Independent Arts News Reporting 
Pictured Above: The James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA. Photo Credit: Sourced.
Gifts for the Creative Soul in 2024
Amy Masgay shares her 2024 Holiday Helper rundown for our region, making for the ideal Gift-Giving Guide for the Arts and Culture Lover in Your Life
By: Amy Masgay
December 4, 2024.
The Arts News Now Holiday Helper Gift Guide has returned (“Gifts for the Creative Soul” from 2023), with updated prices and an even wider selection of arts institutions to peruse!
This gift guide is unique in that you won’t find any physical objects to purchase. While there is no shortage of beautiful galleries and boutiques with handcrafted works to share this holiday season, we understand that picking out a piece of art can be a very personal endeavor, and not everyone wants more stuff for the holidays.
More and more, people are opting for the gift of an experience, of creating memories, of trying something new.
For example, memberships and subscription packages to local art institutions are the gifts that keep on giving all year long! Workshops and classes are a fantastic way to cultivate new talents and meet other creatives. Gift cards are also available at many of these organizations as well, in addition to shop items, just in case you do want something special for them to unwrap.
We know that some people are trickier to buy for than others. Luckily, for the art and culture lover, Arts News Nowcan serve as a one-stop inspiration shop for gifts to fit any art niche at most price ranges, all while supporting our unique nonprofits!
The holidays are an important time to keep our dollars local, so let’s get creative during this season of giving!
Pictured Above: A scene from Swan Lake, Philadelphia Ballet. Photo Credit: Sourced.
If you or your loved one loves to settle in for a good show, becoming a subscriber to a local theatre is the best way to save money on more tickets!
Music Mountain Theatre, Lambertville, New Jersey
In addition to gift certificates, which can be used to purchase tickets for any performance, Music Mountain Theatre offers five different subscription options for 2025, all of which include one bonus ticket! Subscribers also get to vote in the annual Music Mountain Theatre Awards (the Mounties!).
- 10 Show Young Audience Series Package, $108
- 5 Show Mainstage Package, $150
- 10 Show Mainstage Package for Senior Citizens, $250
- 10 Show Mainstage Package, $290
- 15 Show Mainstage Package, $435
Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, Pennsylvania
Bucks County Playhouse offers two dozen fixed packages for their subscribers! Subscribers receive 20% off additional tickets to all Mainstage shows and select Visiting Artist Series shows.
Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bristol, Pennsylvania
Bristol Riverside Theatre offers two possible subscription options for their 2024-2025 season. Plus, as an extra benefit, subscribers get to come back to the theatre to see repeat performances at no charge!
- 3-Show Pack Subscription
- BRT Flex Pass
Keswick Theatre, Glenside, Pennsylvania
Join the Keswick Inner Circle for exclusive benefits and savings for just $95!
McCarter, Princeton, New Jersey
Build your own subscription package at McCarter by choosing 3, 4, or 5+ events and saving 10%, 15%, or 20% respectively!
Arden Theatre Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For priority seating and exclusive parking discounts, check Arden Theatre Company’s subscription options!
- 3-Show Subscription, starting at $125
- 4-Show Subscription, starting at $152
Philadelphia Ballet, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Philadelphia Ballet offers a Full Season Subscription as well as a Create Your Own Package!
Pictured Above: The Acme Screening Room, Lambertville, NJ. Photo Credit: Sourced.
For the CINEMA lover…
Do we smell popcorn? These movie theatres offer so much more than just movies, new or classic, so consider gifting a membership!
The Newtown Theatre, Newtown Pennsylvania
When someone becomes a member at The Newtown Theatre, not only will they receive discounted tickets to concerts, movies, documentaries, family programs, and special events, but also a discount to rent the theatre as an event venue, plus free popcorn at comedy shows and Newtown Arts Company productions!
- Senior Individual Membership, $45
- Individual Membership, $50
- Senior Couple Membership, $65
- Couple Membership, $75
- Family of Three, Four, or Five Membership, $130
The County Theater, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
The County Theater is lousy with membership options, the perks of which also include discounts on venue and marquee rentals, as well as reduced admission prices and free admission to many special programs!
Basic Memberships
- Individual Senior, $40
- Individual Young Person, $40
- Individual, $50
- Dual Seniors, $65
- Dual, $75
Sustaining Memberships
- Senior Individual Producer, $100
- Individual Producer, $110
- Senior Couple Executive Producer, $200
- Couple Executive Producer, $220
VIP Memberships
- Mogul, $500
- Angel, $1,000
- Icon, $5,000
Hiway Theater, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
Similarly, Hiway Theater has all this, plus a special membership option just for you horror lovers!
Basic Memberships
- Individual Senior, $40
- Individual Young Person, $40
- Individual, $50
- Dual Seniors, $65
- Dual, $75
Sustaining Memberships
- Senior Individual Producer, $100
- Individual Producer, $110
- Senior Couple Executive Producer, $200
- Couple Executive Producer, $220
Horror at the Hiway
- Individual, $55
- Dual, $85
VIP Memberships
- Mogul, $500
- Angel, $1,000
- Icon, $5,000
Acme Screening Room, Lambertville, New Jersey
From discounts to attend the Annual Halloween Film Festival to free movie passes, the membership packages offered by the Acme Screening Room offer great savings and entertainment!
- Individual Membership, $40
- Dual Membership, $75
- Annual Pass, $130
- Patron Membership, $140
- Annual Pass +1, $200
- Annual Pass Family & Friends, $300
Pictured Above: The Museum of Art in Philadelphia, PA. Photo Credit: Sourced.
For the MUSEUM lover…
Museums aren’t just for class trips anymore! Spend the day getting lost in art, history, or immersive spaces, plus additional perks when you become a member!
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In addition to gift certificates, the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers a wide range of membership levels! You can also visit the famed Rocky statue while you’re at it!
Members
- Student, $25
- Artist, $40
- Member, $75
- Member Plus, $125
- Keystone, $250
Museum Circle
- Sustainer, $500
- Sponsor, $1,000
- Patron, $1,500
The Associates
- Associate Member, $2,500
- Associate Sponsor, $5,000
Chairman’s Council
- Chairman’s Council Member, $10,000
- Chairman’s Council Member Plus, $15,000
- Chairman’s Council Patron, $25,000
- Chairman’s Council Benefactor, $50,000
Michener Art Museum, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
For art exhibitions focusing on the cultural heritage of the Delaware Valley, there’s no place better than the Michener Art Museum. New to the Michener is a special membership level just for students!
Basic Levels
- Student, $20
- Individual, $50
- Dual, $70
- Household, $90
- Contributor, $125
Premier Levels
- Sustaining, $250
- Patron, $500
- Michener Circle, $1,200
- Benefactor’s Circle, $2,500
Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton, New Jersey
If your loved one’s style gears more toward contemporary art, look no further than Hunterdon Art Museum!
- Student, $35
- Military Personnel, $35
- Artist, $45
- Senior, $45
- Individual, $55
- Military Family, $65
- Family, $75
- Contributor, $125
- Sponsor, $250
- Patron, $500
- Benefactor, $1,000
Wonderspaces, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wonderspaces creates immersive and interactive art experiences that are also great for kids! The only membership level is just $60!
Pictured Above: The Philadelphia Ballet. Photo Credit: Sourced.
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Spark curiosity and discovery in the world of science and technology at The Franklin Institute. Visitors to The Franklin Institute get to witness exhibitions from all over the world, and kids will never want to leave!
- Dual Membership, $89
- Family, $175
- FamilyMAX, $219
- Innovators, $300
- Friends Circle, $400
- Patrons Circle, $600
- Discoverers Circle, $1,000
- Benefactor Partner, $1,500
Pictured Above: The Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ. Photo Credit: Sourced.
For the NATURE lover…
Give the gift of a beautiful day or evening spent outdoors, where nature itself becomes an artful experience!
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Longwood Gardens offers a magical experience surrounded by the carefully cultivated exhibitions of seasonal landscapes, as well as hosting regular performances by international musicians of the highest caliber. Gift cards are also available, as well as various membership levels!
- Gardens1, $115
- Gardens2, $185
- Gardens5, $250
- Gardens Preferred, $400
- Gardens Premium, $725
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, New Jersey
Grounds for Sculpture is a sculpture garden unlike any other where hours can be spent among art and nature combined!
- Young Adult (18-25) Individual, $45
- Individual, $95
- Individual Plus, $150
- Family, $175
- Family Plus, $215
- Contributor, $350
- Sustainer, $500
- Benefactor, $1,500
- Youth Add-On, $40
- Adult Add-On, $60
Pictured Above: The Bucks County Children’s Museum, New Hope, PA. Photo Credit: Sourced.
For the LITTLE creatives…
An appreciation for art and culture is something any child could benefit from, and when the toy box is overflowing, a unique experience could be the perfect way to make some new memories together.
Music Mountain Theatre, Lambertville, New Jersey
The Young Audience Series at Music Mountain Theatre is a fantastic way to introduce children to the performing arts. With fifteen shows running over the course of 2024, $108 for a 10-show Children’s Theatre Flex Pass will always ensure something fun to do on a Saturday!
The Bucks County Children’s Museum, New Hope, Pennsylvania
The Bucks County Children’s Museum inspires learning through play and serves as a resource for imaginative discovery for all children. Gift certificates are also available!
- Grandparent Gift Membership – $85
- Bring 4 Gift Membership, $100
- Bring 6 Reciprocal Gift Membership, $135
Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Engaging exhibits where discovery through physical interaction is encouraged, The Please Touch Museum empowers children to embrace their own curiosity!
- Family of Three, $160
- Family of Four, $185
- Family PLUS, $235
- Family DELUXE, $310
