This gift guide has something for every animal lover on your list

Megan Raposa -

This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium.

Simplified: Whether you're looking for experience gifts, unique toys, or gift ideas for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list, the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium has options for everyone.

Why it matters

  • The Great Plains Zoo and the Butterfly House & Aquarium both have holiday gift guides that include items to be purchased in-person at the gift shops, as well as membership deals or passes that can be purchased online.
  • These guides also feature special deals including free ZooBucks when you buy or renew a Monarch membership as well as a new holiday ticket package including four tickets to either the zoo or butterfly house and $45 in ZooBucks for only $99.99.
  • And for those who are tough to buy for – or maybe don't want more stuff – you can also Adopt an Animal starting at $50. It's a way to both support the zoo's conservation efforts and make visits to see your favorite animal even more special.
"Many people aren't looking for more things to collect dust in their closet – they're looking for fun experiences and ways to make memories as a family," said Denise DePaolo, director of PR and marketing. "A zoo or butterfly house membership is a great way to both create those memories and support the ongoing care of the animals you love to see."

Tell me more gift ideas

If you're looking for an experience gift that'll keep giving year-round, you can also gift an annual membership to the zoo or butterfly house.

  • Can't decide between the two? The Monarch membership includes year-round access to both facilities, plus the option to bring along a guest for free and 15% off any additional tickets.

Need something to wrap under the tree? There are plenty of options there as well.

  • The Butterfly House & Aquarium gift shop has butterfly shadow boxes, as well as earrings, magnets and keychains made from butterfly wings.
    • You'll also find puzzles, plush animals, seascape stockings and Christmas ornaments.
  • Then over at the Great Plains Zoo, there's a variety of apparel items, books, plush animals and – for the coffee drinkers in your life – they've got coffee mugs.

It's worth noting that both gift shops are available to the public even if you don't pay for admission to the zoo or butterfly house.

Ready to shop?

You can look at options for passes, Adopt an Animal, and the holiday deals on the zoo's website.

You can also visit in-person to shop the gift shops during regular hours, seven days a week:

  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the zoo
  • and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the butterfly house.