toys for tots.. need suggestions.

[frylock]

Every year I try and buy some toys to donate, as my family was dirt poor when I was a child, and if it had not been for some "secret santas", usually friends of the family from church, our xmas' would have been unbearable. Buying stuff for boys has always been easy, because I just buy toys I really liked as a kid; Hot Wheels, a basketball, ya know, stuff like that. I always struggle though when picking out things for the girls. This year was the worst yet. Usually, I'll try and find some Fisher-Price stuff, like the barnyard set or something. This year it was wall-to-wall Bratz, Flavas, Barbies and beauty krap. If any DUers with young daughters out there could offer up some suggestions as to what a little girl would like to receive for xmas, it would be mucho appreciado. I'm thinking of making a Target run here a little later. TIA!

[KCDem]

1. My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake

Those are great gifts for the 2-6-y-old crew. The boxes say "3 and up", but parents can take the combs, etc. away.

Also--anything from Dora the Explorer, coloring books, art supplies in general.

I'm the opposite of you--I know what to buy girls but not boys.

Good luck!

[frylock]

2. yeah.. i was lookin at some artsy craftsy stuff too..

those are great suggestions. Thanks!

[catmandu57]

3. It's great that you do this

If it's possible maybe you could pick up something for older kids, they tend to get forgotten, the teenagers I mean. I try to drop something off at our local eoc office. Hat and gloves, cd's, make up things like that, thanks for caring.

[frylock]

5. thanks for the props..

and you're right, not enough thought is given to the needy teens. I'll get some stuff for those kids as well!

[Kamika]

6. Is my little pony still popular??

I thought it went out in the early 90s

[KCDem]

14. it's popular AGAIN

Made a comeback, along with Strawberry Shortcake.

[Kamika]

18. omfg

I'll find some 10 year old girls and play all day!

I'll be the most popular girl in school!

[TrogL]

4. anything with a really kewl box

Kids those age take the toy out, break it, the spend hours playing with the box.

[Don_G]

7. Whenever I'm Facing A Decision Like That

I hang out for an hour at the Mall to see what they're buying.

I'm clueless in that area myself.

[spinbaby]

8. What age?

Toddlers of both sexes love toy cell phones. Lots of buttons and cool noises. Also, don't discount the many building toys for girls--they love Legos, too.

[frylock]

9. yeah.. i thought about legos..

all I could find at the K-Mart were Star-Wars Lego sets, and the like. I'm gonna make a run by the Target a little later. Perhaps they'll have a better selection.

[grasswire]

10. how about....

....that Leapfrog thingy? I don't know how expensive it is, but it looks like a lot of fun!

[frylock]

11. i'm sure i don't know what you're talkin about..

but I'll look into it!

on edit:

Okay.. now I know what you mean. Yeh.. I'm down with that. I like the fact that it's one of them thar edjamacashunal toys. I'll take a looksee!

[KCDem]

17. Leapfrog makes some great toys

We got the Fridge Phonics for our daughter's 2nd birthday, and it has taught her a lot. Our 4-y-old has the LeapPad. Those are pretty expensive, though, and the kids would need to get new "books" for it, which run about $15/pop.

[frylock]

19. yeah.. i try and avoid toys that require upgrades or batteries.

good point.

[prolesunited]

12. I'm a traditionalist

I always give children books. Make sure they are interesting or beautifully illustrated so they become a treasured possession.

[cally]

13. Last year I gave a couple packaged

sets of Harry Potter. The woman takeing the gifts told me it was the perfect gift. I found a great deal at Costco on those. I also think stuffed animals and craft/art supplies are great gifts. Costco and Target usually have great art sets that are both fun and useful for school projects.

Thanks for reminding me. I'm off to shop for this tomorrow.

[frylock]

15. i think those books prolly made a great gift for some teen..

thanks for the great idea. You too, proles!

[bleedingheart]

16. Swan Lake Barbie - Odette is her name...is my little gal's

pick for christmas...

Oh and those little plastic Polly dolls...my gal likes those too!