Quick! I need ideas for toys to donate for Toys For Tots here.

[flvegan]

My office is participating, and I suddenly realize that even with ALL my immaturity, I have no idea what kids want for Christmas this year. HELP, PLEASE!!!!

No PS3 or Elmo-related items. I don't want to have to pummel someone in the parking lot for charity. Spirit of the Holidays, and all.

Thanks, Lounge!!

[JackBeck]

1. What about that electronic, handheld game "20 Questions"?

I think it's called Q20 or something like that. It's also gender neutral and I think costs $10.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

2. I adopted two Salvation Army Angel Tree Angels

The little girl asked for a karaoke system, so I got her the Hello Kitty one (she's 7). The young man asked for a CD walkman, so I got him that.

[Deja Q]

3. Hmmm, probably not this one then:

[flvegan]

4. I don't even want to know what that is.

Intriguing, nonetheless.

[soleft]

5. There's a new Pikachu out

That's why I got for my Toys for Tots drive.

[RubyDuby in GA]

6. I saw an interview on my local news that they need specific age groups

They need toys for infants to two years old and 10 - 12 years old.
I've gotten several things at Babies R Us when I've been shopping for my own.

[azmouse]

7. Check Target for basic toys.

I found babydolls with extra clothing for under $20 and small tea sets for only $5.

[Midlodemocrat]

15. This is a great suggestion. The Kool line of toys

are very, very inexpensive and that way a person can buy several things for a child.

[mopinko]

8. legos

every kid needs legos, and if they already have legos, they want more legos. the sets come in all sizes, from the little mini sets to the $250 robot sets.

[Corgigal]

9. Go to your local Toysrus

You can get your own personal shopper, who will stay with you the whole time, and help you pick out what the kids want these days. Call, or just show up and ask.


My daughter works there part time, and a big corporation just came in with over 7 grand and needed to pick up toys for that same program. The three of them got it done.

[Whoa_Nelly]

10. Tonka toys, blocks, art set with paper

Trucks, fire engines, baby dolls, doll stroller, Barbie dolls, toddler-age toys. Would stay away from things that require batteries simply because if a kid is from a family that can't afford Christmas, then buying batteries to keep a toy running may make the it a dead end toy.

It's not so much about finding what kids want, it's about donating things for kids of varied ages and interests.

[Left Is Write]

11. Activity books, Chicken Socks craft kits, Floam, art supplies...

model airplane and model car kits, action figures, Polly Pockets, puzzles, board games, bead kits. If possible, try to get something for a "tween" age or a teenager.

[Ariana Celeste]

12. My SO's company did that and I was lost too

I ended up buying a few things of silly putty (which I loved as a kid), a little monster truck thing, and a polly pocket (is that what it's called?).

[LeftyMom]

13. hey wait, doesn't your girlfriend work at a toy store?

Yeah, I already talked to you about this, I'm just kicking in case anybody else has a cool idea for you to see when you get home.

[Gormy Cuss]

14. A general suggestion

Toys for older boys tend to be scarce and you should look for items that would have appealed to you at ages 9-12.

[flvegan]

16. Like a bike or scooter?

I'm leaning towards the scooter idea.

[Left Is Write]

17. A scooter is a great idea - they are very, very popular.

[flvegan]

20. Full credit goes to LeftyMom.

When you need clear, precise thinking during a toy crisis, always turn to a mom.

[Gormy Cuss]

18. Scooter sounds cool.

My suggestion is based on what I've seen at toy drives. People find it easy to buy for younger kids and seem to donate little for older boys.

[Mutley]

19. Stuff you can't find anywhere.

:P

The Fisher Price Kid Tough digital camera for toddler age kids. Playskool makes an air hockey table that I kind of want for myself. :P The Baby Alive doll. Fly Wheels are fun. Legos -- can't forget the legos. Though I don't particularly like them, Bratz are popular among girls. Moon Sand, and Moon Shoes! I love those things, and I'm kinda pissed that they don't make them for adults. That's what I can think of off the top of my head from work. Good luck! :hi: