Ideas for Disney-themed gifts?

[gymmom]

We are going to Disney 1/21-1/29. There are 5 of us--oldest DS 12, younger DS 9, and DD 9. The younger ones have some mild interest still in characters, etc. but oldest son is getting a little too sophisticated for anything too "Disney". We have told them that this trip is going to be a big part of their Christmas gift(s) and that they shouldn't expect a big haul. I thought it would be neat, though, to put together a stocking or a box for each of them with small items for the trip and to remind them of their upcoming "gift".

I plan to give them each a fixed amount of cash (or travelers' checks??) with the idea that they can spend however much or little of this on "stuff" on the trip. That will be it! No beggin for souveniers, etc.

What else can I do? I've thought of those neck/shoulder thingie bottle holders, inexpensive ponchos, snacks for the parks, disposable cameras, maybe special walking socks, pedometers. What other ideas do you all have? And where can I get some of these things reasonably?

Also, do you think it would it be better to dole these out one at a time over the few weeks before we leave?

Lisa

 

[dbal]

Hi-
How about bubbles for the wait in line? Are you flying or driving? How about some stuff for the trip down? Activity books, comics, mags, etc.
How about sunglasses?
I would try a dollar store. I think you will probably get some more ideas from just looking around.
We are planning a pre-X-mas trip and when we told our kids that this was going to be a big part of their x-mas present our oldest responded with a 'Yeah right'
Good luck and have a great time!

-Deb

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks to some great suggestions on this board, I bought my DS(12) the Walt Disney World for Teens by Teens book, and a Hidden Mickey's book. I ordered one from Amazon.com, & one from Overstock.com. My DS is also less than thrilled with Disney, and I'm hoping these books will give him a new perspective. I think he'll especially like the book for Teens, because he loves being referred to as a teenager. I also plan to give him his Disney Quest, Wonder Works, Laser Tag, & movie tickets (for DTD), which are all surprises. I also got both DH & DS hand and foot warmers (from Walmart) for their stockings, in case it's unbearably cold the week after Christmas. I'm off to think of ideas for 9 yo.

 

[July]

One of my coworkers had a AVON book at work yesterday. And there was some disney items in there, if you have access to AVON you may want to check out one of the catalogs.

July

 

[Tinkim]

The kids and I are going to WDW in February so they have been warned that Christmas will have its limitations. That said, I went to the Dollar Tree and found some Lion King/Pooh keychain checker games. At Wal-Mart I picked up some Mickey Mouse chap-stick. Found some Disney chocolate coins at the grocery store. Went to the Disney Store yesterday after I dropped my brother and niece off at the airport for their first WDW trip and found tee-shirts from $1.99 to $5.99 on clearance (picked them up one each). Found some walkman AM/FM radios (princess/Buzz) for $4.99 each and some light spinners like they sell at the parks. The regular ones were $12.50 but I know they are more at the parks. They had The Incredibles, Power Rangers, Buzz, and Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. They also had Peter Pan light spinners for $1.99. These will be like belated Christmas gifts/trip goodies. I don't know if I am just lucky this year but the Disney stuff seems to be everywhere I look lately. Have fun.

 

[Lizzydoll73]

I plan to give them each a fixed amount of cash (or travelers' checks??) with the idea that they can spend however much or little of this on "stuff" on the trip. That will be it! No beggin for souveniers, etc.

Lisa

What about putting Disney Dollars in in the stocking instead of giving them cash?

 

[gymmom]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I think the "Disney" teen book will be a great one. We're waiting to see what happens with the new ticketing and packages and so we may not be able to do the DQ tickets before Jan 2nd. I'm not sure about other DTD attractions since the parks are going to have such extended hours. We may not spend much time doing other things. We will be going to SW for a day, so I guess I could order those tickets ahead of time from AAA and put a ticket in each of their stockings.

I'm afraid even the younger ones may be less-than-thrilled with character items like key chains, but I will see.

Can you buy pins anywhere outside WDW? Does DS carry them?

What kinds of snacks do you take with you to the parks?

I'll check on some of that stuff. Can Disnye Dollars be exchanged back to cash in case they don't spend all their money?

Lisa

 

[bettyann29]

The Disney dollars can be exchanged for cash back at DW.. But they can be used for almost anything there so I would bet once your kiddos get there they will use them all up..

I would bet your kids will like the keychains.. My son is 11 and he would still love to get one.. I would check Dollar Tree if you have one or even just some of the different dollar stores.. I seem to find alot of Disney stuff everywhere also.. So you are likely to find some Disney related items to fill the stocking..

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Bubble gum! A definite snack item they'll need, because they can't buy it once they are on WDW property. Also, those huge Disney suckers are alot of fun. For your DD, how about some Disney gloves, and Disney bubble bath, to get her excited about the trip. A roll of quarters (or 2) would be nice for each of them. All kids love arcades. I agree, my DS was kind of out of Disney merchandise by the time he was nine. It depends on the child. Wish mine wasn't so jaded. You can purchase pins for trading at TDS & off Ebay. If I come up with anything else for my DS(12), I'll let you know. Maybe you could share some of your ideas with me too.

 

[gymmom]

Here are the suggestions made so far along with my ideas. Feel free to jump in with other creative ideas!!

Cash/Traveler's Checks/Disney Dollars
Teen Disney book
Hidden Mickeys book
Neck ID holders
Fanny packs
Holders for drinks
Rain ponchos
Thick walking socks
Rolls of quarters (for arcade games)
Sea World tickets
Disney trading pins
Autograph books
Bubbles (to keep them occupied while waiting in line)
Activity books/Magazines/Books/CDs (for plane or hotel)
Sunglasses
Movies tickets (for AMC in DTD--can buy at discount through AAA)
Key chains
Character lip balm
Disney T-shirts
Bubblegum/Other snacks/Disney lollipops?
Hats
Disney Christmas ornaments
Disney Snow globes
Disposable cameras/Frames/Photo albums/Scrapbooking stuff
Glow sticks/bracelets, etc.
Disney charms

What do your kids like for snacks? I don't want them eating candy and junk all day!

I'm really excited about this! I think the kids will love their "Disney Survival Kit". I don't intend to buy ALL those things, but I might as well get most of what they will need. They will feel as if they are getting a whole bunch of presents while I will just be buying stuff ahead of time that I would have had to buy anyway!! This will really help keep the Christmas budget in line, too.

Lisa

 

[sandiegosusie]

I found Disney Pez at Target along with Disney spinning suckers that I plan on just refilling. The same ones that are sold in the candy shop on Main Street. Disney toothbrushes and toothpaste are going in my girls' Disney travel kits that I found at Toys R Us. I ordered Guest of Honor Badges from www.laughingplace.com that are adorable. We also just bought our family matching Dis shirts from Disneydirect.com for a whopping $30 for a set of 4. Not bad with coupon codes! Good luck and I hope this helps!

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

How about rolls of pennies for the pressed penny machines?