Gift ideas for charity adoption

[scrapquitler]

Clothing suggestions: pjs, hats and gloves ( if your in a cold state) and socks. Those things are fairly universal. I always shop for clothing items at the biggest type store in an area and give gift receipt. I pretty much avoid "style" stuff especially with teenagers. Also many kids get coats in coat drives but no hats and gloves??

As for non clothing. No idea. Teenagers are a mystery to me

Our local Christmas Angel project always specifies that each child should get a hoodie/sweatshirt as one of the gifts (we are in a very cold weather area)


I think Pajama pants are another good universal idea, all kids will use those.

I do agree with the gift receipt idea.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

I volunteered to "adopt" two kids through a state services "operation Santa Claus". I received their clothing sizes but no requests as to what they need or want for clothing or fun items.

The only constraints is that I must spend at least $70 per child (I will likely spend more) and that they must each get at least one clothing and one non clothing item. I was assigned a 13 year old girl and a 17 year old boy. Without knowing anything about them or their situations, what are your suggestions?

Thanks

I would try to call and talk to the social worker on their case. She should know them and their interests and styles. She can hopefully give ideas on what would make their day.
I have volunteered with kids in foster care and really appreciate you doing this.

 

[LovesTimone]

Solid color hoodie or sweatshirt, for him Black or Grey - For Her, Black, Red, Navy

Socks, - I would think more long term and get both ankle and mid calf style, so they can be worn with athletic shoes or boots. Black Friday you can pick these up almost anywhere and get more for your money.

Sleep Pants - I personally would look for plaid, patterns, or solids, as with teenager what they are into vary sooooo much, with that I would suggest a few long sleeve t-shirts to go along with them. I suggest Hanes, they last and are not really expensive.

Gloves for both.. for her you could go with mittens. maybe for her a scarf and mitten set.

Bathrobe - for both, if they are in foster care this helps with the modesty and warmth.

I know that a lot of kids are wanting those head phone things... My friends grandkids are all asking for them for Christmas. Lots of price ranges with these again Black Friday would be the time to pick these up.

Personal products are good, AXE for the guy, my nephew loves this stuff. Keep your eyes out for gift sets. Bath and body works for the girl, lots of options here.

Make up kit/ cosmetic bag - with nail polish, remover, file etc.

Shaving kit with essentials

You could make stockings for each - lots of little things that will add to their day. Maybe some school items, pens, pencils, colored pencils, markers. Personal items, deodorant, nice shower gel, lotion, razors, shaving cream. Tooth brush and toothpaste, nail clippers and file, add in some candy canes.

 

[DaughteroftheKing]

So many good ideas and commentary in this thread.

I was also going to suggest maybe pajama/lounge pants. PJs may be something they don't have much (if any) of. You can get super cozy pants that are nice for winter. I'm wearing a pair of Mickey/Minnie right now that I got from Target this week for about $15. They are nice and soft and fuzzy. (Other designs available at Target)

 

[barkley]

I would try to call and talk to the social worker on their case. She should know them and their interests and styles. She can hopefully give ideas on what would make their day.
I have volunteered with kids in foster care and really appreciate you doing this.

a social worker would not be able to so much as acknowledge that a child or family is served by social services let alone advise someone donating to a charity about a specific child's interests-it's against federal law and can be an immediate termination for the s.w. (so don't even put someone in the position of having to deal with it please).

to be honest-with most of these programs there's not a specific kid assigned to a specific donor. we would have an internal list of who was on the receiving list but as far as collection donations......we added up the number of kids, how many were girls/boys, general ages-and then people would get assigned one of these generalities to buy for (the names on "giving trees" at the malls were the same-fake names (b/c of privacy laws and in some cases very real life/death dangers to kids in the programs) with wishes that were common to certain age ranges). this is why many of the programs ask people not to wrap the gifts-that way if someone is VERY generous and buys allot but someone else falls a bit short, the "wealth" can get spread around.


op-you've gotten some great suggestions, don't stress over it b/c the kids in these programs do greatly appreciate anything they receive.