Going to the Disney Store- what "gifts" should I get for the trip?

[bayareadisneyland]

Want to surprise my 4yo w/ some treats. Any suggestions? A stuffed animal? Nightgown? Ears? Any suggestions?

 

[SMD]

My parents always let me choose a stuffed animal in the parks. I still remember how old I was when I got all of them. Same with ears, I always chose my own. Nightgown/PJs sounds like a cute idea. There aren't a lot of those in the park, and then she can wear them on the trip.

 

[DisneyPhans]

I would break it down by personality traits of the child and the parents. Is there anything at home your child tends to latch onto repeatedly? Anything your child likes to do with you? Last thing you want is to spend big on stuff they just throw away... I was an intellectual child, so I tend to look for things with educational value that children will pick up more than once. However, many kids are NOT intellectual at all during those years and won't find that engaging.

Intellectual kids: Books, software
Artistic Kids: coloring books, pens, paper, craft accessories
Sporty Kids: Activity gear, balls, swimwear, swimming accesories
Social kids: outfits, figures, board games, etc
Tactile/Hands-on kids: lego sets, figures, baking etc
Emotional/touchy-feely: figures, stuffed animals, blankets, etc.

Every child is a combination of all the above considerations.

 

[tlovesdis]

Do you have a .99 Store or Dollar Tree near you? When my niece was little I would buy all kinds of Disney stuff as well as glow stuff at those stores and put them in a cute bag. They both carry lots of cute Disney things! Just an idea for you!

 

[tlovesdis]

Also, Wal mart and Target usually have Disney shirts and pj's for much less than the Disney store!

 

[DisneyPhans]

^ agreed. I see nothing wrong with 99 cent store, walmart, CVS even. All this stuff's made in China anyways, if you're debating quality

 

[MinMou]

I also recommend picking up Disney stuff at a less expensive place pretrip, and then let your child pick out one thing at a store in the park. Before our trip to DL, I found Mickey straws, paper plates, and games at the Dollar store, and some Lightning McQueen hand soap. I found some Disney tote bags and a Mickey notebook at Target, and I used the notebook as our autograph book. Target usually has princess trinkets and other stuff in their clearance area. The good thing about buying all this stuff cheap is that if your little one doesn't use, play with or like any of it, you don't feel as bad.

 

[Christina-B-Na]

I agree with the other folks that it is well worth the checking out other stores.
I'm also planning to give my kiddos ( age 4 and 1) some fun Disney goodie bags for our upcoming trip in Nov and have already began buying. Most of things I have bought so far were found at Walmart, Target and Dollar Tree. Target often has lots of Disney stuff in their dollar bins. So far I have: Mickey PJs, Tshirts and slippers, Star Wars water bottle/ sippy cups, Disney sticker activity book, Buzz and Woody light up spin toys and Mickey personal fans that light up. Trying to find a few fun new toys that I can give to them to play with in the hotel room.

 

[mpadilla89]

the only thing i bought my daughter was an autograph book which she still has and takes with her each time. almost full. and a few disney themed shirts. I really wanted her to choose something she likes from disneyland and would remind her of her trip. This year all im buying again is a few shirts since she has soo outgrown the ones she had and she requested i make her a minnie tutu which i should be working on now lol

 

[Abbey1]

On one trip, I bought a large stuffed Mickey and hid it in our luggage. When we checked into the hotel, I went ahead to the room, put Mickey on my son's bed and met them at the elevator. He was ECSTATIC when he saw Mickey waiting for him.

I always buy a few Disney tees to wear during the trips as well as a pair of Jammies. I wait to buy any toys etc until we get there.

 

[mcuoghi]

Autograph book and a Disney pen to go with it.

 

[ehrawn]

Do you have a .99 Store or Dollar Tree near you? When my niece was little I would buy all kinds of Disney stuff as well as glow stuff at those stores and put them in a cute bag. They both carry lots of cute Disney things! Just an idea for you!

We do this too. There's a target not too far from the Park with a great $1 aisle. We usually grab bubble, stickers and glow sticks. From the Disney store, since I tend to be a light packers, mini tsumtsums, t-shirts and sleepwear would be my picks.