Foster Parents just found out we will have 2 extra children for Christmas

[Tink2000]

We are foster parents that have one child of our own. We just found out we will be getting a 16 yr. old mother and a 11 month old daughter. Help with ideas for Christmas presents. I have been finished shopping since Thanksgiving and now have 5 days to shop for 2 more children. Need lots of ideas. Please help.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Toys and clothes for the 11 month old - maybe a fun character sippy cup, soft blanket, stuffed toy or big over the head bibs too.

For the 16 year old - lip gloss, nail polish/manicure set, lotion, gift cards to Target/Walmart, snacks, pajama pants (Target has some cute ones!), Ipod Shuffle (if in your budget).

Will they arrive any time at all before Christmas so you can get to know them even a little bit before you shop for them?

 

[lonegirl]

First off, God Bless you for being a foster parent. I am afraid I'm not much help with 16 year old, but the one year old would love the Sing-a-ma-jigs that are out there right now. They are about $10. Any Little People items are good, a little cell phone to hold and push buttons, board books, balls, blocks. Seems like you could buy a lot for about $50! (all at Walmart, no less!)

 

[crazelion]

I would check with my case worker. I sure they have resource get emergency presents. I know here we something like that.

Also the Dollar Tree has excellent gifts for a baby.

Wait minute is they perement custody or temporary custody. If permerment my state offer clothing vochers that is use for clothes and shoes. That will help.

God bless for taking the kids in. I have 3 foster kids myself. I know what going through.

 

[alwaysmom]

Some ideas

Pillow Pet for each
Journal
Clothes
Comforter set
Book
Bath & Body works stuff
Gift certificate

 

[PixieTl]

gift cards for the 16 yr old are good too, i'm sure there are items that she needs.. Hot Topic is pretty popular or Pac Sun...

 

[java]

You are giving the 16 year old the best gift of all- a safe place to be with her baby.

 

[cm8]

First off, God Bless you for being a foster parent. I am afraid I'm not much help with 16 year old, but the one year old would love the Sing-a-ma-jigs that are out there right now. They are about $10. Any Little People items are good, a little cell phone to hold and push buttons, board books, balls, blocks. Seems like you could buy a lot for about $50! (all at Walmart, no less!)

Agreed! Maybe a few books to read or some gift cards since she pretty much knows what she likes to buy at this point. A little pamper gift basket that you could make to include, nail polish, mani/pedicure set, cotton balls, polish remover, some bath salts, eye mask, bubble bath.


for the baby, some baby books (target has them for $1), an outfit or 2 and maybe some toys (rattles, teethers) that she can use

 

[mtblujeans]

BBW free lipgloss with any purchase. I found gift boxes for 50 cents this week....maybe that would be a qualifying purchase.

Maybe personal items like small cologne, deodorant, etc for teenager. One or two disposable cameras with a flash so she can take pics of baby on Christmas day.

 

[kirstenb1]

For the 16 yr old, how about an Aeropostale or American Eagle hoodie, and some long-sleeve tops?

 

[digitalsiren]

I think bath items and lotions would be a safe bet for mom. Clothing items may be difficult due to size and also since she is at an age where a particular style may be important to her. Gift certificate for a haircut/style, manicure/pedicure or to a store so she can pick something out herself might be best.
For the baby is it possible to ask the case worker what the mom will come to your family with? If she doesn't have a crib, car seat, stroller, diapers or other essentials those might be the best items to purchase to help mom out.

 

[sbpebbles]

I think bath items and lotions would be a safe bet for mom. Clothing items may be difficult due to size and also since she is at an age where a particular style may be important to her. Gift certificate for a haircut/style, manicure/pedicure or to a store so she can pick something out herself might be best.
For the baby is it possible to ask the case worker what the mom will come to your family with? If she doesn't have a crib, car seat, stroller, diapers or other essentials those might be the best items to purchase to help mom out.

I was thinking along these same lines...What mom wouldn't love a day of pampering, so i'd get a GC for hair and nails..and if they will only be with you temporarily why not get her some diapers or GC for walmart, target or nearby store so she can get diapers? that's almost always welcomed, especially because most state aid programs don't provide those (at least here in WI they don't)

As for the baby, why not a push toy or some bath toys? i love the idea of the books as well..blankets are always a good idea too...

I'm sure whatever you get for them the mother will be grateful..god bless you and your family!

 

[DVCBELLE]

How long will they be with you? It is my experience in foster care that items don't always transfer well between homes so if they aren't staying with you long then it is best to go with small items they can easily keep with them.

Are they respite care or coming into the system?

If they are respite - is their foster family sending presents? If not, then I would be worried about buying something too nice...as that could cause trouble or hurt feelings.

If she doesn't have a crib, car seat, stroller, diapers or other essentials those might be the best items to purchase to help mom out.

I am sure she won't have any of this but I bet you already have all of this on hand anyway and she probably wouldn't be able to take it with her when she leaves unless it is reunification.

I would get the 16 year old something from Hollister, nice witner coat with hat and gloves and and a Snuggie or blanket and an awesome pair of jammies.

For the baby, some new sleepers and outfit, winter coat with hat and gloves, blanket and a few toys.

Good luck!!!

 

[shortbun]

I think some clothes and cosmetics for the mother and some clothes and soft toys for her baby. Love and kindness are a good start.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

If she moves around alot how about a nice overnite bag to keep her stuff in. I'm sure she would like some B&BW stuff, my girls love their 5.00 socks. If you can find one or some the 10 off 0f 30 coupon they are still good til the 24th (sometimes if you ask a sales person they might have an extra). How about some personal care items hair brush & accesories, a new tooth brush, etc. If you know the mom's size how about some nice pj's and warm fuzzy slippers.

As far as the baby a sippie cup, toys, socks, a new warm blanket.

Hope this helps.

Enjoy your Christmas and Thank You for giving someone the chance to have a "family" at Christmas.

 

[olwyngdh]

For the mom, a camera to take pictures of her baby, for the baby, something to play with--there are lots of cool toys that aid in development.

 

[fakereadhed]

She may be a mother, but she's still a 16yo kid! I would get her something small and fun just for her that's not practical. That's the tough part because teen girls are very specific in their likes and dislikes. Great idea to ask her case worker. My teens(one girly one edgy) both like the inexpensive jewelry at Charlotte Russe and Forever 21 and smoky eye makeup.

 

[Tink2000]

Thanks for all of the help. They are coming for a visit at Christmas and then we have a few things for her social workers to clear up with the court and they will move in with us for good. We are looking to foster to adopt. I have the baby bed, highchair, carseat but that is about it. I hope to find out today if the children will be coming with any gifts from an angel tree and then I will know what I need to fill in with or if I will be covering all of it. Getting nervous because time is short and I work full time. I will get it done, this is not the first time I have gotten extra children at Christmas and it always works out.

 

[NewCrew42]

Thanks for all of the help. They are coming for a visit at Christmas and then we have a few things for her social workers to clear up with the court and they will move in with us for good. We are looking to foster to adopt. I have the baby bed, highchair, carseat but that is about it. I hope to find out today if the children will be coming with any gifts from an angel tree and then I will know what I need to fill in with or if I will be covering all of it. Getting nervous because time is short and I work full time. I will get it done, this is not the first time I have gotten extra children at Christmas and it always works out.

God bless you for taking them in.

 

[pennymom]

God bless you for taking them in.

I'll second that!