Help!! A co-worker wants me to buy her kids (ages 1 and 3) surprise gifts for her!

[IvyandLace]

Yikes! I need help! When a co-worker found out that I'm going to WDW in May, she asked me to find some gifts for her two kids (girl, age 1 and boy, age 3). She doesn't know exactly what she wants me to bring home-which is why I need some ideas!!

Basically, she wants a special toy and piece of clothing for each of them. They don't have a favorite character but do like Winnie-the-Pooh characters and princesses (for her little girl).

Please post any and all ideas so that I can "wow" her with these gifts.
Thanks!!
IVY

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Did she give you a price range? There are so many fun things to pick up. Both of my kids really enjoyed the little light up twirlly things when they were little. (That is not an official name.) They sell them on the carts at night for about $10. The toy store at DD has Mr. Potato Head with lots of great pieces like Mickey ears for about $12. There is a My Disney Doll that you can match hair and eye color, I think she was $30. If you enjoy shopping, you will have no problem with this assignment!

 

[IvyandLace]

Thanks for such a quick reply!

She said she'll probably give me anywhere from $30-$50 to spend on each child.

I did think about the spinning things...they seem to be really popular in the parks with little kids (and big ones too!) I also like the idea about Mr. Potato Head...I'd forgotten about that!

Unfortunately, I only enjoy shopping when I know what I want...which is why I'm trying to get some ideas in my head before I go...or else I'll be nervous. I just really want her to be pleased with what I'm able to find....and there is so much to choose from!!!

Thanks again...IVY

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Does she want Disney related items or would something from the countries in Epcot be interesting.. there are some wonderful children toys in Germany.. finger puppets etc... also some fun things in Japan for children.. Hello Kitty items.. Love it.. but maybe you get put together a bunch of things.. some Mickey related and so on.. Shopping is such fun in WDW... enjoy..

 

[Bill From PA]

Point your friend to a WDW catalog or online store and tell HER to pick the gift. You may find that the biggest 'surprise' here is her lack of enthusiasm for anything you choose. Personally, I wouldn't accept the pressure of satisfying someone else's kids tastes.

Bill From PA

 

[campingcorgi]

For the one-year-old you might find the doll set we got our little one. It was a set of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy dolls for small children. They are about 8 inches tall, cloth bodies and plastic appendages and heads, with removable clothes. Our toddler loves them, and they are safe for little ones. They were under $20, as I recall.

 

[JetMom]

My DS was 3 1/2 on our last trip and he really loved the little die-cast ride vehicles with the Disney characters in them. His favorite is a test track car full of Goofys. They sell for about $4.

 

[buzz2400]

How about the mickey ears hat with their names monogrammed or the guest of honor badges. Also a mickey mouse stuffed animal.

 

[Jodi1980]

With the gift you can include a Disney post card signed to the children with the signature of one of the characters.

 

[gepetto]

Originally posted by Bill From PA
Point your friend to a WDW catalog or online store and tell HER to pick the gift. You may find that the biggest 'surprise' here is her lack of enthusiasm for anything you choose. Personally, I wouldn't accept the pressure of satisfying someone else's kids tastes.

Ditto. I'd point her towards the online Disney Store. If her children are 1 and 3, they won't know the difference between stuff from the parks and TDS.

 

[JC Butterfly]

Ivy-

I think you've received some great suggestions with pointing to items in catalogs and on-line.

I'm not sure how close you are to this person or what your personal budget allows, but perhaps you could pick out two toy options of each and then return what you/she didn't want to your local Disney store (keep your receipt of course).

Or, if you have a digital camera, you could take pictures of the "types" of items she could buy and then refer her to WDW merchandising's toll free number or email address.

Good luck!

Brenda

 

[bethbudke]

Another vote here for the spinners. We brought these home from our last trip for all of our nieces and nephews (ranging from ages 1 1/2 to 5) -- definitely the most popular toy EVER!

They were just enchanted by the lights and the motion -- a couple of them made their spinners their special "bedtime" toy.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I had another thought today. While we were there last time my DD then 2 1/2 got a stuffed Mickey and the Real Mickey signed it at Mickey's house in Toon Town. We took a marker and he signed on the bottom of "his" feet. Minnie signed DD's hat too. Now that is a gift you can not get online! It would be a small investment in time to stand in line, but you could take pictures as Mickey signed. I would be concerned about spending $60-$100 of someone else's money too! Good luck to you. Maybe you should offer to bring a small token gift and reccommed she use the rest to start a savings jar for the kids to go see Mickey.

 

[IvyandLace]

Thanks so much for all your great ideas! I know this woman pretty well and think she would be offended if I pointed her to the catalog/online store...well, not "offended" as...maybe disappointed. She really wants something from the parks so I really like the idea of getting a stuffed animal and having that character sign it.

I'm also interested in the doll set as described by campingcorgi-where would I find these?

Anyways, thanks again...and keep those ideas coming!!

IVY

 

[CEDmom]

My DD (now 3 1/2) has always loved bags of any kind and size. Her favorites right now are a Minnie Mouse purse and a Tinker Bell backpack. She loves putting things in these and carrying them around. The huge DTD store has all kinds of bags (that's where we got the purse). For $30-50 each you could get a spinning toy and t-shirt and then get a backpack or tote bag for each to put the things in. They probably have a lot of beach stuff out now so a beach bag would be a good substitute for the backpack.

Happy shopping

 

[pixiechick77]

I have a GREAT idea! Why don't I come with you and help you pick it out! I really love shopping and I am pretty good at picking up bargains (even at Disney)!

How about meeting the 8th of May? WE could stay at CBR!?!?
I might also bring my mom if thats okay?

I think that the stuff mickey/minnie with them signed is a great idea too.

Miss you!
love

pixiechick77
(sis and best friend to ivy!!!!)

 

[IvyandLace]

*giggle*

Pixiechick77...what would I do without you??!! So glad you're up for a trip...cuz I can't wait!!

Love, hugs, and pixie dust...
your IVY