Gifts for Comforting

**emily_hope** · 12-01-2006, 10:19 PM

If you were making a gift bag for a foster child, what would you put in the bag besides everyday things like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hygiene items. A stuffed animal? Something that would comfort them? Any ideas? Thanks for the help.

**Buckeye5** · 12-01-2006, 10:22 PM

If it is for a girl, maybe a little music box. Maybe a nice fleece blanket, with a nice gist tag on it. Maybe soem books like CHicken soup for the soul, for teenagers. Just a few quick ideas.

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-01-2006, 10:22 PM

I would say a stuffed animal but it really depends on their age I guess, I know I gave a child a stuffed animal and I found out this child didn't go anywhere without it, she was like 7 or 8, so I know that they appreciate things like that.

**lottaLove** · 12-01-2006, 10:25 PM

For a boy, I would do a Tonka truck (or something like that) with the back of the truck filled with cookies or books or a teddy bear...etc.
For a girl, I would do maybe a teddy bear holding the music box like in the idea above, or maybe a warm pair of jammies with a small bear and a book.

**Cele** · 12-01-2006, 10:31 PM

Soft slippers, socks, or gloves would be a treat for boys or girls. I like the stuffed animal for little children.

**lilk** · 12-02-2006, 12:17 AM

A picture of them with the rest of the foster family would be a nice gift. I think this would make them feel special and loved. You could put it in a nice album or fame. And maybe a coupon for a special outing for you and the foster child alone. Just a thuoght. All the ideals are great. Good Luck!

**sunshine** · 12-02-2006, 12:41 AM

A fleece blanket, of their very own is nice. . . and the bag could maybe be a duffle bag --- so many of them get moved at a moment's notice, that they must leave in a hurry.

For older ones, perhaps a journal with lock/key?

Candy

**MarshHen** · 12-02-2006, 05:36 AM

I have been involved with the Foster Children program for 12 years now through 2 different counties, and we adopted our now 14 yr. old dd when when she was 6. We still do gift bags each year and here are some ideas that we use.

Most agencies have a wish list for each child in their foster care program. You can contact the agency and they will gladly give you info (gender, race, age) on a child and let you know what the child has on their wish list. They all love personal gifts that they can call their own such as a blanket, a bed pillow and pillow case with a favorite charater or their name. Even the young children (4-6) love disposable cameras so they can take pictures of and with their foster families and also their birth families when they have visits. Include a small photo album with the camera and maybe even a small scrapbook w/supplies. Gift cards to book and music stores and movie passes are also a big hit for the teen boys and girls.

These are just a few ideas we have used. It is easier though if you know a little about the child and what they want. The camera and photo album is always loved by all the kids. I would even include one in a bag for a baby so that the foster parents can take pictures for the child and maybe the birth family to have later. I know how precious the pictures Mickie has of her birth family are to her, so I know this is a great idea.

Hope this has been helpful and bless you for giving to a child who needs all the love and support they can get, especially during the holidays.

**emily_hope** · 12-02-2006, 08:38 AM

Thanks for the ideas and for answering so quickly. I do like the idea of the disposable camera and album. I knew there were things I hadn't thought of.

**Cele** · 12-02-2006, 09:43 AM

MarshHen's post reminded me that a few years ago our church did a back pack drive for a local children's home. Seems most kids in foster or state care carry their belongings in trashbags. We provided backpacks for all ages and simple wheeled bags for older kids. Was a big hit and gave the kids back a shred of dignity.

**foxxyroxie** · 12-03-2006, 07:57 AM

You could do a backpack (we found brand new ones with the tags still on at Goodwill yesterday for $2.99). You could fill with pens/pencils, markers/colored pencils, color/activity book, notebooks, folders, cards/game, mini puzzle, bouncy ball, stuffed animal, toothpaste, toothbrush, socks, and if permitted, a few treats like orange/apple, granola bars, fruit snacks, a candy cane, lifesavers.

**pkellyc** · 12-03-2006, 01:39 PM

My sister has 3 kids that were raised in foster homes. Personal items are right on target. I remember buying the boys hooded sweatshirts with team logos on them that they wore until they were in shreds. A silver charm bracelet for the 10 year old girl who treated it like it was made out of diamonds and rubies. Our first Christmas with the kids was unbelievable, it seems they had never received more than 2 or 3 gifts. The foster mom would let them look through the flyers picking out items that were $10 or less and that is what they would receive. So when asked what they wanted Santa to bring they didn't know what to ask for and would run to get the flyers to look at prices.

For anyone interested I noticed at my local Wendy's they have a tree with foster children on it to buy for. I am not sure if it's all over the country or not. Most of the wish list was for coats and sneakers that I know the foster moms must have asked for. But I chose the one 10 year old boy that wanted a CD player. I figure the coats and sneaks will come but a CD player and gift card will be treasured.

**Bethany** · 12-03-2006, 08:51 PM

A journal for an older child.
Coloring books with crayons for a little one. A nice pair of jammies. A hand held game.

**brainyblonde** · 12-03-2006, 10:07 PM

I bought and made up several of the fleece throw kits from JoAnn Fabrics, and they were so well received. They're soft, snuggly, warm and easy to wash.