8 amazing Dayton membership gift ideas that keep on giving

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

It's easy to get wrapped up — literally — in trying to find the perfect gift for someone you really care about. We sometimes forget how quickly the novelty of a present fades away, even just days after the holidays are over.

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Not nearly as fleeting as a new sweater or pair of slipper socks, a handwritten note tucked away in a little envelope announcing the membership to a favorite pastime will certainly let your friend know that you truly thought about them and their interests.

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One of these 7 Dayton memberships might be just the gift your special person is hoping for this season.

Oregon District resident Omar J. Peters rides a Link Dayton Ride Share bike (Source: Facebook)

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1.) Link: Dayton Bike Share membership

During warmer months, bright green bicycles can always be seen crawling around Dayton’s urban landscape. Stations all throughout downtown make the Link: Dayton Bike Share system one of the easiest and most environmentally-friendly ways to get to know Dayton. Even during cooler months when a bike ride is sure to turn cheeks red, the bikes are still available for a quick ride.

If you really think your friend deserves to be the coolest kid on the block, one membership package even comes with name recognition on handlebars.

INFO: linkdayton.org

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John Legend performs at the Rose Music Center on Monday evening..   TY GREENLEES / STAFF

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2.) Rose Music Center Insider Membership

Because the Rose Music Center is always boppin’ come summertime, choosing a single concert to give as a gift can be incredibly hard for a friend who wants to be there for it all. That’s why there’s no going wrong with the Insider Membership. Members will have access to free preferred VIP parking, private restrooms, exclusive access to The Circuits & Cables VIP Club, guaranteed seating in the reserved Insider section and other perks that will make them feel like VIP all summer long.

Info: rosemusiccenter.com

The fifth annual Bacon Fest took over the Fraze Pavilion, in Kettering, with porky fun on Sunday, Aug. 20. The event sponsored by the Fraze and Miami Valley Restaurant Raiders — a monthly “foodie” group that visits local restaurants — featured bacon treats from 15 locally owned restaurant. STAFF PHOTO / TOM GILLIAM

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

3.) Fraze Pavilion Gift Certificates

“Give the gift of summer’s best music.” You choose the amount, your recipient chooses how and when to spend it! Available in denominations of $5, $10, $25, $50, $75 or $100, a gift of a Fraze Pavilion gift certificate is the worry-free option for a music loving friend who has a hard time making plans far in advance.

Info: fraze.com

Eva Buttacavoli, executive director of the Dayton Visual Arts Center and Chuck Vella, president of DVAC's board of trustees (far right) are working with Phil Neal (left) and Doug Lunne of LMG, a Dayton marketing firm, to create a new name for the Dayton arts organization. It has been renamed The Contemporary Dayton.  LISA POWELL / STAFF

Credit: HANDOUT

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Credit: HANDOUT

4.) Art memberships 

-Dayton has proven to be a hub for creative thinkers, artists, movers and shakers. We have ample ways that everyone in Dayton can get the most from our arts community that we're so lucky to have. An excellent way to give your art-loving gift recipient an all access pass to the arts is with a Culture Works Passport to the Arts. "The Culture Works Passport to the Arts Membership is provided to Culture Works supporters who make a tax-deductible gift of $85 or more. Passport Membership provides Buy One – Get One FREE tickets to a variety of arts and cultural events around the Dayton region, as well as admission, restaurant and retail discounts." A passport membership is $85, but there are many other options in pricing to become a donor.

-If you've been to the Dayton Art Institute even once, you'll understand how exciting it would be to receive a full-year membership. There are more than 10 options for purchasing a membership, with a basic individual membership costing $50. See all the benefits of becoming a DAI member on the website.

A crowd gathered at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to view the solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. LISA POWELL / STAFF

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5.) Boonshoft Museum of Discovery membership

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery has more than six membership options to choose from to perfectly fit whoever is still lingering on your shopping list. With special events and rotating exhibits year-round, a Boonshoft membership never gets old. Visit the link below to explore all the benefits your curious friend could enjoy this year at Dayton’s premier stop for learning that’s both interactive and fun.

Info: boonshoftmuseum.org

Climbers at Urban Krag, an indoor rock climbing facility in the Oregon District, say, “Once you get into the sport it becomes an addiction.”

Credit: Teesha McClam

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Credit: Teesha McClam

6.) Urban Krag membership 

Your friend or loved one doesn’t need to be a Spider-Man at the climbing gym to enjoy this gift. In fact, a three-month membership to Urban Krag Climbing Gym might just help them discover their new favorite hobby this coming year! Year-long memberships are available, however, shorter-term memberships are also available that are perfect for beginners.

Info: urbankrag.com

7.) FilmDayton membership

“FilmDayton is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to building the Dayton region’s film community.” Your friend is probably no Wes Anderson, but this gift will get him/her one step closer to feeling like the savvy cinema buff they’ve always wanted to be. Not only will this gift give your friend a bundle of FilmDayton benefits, they’ll be thanking you for their newfound community of film friends they never knew existed!

Info: filmdayton.com

8.) Dayton History membership

Tanya Brock, Brewmaster, Carillon Brewing Company in1850's era costume during brewery operations. The opening of the $3.5 million Carillon Brewery represents Dayton's strong history of brewing, and is a working brewhouse that produces a variety of ales as well as serving other brands of craft beer. It is the only one of its' kind in the country. A dozen new craft breweries of varying sizes and concepts have opened their doors in the greater Dayton area where none existed just three years ago. JIM WITMER/STAFF

Credit: JIM WITMER

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Credit: JIM WITMER

Now this is a gift that will work for all kinds of people on your shopping list. With a Dayton History membership, just a FEW of the benefits the member will receive are:

  • Unlimited FREE admission to: Carillon Historical Park, Patterson Homestead, Paul Laurence Dunbar House, Carillon Park Rail Festival and more.
  • Discounts on dining and shopping, including a 10% discount at the Carillon Brewing Co.
  • A subscription to "Heritage" quarterly publication
  • Discounted pricing for special events and programs

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