Gift Basket Ideas Needed

[T. Lynn]

My DD and I will be moving into an apartment and as a surprise, I wanted to make a gift basket for her (she is 9). I wanted it to be a "bedroom/apartment warming" basket. With everything going on lately, I wanted to do something nice and when we move, have her feel like she has a real place to call home again.

I was trying to come up with some unique gifts. Here are some things I thought of but wanted to get some more ideas:

1. Popcorn and Popcorn Container
2. Movie
3. Hannah Montana Wall Stickers
4. Picture - I did blow up a pic of her & AG doll on magazine that was taken in NY (now poster size)


Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Also, I made up a little note to attach. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

WELCOME HOME
It’s the first apartment for us,
A fresh start to be had.
A journey I gladly share with you,
As we enjoy the pool, swings, courts, and new pad.

 

[Caitsmama]

I think that is an AMAZING idea!!!!! Probably too big for a gift basket, but what about like some new toss pillows in bright fun colors - or a dry erase board with some colorful markers?
Hmm.. what else..
What about a cute reading light for her bedside table? Framed Cork message area? new curtains in her fav color? Beads for her to hang someplace?

 

[allison443]

Maybe a few cute frames for pictures of her friends/family? If there is going to be a certain color or theme for her room, I would gear the whole basket around that...
If you have a Five Below store near you, they have cute girls things!
Sounds like a great idea!

 

[Caitsmama]

ohhhh.. frames! duh!!! Great idea!

 

[T. Lynn]

Yes, I do have a Five Below store nearby. I haven't even been there for a long time so that is a great idea.

It will mostly be Hannah Montana themed, pink/purple/teal/white. I just got her new bedding and curtains back in January for her birthday. Frames, cork board and new pillows are a great idea as well. Love these suggestions...with everything else going on, it's hard for me to clear my head and come up with good things. I just have so much else going on.

Here is the surprise plan:
On the morning I can get the apartment keys, I'm going to take her on a tour of the apartment and let her think we are just "looking at it". Once she opens up the closet in bedroom and notices the sign and basket, she'll then know it's her official bedroom.

I do like the idea of new pillows and such. I can put them on the floor in the closet around the basket. I just want to make sure I get things that will be used (not candy and junk). I want useful things that will be needed anyway but also allow her to decorate and have fun.

I also thought about wood letters to spell her name and some paints to decorate them. Would that be a good idea?

 

[LynnTH]

Does she have a phone jack in her room. I know kids think having their own phone in their room is cool or a CD player/radio?

 

[mommycrawford]

I'd like to suggest that if you can be in the apartment before she arrives, it might be great to actually put FAMILIAR things in her room, like a framed photo of best friends or something...you guys on vacation!

Transitions are very hard for kids...I moved from a two bedroom to a studio with my daughter when she was 15 months, so I brought some of her toys up to the apartment and we would go up there for "playdates" before we actually moved in, and this helped a lot.

I know your daughter is older (mine's 10 now) but with changes, reassurance that some things stay the same,(your love, her chums, etc) can be really helpful!

I would suggest: framed photos, a journal, nail polish (then you guys could chat while you do her nails,) maybe hair stuff, a stuffed animal or pillow, stationary for her to write anyone she won't still see, video vouchers,...stuff for nesting!!

I wish you all the best!

 

[T. Lynn]

As for the phone jack, I'm not sure. She has a cell phone but it's only to be used when doing after school activities or calling her dad.

Once we get there and she notices the gift basket, we can go to the storage unit and start unpacking her things and household things.

She is VERY excited to move and get an apartment. I guess that is one good thing that makes me feel better about the whole situation. In any event, I just wanted to do something a little extra to make her feel good about this transition. Maybe I'll even put her favorite bear or AG doll in the closet holding the basket.

I also like the video vouchers, that's a nice touch...

 

[micheleq]

What about a name sign for her room? Melissa & Doug make a sign that you can customize with stickers (included). Very cute and inexpensive -- I think the one I got at Bed Bath and Beyond was 7.99 (and then I used the 20% coupon).

Good luck to you and DD in your new home

 

[Caitsmama]

All great ideas!!! Please keep us updated and let us know how it all goes!