2. Give to the Animals

If you’d like to give a little something to the animals, check the zoo’s Wish List! You can buy a share of snacks, bedding, and more for your favorite species, from browse (branches and twigs) for the beavers and meaty bones for African painted dogs to wood wool bedding for western lowland gorillas. Providing the animals with this type of environmental enrichment helps stimulate their minds and bodies while promoting species-specific behaviors. Wish List items start at just $5.

3. Leave a Legacy at the Zoo

If you want to honor someone who loves the zoo, consider dedicating a bronze leaf at Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo to them! You can create a personalized tribute for a gift of $1,000 or more. Your gift recipient will know they have a permanent place at a beloved Chicago destination and that you are supporting the zoo in their name.

4. Give a Membership

When you gift someone a membership to Lincoln Park Zoo, they get great benefits, from free or discounted parking to complimentary ZooLights tickets. Members can enjoy Early Bird Member Mornings and other member-exclusive events, use the Member Center on each visit, get discounts for zoo events and programming, and so much more! Choose your level (starting at $75) and buy here.

5. Visit the Gift Shop

The zoo’s Gift Shop, located on Main Mall near the East Gate, is a treasure trove of animal-themed gifts. From plushes to exclusive ornaments, this is where you should stop to get something unique and special for the people you care about.

Exclusive This Year: The Winter Red Panda Blanket

This cozy throw will keep you warm whether you’re enjoying cocktails at the zoo’s Light Lounge or watching holiday specials on TV at home. Created at the zoo by staff designer Shane Tolentino, this $40 souvenir features the illustrated red panda that will remind you of Nisha and Qi at Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

Exclusive This Year: Eastern Black Rhino Ornament

This has been an exciting year at Lincoln Park Zoo thanks to some high-profile zoo births. The arrival of eastern black rhino Hazina is commemorated on this year’s exclusive ornament from local artist Jan Heyn. Take home this hand-painted portrait of mom Kapuki and baby Hazina for $28 and make sure they have pride of place on your holiday tree this year!

Get Your Holiday Cards Here

If you’re snail-mailing holiday cards this year, you’ll want to pick up a pack of these colorful cards with an illustration of grizzly bears Ash and Lexi by zoo designer Tolentino, which is being featured on ZooLights posters, ads, and more this year. Grab one for $2.25 or a dozen for $24.

Browse More Holiday Options

The Gift Shop is full of apparel, books, toys, clothing, ceramics, jewelry, ornaments, and more at every price point, with local artists featured. While you’re visiting the animals or taking in views of wintry wonder, stop in to see if you can find the perfect gift for a friend of family member who loves animals and the natural world—or would enjoy a Chicago souvenir. Grab a comfy sweatshirt to help someone special get through the winter or pick up a water bottle or a keychain as stocking stuffers.

4. Adopt an Animal Plush

When you buy an Adopt an Animal plush package ($75) through Lincoln Park Zoo, you receive a plush of your chosen animal, personalized certificate of Adoption, animal fact sheet, photograph, and magnetized photo frame. Choose from one of the zoo’s special holiday Adopts—an axolotl, grizzly bear, red panda, or sloth—or pick another favorite zoo resident. To make sure your gift recipient receives their Adopt on time for the holidays, please order by Dec. 14. You can order online, call the zoo, or stop by the Member Center or Gift Shop to get yours.