Gift help - adopt a family

We are adopting a family for Christmas this year, we tried to do this last year, but it didn't work out for reasons beyond our control. We don't have a lot of extra, but we do feel this is very important.

So this year, I contacted my Minister, and he has set us up with a small family. It is a single mom with two kids, they are boys ages 11 and 9. He feels that this family would be appreciative and is very much in need of the gift. We are doing this totally anonymously, we are giving it to our Minister, he will take it to them. I don't know who the family is, and they will not know who it is that is donating.

We are planning a grocery shopping trip (ie, a full grocery trip, turkey, ham, vegetables, fruit, etc), and also some gifts for the boys.

Benjamin is 8, so I kind of know what the kids are into at this age, but the 11 year old is a bit older, and I'm not sure what they would like.

Anyone have any suggestions for gifts? Rev. Gillam has told me that the mom is my age, and I'd like to pick her up a little something also.

Thanks if you can help me, we really want to make this a special Christmas for them.

That's a good question. I know my son is 10 and his life revolves around hunting, gaming or his skateboard. Those are pretty expensive hobbies so I'm not sure what to tell you.
I know it's so impersonal but maybe you could get them each their own gift certificate to Toys R Us or something so that they could pick out their own items?

I have no idea what 11 year olds like but I do know that it is so sweet of you and your family to do this.

I automatically think of sports related things. A basketball/soccerball/baseball mitt etc etc.
What about going to Barnes and Noble (or some place similar) and getting a gift card, or some books off the bargain tables? I always find good books there.
Ummm...a gift card to go someplace and eat as a family?

Hmm, my 10yo is really into the Warrior Series books by Erin Hunter. Besides that he basically would play video games 24/7 if I let him.

A lego set? Star Wars stuff, a board game? My 13 Yo said the game Mad Gab is fun.

my 10yr old is a gamer too...such a hard age.

What a terrific thing to do though this holiday season. My small church group is going to do something but I'm unsure of what at this point. I like to generally RAK folks during the holidays..yesterday I paid for the car behind me at Starbucks Felt good!

Thank you all for the suggestions so far!!!

The problem is, I live in a town of 3000. We are 1 1/4 hours to the nearest Wal-Mart, I am not sure they even have a car. The nearest Toys R Us, book store, etc is over 3 hours drive away. I had thought of gift cards, but as you can see, that's really not going to work.

Everything I've thought of is gamer type stuff, because that's what Benjamin likes. But that is a whole lot of $$, and while I wish I COULD do a game system or something, that's just not going to happen.

RAKing over the holidays does feel nice. I am really excited to be doing this, and so are the kids, and that's how I want them to feel, you know, that Christmas is not all about what you get, it's about what you give.

Keep the answers coming, I'd like some ideas for the mom too if anyone can think of anything!

i have no idea but will ask maddie to ask the boys in her class today at school and i'll pm you or we can chat on yahoo. :thumbup:

Sounds cool Fizz! :thumbup:

How about a pamper yourself basket for the mom with bubble bath, lotions, that kind of thing?

Or a bunch of yummy coffees and chocolates?

I was a teacher and got lots of presents from people that didn't know me that well- sort of like your situation with the mother. My favorite present ever was a gorgeous scarf- I still wear it and it was given almost six years ago. It is practical, but still a little bit luxurious... hope that helps!

Here is a pic of one similar to the one I received:

Good ideas Pam and Robin!

I appreciate everyone's response to the thread. I have NO clue who this family is, so buying for the mom is really hard especially.

Thank you all!

This is so wonderful of you Jamie!

My oldest boy is 11 and some of the things on his list this year are:

Of course video games
Nerf stuff like Dart tag, Strike Attack
Books
Electronic Monopoly
movies
music

To name a few...

my son {even though he is only almost 8} actually likes board games he can play with his sister...they LOVE UNO {we actually play as a family}

1. what about a nerf basketball hoop and ball that he can hang on the back of his bedroom door
2. nerf footballs
3. my son has a nerf gun that shoots little darts...
4. what about the movie WALL-E
5. what maybe a stocking filled with goodies like matchbox cars, candies, pixie stix, bubbles, etc....
6. what about a basebalkl and bat or even a nerf bat and ball that he could play with his brother...
7. the game Simon


hope some of these ideas help

I think the Nerf idea is a good one. I wouldn't do a movie or anything like that because much as I hate to say it.. you don't know if they have a dvd player or even a tv.

So sweet of you guys.