Celebrate the SEAson with a meaningful, marine gift
Uplift your family and friends while benefiting the oceans with one of the holiday gifts below. All gifts help support Mote Marine Laboratory’s world-class research, conservation, education and animal-care efforts benefiting the oceans and those who depend on them.
These gifts will help you avoid the Black Friday rush on Nov. 25 and get into the spirit of Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29: a worldwide day of giving that unites people and communities around the spirit of generosity.
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The gift that keeps on giving: Mote Membership
Mote Members receive a year of free visits to the Aquarium, discounted admission to more than 100 reciprocal organizations, discounts on Mote programs and gift shop purchases, invitations to member-only events and other new ways to connect with our oceans. Mote has memberships for individuals and families of all sizes — from Dolphin Pairs to Seahorse Herds.
Learn more and purchase or renew a membership for your loved one or yourself by visiting mote.org/membership, calling 941-388-4441, ext. 373. To ensure gift memberships are processed by Christmas Day, please purchase by Dec. 5.
Photo: Visitors enjoy the touch pool at Mote Aquarium. Credit Mote Marine Laboratory.
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Give to corals: Get a reef plate
Give back to the “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs, by purchasing the Protect Our Reefs license plate for yourself or another Florida driver. Each plate sold provides $25 to Mote’s Protect Our Reefs program to support coral reef research and restoration. First-time purchasers receive a special gift set of Tervis Tumblers. www.motereefplate.com
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Adopt an Animal
Give your favorite animal-lover the chance to support sea turtles, otters, manatees, sharks or other resident animals at Mote Aquarium. For $30, you can adopt an animal in your loved one’s name and give them a downloadable adoption certificate, a letter from the animal’s caregiver and a photo as special thanks from Mote. For $100, your loved one will receive a personalized adoption certificate, a letter from the animal’s caregiver, the animal’s photo and fact sheet, an Adopt and Animal window cling and a plush toy. All proceeds directly benefit Mote Aquarium and its resident animals. www.mote.org/adopt
Photo: Jane, one of three North American river otters in the Mote Aquarium exhibit "Otters & Their Waters." Credit Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory
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Smile: Amazon.com supports meaningful giving
Purchase your holiday gifts through AmazonSmile — a simple and automatic way to support Mote with no added cost.
Sign up here and then Amazon will donate a portion of every eligible purchase to Mote or your selected charity.
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Oceans of options at Mote’s Gift Shop
Not sure what to give your favorite sea fan? Visit the gift shop at Mote Aquarium, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Give your kiddo comfy pajamas that read “No Wake Zone,” a plush otter, manatee, shark or squid, or one of many games, puzzles and books designed to help all ages learn about marine life. Delight your favorite adult with a Mote hoodie or mug, marine-themed jewelry or holiday ornaments.
Sand dollar jewelry at the Gift Shop in Mote Aquarium. Credit Mote Marine Laboratory.
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Leave a legacy: Buy an engraved brick
Engrave your loved ones' names or a special message on a brick in Mote’s courtyard or walkways, near the Lab and Aquarium entrances or at the Ann & Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center. Commemorative bricks offer an opportunity to support the future of Mote Marine Laboratory while becoming part of its history. Learn more and buy a brick: mote.org/support/buy-a-brick, 941-388-4441, ext. 373.
Photo: Several commemorative bricks inside Mote Aquarium. Credit Mote Marine Laboratory.
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Share the love: Dedicate a donation
Honor or remember someone special with a direct donation to Mote. Just as the moon influences the tides, community giving is a powerful force for Mote’s research, education and service to the oceans and those who depend on them.
To honor a special someone this holiday season, visit mote.org/support/donate.