ChristusG Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 On DH's side of the family there are lots of cousins. We usually see them at Christmas time so we like to bring a little something. Their ages/genders are approx.... newborn twin girls 3 year old girl 4 year old girl 4 year old boy 5 year old boy 6 year old boy 8 year old boy 9 year old boy 11 year old girl 11 year old girl 13 year old girl I thought about getting the kids, ages 5 and up, some personalized pencils and put them in a little pencil box and adding some candy in there. Since all of them attend school, then I thought they may be able to use them at school. Is this a boring gift for a kid? I'm wondering if I should think of something else. It just can't be too expensive. It's hard to find inexpensive things for a group of kids. But then again, by the time I buy the pencils, the box, and some candy, that's getting a bit expensive. I'm not sure what else to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 how about something like this Scratch & Solve Hangman #5 (036979) Details - Rainbow Resource Center, Homeschooling Curriculum and Homeschooling Supplies. Wh plus a smencil or something like that. my kids (ages 7, 9 and 11) LOVE these little books and it keeps them busy for a long while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted October 19, 2011 Author Share Posted October 19, 2011 Oh, great idea!! I never thought to look at Rainbow Resource....I bet they have lots of neat little things like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I would like to cast my vote in the Boring column. :D I think it's a cute idea, but as more of a back-to-school thing, or as a stocking stuffer, but not really as a stand-alone gift, especially because as you said, it won't be cheap to buy the pencils, the pencil boxes, and the candy, and then wrap it up nicely. I think you could do something that looks more impressive for the same total cost. What is your budget per child? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted October 19, 2011 Author Share Posted October 19, 2011 I would like to cast my vote in the Boring column. :D I think it's a cute idea, but as more of a back-to-school thing, or as a stocking stuffer, but not really as a stand-alone gift, especially because as you said, it won't be cheap to buy the pencils, the pencil boxes, and the candy, and then wrap it up nicely. I think you could do something that looks more impressive for the same total cost. What is your budget per child? I'd absolutely love to stick with about $3 or $4 per child....but I'm not sure that's feasible because I don't want to just give junk. I guess the max is about $5 or $6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennsmile Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I got personalized pencils once if you do just do first names. Nobody needs to know middle names in this day and age. Maybe get scented pencils. Or colored pencils or markers How about combining siblings and getting them a certificate to something like netflix, local cheap movie chain, or redbox and some microwave popcorn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beccad777 Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 What about a magazine subscription to Highlights or National Geographic Kids or something similar. One subscription per family. The kids might not be thrilled at first, but each month they will appreciate it. I, as a parent, would love a gift like this for my kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beaners Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 What about little things from the $1 section at Target? (if you have one nearby) It's cheap, and they have lots of fun stuff that isn't as ratty as stuff from the dollar store. We always find puzzles, books, dry erase boards and other little toys there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Have you ever looked at Oriental Trading? There stuff comes in lots of 12 or more and the prices are usually very reasonable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 PS my 4 year old would be thrilled with a sharpened pencil with his name on it. He loves anything with his name on it and has recently been grabbing at my pencils and starting to "write" with them. These are really cool colored pencils ($12 for 2): http://www.amazon.com/Colored-12-Packs-Wildlife-Recycled-Newspaper/dp/B003U46Q1U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319055012&sr=8-2 Not personalized, but these are fun twin packs. 5 for $9 http://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Pencil-OBON-Touch-School/dp/B0040L1FZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319055012&sr=8-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trresh Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 (edited) I asked my 3 kids (DD13, DS10 and DD8) and they all said they'd like to receive the pencils and candy as a gift. You could find out what their favorite candies are before you filled the bag and if you had any money left in the budget you could put McDonald's coupons in the pencil holder, too. They sell them around Christmas. ETA: The Dollar Tree sells pencil sharpeners shaped like piranhas....2/$1 Party City sells lots of neat loose candy. You could get a lot of variety that way. Edited October 19, 2011 by Trresh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I had a teacher in 3rd grade who gave us something like this for Christmas http://www.forteachersonly.com/static/products/17.php?pv=1&item=17 one year. The fact that I can still remember it tells me just how significant it was to get pencils-with my NAME on them! They don't look very expensive at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted October 19, 2011 Author Share Posted October 19, 2011 Wow, lots of great gift ideas here! Now I just have to figure out what I'd like to do. Decisions, decisions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaffodilDreams Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 What about a magazine subscription to Highlights or National Geographic Kids or something similar. One subscription per family. The kids might not be thrilled at first, but each month they will appreciate it. I, as a parent, would love a gift like this for my kids. I agree! Mamapedia recently had some great kids mags for a $10 subscription. Someone also posted earlier today about a ZooBooks deal today on Zulily. $15, I think. One subscription per family would be awesome! I also like the movie idea. Or what about an inexpensive family board game as one joint gift per family? I know games go on sale around the holidays. Puzzles would work in this case, too. A set of shrinky dinks per family? My cousins and I always enjoyed working on those together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 if you get each family a gamewright game, those run about $10 each and those are great gifts!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaffodilDreams Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Have you ever looked at Oriental Trading? There stuff comes in lots of 12 or more and the prices are usually very reasonable. Oh, that's another good idea! One of our most favorite gifts came from there - a little wooden nativity set - the stable was a storage box (roof was the lid) when not in use. We LOVE pulling it out each year and smile thinking about our friends. Not a pricey gift at all, but it brings us joy every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 My first grade teacher gave us personalized crayon bags (piece of fabric, elastic and string to pull it shut, name written on nicely with marker) I don't know if it came with crayons in it but I used it throughout 5th grade and still have it, filled with well loved crayons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaffodilDreams Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 (edited) Buy a box of ornaments and personalize an ornament in some way for each child? I've always love giving and receiving books, too. Maybe Amazon has some 4 for 3 deals going on? I know this could be difficult if you don't know what each family already has, prefers, or allows, though. To expand on the movie idea - a family Christmas movie wrapped up with a box or jar of popcorn . . . You are putting me in a Christmas spirit now! Thank you!!! : ) Edited October 19, 2011 by kimmie38017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I must agree, I'm afraid. I got these every.single.year. growing up from one of our cousins. The trip to my Dad's family for Christmas was a let down before it ever began as we'd always just get this and some cotton, dollar store underwear from my Grandma.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 My daughter's name is Never available at the racks that sell personalized items. She would have loved you forever if you go her something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 (edited) How about a craft kit? I just found a bunch of Crayola crafts at Target today regularly $14.98 on sale for $2.48-$3.47. I bought a bunch for Christmas gifts. We love Nerft guns here. You can often find small ones on sale for less than $5. Edited October 19, 2011 by Jaz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I don't think there's anything wrong with just giving junk. :D A that price level, I think you'll make everyone happier if you give a little bag of dollar store stuff that will be enjoyed then forgotten within a week. There's sort of something to be said for tiny bouncy balls, squeeze rockets, dollar activity books, wind up robots and the like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margo out of lurking Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 My kids have never been overly fond of regular pencils, personalized or not. They'd much prefer mechanical pencils, gel pens, or markers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Last year I wrapped a candy bar & $2 bill. They loved it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I think it's a gift that is not necessarily likely to inspire "Oohs" and "Aahs" when they open it but that they will enjoy and appreciate when they start using it. The other kids will probably think they are cool. My stepmom once gave me a beautiful wooden clipboard for my birthday. I was kinda like, "Huh?" when I opened it, but it has been one of the most useful gifts I've ever received. Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 You have to buy all of them gifts?!?! :svengo: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted October 19, 2011 Author Share Posted October 19, 2011 Last year I wrapped a candy bar & $2 bill. They loved it. Ya know, that's a good idea. I can get giant hershey bars for under $2 each and sometimes WalGreens will even run a special on them. I could wrap it up and pop a bow on the top....maybe even find a cute Target dollar spot item to go with it. That may be the easy way to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewingmama Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Plain pencils maybe -but kids love anything personalised. My kids would be over the moon to get pencils with their name on them. I think it would be a nice gift. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't need a pencil or like candy :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 We get each of the kids a book. If you look on Amazon there are a ton of 3 for 4 options and if you choose chapter books or paperback picture books it would work out to around $4 a book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Ya know, that's a good idea. I can get giant hershey bars for under $2 each and sometimes WalGreens will even run a special on them. I could wrap it up and pop a bow on the top....maybe even find a cute Target dollar spot item to go with it. That may be the easy way to go! Call your bank or credit union ahead of time. For some reason my bank only keeps so many $2 bills on hand and I had to run around town looking for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trresh Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Origami shirts for the boys and origami rings for the girls. You can find 'how to' videos on YouTube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoika Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Glow sticks. They're usually $1 each and kids LOVE them. Bonus: the kids will send the rest of the get-together in a dark closet admiring their super-cool glow sticks & you'll have a complete conversation with another adult! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyniffrec Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love the origami idea! What about a small Playmobil set for each kid? The ones with just a figure or two are in your price range. They sell them at Target and sometimes go on clearance or on sale. You could also do a set per family, but with the age range that might not be practical (unless some families have all small or all bigger kids). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Ya know, that's a good idea. I can get giant hershey bars for under $2 each and sometimes WalGreens will even run a special on them. I could wrap it up and pop a bow on the top....maybe even find a cute Target dollar spot item to go with it. That may be the easy way to go! This was my go to gift before gift cards for tweens. A giant candy bar and cash. Can't get much better than that! DD12 and her friends love Squishy Belly Penguins from TJs. Origami penguin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 My kids would like the candy bar more than the pencils. The personalized pencils we received one year were difficult to write with and ended up in the trash. I was planning to suggest a food item too. My girls (10 & 7) would also love a cookie or rice krispie treat that was oversized. You could make a big batch of Rice Krispie treats decorated with the holiday mini M&Ms, and cut them into huge slices. Of course, a candy bar would be easier. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Another thing (depending on the gift choice) is to put it in one of the cute printable bags or boxes from this website: http://www.thetoymaker.com/2Toys.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoxcell Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have no idea's for you but want to say I sympathize we have 17 nieces and nephews. Now you have reminded me I need to start thinking about Christmas myself.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirandahoops Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I asked my kids if they would like the personalized pencils and candy in a pencil box and if that would be a good gift. Here are the results: dd, 10 - made a face like, Not really ds, 8, "I think that is nice" :) (he's really appreciative of anything that you say is a gift, though. He was thrilled to get underwear for Christmas one year because they were "Just for ME!" LOL) ds, 7, "How about just some candy?!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2_girls_mommy Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Put me in the boring category I guess :) I actually did the personalized pencils and pencil bags one year for little nieces, nephews, and cousins. I liked the idea. Now I see that they probably did not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I'm thinking of giving these as stocking stuffers/small gifts for my Lego maniac extended family. Lego has put out 5 series of these minifigures, about $3 each @ WM or Toys R Us. http://minifigures.lego.com/en-gb/Bios/Default.aspx It's like a Lottery--you don't know which one of the 16 you're buying. Only one of them comes in pink. :tongue_smilie: My boys will each buy one, and then good-naturedly trade and swap out (even with other friends). ALSO, the Rainbow Resource Christmas Catalog arrived in my mailbox today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooketopia Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I prefer to plan fun activities rather than giving presents. Extended family get-togethers usually mean some seriously boring times for the Littles with grown-ups catching up and usually being in an elderly person's house (read: DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING). Instead of gaggle of cheap gifts that their mothers will inevitably throw away when she finds them on the floor of the minivan in January, why not plan a fun activity or two that will build memories instead? One year I baked up gingerbread houses and we spent an evening decorating gingerbread houses together (Candy for decorations is expensive! Use your gift budget for that!). Another year I bought a bunch of Red Heart yarn and some knitting needles and taught a bunch of Littles how to knit (bonus of keeping them busy...even on the long car rides home). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunriseiz Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Wow! Lots of great ideas! I loved personalized anything (including pencils) growing up and my kids would love them. I also think the smencils and dollar bill origami are great ideas and the lego mini's too! Pick your favorite and go with it! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amydavis Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love the candy bar/$2 bill idea! I'll have to remember that one. I also think going the "group gift" route is a good one. That's what we did last year for my brother's children. We got one of the holiday popcorn tins (the kind that Wal-Mart sells with the three flavors of popcorn inside) and put a movie with it. Oh, and we also got each of them one of the holiday editions of sprite or coke (they're in the shape of an ornament), and also usually at Wal-Mart. So, they had the snack, drink, and movie - everything for a great movie night. (I like themed gifts :001_smile:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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