My dd (then just over age 2) chose for her souvenirs a Minnie Mouse flowered cap that came with a pair of sunglasses and a snap-on rubber bracelet with the fab 5 on it (got those at a little shop at MGM over near Pizza Planet). At World of Disney she chose a t-shirt and a light spinner. All the kids wanted those balloon balls they have outside World of Disney at DTD -- but do know that the inside of that thing is indeed a balloon, so once it deflates, confiscate it! My dd chose some pressed pennies as we would go through the parks (but we kept those "for her", because of the fear she would lose or "taste-test" them!) She now wants a "book" just like her brothers' for her 9-penny collection! I also had brought a few items to give the kids each day in special "treat bags" (stickers, a Mickey lollipop or Pooh pez dispenser, little battery powered fans, water toys, etc.) These I had picked up at
WalMart or Dollar stores or Disney stores on sale in the months preceeding our trip. It sure helped to curb the "gimmies" in the park when they already knew each day would automatically bring a little treat! All 3 kids (ages 2, 6, and 7, plus 3 yr old nephew) were content to wait until the last two days to really "spend" their souvenir money!
Some items to also consider -- the shaped crayons (they have a set of Pooh ones, and also Mickey & Co, possibly also Princess -- they are molded at the top like the characters. These are about $10; I think there are 24 in the set.) Coloring books (there is one of the WDW parks -- pretty cool!) Also those play sets are a BIG hit (they have 'em all at Once upon a Toy -- they are about 12.50, if memory serves. They are often on sale at
Disneystore.com, however, so know before you go! They have Ariel, B and the Beast, Snow White, etc. HOWEVER-- Some have small parts you may want to confiscate...) There are also a plethora of Princess items these days, available at either Disney or at TOysRUs. I have already gotten little princess dolls for my dd's 3rd birthday -- so cute, they come with little ponys the dolls can ride in.
And lest I forget -- beanies. My dd chose a Gopher at WDW at Once Upon a Toy....verrrry cute, I have to say, and not found at the Disney Stores, either -- after all, as my nametag states, he's "not in the book, you know!" He is dd's pride and joy because her pediatrician (who has EVERY DISNEY THING EVERY MADE, I SWEAR, crammed in his office!), despite having all the plates, all the snowglobes, all the beanies... does NOT have a Gopher! No where! She takes it in with her and he pretends to steal it every time. So this summer we are on a mission to bring the good doc back a gopher....
Hope this helps! 2 yrs old is actually the easy stage -- fairly cheap and simple! It's the older kids that run up the buckage!
