How about gift cards to their favorite music store or video store? Or maybe to their favorite clothing store...gosh, it's been a long time since I had a teenager in the house, but I do know I couldn't be trusted to buy her anything she'd be willing to wear in public. I just gave up and gave her gift cards.

ditto to Luckygardnr--

Donna (^_^)

It's a good idea this year NOT to buy gift cards to specific stores. There's really no way of knowing which ones will still be around in January. I don't think a gift card is really the right way to go for the kind of situation you describe, but if you do feel that's the best choice, get a MALL gift card--that way, it can be used in any store, for clothes, books, music, etc, and all the stores in any given mall are unlikely to go out of business.

For kids that age--if you can get an idea of sizes, casual clothes are always good. A winter coat might be needed and appreciated. Girls--maybe a craft kit to make jewelry or something else sparkly, or any bath, body, nail, make-up stuff is generally up their alley. Boys--sporting goods. Books, if you think they'd enjoy them, although picking books for kids you don't know is a challenge. Would you be allowed to buy tickets to a play, concert or sporting event and take them yourself? That would be an awesome gift, but it might not be possible in the situation.

Of course, if you can find out what each child's specifically interested in, you'll be home free--much easier, if you can get that info somehow. And thanks for taking an interest and helping someone who surely needs someone who cares.

The idea to buy tickets for an event you can share is wonderful. One year for Christmas we bought a group of tickets to Yankee opening day the following April. My husband and his brother took all six of their kids. It was a wonderful day for all involved, including the moms who got to stay home alone, in peace, for a whole day. aRe there any sports teams nearby?

you can always be safe with clothes from old navy, and make sure the recipts are enclosed...they can always return or exchange.

I'd lean towards buying necessities for the children also. If you wanted to do a gift card, Wal-Mart is probably the safest bet.

You should be given a list of wants/needs. I've seen some where the teens requested gift cards. In our town, it was mostly to WM as they could get clothes, music, grooming, etc. You should also be given the sizes. If not, ask! Some of my coworkers sponser kids we get from DHS, & I had to call our contact to confirm sizes for one toddler. (2 yo & wearing something like a size 6). Once you get the extra information, you'll have a better idea of where to start.

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions. I've tried to get more info, but from what I've been told we can't get specific info, because no one knows to whom the gifts will be given until a day or two before Christmas. Kids that are in the system now may be out by then, and different kids may be in, and in need of gifts.

Think of a "Toys for Tots" type of operation -- gifts are needed that are generic, other than gifts for girls and gifts for boys can be donated. It wouldn't be acceptable to donate "tickets for an event you can share."

At this point, I'm beginning to think a warm winter coat may be good, cuz everyone can always use a warm coat. And, it's easy enough to buy girls' and boys' coats (I want to buy enough for at least four kids).