(NAPSI)—You can kick off the New Year by exploring experiences and meaningful finds that celebrate the Southwest’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Western National Parks (WNP), a nonprofit partner to 72 national parks, operates park stores and visitor centers across the West, including such favorites as Saguaro National Park and Tumacácori National Historical Park, plus The National Parks Store in Oro Valley.
Whether you’re refreshing your home, picking up something special for a birthday, or treating yourself to a new year of adventure, here are ways to shop and explore with purpose.
To Start: The National Parks Store
The National Parks Store is a favorite for thoughtful, nature-inspired items. Inside, you’ll find:
- Southwest and Native artisan-made jewelry and crafts
- Park-themed children’s books and hands-on learning sets
- Decor, pottery, prints, and textiles inspired by desert landscapes
- Pocket-sized finds like patches, stickers, magnets, field notebooks, and mineral sets
Every purchase directly supports educational programs, research, and cultural preservation across national parks in the West—meaning your gift creates impact long into the future.
The store regularly hosts community events, including artist demonstrations, book talks, and cultural conversations. Start the year by exploring something new or simply enjoy a welcoming space filled with history and art.
Pair Your Shopping with a Nature Escape: Saguaro National Park
A fresh year is a great reason to step into the desert and reset.
Just minutes from Tucson, Saguaro National Park spans two districts filled with ridgelines, sunset overlooks, interpretive trails, and iconic silhouettes. It’s an easy way to find calm, reconnect with the outdoors, or inspire visiting friends and family. While exploring, stop by the park store operated by WNP to discover field guides, locally inspired gear, and gifts rooted in the landscape.
Start a nature-walk tradition, then choose a Saguaro-inspired keepsake from The National Parks Store to celebrate the moment.
Plan a Southern Arizona National Park Road Trip
If your New Year goals include adventure, consider a road trip through Southern Arizona’s national parks. With WNP-operated stores along the way, you can pair time outside with meaningful shopping stops that support the places you love.
From Tumacácori National Historical Park—where culture and riverside trails meet—to other nearby parks and monuments, you can create a day trip or multi-day itinerary that feels restorative and enriching.
For inspiration, explore WNP’s trip ideas, including:
- 10 Days in Southern Arizona’s National Parks & Monuments
- 8 Hours at Tumacácori National Historical Park
You’ll find suggested stops, timing, and ideas for making the most of your time outdoors whether it’s a single afternoon or a weekend escape.
Shopping local can also mean investing in the landscapes and communities that define Southern Arizona. When you shop with WNP (in person or online) your purchases support conservation, youth access initiatives, tribal artist partnerships, and the stewardship of these incredible places.
This year, you can choose gifts and experiences that tell a story of the desert, of our parks, and of the people dedicated to protecting them for generations to come.
 
