Struggling to find the perfect Christmas gift for your eco-conscious cousin, creative sister, or photography-loving uncle? Why not give a gift that truly makes a difference? Invest in a membership to a charity or organisation that fuels their passions while supporting vital work. Memberships are the lifeblood of many charities and communities, helping to fund crucial initiatives and protect the causes they care about. It’s a thoughtful, impactful present they’ll treasure all year round.
Arts and Culture
Know someone who loves the arts? Then help them support the arts with a supporter membership to The Arts Society. Gift membership costs £20 for a year and your recipient will receive a beautiful arts magazine three times a year, plus newsletters, offers and the opportunity to become an arts/heritage volunteer.
Gift now: The Arts Society gift membership
As well as access to all National Trust for Scotland destinations such as Culzean Castle and Falkland Palace and free parking, National Trust for Scotland gift members can also gain access to properties outside of Scotland at a discounted rate – or for free. Adult gift memberships currently start at £74.40 a year, with family and life options also available.
Gift now: National Trust for Scotland gift membership
Surprise a loved one with a membership to English Heritage and they’ll enjoy unlimited access to more than 400 historic sites, including Stonehenge, Dover Castle, and Hadrian’s Wall. Individual adult annual memberships are currently £82 a year (with joint, family and lifetime options available), and members receive a free handbook and an exclusive members’ magazine delivered four times a year.
Gift now: English Heritage membership
If you have a relative who loves exploring historic buildings and wild landscapes then treat them to an Historic Scotland membership and help preserve Scotland’s national treasures. Recipients benefit from free entry to Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and many more properties as well as a free quarterly member’s magazine.
Gift now: Historic Scotland membership
Inspire a loved one with membership to The Royal Photographic Society and they join an international photographic community. Members can take part in local and online workshops and competitions and receive the award-winning RPS Journal four times a year. Annual membership fees start from £56.
Gift now: Royal Photographic Society gift membership
Nature and Conservation
For the gift that keeps on giving, adopt a whale or dolphin with Whale and Dolphin Conservation. From just £4 a month, your adoption helps WDC campaign to end captivity, stop whaling, create healthy seas and prevent deaths in fishing nets. Your recipient will receive an adoption pack, regular updates and a magazine (including SPLASH! for kids).
Gift now: Adopt a whale or dolphin
Show your support for Scotland’s remarkable flora with a gift membership to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Recipients can enjoy free entry to all four gardens, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, priority booking for events and the quarterly Botanics magazine. Individual membership starts at £50 a year.
Gift now: Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh membership
Delight animal lovers with a membership to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Members get free unlimited entry to Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, exclusive previews and the chance to contribute to vital conservation work – plus a members’ magazine. Adult membership by Direct Debit is currently £81.09 a year (with joint, child and student options available).
Gift now: RZSS membership
Special Interest and Communities
A membership to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) will be a crowd-pleaser: as well as receiving a copy of BEER magazine, members benefit from free or discounted entry to CAMRA festivals and £30 worth of real ale vouchers every year (£40 for joint members). We’ll drink to that.
Buy now: Join CAMRA
If you’re in Scotland, show you care for those who serve in the armed forces by signing them up for a membership to Legion Scotland. Members receive copies of Legion Scotland Today, monthly email updates, and the chance to join in the comradeship of Remembrance events and many more activities throughout the year.
Gift now: Legion Scotland membership
Inspire a loved one with a membership to The Royal Photographic Society (if they’re serious about photography, it deserves a second mention). It connects them to an international network of enthusiasts and professionals, with workshops, distinctions and exhibitions to explore.
Gift now: Join the RPS
For people who serve the public and deserve a little extra, consider gifting access to Blue Light Card. A physical Blue Light Card costs just £4.99 for two years’ access, unlocking thousands of discounts on shops, holidays, days out, restaurants and entertainment – potentially saving them hundreds of pounds each year.
Buy now: Blue Light Card membership
For over 50s – or anyone who appreciates thoughtful journalism, puzzles and lifestyle content – a subscription to Saga Magazine could make an ideal gift. Their current Christmas offer is 12 print issues for £29.95, with digital and print-plus-digital bundles also available.
Gift now: Saga Magazine subscription
This one’s for the more practically minded: Benenden Health is a low-cost alternative to private health insurance. Their healthcare product is currently £15.85 per person, per month, with everyone accepted regardless of medical history. Join yourself and add another person to your policy – that’s got to beat yet another set of candles or novelty socks.
Join now: Benenden Health membership
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