Need help planing a gift --

[Lady_V]

I had a long talk with the Old Man's brother today... after the phone call, I decided I was going to put together a care package for the Holidays. Normally we don't mail gifts to his family, but his brother was recently let go from his job and money is not only tight, it is non-existent.

If you can come up with some ideas, I could use the tips.

His Mom is paying the rent/utilities atm and he is recieving foodstamps... but there are things he needs he can't buy for himself. I don't want to just send money because he has had problems with narcotics.

Guidelines--
everything has to fit in to a flat-rate box
no food (would rather send things he cant buy)
no money, gift cards or anything with monetary value
everything has to serve a purpose

So far, I am thinking about
HM laundry soap
body soap
tooth paste/toothbrushes
shampoo/conditioner
deodorant
handwritten easy recipes using cheap but healthy food

[perSue]

great idea...
simple things like maybe towels, washcloths, a pack of t-shirts (basic white or colours), toys/books for kids, clothing for kids, something nice for wife like perfume or maybe something sewn (if yer going for hm)... pot holders, trivets, coaster, placemats, napkins.

maybe some frugal recipes on pretty notecards. add some fun desserts too so it doesnt seem like "here's some cheap food ideas".

other than basic toilettries (deodorant, soaps, stuff you've already said), i'd go for a little more personalized items. (like clothing - especially if there are kids.)

simple things like scarves, hats, gloves are super useful. an umbrella (the small ones) would fit too. there are those really small "poncho in a pocket" things too.

any pets? chew toys/bones for dogs or jingle toys/treats for cats are fun too.

that's all i got for now... post more later.

[Lady_V]

He doesn't have kids (small miracle there)
He lives in Memphis, so he doesn't really need heavy winter wear, but it sure as heck rains
He does have a dog.
I thought about sending clothes, but the last time we sent clothes, he returned them for the money.

Great ideas... keep them coming! I am hoping to get it in the mail by next week so it will make it on time.

[perSue]

hmm... well what about some homemade foods?
cookies? breads? muffins? can't return those! lol

what about any free samples or travel sized items at stores you may have?

frisbees & tennis balls are cheap dog toys! lol

holiday music cd's? a cheap movie? (from rental stores that sell used ones or discounted ones at electronic or walmart-type stores)

what about hobbies?
(like fishing: lures, bobbers, extra wire, etc. - small/simple things)

hmm.... oddball things that come to mind... (thinking from dollar stores),
candles, basic tools, office supplies, key chain, empty bins/boxes/bags/baskets (storage), holiday paper/ribbon, cologne, socks, sunglasses, hats, belts.
what about new wallet, checkbook cover?

maybe some gum or simple candy wouldnt hurt.

when you're down & out, you really just need the basics: food, shelter, clothing.

is there anything he said he needed when you talked to him?
if nothing else, you can always send clothing out of the package (ie, open the bags, fold the t-shirts and maybe use for "cushioning" of other things in the package.) same with socks (can be put in simple cups).

coffee/tea/cocoa? w/cups or mugs?

i'll keep thinking...

[sunshine]

Music CD's

Dave Ramsey books ? Seriously, any books or magazines you think he'd like.

DVD's or VHS movies

[sunshine]

Music CD's

Dave Ramsey books ? Seriously, any books or magazines you think he'd like.

DVD's or VHS movies

[celina]

razors, i know my husbands are costly....music he might like...i like the idea of book or magazine, crosword puzzles...etc...

[guest002]

I was going to mention men's shaving needs, but I think you've got it covered now w/ all the responses. If you send him clothes you need to cut the name brand label off and destroy the tags, then he couldn't return them

[Wendy99]

I know this isn't a need, but what about pictures etc of your family? Stamps, so he can write back to you and keep in contact? LED flashlight (batteries will last forever), socks, underwear, books or magazines, puzzel books or search a word type books, razors, cologne, deodarant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel or soap, shampoo, clothes (I agree with the above poster cut off the tags & remove labels), I like your idea of easy & frugal recipes too!

[Momto2Boyz]

Sounds like you have lots of good ideas!

This is going to sound really stupid, but when DH wasn't working (well neither of us were, becuase I am a SAHM) and we had no money coming in, I missed the "luxury" items that we had to give up! Alot was really basic stuff like coffee creamer, coffee, snacks, etc.

I still remember the day when my MIL showed up at the door with a bag of groceries. We had refused all help from family, and I was so embarassed, until she explained what she had. She said they weren't groceries, they were presents for everyone. And boy, was it a happy day in our house. She had gone out and bought all the junk food that everyone loved that we couldn't buy! We got soda, doritos, dip, fancy coffee creamer and my favorite was the Hershy's bars! It seems silly, but they were such a treat for us then! (As a side note: I consider that one of my life's lessons and when I think I have it rough now, I think back to that day when getting a Hershey Bar as a gift nearly put me in tears, becuase I was so thankful to have a treat).

Anyhoo, the point is, think of not only the neseccities, but the extras that someone would normally buy for themself but can't when they aren't working! Simply the things that you don't need, but would lift your spirits and put a smile on your face!