Alison's gym collects for Toys for Tots, so she was shopping around for some gifts to contribute. Here's what she found:I was in Walmart yesterday and knowing that giving is tight due to the recession and so therefore need is greater I decided instead of buying two more expensive gifts I would see how far I could spread the presents and yet still give gifts kids would love. Walmart had $5 stuffed animals that were adorable and actually had a note about saving animals attached and they had a few $5 games like CandyLand (a big favorite with the littlest game players in our family) - so I bought 3 stuffed animals (cat, dog, frog that are super soft) and 3 games (candyland a jenga substitute and another I can't recall) and will get 3 art supply kits at another store.
She suggested that maybe we start a list of where people can find great affordable gifts to donate. It's no secret that times are tough. It would be terrible if participation in great campaigns like Toys for Tots suffers because of that. As Alison discovered, contributing doesn't have to break the bank. We just have to give smarter.
So thanks to Alison's tip, we know we can get great games and stuffed animals at Walmart. Candyland for $5?? I'm all over that! I'm curious where the art supply kits are from! Anyone else have any ideas to share?
11 comments:
This is a great idea. I've been looking for a way to give back this holiday season but I hadn't figured out what to do yet. I think I'll head over to Walmart this weekend for sure.
Michael's always has their $1.50 bin (in Canada) for great stocking stuffers and cool crafts. That is where I saw the art supply kit for $4.99 too.
Also, Toys R Us had a sale on Littlest Pet Shops - 4 for $10. Those sometimes make little girls smile . . .
I sometimes try to knit scarves, or make homemade treats (like granola) for some of our teacher gifts, etc.
You ARE on a roll Melissa!
Other suggestions are: $1.00 bins at the front of all Target stores.
Cost Plus/World Market has some cute wood santa and wood snowmen what are already cut out, mounted and include paints and a brush for I think $8.00.
Target and most $1.00 stores have small (less than 100 pieces) puzzles with cute animals on them
Good luck and happy hunting!
This suggestion may not stretch your dollar as much as Walmart, but I often try to buy gifts from charities, so not only am I getting a gift for someone, but I'm also giving money to the charity. For example, one of the Philadelphia Museum of Art's gift shop has everything 50% off. I try to buy gifts for people there because a) they're relatively inexpensive; b) they're a little different; and c) the museum gets money out of it. I know the gift shop has $4 puzzles of artworks and other kid-friendly toys.
I also like to pick up puzzles at the Dollar Store.
Target also has a few $5 games. one of which is CandyLand. I can't remember what the other ones were, though.
www.sciplus.com has a lot of fun little things. Mostly good for older kids, but I find my kids stocking stuffers there. They do have quite a bit that are inexpensive.
YAY, I love when there are new posts from you! Have a nice-filled weekend. :)
Great to see you blogging again! I also would like to add a website for those that would like to donate items made by a charity. www.madebysurvivors.com They have beautifully handcrafted items for sale and purchases go toward the education and empowerment of women and children who are survivors of human slavery and trafficking. I am an ambassador for the program here in Philadelphia and I have purchased some of the items myself..they really are well made and go for a great cause!
My kids have always loved the card game UNO - $4-$5 at many stores. Suggested ages are 7-11, but it's fun for teens and adults too.
For more unique gifts, at reasonable prices try the Etsy Gift Guides - Under $25
http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/gifts-under-25-usd/246
wow great i have read many articles about this topic and everytime i learn something new i dont think it will ever stop always new info , Thanks for all of your hard work!
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