Miracle Tree
 

Hi,

Our church put up a Miracle Tree, on it are tags with age groups for children. My understanding is we can pick a tag and purchase a gift for that age group and give it.

We do not know anything about the individual getting the gift, only the age and sex. And they do not know who it is from.

I picked a tag for a 13-17 yr old boy.

What do I get for this child? Looking for ideas. (would a gift card to a book store be ok, or would that be the easy way out). Because of the age, I am not sure what to get. And I am assuming these kids are from families that can not afford much for extras.

I thought a gift card would give the individual an opportunity to go buy something they would like to have. I felt a bookstore offered good choices for entertainment or knowledge, whatever he chooses. And I thought I would throw in a package of socks(because everyone can use socks) , and some sort of treat.

Help!

This is a hard one.
Something that does not require batteries.

I think a gift card to a book store would be wonderful (former used bookstore owner, here), unless they also sell music. Perhaps, you could select a book yourself. That age is perfect to introduce teen boys to science fiction/ fantasy so I would suggest the first books in a series. I am sure that the staff would help. The first of a Piers Anthony (fantasy) or Isaac Asimov or Robert Heinlein (both classic science fiction). It could open a whole new world!
I witnessed many a transformation during my years in bookstores: personality change from sullen to open and inquisitive, and new interest in school and learning!

A gift card to Walmart would be good. He can chose what ever he wants or needs. Walmart caries a larger variety of items and a Walmart store is never very far away.

In the past we've made a small stocking and put candy, socks and school supplies (pens, pencils) and the gift card for a store where they could purchase what they needed. We chose Walmart because the store had a larger variety of items they could buy (clothing, books, or a small toy).

I don't think you could go wrong with a WalMart gift card. They can get most anything they'd want there.

First, check with the organizing group at your church, as sometimes gift cards are not allowed ... as they want "real" gifts.

For any gift cards, unless I know it's something the individual "really" wants ...
I think it's important to be sure it offers lots of options. While a book store gift card may be good for many, for some it may be less than appreciated ... unless the book store offers a lot more than books, and then there are many options available.

For example, one year, my sister gave me a gift card for Sears ... guess what? I had a hard time spending it, as I really did not want anything at Sears. I eventually spent it, but sadly, not on things that brought any "joy" to me! :)


I really like Tartan's idea of a super-sized chocolate bar ... who wouldn't be thrilled with that? :D

i like the bookstore gift card... the drawback is... is there one of those stores in his area? does he have transportation to go redeem it? if those answers are yes, then books are terrific!!

I think a giftcard to Walmart would be a great choice.

iTunes gift cards or gift cards to the movies comes to mind.

I agree with QuiltE ... check with the Church first to see if gift cards are even allowed.

If so, instead of a certain store - check out the Visa gift cards that can be used anywhere they accept Visa. Specific stores (even Wal-Mart) may not be accessible to everyone, especially if the parents don't have transportation.

I would also make up a small stocking with some goodies and some some school supplies.

Please be careful with a gift card to a specific store as many families who live in low income housing do not have cars and must walk or get a taxi to get to the stores.

We have 3 Wal-Marts and none are in walking distance or even in our town to just jump in the car and go for one item.

I would be careful about books by Robert Heinlien. His early books were good but his later books had a lot of SICK sex in them, not something you would want a teenager to read. The last one I purchased I threw away after about 5 chapters.

Why not give them a completed item that does not call for them to "get to" a store should there be mobility problems. What about a boy quilt, a kit to build something, a knit cap or scarf.

YIKES! Our gift trees state the age, sex, and desired items of which it's the giver's choice on how much to fill. You have your work cut out for you! A gift card is a good bet. Nothing wrong with WalMart, but bookstores carry much more than books these days. In this case, I would not give anything homemade. This is probably for a disadvantaged child who would delight in being able to have a gift card to spend.

That's not much to go on. I have four boys, and I know at that age they start getting very picky and self conscious - and they all had totally different tastes. I think a gift card would be the best route, though I'm not particularly a Walmart fan. I don't think any of my boys would have appreciated a gift card from a bookstore. And you might throw in a ball (basketball, football or soccer ball) so he has something he can use immediately. I don't know any boy who couldn't use those along with the socks.

I definitely would check to see if the gift card is allowed; then give a more generic one like the Visa card. He may need to spend it on food, clothes or even medicine for a family member or gasoline. Everything else is so personal and at that age things we consider all boys would like, many boys wouldn't willingly be caught dead with- depending on their peer group. If the church doesn't accept gift cards then the larger organization in town should have a list of acceptable gift items.

I have 3 teenage boys in that age range. If its electronic they would love it! If you want to give an actual gift get headphones, yes no joke! Teenage boys hate clothes if any kind for a gift...just being honest! They do like gloves and hats. Boys go through headphones like you would not believe, a great gift is a decent pair. If they are in need then a 20 dollar pair is ideal (skull candy is an awesome brand) they would love them!! Hope that helps!!

Having a son of my own, I agree with Rachel (QuiltingCrazie)! Please don't get an unknown teen boy a gift of clothing! However, I also have to disagree with the suggestion of headphones, as not every teen (especially low-income, young teens) would have a device that uses headphones.

My son is now in his early 20's but he and his friends (when younger) always appreciated cookies and other edibles. Other ideas -
Flashlight (a good one, even if it has to be a smaller one) w/batteries
Compass (directional type)

Hi,
One would think that someone would think to put sizes on the tag, and favorite colors, and personal needs as well, and of course a game of sorts. This would make this particular child's Christmas a bit more personal and a bit more complete with a little touch of personal warmth of humanism.

As a retired teacher, I agree with Krst on the small stocking full of small school supplies, be sure to put in pencils, map colors and a red & black ball point pen, most schools require these for this age group- kids of all ages never have enough school supplies, and by this time of the year they are running out of what they had for the beginning of the year. These alone would be great, but it might not be as good of a Christmas as a young boy might hope to receive. A gift card as well would be just great and he could buy something fun he might want as well as having the needed school supplies.

My daughter works at a school that is an academy for children that have been removed from their homes for some reason and are on welfare. For the most part these are high functioning children ranging from 7th grade to 12th grade graduation. They usually are transported to buy clothes and shop for personal items. So gift cards are appreciated because they are able to use it anyway they like. The idea of Walmart or Target or even Best Buy is good because they have everything from electronics, CD,s, DVD's, books and clothes. If you have a store of similar nature - they would appreciate it.

Something to open you can buy some socks of a famous brand - or maybe an inexpensive wallet with the card in it.

Not sure how much you are supposed to spend.

I would go with a gift card from WalMart or Target. While I would love a gift card from a bookstore, it might not be as appealing to a teenage boy. He would get a much larger choice of items at a variety store.

I think a gift card to a Walmart, Kmart etc. Would get more bang for his buck.

Parent of teens here.

I have no idea of your community, options for shopping, local entertainment and activities, transportation etc.

My son would love any of the following:
Mall gift card, this is better than a card to a specific store.

Gift certificates for 2 to go to the movies, go carting, paint balling, mini gold/driving range, you get the idea. Two gift certs, so he can take a friend and have more fun.

Book store card only if it was to a big box store that sells much more than just books. My son is a nerd and would love books, but his reading is far advances than most kids. His best friend would be upset to get a bookstore gift card, as he has real difficulty reading and he would feel bad to get a book for Christmas.

We used air miles to buy expensive electronics (MP3 players), it was not money out of our pocket and very much appreciated.

If you have transit locally a bus pass would be a nice extra.

Please, please do not buy the kid socks, or necessities. The idea is to give him a gift, not something he needs to go to school or clothing. Unless you are making up a stocking, but make sure there is a gift that is not a necessity.

Thank you for thinking of a child in need and making his Christmas special.

I worked for a NFP last winter and we gave 3 families Christmas gift cards. All got bus passes as well as the gift cards, so they could get to and from the stores. One family was given a taxi pass, as there were mobility issues and no way they could get shopping home on the bus.

I like buying from sears,k-mart because they are the same company.Sears employies get their jobs back when they return from service duty and while there gone they still get insurance for the family. This is so that there is no hardship on the spouce and kids at home.I f they have vacation coming while there gone the family gets it in pay so they dont lose out on time and money coming to them. Since kmart bought sears a few years back you get rewards points at each store so it really builds up.I bought an exercise machine and i got the rewards on my kmart card. Just a little info for those who didnt know.

Well, here is my two cent's worth: Having taught middle and high school Sunday school for years, I think that a stocking with candy and school supplies is a nice touch. I think that a quilt or a fleece blanket would be very nice. Guys like handmade items, too. It makes them feel special to know that someone who doesn't even know them would make something just for them.

Being of the male gender, I feel I must speak up on this matter. First, I commend you to take on this task of helping a person of less fortune. I don't like to think of people being needy, as we are all needy in some form or fashion. When I was that age, over 20 years ago, to receive electronics was unheard of in are family. We weren't poor by no means, but did not have an abundance of cash either. But when we did receive some electronic gizmo was really exciting. We always received clothes: socks, thermo undies, shirts, jeans, etc. Anyways, I belong to a group that buys gift cards for gay teens that either have been thrown out or left home. Ruth Ellis center tells us that the kids enjoy the gift cards as they can go and buy what they want. We also supply them with some of the essentials: toothbrush, tooth paste, deodorant, socks, undies, etc. And then we also buy them turkeys for thanksgiving and hams for Christmas.

To make a long story short, a gift card to a well known store, some of the essentials, and a card wishing them a merry Christmas. I would get it all from the same store and include a gift receipt so if they did not like the socks, gloves, or scarf, they would be able to exchange it and that is why I would include a card letting them know that a return would be acceptable.

Although I try to avoid Walmart, a gift card is a good idea, but impersonal. Some children struggle with reading so a book might be a huge frustration for a young teenager---instead he might enjoy some music.
I would suggest some shampoo with conditioner and shower gel (3 in 1 combination). My teenager loves this! Maybe a new backpack, gloves and a "cool" hat---one with those braid things hanging down. Love the candy bar idea. He would LOVE one of those fleece blankets that you tie all ends on... Notice that you are in a cold area. These are all things that my 16 year old has loved over the holidays.

like said everyone has a walmart. for a 13-17 year old. clothes is a good option. like to dress nice for the girls.or personal items like deoderant. after shave.etc.list can go on....:)

Well for that age, I think the best one will be gift card or gift certificate, not all 13or 17 the same size or the likes. Walmart,
Target, Boscov, Kolh, Sears, Don't forget the Sneaker, that most teen wear today,so the Sport Store gift card.

I would suggest an ITUNES gift card. My Grandson is almost 14 and I know he likes this. They can download games and music.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their replies. For the 13-17 yr old, I ended up getting a gift card to a bookstore (that by the way carries all sorts of stuff that a kid may want), a MP3 Player, ear phones, gloves, socks, hat, Pez, chocolate santas, tooth brush, toothpaste,. Then I also drew for a baby girl 0-1 yr old, gave her a quilt that I made, baby bottles, diaper wipes, lotions of all kinds for a baby, bibs, rubber duckie and a story book.

I have no one to buy for, so, this felt good for me to do. I figured what they will do is divide up the items among other kids, to make sure everyone gets something, so I felt good about this.