Getting gifts before you go?!?!

[raysnkaysmom]

I saw this somewhere else on the boards, but right now DEALS dollar stores have tons of cute little Disney things for the kids. They have those big rainbow suckers and lots of fruit snacks etc for those driving down. Also, cute little purses with Nemo, Pooh, Princesses etc.
Last time I went I bought souveniers, light spinners and such at TDS before I left and hid them in the suitcase, waiting to give them to the kids when I got there! Much cheaper and they are just as happy!

 

[jennymouse]

When my DGD was 6 and we were waiting to go on her first trip to WDW, I bought little stuff and had her believing Tinkerbell was bringing it to her in preperation for her trip.LOL

 

[gigi1313]

we did this our recent trip and it was GREAT! i wrapped each gift in a little bag and made labels (i.e. "to alex, love pooh & friends") and it was a huge hit! it certainly cut down on the "can we buys" 'cause i would simply say, "ooh, we better not buy that now, what if mickey leaves it for you tonight?" (teehee) and the most incredible priceless part of the whole thing was dd/ds telling *EVERYONE* how the characters were able to get into their room when they were sleeping, even with the DOOR BOLTED (insert big saucer eyes here) and left them presents! they were a bit surprised that not everyone got great gifts each morning (LOL)... plus, listening to them thank the characters for their gifts and asking how they got in and watching the chars do the "my lips are sealed" mime and tossing away the key, PRICELESS!

 

[raysnkaysmom]

Our first trip, "Mickey" came and left candy and toys...all Disney of course... he came our first night ever at Disney.
Our 2nd trip, he left the girls "Mickey Ears" teddy bears, that ironically, were just like the ones I saw on sale at TDS before I left

 

[frstimer128]

I have done this too. I have a great stash of things that I have been picking up here and there. So much better than spending a fortune on souveniers in the park...a lot more magical too!

 

[callaghan]

We do the same thing too. We pack "presents" from the characters to be left on the bed. We also have a small gift bag for each of the girls "sent to our house" the day we lwave with Disney stuff and new toys for the plane. That works well too.
callie

 

[Tinkerbellmom33]

These are such great ideas! I've been picking up little things here and there too. I got the idea from the boards. I was going to put them in a gift bag and give them to the kids the morning we leave, but maybe I'll wait and give one each day from Tinkerbell!?

 

[goofy4tink]

I have always gotten our trip tee shirts at the Disney store before we leave. I've actually gotten them for as little as $3 each!! My dd has never asked for a shirt while there. I also get some of those little doodads at the store for giving out when we get to WDW. Works like a charm and saves my budget.

 

[turnlisa]

We did this last year and found it as great! My kids looked forward to finding out what surprise they were getting each day. Also, stopped the gimmes! We also have the kids save up money and work from their own budget while they are there. These two things definitely save my having to purchase souvenirs and makes the kids think twice before picking things up to purchase!

 

[Mad4Dizne]

Our most recent trip, we packed many stuffed animals that I swear I saw at the parks for at least twice what we paid!!!!! This has been one of the best tips we got from the Diz!!!!!!! Thanks Everyone!!!!!
Flo

 

[cstraub]

I love the idea of buying gifts ahead of time. I usually stock up at the Disney Store all year and put my purchases in a drawer that the kids don't know about. Our trip this past summer I had a 12 inch Minnie for my daughter, 12' Mickey for one son and 12' Pluto for my youngest son. They loved them! I got them for $5 each a few months prior to our trip durning one of thier huge sales. That was $15 for three! At Dinsey you might be able to buy two beanie's for that price!
I buy all the candy ahead of time at Toys r us. They have a lot of Disney Princess candy. Sometimes you can find buzz lightyear or Mickey. It may not be on sale but it is cheaper than what you would pay down there.We still buy our share of things in the park but it feels good knowing you paid much less than someone else for the same thing!

Stock up on T shirts at Disney Store. You can even get the light up toys, washclothes, and chocolates they put on your pillow for concierge!
I alwasy get each child one of those tightly packaged washclothes to use while we are at Disney World. I also sneak the cholcolate coins on their pillows!

Ebay is another way to find Disney Souvineirs! I buy things in advance like the princess dresses, light toys, swords and t shirts that are authentic from the park at a fraction of the cost!

Hope this helps!!!!

 

[frstimer128]

I forgot about all the great litle things that Toys R Us has....thanks!