Gift Ideas for a Family

I, too, think what you are doing is wonderful!! and I have a slightly different take. I'd suggest getting gift cards, if possible one for each child AND mom and dad to for example a Super Walmart or Super Target. That way, not only will they each receive something they want/need, but they could have the self-esteem/satisfaction of buying for someone else in their family, if they choose. That is, they could use the card to buy for themselves, or choose to each buy for another in their family, and mom and dad would know the feeling of "having enough" to buy a gift.
Again, whatever you choose to do it is wonderful for you to embrace them and their needs!

J.,
This is going to be a little different advice than what most people would give you and so you can take it with a grain of salt. Growing up, there were six kids in our family. We were also very disadvantaged. The only gifts we ever got was from some sort of church or charitable donation. It's tough as a kid knowing that your family is different. Come January when everybody is back at school and all the kids are talking about what they got for Christmas, It's tough to be the kid saying that you got socks. I think that kids need more than just the bare necessities but they also need self-esteem and a sense of normalcy. I would leave the practical gifts to the charitable organizations, assuming one might be able to help them out and treat them to something fun instead. Do they have a car? If they have their own transportation I might give them a gift card to a local movie theatre or a bowling alley, ect. Even if they are on food stamps, nowadays most people don't get enough to live on and are eating mustard sandwiches by the end of the month. A gift card to a practical restraunt would be nice. I know that there are more ways that you could make the money stretch but coming from a kid who was in that same spot not too long ago, I would have loved that feeling of just being normal for once. Of being able to hold my head up high in a nice restraunt or a movie theatre. In the rare event I ever got a toy or something that was just fun FOR Me. It was like it came from another world and it always made me strive to do better in school and to get myself out of the situation I was in because it made me realize that life was FUN and not just tough and if I worked hard I could have that life someday. I was lucky that there was always some church that gave us something that we needed for Christmas but there was never any organization that gave us what we wanted. I think something fun would be a nice little break from reality for these people. Maybe next year, you can get some co-workers or family members together and ask for people to sponsor this family and pull your resources to give them some food, clothes and something FUN! Regardless of what you choose to do, I am sure that they will be grateful for it and I commend you for believing in the true spirit of Christmas.

Money is tight for many people and even charitable organizations are unable to meet the needs this year. It is wonderful that you see a need and are willing and able to respond. My dad tells story of his large family growing up and getting care packages from the community for the 8 siblings. Practical items definitely fill a need but what about a break from the day-to-day struggle for a day of fun? An event that they would never be able to afford would be a great stress reliever for mom and would give her the rare gift of seeing her children having an experience that they might otherwise never have. Exposure to events also let's kids be kids and see that there are things to look forward to in life.

Ice skating, roller rinks, bowling alleys,or a package for the dollar theater with concessions followwed by a meal out or skating and a pizza . . .?

May God bless you for your generosity.

Speaking as someone in a very similar situation I would say the socks and underwear would be greatly appreciated. My kids get so excited when they get new socks and underwear and boy does the cost add up fast! We have 9 still at home. Kids from large families learn to really appreciate practical gifts. Last year we had to skip the underwear and socks as I just could afford it so when they get the new ones this year ...... I think it is so sweet of you to help the family out and I am sure they appreciate it. You are a blessing!!

K.

J.,
if this family is struggling to make ends meet common daily things will matter the most.
Think things that cannot be purchased with food stamps. Laundry detergent, softener, toilet papre, paper towels, foil paper plates. dis soap. hair spray deorderant, shampoo conditioner, toothpaste and the school supplies you have gotten in the past Zipper closing bags too.

Socks and undies woudl be helpful and the girls probably wear the 9-11 size and the guys the mens 6-12 size ranges.

need sizes for undies, but my guess for th older girls a 6 or 7 ladies and for the second grader, maybe a 7=8 or 10-12 if she is a big girl. the guys, go by jeans sizes for the waist band.

What about hair doodads for the little girl. and so nice ponytail holders and such for the older two.

Boys need razors and shave cream and the girls too.

For the adults a mag subscription would be something welcomed liek Reader's Dirgest or the AJC daily paper.

When you are stretching pennies as far as they can go. the no parishables are the "luxury" items that get cut first. If they have a pet some pet food would be appreciated too.

It's the little things that a family who is having hard times that get missed.

HTH,
B.

I would definitely say socks, as socks are always needed for the entire family. As far as underwear, you may want to find out what kind they use? But then again, they can always return it. For example, my 12yo uses the long boxer brief kind....kind of like boxers, but my 11yo used the regular white underwear up until this year and switched over like his brother.

You can always get fleece pants and shirts, those are easy to buy for people too.

Mother of 4

I just wanted to say that its a really great thing that you are doing for that family. Wish you and the family the best in 2010. God bless you for thinking of others and helping when you can.