HELP ME!!! Kids gifts...

[njc]

I have 3 Angel Tree children (Salvation Army Program) to purchase presents for and i dont know what to get in terms of toys! I have no clue what their interests are or anything... they only gave me clothing sizes. So what are you buying your kids, grandkids, neices, nephews, etc this year?

Their ages are:
8 yr old boy
11 yr old boy
12 yr old girl

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

How much are you planning to spend? This question needs to be answered to help out with suggestions. . .

I think that for kids in need, clothes are a huge deal so I''d probably get an outfit AND a toy for each. This may seem a bit pricey, but the other day I was in Macy''s and on the clearance rack got soft snuggly shirts for my boys for like $7 each, so there are deals to be had. Also, Old Navy has GREAT deals on clothes. I''m not really a fan of their Adult clothing, but do get a lot of my boys'' shirts and jeans there because they''re really affordable and still cool.

The eight year old may like a Lego toy set, similar to this one (maybe you can find one a bit less expensive). . . http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007PHOUW/qid=1133637761/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-1220997-5696720?v=glance&s=toys

Have you checked the Toys R Us web site? They have a list of toys for each age group and there are reviews and stuff. I love this site and the reviews. . . http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/171300/ref=t_tn_age/104-1220997-5696720

I don''t have time now, but later list some ideas of what I think would be cool (Right now I have to feed my kids lunch

)

One thing. . .try to avoid battery operated toys as many do not have volume control and are soooo unbelievably annoying! Also, when the batteries run out, the parents may not be able to afford more batteries, which will cause stress to both kids and parents.

 

[njc]

Thanks MC! I will definately be getting clothes, but dont think i will have a problem with that since whatever is out there is what should be in style. There is just SO much out there in terms of toys... Harry Potter, Narnia, Legos, Star-wars... do they prefer to read? I really wish they would let the kids pick 5 or so things they like so you could get an idea! All i got was their clothing size and a note that says they want clothes and toys.

DH and I went to Toys R Us today and i noticed they had the toy sugegstion by age group, but the older kids sheet was gone. Thanks for reminding me to look online!

Our guideline for cost is $45-75, but i feel with older kids i will be pushing the higher end. I feel a lot of pressure now that these may be the only presents they get and they have to be perfect!

 

[Blue824]

It is really hard when they don''t give you ideas, we always used to do a couple families from my grandparent''s church before they passed away and they always listed a few ideas for each child which was so helpful.

Last year I did a similar kind of thing through the Chicago SunTimes, but the limit was much lower, we were only asked to spend about $30 on a present. I think the child I had was about 8 and he requested a basketball or a remote control racecar. I picked up a basketball and a set of hat & gloves....but like a sports ball kind of thing might be a good choice for either boy. If you do get something that requires batteries, make sure you include them with a few extras, or like MC said don''t get them at all. My 10 year old cousin likes reading those Series of Unfortunate Events books, in addition to the Harry Potter stuff, which might be an option too.

My co-worker and I were coming up with ideas for a 13 yr old girl she was buying for this year (bunch of she & her friends split up the family). And we came up with getting a cute, inexpensive fun colored purse from Target, filling it with a little necklace, and stuff like Bonnie Belle Lip Glosses and a book like the Sisterhood of Traveling Pants. Then she was going to get clothes as well.

If I think of anything else, I"ll let you know.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

oooh, I have the perfect gift idea. . .the paper this morning mentioned something about giving experiences instead of stuff this holiday season and this made me think of your post. What about, in addition to a toy, a movie pass booklet to a major theature chain in your state for the entire family??? Matinee prices or something like this? This could be great for the 11 YO boy. I think the 12 YO girl could be easier to shop for. Makeup, girly stuff, you know, it''s easier for us ladies to shop for girls, but for the boy, boys are so fickle. My kids can literally like power rangers at 10:00 am and by 10:15, be roll playing ninja turtles instead, so from experience, I''ve seen how quickly moods change. The 11 YO may love to see Harry Potter. Maybe he couldn''t even get in to see it!

 

[njc]

Thanks, you guys are awesome!

I went to Old Navy yesterday and everyone got a pair of jeans, a zip-up fleece and socks. The boys got graphic tees and the girl got flannel pajama pants.

Blue, what you described is what im kinda doing for the girl. I got her a cute scarf/glove set, a set of lip gloss from bath & body works in a cute little bag make-up type bag and ive been keeping my eye out for a purse. She is SO easy to buy for!

MC - i like the idea of getting movie passes for the family!