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

[Disney845]

No children of our own, but we bought the 10 month old nephew a "My Pal Scout" from Leap Frog. I bought it online at Amazon a little less, but I saw that they had it at Target for around $20. They also have a girl version called My Pal Violet. It is for 6-36 months. Scout/Violet is a talking puppy (very soft) which comes with a cord to plug him/her into your computer and you tell it your child's name and favorite foods/colors, etc. It then personalizes the interaction it has (talking/singing) with your child. Again, we don't have any children, but the gift "looks/feels/sounds" very cute, so hopefully it will go over well.

For the 16 year old, I agree with the other posters that gift cards would probably be most practical (if you don't know her/her needs yet), but if she just had a baby at such a young age (of course none of us know the circumstances behind that), she has probably been having to be practical and very grown up very quickly, and perhaps unpractical/fun gifts wrapped under the tree would be nice for Christmas to make her feel like the teen she still is. If you know her sizes then hoodies, jeans, shoes, if you don't then cute teen style scarves/gloves, makeup/nail polish, hair products, sunglasses, inexpensive Claire's type jewelry, etc.

 

[CinRell]

I think a pampering kit would be wonderful for the 16 year old. Since you don't really know her tastes as far as music, movies, books... BBW lotion, soap, lip gloss, body spray.. and maybe a GC for a spa.

For the baby... I agree clothing, blankie, stuffed toy and maybe some Baby Einstein movies? I like the idea of a fun character sippy too.

I think you are an angel *(HUGS)*. What a wonderful gift you are giving this young lady and her baby.. and foster to adopt? The greatest gift of all...

 

[smokeyblue]

I really like the camera idea, it's practical to the situation and something fun at the same time. Maybe a pre-paid cell, it's almost a necessity? Other than that some nice personal care items like body wash, lotion and hair products would be nice especially if you put them in a caddy or a toiletry bag so she would have something just for her stuff.

As for the baby, I think a few small toys would be fine until you can really assess what it needs. I have a friend who is a foster parent and it's fairly unpredictable what the state will give for presents or even necessities. She has one thats almost a year and he got snow pants and a jacket for a present from the state--no toys.

 

[ccgirl]

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.

AMAZING! That is what you are. I echo the sentiment of a PP that stated the best gift you could give is taking them in. What a positive way you are changing this girls life. Imagine what her life would be like if you wouldn't have taken her in?

I think most people covered the gifts for the 16 year old. Building blocks are also a great gift for the 1 yr old. My children played with those for years.

 

[libinatorsmom]

1st of all - bless you and your family for taking these children into your home! May your Christmas Dreams and Wishes come true!

Now for the fun part - gifts... For the baby - Clothes, Clothes, Clothes and then I would get some fun toys too - lots of lights and music. Go with a Disney Princess theme and it would be super fun!!! Maybe some Little Einstien Videos to watch? And Board Books! I love giving Books as gifts!

For the 16 year old - Again give her a book or two (Twlight series is so popular), digital camera to take pictures of her daughter, A nice journal to write about her life and struggles, a GC to the mall or Target or something similar to get some clothes or whatever, an ipod or similar.

Not sure of your budget so of course plan according to that. Would be hard as I am sure you dont know what they will arrive with to your home.

 

[pixiewings71]

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

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.

You ARE an angel!!!!!!

That's all, you've received a ton of great gift ideas, I just wanted to say I think you are awesome and amazing for giving this little family your home. I was a Mom at 16 and it was hard, with someone like you in their lives this little family will go far!

 

[krcit]

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.

This post made me cry. What a wonderful family you are

 

[finz2left]

Wow... so are you looking to adopt the mother? And she can keep her baby? Or adopt both? Either way, much love to you all!

Since you don't know her well yet, I really would find something small, but makes her feel treasured and valued as a human being -- a woman who kept her baby and has clearly been rejected for that. Our dept. store has lovely silver bracelets with quotations about love, belief, and happiness.

A mani/ped or haircut gc would simply make her day -- she is 16 -- she is a mother-- and bounced around. She needs some time to feel loved and pampered. New mothers need to remember they are important, and in this case, all the more-so.

And, here is an interesting read from my local U. http://ua.edu/features/findyourpassion/fostercare.html

Much love!

 

[worm761]

So for Christmas you get a new daughter and granddaughter? That is great. I assume you are adopting the teen.

I cannot help with the 16 yr old but I have a one year old. She loves her board books (get them at Dollar Tree!) and we have the Violet dog that the PP was talking about. DD loves this thing. Our pediatrician said to buy her some building blocks, a shape sorter, and a stacker at her age. You can get all of those at Walmart for $5 to $10 each. Walmart has the Garanimals toys for really good prices. Oh, and Doctor said the board puzzles with the little knobs on them are good at this age too.

I would wait for clothes for either one of them since you don't know sizes. DD is weird when it comes to clothes. We have to watch brands and sizes because of the way she is build. Some of her clothes are 3-6 months and some are 6-9. She is tiny though. This baby may be different.


I take it back....I like the PP idea of a piece of jewelery for her. What about a nice locket to put her baby's picture in? And then maybe a Visa gift card and a promise to go shopping after the holidays (during sales!!!) and a lunch date so you can get to know each other.

 

[HelenePA]

how about a first christmas ornament for the baby...

ETA Thank you for giving them a warm safe home!

 

[neatokimmo]

For the baby I'd get the fisher price puppy that comes in pink or brown. DD loves hers still. I'd also get a couple of carter's sleepers. Music & warmth...happy baby!

 

[Joyful3Heart]

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

I so agree, bless your family and Merry Christmas!

 

[HelenePA]

So for Christmas you get a new daughter and granddaughter? That is great. I assume you are adopting the teen.

I cannot help with the 16 yr old but I have a one year old. She loves her board books (get them at Dollar Tree!) and we have the Violet dog that the PP was talking about. DD loves this thing. Our pediatrician said to buy her some building blocks, a shape sorter, and a stacker at her age. You can get all of those at Walmart for $5 to $10 each. Walmart has the Garanimals toys for really good prices. Oh, and Doctor said the board puzzles with the little knobs on them are good at this age too.

I would wait for clothes for either one of them since you don't know sizes. DD is weird when it comes to clothes. We have to watch brands and sizes because of the way she is build. Some of her clothes are 3-6 months and some are 6-9. She is tiny though. This baby may be different.


I take it back....I like the PP idea of a piece of jewelery for her. What about a nice locket to put her baby's picture in? And then maybe a Visa gift card and a promise to go shopping after the holidays (during sales!!!) and a lunch date so you can get to know each other.

very true about babys and clothes! At 1 my ds was in a 2t (he's in a 4t-5t now) so you might wait to ask or wait for those!

 

[quentina]

Just welcome them with open arms.

 

[kayrosek]

For the baby anything soft, warm or musical. Blankets, stuffed animals, glow worm, other musical toys. I love the idea someone suggested of a first Christmas Ornament. If you go that way how about a special ornament for the mom too since it's her first Christmas with your family. Or maybe a charm bracelet with a special first charm to commemorate her first Christmas with you guys. I love the idea of a GC for a salon, maybe packaged with some hair, nail and facial stuff for at home so she can be pampered at the salon or at home. I'm sure she could use some pampering. My almost 14 yr old loves aloe infused spa socks and boot slippers. As far as clothes go I would definatley go for GC's maybe one for her and one for the baby then a shopping date for after Christmas so she can pick out some nice things for herself and the baby.

 

[dimimi]

I like the idea of a digital camera. They are inexpensive now and she will be able to record pictures of her baby! Personally, I would just buy the baby things he/she needs.

 

[minnie mouse]

What you are doing is wonderful...just giving them a place to live and to be safe is a gift in itself. I am sure anything you give will be special to them both. You are putting the Christ in Christmas..God Bless You!

 

[Tink2000]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I have written down several of your ideas and will start the shopping tomorrow. We are all so excited and it will be a great Christmas.