I have spent many years (probably too many to legitimately count) enjoying my holiday shopping. That is partially because I like to shop in the “one for you, one for me” style. Sometimes that involves shoes, sometimes a scarf, and sometimes chocolate. Well, the chocolate part actually starts around Halloween (ok, three weeks prior) and ends around Easter (ok two weeks after). The result is usually anywhere from 4-6 pounds more of me. Not good when that can cause the need to shop for new clothes because the current ones don’t fit.
Enter: An awesome holiday gift that can be purchased by shopping locally. The YMCA of Montclair has become a place to “shop,” and there are some holiday gift options this year that are seriously worth considering. A contest too!
This year, the Montclair YMCA is offering gift cards for purchase. These gift cards can be used for anything the Y offers in either the Park Street or Geyer Family Center facility, and if your kids are like mine and already have plenty of toys, this might just be a great gift to tell grandparents about. Not sure what that covers? Here are some ideas to consider: swimming classes, personal training classes, kids sport classes, summer camp and extended care! The best part; after purchasing the gift card (presumably for someone else) there are perks.
The Frosty Fit gift of a $50-$99 gift card gives you or a friend a free 7-day pass. The Season’s Greeting purchase of $100 or more gives you two 7-day guest passes and a YMCA t-shirt. Then there is my personal favorite; the Holiday Frenzi. Purchase a three month adult membership ($152) and receive two 7-day guest passes, a personal training session for you and your gift recipient, and a YMCA t-shirt. If your gift recipient chooses to continue membership after their three month membership, the Y will waive the $100 joiner’s fee.
Think you are more in need of  a YMCA membership than those on your gift-giving list? There is a contest for that! Lee Haberman, director of membership and marketing for the YMCA, is looking to give away two three-month memberships and 10 seven-day trial passes to our readers who send in the most compelling e-mails or comments about why they are most in need of a kick-start toward a healthier lifestyle in 2012! The only restrictions are that the person cannot be a current member and the offer is for adults only.
In a time when starting a new health regimen may be on your “to do” list, this is a great “one for you, one for me” gift and a great contest! Lee Haberman can be reached at the Y by calling (973) 415-6110 or e-mail him.
