Having been there myself in the years past I can say the things that kill you at the grocery store (for mom.. cleaning supplies etc are budget breakers every single time.. talk about cringing when you have to buy laundry soap.. and toothpaste and 409 all in one week. It is enough to make you want to cry).. for the kids that list was great. They love games. And can be used by the family not just one kid, interactive..art supplies things that get used again and again. Tween years? lotions was right on, they all like to smell like candy (my girl did) and boys want to smell more grown up too.. I would check out the kids where your gifting.. what is the "it" item.. skateboard shirts? Hurley written on them? maybe one cool item is so much better than ten average ones... the McDonald cards NEVER go out of style with kids. Your someones true angel. That mom is probably really under a lot of stress and your relieving some of it. That is a super gift.