$5 GC's for kids

[irishbosoxfan]

I put my vote in for McDonalds.

They are everywhere and something every kid loves!!

Here there is no Target or B&N-nearest one is about 45 mins away.

And like someone else mentioned-While a retail store gc is nice,those kids will be in there forever trying to figure out what they can get for under $5 (don't forget they'll need money for tax) and begging their parents for something so far over $5 it's not funny--and with Xmas right around the corner it probably won't happen then the parents will need to deal with whining and crying and being told their mean and that they don't love them....

Yes-I've been there.

Do all 80 sets of parents a huge favor and go with the McDs-they can get a big kids happy meal,eat the food and have a little toy to entertain them.

 

[MandM-Mom]

What about the Visa Gift card? In my mall you can get them at the service desk in any denomination with NO FEE. Then they could use them in whatever store is near them. Just becareful where you purchase call ahead some do charge to buy the cards.

 

[blana]

DH and I took DS to McD's this weekend, and I think they have a special deal going on now, where you can get a sheet of coupons for a dollar, with each one for a free small fry or a free small drink. Kind of like the little books of coupons they sell at Halloween.

 

[Belle1962]

Ugg..as Much as I dislike them...my vote would be McD's also. I would hate to put a child or parent in a position of going somewhere like a store with a $5.00 budget. They will want to look at the whole store and probably could not be directed to the $1.00/clearance only section. And to think they could get socks or clothing--I don't think too many kids would pick that. To me that would just be dangling temptation in their faces. McD's would make a nice outing, especially if there is a playplace.

I would also go into a local McD and ask to speak to the manager. Some managers are owner/operators or can give you the name of their local owner. You may be able to work out some type of deal. Maybe they have left over Happy Meal toys and could give you enough Happy Meal toys to include with the $5.00 gc?

Just some thoughts.

 

[jckdisneybound]

We did this for our boats kids a few years ago. We did Walmart gift cards, but I'd say McDonalds. They are everywhere....

 

[elgerber]

I agree with McDonalds, it's a treat for kids!

 

[WendyisDarling]

Who are the kids? Depending on if they are kids that get toys for tots, my answer changes. If they are kids that will have Santa gifts & other presents, I vote for McD. My kids love to spend their own $ & that would be a treat that wouldn't add stuff to the house.

If they are kids that won't get much, I'd do Target. They can get a gift they can keep or choose food treats if they wish. For $5, you could easily get toys not in the dollar bin. LPS singles, matchbox cars, some smaller board games, cards, clothes, stuffed animals, dolls, etc.

Backgrounds are varied. Since this is a reserve component most have civilian jobs. Some lower ranked enlisted soldiers earn more than field grade officers. I "think" most are middle to upper-middle class, but you never can be for sure. I would not want to put a financial burden on anyone.

 

[UMTerp]

I vote for McDonalds too! It's always a treat for my kids to eat there!
Maybe you could get the gift cards and the $1 coupons to make the gift go further!

Hope the party is a success!

UMTerp

 

[StephMK]

Backgrounds are varied. Since this is a reserve component most have civilian jobs. Some lower ranked enlisted soldiers earn more than field grade officers. I "think" most are middle to upper-middle class, but you never can be for sure. I would not want to put a financial burden on anyone.

Ah, got it. Wasn't sure if they were kids of families in his group or ones brought in for a party. I'd vote McDs then. They are everywhere & you can easily get a good treat without going over budget.

 

[merryweather's twin]

I would go with Mcdonalds. I called ours and they said they sell the 1.00 for ten gift coupon things year around! They have gift cards also and most can do a deal on left over toys! He said that Wendys also has them??! Good luck.

 

[Princesa]

How about Pizza Hut? $5 would easily get you a personal pan pizza. And I know our local one does TONS of community donations, etc. They hand out free personal pan cards at tons of events--and then you could add in the gift card too. Our local ones even offer a military discount of 15% off so all combined if the donations were given--a much bigger bang for the buck. And what kid doesn't like pizza?

Our local one gave out free personal pan cards to every family member that received a Thankgiving gift basket from the local charity. A very big hit with the kids.

PS--I know you feel that it's short notice...but sometimes it's just a matter of getting the right manager on the phone

 

[HayGan]

Honestly, I think that a Wal-Mart or McDonald's are better choices than Target. Target is not in all areas and often in more middle class/upper class shopping areas. Wal-Mart and McDonald's are in every area (rural, urban, suburban, etc.) Everyone can find something that they would like at Wal-Mart and McDonald's is just fun for all kids!

 

[horseshowmom]

First, I agree completely with your idea on the $5 gift card instead of a lot of "junk". Great idea!

Next though, I have to disagree about Wal-Mart. I live in a rural area, and Wal-Mart, Fred's and Dollar General are really the only chain stores that you can count on to find everywhere in our area. There isn't a Target for 60 miles or more. McDonald's would be fine too though. While I understand that you don't like Wal-Mart (and you're certainly entitled to feel that way), you probably want to make it easy on the parents, and odds are, that most of them do like Wal-Mart. Just a thought.

 

[horseshowmom]

Double post

 

[pixiepower1971]

I would vote for McDs as well. They are everywhere, kids like them, and when my DH is deployed, training or just working late, it is nice not to have to cook dinner. Not paying for it helps too! So, it is a gift for kids and Mom(or Dad!)

 

[lisalovesmickey]

One additional thought that I have is that a GC to McDonalds could be a big disappointment for a kid who is a vegetarian, or who comes from a religious culture that cannot eat at McDonalds. (I'm not clear from your original post if you have to be Christian to come to this event). Maybe you could have a few spare GCs on hand to somewhere else (like Target) if you overhear that there's a child in this situation.

 

[pweyl36]

Do you have a 5 below in your area? That would be a good place to get a
gc.

 

[Schachteles]

Get a variety so that they can trade if they get something that they can't/won't use.

Ideas: Target, McDonalds, BK, Culvers, Dairy Queen, Best Buy

 

[ZPT1022]

Thanks so much for all the great replies.
ZPT1022--Yours made me feel great. It is a terrific story. I am hoping I'm not the only mom there that would rather my child have a $5 GC than a bunch of kazoos and yo-yos.

To me that is up there with the goody bags full of junky toys. All of the moms complain about them and yet everyone feels compelled to make them I hate having all those silly little things in the house and of course when you get them, the moms and dads are like this and for the kids it's their new favorite thing that you can't get rid of. Ugh. Much better to not do that. Good luck with the party! DO you have to plan more or just the kids' gift part?

 

[ZPT1022]

One additional thought that I have is that a GC to McDonalds could be a big disappointment for a kid who is a vegetarian, or who comes from a religious culture that cannot eat at McDonalds. (I'm not clear from your original post if you have to be Christian to come to this event). Maybe you could have a few spare GCs on hand to somewhere else (like Target) if you overhear that there's a child in this situation.

I'm a vegetarian and there are enough things I would eat at McD's. Not sure about religious stuff but hey, not every gift I've ever received was perfect and there is no way to please everyone when you're dealing with a crowd that large