Found: Gifts That Keep on Giving for $100 or Less

Photo: SFMOMA

The most stressful part of selecting a gift is determining whether it's something the recipient will use and enjoy. A bag can be the wrong color, a dress could be the wrong size, a candle can be the wrong scent. Museum memberships, however, are a relatively safe bet. Not only do they offer access to art, science, or history for the next twelve months, they also support the museum's mission and programs. (And, for now, many are tax deductible.)

Need an awesome gift for $100 or less? Consider giving a membership to one of these local gems.*

Asian Art Museum

200 Larkin Street

Standard membership, $89, includes admission for two to the museum, free tickets for all special exhibitions, Preview Days and Member Mornings, a 10 percent discount in the museum store, and discounted parking. Save $5 on gift memberships through Dec 31, 2017 with code "Share."

The Contemporary Jewish Museum

736 Mission Street

Individual membership, $75, includes unlimited free admission for the members and a guest (kids 18 and under are always free), express members entry, exhibition previews, and a 10 percent discount to both Wise Sons Jewish Deli at The CJM and the museum gift shop. (Not gonna lie; that Wise Sons discount could be enough to offset the membership fee.)

Exploratorium

Pier 15, The Embarcadero

Dual explorers membership, $99, includes free admission for two named adults or one named adult and one accompanying guest, as well as free admission to the Tactile Dome and discount for this science museum's After Dark series.

After Dark membership, ($45 for individuals and $85 for a couple), includes admission to After Dark on Thursdays, Friday night admission during the summer, a fast-track bar line, and discounts at the museum store.

Museum of the African Diaspora

685 Mission Street

Individual membership, $70, includes unlimited free admission for the members and a guest, discounted admission to public programs, and invitations to Member Preview Days for all major exhibitions, as well as a 10 percent museum store discount.

Museum of Craft and Design

2569 Third Street

Individual membership, $45, includes free admission to all exhibitions for one member and one guest per visit. Members also receive a 10 percent discount on most items at the museum gift shop, which is an excellent gift resource in itself.

Oakland Museum of California

1000 Oak Street in Oakland
Individual membership, $75, includes unlimited admission for one cardholder and a guest, invitations to members-only exhibit previews and events, and discounts at the OMCA Store and Blue Oak Cafe.

Walt Disney Family Museum

104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio

Individual membership, $100, includes access to the museum, four film vouchers for tickets to regular screenings for the member and/or guest, two VIP tickets for guest admission to permanent collection and special exhibitions, discounts on additional guest tickets, a 10 percent discount at the museum store, and reciprocal membership benefits at hundreds of participating museums in Time Travelers.

*Oh, hey! Did you notice a few options like the Fine Arts Museums of SF and Cal Academy missing? They're awesome, too, but at $119 and $109, respectively, they don't meet the price point threshold. You should still totally join though.