More Christmas gift ideas for the nature lover in the family

Even without snow to remind us, the clock is ticking, carols are on the airwaves and many of us are tethered to our holiday lists of things-to-do in preparation for Christmas. Holiday photos, letters and cards are on our minds and visions of gingerbread cookies and chocolate amaretto truffles are dancing through our heads.

Then there's the four-letter word - not snow, but shop. It's just not my bag, so to speak. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy gifting wrapping and giving, just not the shopping. Sometimes I'm clueless about conventional, commercial gifts that are on a recipients' wish list.

Recently I was talking to Barb Sjoblad about meaningful gifts to give her grandchildren. Here's a few we decided on.

Bird-related items can create interest in an activity that will last a lifetime. Beginning field guides, plush birds, jigsaw puzzles, games and bird feeders are ideal. Audubon plush birds that emit real birdcalls when squeezed are among my favorites. I have a whole nest full of these delightful avians. We often work as a family on jigsaw puzzles featuring birds. Last year I received the board game, "Bird-opoly," for Christmas. It's been a hoot!

Stop at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve, the Paul Bunyan Nature Center and the Wild Bird Store on Highway 210 and Washington Avenue in Brainerd and check out their bird-related offerings.

As a result of Robert and I being birders, Mariah is now a pretty good one herself. She has her own pair of Nikon binoculars and has attended birding events such as the Owl Festival in Houston, Minn., and the famous crane migration on the Platte River in Nebraska. She also participates in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Consider taking a kid on a similar trip as a gift.

Books are always a great gift. Choose books that reflect a child's interest. Mariah always picked up rocks when she was little, so I bought her a book on rocks and minerals. Today she has a keen interest in geology, has amassed an impressive rock collection (which she displayed at a Creativity Fair) and has her own geologist's hammer.

Books on Monarchs and butterflies and bugs and plants have also encouraged her curiosity in nature. Visit local book, bird and nature stores. There's bound to be a good book just waiting for the right kid.

Subscriptions to quality magazines that are interesting, educational and filled with stunning photographs can be as good as books. National Wildlife Federation's "Ranger Rick" and "Your Big Backyard", National Geographic's "Kids Discover" and "Odyssey" are just a few. If you're not familiar with kids' magazines, go to the library to view ones that may be appropriate and appealing to the kids in your life. All can be ordered online.

Memberships to places such as the Deep Portage Conservation Reserve near Hackensack, the Paul Bunyan Nature Center and Northland Arboretum in Baxter and the Como Zoological Society, Minnesota Children's Museum, The Children's Theater, Minnesota Zoo and Science Museum of Minnesota in the Twin Cities can create wonderful memories. Many memberships also include magazines, newsletters, classes or perks as part of the package, which really enhances the gift year round.

Organizations such as your local animal shelter, the Heartland Animal Rescue Team, Humane Society and the Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation in Garrison always need support. Check with the facility to see when you might stop by with your child.

While there, make a donation in the child's name or become a member. Check their "wish list" and go on a shopping excursion with your youngster to contribute to the cause. Or phone to learn how you can help in other ways, such as volunteering. You might agree to undergo training together and commit to working a shift every week. It would be something to share and look forward to, as well as give a child a sense of contributing long-term.

Get your child to give gifts to others, which is a gift in itself. Agencies have lists of children or families in need. Some years ago, my baby-sitting cooperative "adopted" a family of seven. When we looked over their Santa list, all needed scarves, hats and gloves, which we purchased and wrapped. We also pooled our resources and came up with additional gently-used articles and toys to fill their modest lists. We hope to make their holidays a little brighter. Kids learn compassion through such endeavors.

Is there a stray or neglected animal you can befriend? Is there a neighborhood dog without adequate shelter? Do you have an old doghouse that's no longer in use? Then ask the animal's owners if they could take the doghouse off your hands. Deliver it filled with fresh straw. It's a kind way of helping the animal without criticizing the owners.

Time is the gift that best bestows your time and affection. Be generous. Kids learn from your example. This applies not only to family and friends, but to the community as a whole, which includes animals.

For me, this kind of shopping isn't painful. I hope you find these ideas helpful. Bless the beasts and children, for they depend on our love. And don't forget to simplify your life, slow down and enjoy what really matters.

ANDREA LEE LAMBRECHT, naturalist and outdoors photographer, can be reached at andreal@umn.edu.