You know, this post has helped to bring attention to the thousands of youth in foster care. My husband and I have been fostering since 1990.
Having their own backpack or bag is always something the kiddos really like, but yes, a lovie bear is priceless. My now 20 year old foster daughter, who was placed with us at age 9, still has letters, cards and coloring pages that she accumulated from volunteers who met her in the shelter during her three months in the shelter, before they were able to find her a placement. (Our home)
One other thing to take into consideration when you talk about over spending and splurging. (Gosh, these kids really deserve things that they may or may not have had after all the trauma they have suffered) But, we also do not want them to relate "stuff" for love. I've foster over 50 children, and guess what? All but two have either returned home, or to a relative placement. Two were adopted, and one moved on to independent living thru a transitional living situation. So what I'm saying is that if I lavish them, and provide in a manner that their family of origin is unaccustomed to, that not only sets the child up, but their families as well.
My experience has been that many times the children's parents (especially those who abuse drugs) have times where the parents are sober and feel guilty, so they will buy their children lavish type items) Then when they start using again, they will take what they bought for their child in a guilty moment, and pawn it for money to either get their next fix, or to pay bills. So the chaos sets up a cycle.
Please, if this post has touched a sensitive giving spot in your soul, do something about it. Help organize a backpack or duffle bag drive. I travel and donate my lotions, shampoo and conditioner items from the Hotels to the cause, stuffed animal drive, anything that you might considering doing for Christmas time. The only difference is that children come into foster care daily. There is allot of ways to help out. Consider being a volunteer like the Big Sisters and Big Brothers. Don't forget the teens. Your time and contributions can make a true difference in a child's life.
My husband and I look at their time with us as a chapter in there life book. I want to help make it a memorable one, and one that does more than just giving them alot of "stuff", but of teaching them hope, laughter, and values that can carry them past the time they are in our home.