[Columbia, SC] - The first night of Lights Before Christmas on November 25 may officially kick off the holiday season at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, but many of the 100,000 guests who ohhh and ahhh over the lights displays will have one thing on their minds - shopping.

"2005 has been a tough year across the nation. Starting the day after Christmas last year when the tsunami hit southeast Asia and continuing through Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, people have been giving big dollars to relief efforts in addition to facing the pinch at the pumps along with rising heating costs," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "Time spent with family is even more important than ever, and gifts that keep giving back are one way for consumers to get more bang for their holiday buck."

Consumer research groups and financial analysts are already predicting a competitive holiday season as retailers search for the promotions and products that will draw customers. Forget about the latest electronic gizmo that'll be collecting dust by February, and check out some of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's wild gifts that'll take the stress out of the holidays and give back to families all year long:

Give a Membership to Riverbanks
With family memberships starting at only $59 for the year, joining Riverbanks Society is a great value. All memberships include a subscription to Riverbanks' award-winning magazine, guest passes, one free visit to Lights Before Christmas, a 10% discount at Riverbanks' retail shops, invitation to the annual Members' Night Out and reciprocal admission privileges at more than 100 zoos nationwide. Parents and grandparents alike will love the Family or Grandparent membership, which includes two named adults, all kids living in the household and all visiting grandchildren ages 18 and younger. Parents looking for the best entertainment value might want to check out the Family Plus plan, which includes double the guest passes, unlimited visits to Lights Before Christmas and early-bird enrollment opportunities in Riverbanks' Wild Weeks summer camp program. During the holidays, memberships come with a complimentary holiday gift card.

Celebrate Someone's Fervor for Flora and Fauna
Sponsor an animal or plant at Riverbanks in the name of your favorite wildlife enthusiast. Your donation will turn the recipient into a "Wild Parent" and provide food and care to the sponsored critter. The proud parent will receive a special portfolio including a sponsorship certificate, fact sheet and photo key chain featuring his or her "wild child." Higher levels of sponsorship include a framed photo magnet of the sponsored animal or plant, guest passes to visit this special friend, an adorable bean bag creature and a certificate for a behind-the-scenes tour to meet the critter up close and personal.

Honor Someone with a Simple Holiday Donation
Anytime you make a financial donation to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in honor of friends or family members, we'll send them a letter letting them know you paid tribute to them in this bighearted way. They will be delighted to know their gift is helping the animals at the Zoo continue to receive the best care.

Light Up Someone's Life
Going into its 18th year, Lights Before Christmas is a South Carolina tradition that residents look forward to all year long. Tickets are good any evening from 6 to 9, from November 25 through December 30 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Dazzle the people on your gift list with tickets to see over 600,000 twinkling lights and a magical snowfall each night.

Surprise a Friend Who's Already a Zoo Member
What do you give the friend who's got everything, including a membership to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden? Safari bucks, of course! Safari bucks are great for the members who already come to the Zoo regularly. 10 bucks for $8 is a great value and lets recipients take part in all the Zoo's fun extras like riding the carousel and ponies, feeding the giraffes, snacking at Kenya Café and catching the latest 3-D movie at Riverbanks' Adventure Theater.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Behind-the-scenes tours are the perfect gift for the person who loves the out-of-the-ordinary. With a gift certificate for an Adventure Tour, you'll walk in the shoes of one of Riverbanks' zoo keepers as you learn firsthand about animal care and training.

Make a Lasting Impression
Want a gift that'll be remembered for years? Think about sponsoring something permanent at Riverbanks in honor of that special someone on your list. Whether your contribution adds a brick to the Zoo's front entrance (made available for a limited time after a three-year hiatus), a rocker in the Garden, a tree in the plaza, or even an animal on the Endangered Species Carousel, the gift will be something to come back to year after year. Sponsorships are the perfect way to commemorate a first Christmas, anniversary, graduation, birthday or other special occasion.

Whether you're a shop-til-you-drop gift giver or a wait-til-the-last-minute grinch, Riverbanks gifts don't require wrapping and will keep giving long after the hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights at the Zoo have been unplugged. Interested in giving a wild gift this year? Call 803.779.8717 or visit the Support the Journey section of our Web site.