Toys, Toys, Toys

[wangbang]

Need some advice here from people with kids.

Each year i buy an absolute crap load of toys for my local community. What I buy is always geared to younger kids as, face it, that is an easy buy. Clearly the lion share of toys bought are for younger kids. You see the teddy bear drives etc..

This year and going forward I would like to buy for the older kids but don't want to buy things like gift cards. Gift cards are too easily stolen and not every kid has access to the store or online.

So what toys are suitable for older kids and teens. Anyone with kids know what is popular.

I'm in Montreal for a few days seeing a couple of ladies and when I get back I need to get to this asap. Any help would be appreciated. TIA.

 

[Mr Deeds]

Gift cards

 

[Kirby2006]

Here is what I have gleaned from my 12 year old son's unfinished list.
Lego, Lego, Lego, and more Lego.
Nerf guns.
Pokemon cards.

Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Bananagrams, Battleship, Clue, etc. and Jigsaw puzzles can
keep the family entertained. Nothing here requires batteries. Huge bonus!

 

[Jubee]

Gift cards

... +1

 

[fuji]

What's your price range?

 

[Jubee]

It's a boasting thread, no price range.

 

[mrcheeks]

Maybe a sports ball (ie., soccer, football, basketball)?

 

[shack]

Gift cards

... +1

Do you guys read?

 

[Jubee]

Do you guys read?

Sorry I forgot to put /sarcasm.

 

[IRIS]

Maybe try to buy books (The Little Prince , Winnie the Pooh or other classics) this year and wait for the miracle kid, who knows what the books are.

 

[harryass]

Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Bananagrams, Battleship, Clue, etc. and Jigsaw puzzles can
keep the family entertained. Nothing here requires batteries. Huge bonus!

+1. and no video games or any thing electronic

 

[fuji]

It's a boasting thread, no price range.

Well then if it's about boasting and price is no object buy lots of pairs of Leafs and Raptors tickets and give them out as presents. Pairs so the kids dad or older brother can accompany. Better than gift cards!

 

[Ref]

Some ideas:

Boys

* Lego only if they are in to it.
* Computers/ipads for kids over 13
* Iphones for kids over 12
* Uner 11 and Minecraft fans = figurines, plushies, etc.
* Under 11: Hot wheels
* Gift cards - Toys r Us

Girls

* Makeup sets
* Nail Polish sets
* Gift cards for anywhere
* Clothes - See gift cards

 

[Jubee]

Well then if it's about boasting and price is no object buy lots of pairs of Leafs and Raptors tickets and give them out as presents. Pairs so the kids dad or older brother can accompany. Better than gift cards!

Fuji just nailed it.

 

[italianguy74]

The new retro nintento. Get them into retro gaming so they still will make time to go outside. This online stuff these days is turning kids into hermit crabs that never leave the bedroom.

 

[dirkd101]

For the older kids, teens, late teens, they do suggest gift cards to places like best buy or certain clothing stores or malls themselves have gift cards that can be used at any store in the mall. I can understand your aversion to such things, as there is a market for them, along with the fact that they can be misplaced or lost. That being said, it is among the things needed most for this group.
If not a gift card, maybe buy some tech items, like bluetooth headphones or the latest video game.
Cheers and there's good karma on you for thinking about others during this time off year.

 

[Kirby2006]

A generous cash donation or Cheque to the organization you are supporting.
They have a good idea of what they need and can fill in the areas where they are short.
It may feel less personal to you but it will be much appreciated.

 

[Funny321]

A couple of private jets to take them to all the places around the world they'd like to visit. Be sure to get the villas at their destinations too.

 

[wangbang]

Thanks for the serious answers folks. Some good ideas there. Lots for me to consider.

A generous cash donation or Cheque to the organization you are supporting.
They have a good idea of what they need and can fill in the areas where they are short.
It may feel less personal to you but it will be much appreciated.

I know, I know. The local place I give them to isn't set up to take cash. There is a massive food drive that takes place in my area and they don't take money either. A lot more administration I guess.

 

[happydog]

I think you answered your own question.... take them to montreal with you.(no better gift) ho ho ho
Sorry, seriously maybe car/plane model sets any kids still do those.
Remote control cars
not joking but, tons of batteries various sizes
Sports balls as suggested above or collectible cards
Magic Cards/sets
Fantasy Games(don't know which ones are popular now)
Mini Train sets
Electronics/Robotics sets
Sex doll(just wanted to see if you were paying attention)
Arts/crafts sets
maybe for the right teenager workout equipment
Video game accessories
Music accessories/karaoke
first shaving kit/deodorant
wallets/purses/key chains/belts/ties
gift certificate for Strip Club(oh wait that was for me)