Enriching our vacation through spreading Pixie Dust...ideas?

[NJlauren]

We like to give away our balloon on the last day. I also like to give away any left over items I have. Example half a case of water last trip, some Clorox wipes, my stroller fan, etc I gave it to a family just getting there.

 

[Crispity]

When we were at WDW last week, a little girl in front of us in line had a booklet of princess stickers, and let my 3-year old DD choose one - she was thrilled! Also, when we were waiting for the MSEP, a little boy gave her a glow stick - also a big hit. It had not occurred to me to bring things like that to give out, but it definitely made our trip a little more magical, and I'd like to give DD some small things like that to share next time.

 

[LuvDaisy&Minnie]

We were given paper child swap FP for a ride that a family wasn't gonna use. That pixie dust was definitely appreciated!

 

[Odelay]

I am a child therapist and I usually try to stay away from too much "hippie-dippy therapisty" stuff with my kids, but I have noticed that our trips become more magical and positive when we go out of our way to be positive and spread some kindness...I engage my children (and DH) in coming up with original ideas about how to brighten someone's day in the parks and it has become a ritualized part of our trip(s). We have even taken to "special" acts of kindness (like collecting out grown but "new" looking Disney hoodie's and T-shirts, a light up toy no longer used, a Disney plush no longer cherished, etc and searching for the "perfect" kid to give it to). We save these "special" gestures for when we are tired or cranky or have encountered a "not-so-magical" moment (like line cutters, screaming parents, not getting "picked" for a show, or the rare unfriendly cast-member). It always perks every one up. And just in general throughout the day/night- it has become part of the fun to randomly pass out stickers, glow sticks, or silly bands. To give out random compliments (not in a creepy-stalker way, but in a "You have the coolest T-shirt" or "I heard you singing, you have a great voice" kind of way). We always buy at least one small surprise a day (light up toy, a balloon, etc) and give it away as well. My DD's always save up their spending money and allocate at least $10 for their "kindness fund". They get excited deciding what to buy and who to give it to.

Anyway, this may sound cheesy, but it is so easy to become negative, overwhelmed, overstimulated, self-involved, etc when at Disney (or anywhere I guess), that I like to encourage my kids to think of others and learn how good that makes them feel.

So... anyone else have other ideas to add to the pile? We would love to hear new ideas about how to spread kindness (and make ourselves happier in the bargain). Thanks!

I am a child therapist and I usually try to stay away from too much "hippie-dippy therapisty" stuff with my kids, but I have noticed that our trips become more magical and positive when we go out of our way to be positive and spread some kindness...I engage my children (and DH) in coming up with original ideas about how to brighten someone's day in the parks and it has become a ritualized part of our trip(s). We have even taken to "special" acts of kindness (like collecting out grown but "new" looking Disney hoodie's and T-shirts, a light up toy no longer used, a Disney plush no longer cherished, etc and searching for the "perfect" kid to give it to). We save these "special" gestures for when we are tired or cranky or have encountered a "not-so-magical" moment (like line cutters, screaming parents, not getting "picked" for a show, or the rare unfriendly cast-member). It always perks every one up. And just in general throughout the day/night- it has become part of the fun to randomly pass out stickers, glow sticks, or silly bands. To give out random compliments (not in a creepy-stalker way, but in a "You have the coolest T-shirt" or "I heard you singing, you have a great voice" kind of way). We always buy at least one small surprise a day (light up toy, a balloon, etc) and give it away as well. My DD's always save up their spending money and allocate at least $10 for their "kindness fund". They get excited deciding what to buy and who to give it to.

Anyway, this may sound cheesy, but it is so easy to become negative, overwhelmed, overstimulated, self-involved, etc when at Disney (or anywhere I guess), that I like to encourage my kids to think of others and learn how good that makes them feel.

So... anyone else have other ideas to add to the pile? We would love to hear new ideas about how to spread kindness (and make ourselves happier in the bargain). Thanks!

Are you vacationing in a third world country, or the most expensive theme park in the world?

 

[LostMason]

On our last trip, the couple at the table next to us at Narcossee's (probably in their 50s) gave my kids their glowing ice cubes out of their drinks. Apparently they noticed my kids couldn't stop staring for an entire hour. They STILL have them almost 3 years later, which is pretty cool.

My children loved the towel animals our housekeeper left--so much so that they left a picture, thank you note, or small treat for our housekeeper every single day (alongside the tip, of course). Our last morning there, we hunted her down so my kids could give her a hug and thank her personally for making their stay an extra magical one. We decided it was extra important to thank her since mousekeeping work is so behind the scenes.

 

[supersnoop]

Wow. I can't believe how posters have turned someone's kind gestures into something so negative. Kindness to anyone is a good thing. A person doesn't have to have a terminal illness to be deserving of kindness.

We may disagree on what constitutes a "kind gesture." I think this type of gift-giving is more about making the giver feel good that then recipient.

If we have our pins, we'll often engage in a trade with a child, but then just give the pin away. At least that way you know you're giving them something they actually want.

 

[Disneylover99]

On our last trip, the couple at the table next to us at Narcossee's (probably in their 50s) gave my kids their glowing ice cubes out of their drinks. Apparently they noticed my kids couldn't stop staring for an entire hour. They STILL have them almost 3 years later, which is pretty cool.

Ack!
Someone gave your kids their ice cubes after they finished their drinks?

 

[Dominion]

Definitely turning into one of the more interesting discussions I've come across here...

 

[Pookles]

I've seen a lot of cute things at the dollar stores and Target that come in multi packs for birthdays. Googly eyes for the fingers, spinning tops, princess crowns, small bubbles, silly putty, little finger games. Anything kids could play with in long lines.

You could give each of your children a bag of the small trinkets and they could let kids pick a prize, I think surprising someone like that is nice.

A bag of Dove chocolates for those cranky adults or newlyweds?

The used items don't bother me at all but bigger toys and shirts are obviously something that people are feeling strongly about.

 

[mgentry210]

I think its great to give and make someones else vacation a little extra magical. Sometimes cast members need to be reminded of the magic as well. dealing with rude people or listening to crying kids all day can be exhausting. The little cards are a great idea.

Maybe do some pre-planning and pick out a special something for other guests with a special pin. Like a Happy Birthday card to go with a balloon you pick up at the park or a congratulations on your marriage card with a special gift ect.. You can pick out the "perfect" birthday kid or newlyweds. OR maybe when your buying some popcorn or other snack, pay for the person in front of or behind you!

We do this! Especially on the last day when we have extra snacks on the dining plan.

 

[parrothead365]

Instead of toys or clothes how about making up a bunch of the pressed pennies or sharing old pins that you may not care for or where going to trade for anyway.

 

[PirateD]

We have a few things we do. My kids will keep 'jewels' from the Dollar Store in their string bags and when we go to Mickey's Philharmagic will share them with younger guests that are sitting in our row. Telling the kids they 'caught' the jewels. I did this when they were younger and they loved it so much they love to share the magic! They also do a similar thing - they each bring a golf ball and make a 'hidden Mickey' on it so on our Epcot day they can give it to a younger guest and tell them they caught it on Soarin'. If the other child doesn't understand my kids explain they have to keep their eyes open during the golf scene and maybe next time they can catch one too!
They have little index cards that they make with things like 'Thanks for making my day magical!' or 'Thanks for being a part of the magic' and hand them to cast members who need it or who made an impression.
If you start out positive not only will your trip be awesome, you will influence the trips of the people around you!
Thanks for being you!

Such cute and creative ideas!

 

[anniemae]

I've seen a lot of cute things at the dollar stores and Target that come in multi packs for birthdays. Googly eyes for the fingers, spinning tops, princess crowns, small bubbles, silly putty, little finger games. Anything kids could play with in long lines.

You could give each of your children a bag of the small trinkets and they could let kids pick a prize, I think surprising someone like that is nice.

A bag of Dove chocolates for those cranky adults or newlyweds?

The used items don't bother me at all but bigger toys and shirts are obviously something that people are feeling strongly about.

These are good ideas, take the kids to the dollar store to pick out these types of things to keep little ones busy in long lines. Honestly, if someone gave me or my kids a t-shirt or hoodie, I would refuse it, or if they were insistent I would thank them then put it in the nearest trash can. But a few trinkets to occupy the kids in line? That would be a big hit.

 

[NewRVLady]

I've seen a lot of cute things at the dollar stores and Target that come in multi packs for birthdays. Googly eyes for the fingers, spinning tops, princess crowns, small bubbles, silly putty, little finger games. Anything kids could play with in long lines.

You could give each of your children a bag of the small trinkets and they could let kids pick a prize, I think surprising someone like that is nice.

.

I remember all the stuff I had to pack for WDW when my kid were young-packing the knapsack etc.....now each child will haul a bag of stuff to give away like Father Christmas?

I am not getting this necessity to hand out toys to privileged people?
Not . At . All.
Even very IDEA of it

Instead.....give to Toys For Tots...work the local Soup Kitchen....do the things that will really impact a deprived kids life

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

I really don't understand the idea of giving away used stuff at the parks. I totally agree--give it to someone who needs it, like local shelters, food pantries, etc. People at Disney are going to be getting their own souvenirs--they don't need somebody else's cast-offs. I know the intent is good, but just don't do it.

As for all the other little trinkets, eh. If you really want to, go ahead. But PLEASE check with parents first! But a couple things to keep in mind....

We try to teach our children not to take things from strangers. You know--the whole stranger danger thing. Make sure the child knows it's okay with his/her parents by having the parent involved as well. Don't try to hand something to a little one without the mom or dad there to say, "It's okay. You can take it."

And if you see a little one in melt down mode or being grumpy or whatever, don't try to rush in and "brighten" up their day. Could be they're in the midst of a tantrum. Could be they've just been a "nudge" all day. But parents may not want to reinforce that behavior by giving them treats. Maybe the parents are ignoring it so as to not give any attention to the bad behavior. You don't know the whole story from the glimpse you see.

Honestly, instead of "stuff", I'd try to reinforce just being kind to others. There are so many little things you and your children can do throughout your trip--things that don't cost a penny and will really brighten someone's day.

- Be polite. Should go without saying, but it doesn't always.
- Ask a CM about where they're from. Start a conversation.
- Say thank you to every CM you see.
- Help the struggling mom with the stroller and a sleeping kid trying to get on the bus.
- Say Happy Birthday or Congratulations to someone wearing a pin. Have your kids be on the lookout for those pins and see how many Happy Birthdays they can say in a day!
- Hold the door open for somebody.
- Let someone go ahead of you in line.
- Make room for the little ones to see at a parade.
- Smile! Be friendly. Chat with others in line. Strike up a conversation on the bus.
- Offer the extra seats at your QS table to someone looking for a place to sit.
- Stand on the bus so someone else can sit.

These are little things. But if everyone did them, just think how much happier a place it would be!

 

[NewRVLady]

Mom2Aiden....your ideas are the BEST-just BE a good person

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I once gave a little boy my balloon. I asked the dad first. I don't remember what happened but the balloon ended up being a source of crying for the kid (maybe he fell when staring at it?). Anyway, it was the last give away thing I have done. I'll stick to general pleasantness and courtesy in WDW.

 

[Planogirl]

I have to ask... OP, do you carry a bag of clothes and toys with you to the parks? I've never heard of anyone doing this.

 

[Missy1961]

I really don't understand the idea of giving away used stuff at the parks. I totally agree--give it to someone who needs it, like local shelters, food pantries, etc. People at Disney are going to be getting their own souvenirs--they don't need somebody else's cast-offs. I know the intent is good, but just don't do it.

As for all the other little trinkets, eh. If you really want to, go ahead. But PLEASE check with parents first! But a couple things to keep in mind....

We try to teach our children not to take things from strangers. You know--the whole stranger danger thing. Make sure the child knows it's okay with his/her parents by having the parent involved as well. Don't try to hand something to a little one without the mom or dad there to say, "It's okay. You can take it."

And if you see a little one in melt down mode or being grumpy or whatever, don't try to rush in and "brighten" up their day. Could be they're in the midst of a tantrum. Could be they've just been a "nudge" all day. But parents may not want to reinforce that behavior by giving them treats. Maybe the parents are ignoring it so as to not give any attention to the bad behavior. You don't know the whole story from the glimpse you see.

Honestly, instead of "stuff", I'd try to reinforce just being kind to others. There are so many little things you and your children can do throughout your trip--things that don't cost a penny and will really brighten someone's day.

- Be polite. Should go without saying, but it doesn't always.
- Ask a CM about where they're from. Start a conversation.
- Say thank you to every CM you see.
- Help the struggling mom with the stroller and a sleeping kid trying to get on the bus.
- Say Happy Birthday or Congratulations to someone wearing a pin. Have your kids be on the lookout for those pins and see how many Happy Birthdays they can say in a day!
- Hold the door open for somebody.
- Let someone go ahead of you in line.
- Make room for the little ones to see at a parade.
- Smile! Be friendly. Chat with others in line. Strike up a conversation on the bus.
- Offer the extra seats at your QS table to someone looking for a place to sit.
- Stand on the bus so someone else can sit.

These are little things. But if everyone did them, just think how much happier a place it would be!

So many excellent points in this post. Especially the one about a child having a meltdown or a tantrum. Stepping in may not be the best idea. And I think all your points about basic kindness are excellent.

I think your heart is in the right place, OP. But bringing and giving used clothes, toys, etc. to the parks and giving them away really doesn't make sense. Donate them to a charity closer to home. Many abused women go to shelters without any extra, and those toys could go a long way to making a kid feel better.

 

[SonicGuy]

I think giving used clothes/stuffed animals/toys is weird and I wouldn't like if someone idd that to me. However, buying a new toy, balloon or something is a nice gesture but I would hope you talk to the child's parents before you give the child anything.

I thought I just woke up in a bad mood, because the whole used clothing thing kind of creeped me out too