When one of the agents in my office requested toy donations for families in need in my town, I gladly agreed to donate something. I had asked the other agent what kind of toys would be appreciated, and she said that they had received a lot of toys for preschoolers and younger children but not much for children over the age of 9 or 10.
Truth be known, I have not bought toys in at least ten years, but I blithely set off for Toys-R-Us to find a couple of toys that would be enjoyed by someone.
Wow! Was I out of my element! After wandering the store for an hour, watching what other people were putting in their carts, I left empty-handed feeling like a deer in headlights. I admit that I wanted to pick a perfect toy (for an unknown child at that) and I was paralyzed by over-analysis. Did this toy have small pieces that a sibling might choke on, did it promote violence, would the parents approve, would the child like it, was it dorky, etc., etc.?
So, of course, I am going to turn to all of you experts for advice:
What are some of your best toy ideas?
I need to go back out there soon so I would REALLY appreciate your suggestions.
There is still plenty of time to donate. The need is great, and each of us can make a difference and make this holiday season special for someone in need. Just about any school, police department, fire department, mall, toy store, grocery store, or church accepts donations.
Did you enjoy this post? Click here to subscribe to my blog by email.
Peggy Chirico, REALTOR®
Serving the Greater Hartford Area
Prudential CT Realty
peggychirico@gmail.com
860-748-8900
If you are buying or selling a home in Hartford County or Tolland County, please call me, email me, or visit my website. I would be happy to help you with your home search or provide a market analysis for your home.
Find your dream home now!
I love the classics, like Lincoln logs, Lego's, trucks, play houses, etc. And something that is free....a toy catalog!
Sarah
Hi Peggy ~ I know *exactly* what you mean. I don't have kids and there aren't any in my immediate family. I tried to buy toys for a toy drive last year and failed. The toy stores left me cold - and confused. I'm with Sarah about the classics - but I guess I didn't see any while I was searching.
By 9 or 10 are there board games (classic ones!!) that would work?
I had way more fun this year picking out presents for a senior citizen. A local pharmacy had a tree with paper ornaments -each with the wish list from a local senior. The lists were adorable - not really lists - many just had a couple, some even had just one thing - "sweater, size medium" for example. It was so hard to just pick one person's list. I loved doing it - and added things to the wish list. I have to wrap them tonight.
Liz
Thanks for the suggestions, Sarah. I briefly thought of legos and then in my daze didn't even see any. I guess I need to keep my eyes open.
Hi Liz - That's a great idea - I wish I had a list. Then I could even shop online or at least check out where the stuff is. Thanks for confirming that it's not just me. When I wrote the blog, I really felt that there must be others out there who could use help, too. Have fun wrapping!
I would say when all else fails buy a game. They really do have some neat games out now that can be enjoyed by older kids. Mary Christmas!
Peggy, we had a great event at our office but most items on the list were clothes. Was a tad sad.... But I agree with you toy stores are tough - not having little ones around it's hard. But I do have great little neighbor friends that age. They love bats, balls, scooters, etc. But I do when I'm in a store I find a kid about that age and with the parents permission ask them what's a good toy? When they learn we're shopping for an angel tree list they are soooo helpful!