I really enjoy visiting botanical gardens this time of year. At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden springtime weekends can be shoulder to shoulder crowds and the cherry trees and lilacs so beautiful, you miss the subtle, nuanced beauty of the place. This time of year, visitors strolling the grounds experience a mix of tightly sculpted and arranged evergreens and perennial gardens on their last gasp. It is serene and beautiful in a wistful way. It's free to visit the gardens during weekdays from November. Also, you can do some of your holiday shopping in the their store and if you're a member, you get a discount. A membership would be a great gift. The cost is $40.00 for individual and $75.00 for families. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Gifts