks for hot sellers from the gift shop:

The Dalmatian Vet Kit for $34.99 is an item they will sell out of. The kit includes a stethoscope, a lab coat, and all the other necessities for carrying for the spotted pup, also included.

The Electric Plane Launcher for $15.99 is a hot seller. Once you design your own paper airplane, set it on the launcher to really test its aerodynamics. I foresee a friendly little grandpa vs. grandkids competition also launched by this toy.

The Marble Roller Coaster is also a hot one. You can build and design a motorized contraption to circle, dip, spin-wheel and elevate a marble in various ways. There are a few different items to choose from ranging from $50-$80.

Of course, one of the best purchases you can make at the museum is the chance to come back. During the month of December, any membership purchase comes with a $25 gift card for the Hands-On Store. A family membership is $75. Our family especially enjoys the reciprocal benefits which offers admission to more than 290 reciprocal science centers worldwide. This means when we are on our way to visit family out of state, we can make a pit-stop for an hour of fun at a Science Center that we may not otherwise visit - oftentimes for free.

To top it off, all purchases through or at the museum store put 100% of profits back into supporting the museum. Shopping at the museum gift shops allows you to give a gift and help a good cause all at the same time.

Museum Hours: Mon. - Sat.: 10 - 5 Sunday: noon - 5 Rise and Shine Time: Open Tuesdays 9am Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Location: 220 E. Ann St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104

More info here

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com