What do you spend on Angel Tree/Adopt a Family gifts? How do you decide what to buy?

[TanyaS]

If you buy gifts for someone from an Angel Tree or a charitable Adopt a Family program, how do you select what to buy?

What sort of budget do you have for these gifts? How do you select which recipient to buy for?

Curious how everyone makes decisions in these matters.

 

[jevs]

We have similar. When we do it, it's usually a gift for a woman, and three kid gifts for the age groups of each of my kids. (So, maybe a pamper pack, and toys/things for a 9 yr old girl, 9 yr old boy, and 12 yr old boy).

HTH with the decision.

 

[AJ1983]

The organization that we get our adopt a family through suggests $200 per child, which includes a winter coat and boots. I find it very difficult to stay within that range because i like to get them some other new clothes as well as fun stuff. I typically spend $300 per child

 

[Tiffylv]

.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I chose a 2 year old girl this year. I bought her one complete outfit, a pair of shoes, and a baby doll. Someone else signed up for a few other toys for her. We can sign up for as many or as few gifts as we want.

I also pitched in $20 for a lady that volunteers with our pet rescue group to make Christmas a little brighter for her and her young daughter.

 

[AJ1983]

Oh and forgot to mention that the parents in the family provide a list from their kids, and sizes for clothing so its usually pretty easy to shop. I do buy some things on sale that all kids love (play doh for example) to fill the gaps

 

[ronandannette]

We, along with a group of friends, did Adopt-a-Family this year. We all pitched in what we could and altogether we had $615.00 for gifts. We took the lists that had been provided (1 Mom and 4 DD's aged 4 - 13). We went to WalMart and just "made it work"; we got every single item they asked for although it did take a little re-calculating and we had to put certain stuff back and choose a less expensive alternative. We're also all contributing more for a grocery gift card (they are ethnic and we don't want to buy turkey all the trimmings if that doesn't suit the way they cook and eat). And DH and I are personally chipping in a booster seat for the youngest DD - the Mom specifically asked for it (as a gift for herself; the group got her some other, more personal things during the big shop). Merry Christmas to all who are helping to bless others this season!

 

[Mizzoufan]

I usually get whatever on the wish list.

 

[Daisy62]

We pick them off of a Christmas tree in our local grocery store. Each ornament has a first name, age, gender, sizes, and some hints on what they like. I'll chose one boy under 10 and one teen boy. I also chose a girl under 10 and a teen girl. I buy them something off their wish list and usually add to it to make it around $50 each or so.

 

[pumpkinmomma]

I let my kids choose who we will buy for, this year we had a 3 yr old girl. I bought off of her wish list, it's $75 min and I think I spent $120.

 

[marthachick]

At our YMCA they had senior adults on the giving tree this year. I picked someone to do in memory of DH's parents. You see a lot of kids but rarely seniors. I was happy to do this. There was no recommended amount. Just a wish list. I got everything on the list.

 

[bsblady01]

we did the salvation arm angel tree where I teach this year there were tags with one toy and the clothing size. I did learn something that the tags that are not picked they take toys from other bags so that every child has something for Christmas.

 

[bsblady01]

The organization I use suggests $75 per child and I'm usually right around $100. Did the organization give you any guidelines?

we did not have guidelines

 

[Doriso Warner]

I picked someone to do in memory of DH's parents.

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

I think you should be very generous, if a kid is on the angel tree, they probably don't have much.

I do a few nice toys that are just for fun and a few puzzles and books or games for learning , a stocking with candy, art supplies, extra hats and mittens and fun snacks. Plus socks, undies, slippers, pjs and a couple of outfits.

You can find really good deals right now making your money go further.

 

[eliza61]

Usually it's whatever I spend on my own kids. I try to pick a tween to teenage boy because I've heard they are the ones usually left out. Then I simply shop as if this was an extra kid.

they do request that you don't buy them electronic games and such so it's a lot of clothes, movie gift cards, games

 

[cijay]

I pick a teenage boy but I sure as heck am not spending $300. Granted, I have access to brand new winter clothes for low prices because I shop for them year 'round and not just in winter time but $300...man!

I usually buy him a watch - unless there's a gift suggestion attached (which there often is but sometimes it's totally anonymous "15yr boy"). Having worked in a school, I will not buy brand name.

Warm fuzzy story, many years back, my work sponsored a family. One of the ladies made the children winter scarf/hat sets. The boy got 3 tone blue, the girl got rainbow. The following year, I was on the bus and two kids got on the bus, the boy in the blue and the girl in the rainbow. Considering the area I was in (and maybe a bit of a story I told myself) those HAD to be our kids!

 

[missbrooke06]

Interesting! The organization I work through suggests $35 per person. I usually can stretch it pretty far with sales - it was easy this year with a 16 mos old. Two outfits, a coloring book and crayons, a big garage toy, and a smaller race car that goes automatically. Yay for coupon blogs!

 

[Darcy03231]

We donate to an organization that doesn't have specific children or lists. They give you ideas for age ranges. Whatever you donate they will find a recipient for. I usually donate for the older teens as they are the ones that the organization seems to have the most need for. I do a set of flannel pj bottoms, zip up fleece jacket and socks. 6 for girls and 6 for the boys (2 medium, 2 large and 2 x-large). First year I did three and three, plus some toys for younger children and they asked if it was ok to break up the sets because while they had lots of stuff for the younger children they didn't have enough for the older kids. Since then I've just donated more sets for the older kids and not bought for the younger ones.

We also donate cash to our food bank.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I got a tag from the salvation army. I got some good sales and got all of her wishes for ~$60. I ended up getting 3 bath and body works lotions, a sweater/shirt/pair of jeans from Delias, and a pink purse.