I am not sure what to get for my SIL's kids for Christmas. In the past few years her husband had been unemployed, so we sent them sizable cash amounts for Christmas, but this year he is working, and they sent each of our 3 kids a $50 gift card. I haven't yet done our Christmas cards, so I haven't sent anything to them yet, but really wasn't expecting them to send us anything. What kind of gift would be suitable--cash, or should I try to get the kids something they can use? (normally I also send them clothes and toys--they are 3.5 yr old girl/boy twins.)
They live 1500 miles from us, so I haven't seen them for over 2 years and don't really know their personalities.
**They live in San Jose, CA, so if anyone knows of zoos, museums, other venues that I could get them giftcards for, that'd be great!**
I would LOVE to stop the interstate gifting, since it isn't actual items, but a mere exchange of giftcards or cash. So pointless, in my opinion. This year we will be doing the passes to the discovery center. Thanks for the great suggestions.
I love the museum/zoo idea
La Brea Tar Pits, so much fun..
http://www.tarpits.org/
Childrens Discover Center
http://www.cdm.org/index.asp?f=1
Happy Hollow Park and zoo..
http://www.hhpz.org/
Think you just answered your own question with, "They live 1500 miles from us, so I haven't seen them for over 2 years and don't really know their personalities."
They don't know your kiddos' personalities either, hence the gift cards. Honestly, I'd respond like with like, and send them $50.00 gift cards in return. This way the kids can get something they'd really like, and you're not left playing, "Will this fit? Do they even like this stuff anymore?" Thus cutting down on the stress.
If they sent gift cards, then you can send them similar. Or you might just shoot a note saying you're doing some shopping but what are the kids' current sizes and a general interest (trucks, Hello Kitty, Lego, etc.)
Depending on what you want to do, you could order something for both off Amazon like a toy kitchen and ship it directly. My DD is 4 and wears a 4T. She likes baking and "cooking" and that sort of thing. Nearly every kid I know likes play food or play dough or something of that nature. She also likes her Cozy Coupe. You could send clothing or you could consider a family outing gift. Is there a theme park or museum they might all enjoy?
ETA: I usually get a gift for the Giving Tree around now. I always include a gift receipt so that if it's not the right style or doesn't fit right or whatever, the recipient can return it. Always include a gift receipt if you are not sure.
I'm guessing they sent such large gift cards b/c you've been so generous in the past and it's her way of saying thanks now that husband is working. If you weren't prepared to send them $50 gift cards each (or spend that much per kid) then I would email, call or text her and just ask what they are into right now. You can get them something fun (with a gift receipt just in case) and send that.
If you're fine with spending that much then go ahead and send a gift card or even look into some zoos, museums, etc. around them and maybe get them a membership for that. With two 3.5 year olds I would think they'd be happy to have some fun things to do during the week or on the weekends and they may still be trying to play catch up from the time when her husband was out of work. Plus, at 3.5 they like opening presents but won't know one way or the other if you guys sent them anything to open.
Gift cards.
That was generous of them and thoughtful, per their $50 card for your kids.
They are being reciprocal, toward you/your kids, since in the past you have been generous with their kids, when they were not having an income.
You don't really know their kids in that, what they have or don't have or what they need or don't need. You haven't seen them in 2 years.
So it is a total guess.
"Imaginext" has good toys for kids of those ages.
Or, yep, gift cards.
Probably from Target or Walmart etc. places that area easy for them to shop at.
When my brother and his family moved to San Jose, CA (I kid you not!) from North Aurora, they went from across the street from us to across the country. At first we sent eachother money or gifts, but after the first year we both realized it was kinda stupid - I sent a $20 gift card to them, they sent a $20 gift card to me... um, why? So, we haven't exchanged presents at all unless we are seeing each other in person. So, December 27th after you have thanked them for the wonderful generosity, why don't you just agree to either 1) not exchange gifts anymore, but just mail a card or 2) agree on an amount of money that each of you will dedicate to spend from the other and put under the tree in that person's name.
As the kids get older it will just get worse. Since moving to California the oldest girl went from starting kindergarten to being in high school - honestly, sad as it is, I don't know her anymore even though up until she was 5 I literally saw her every day of her life. I don't know her youngest two kids at all really, one was 6 wks old when they moved, the other was born while they were out there. I do hate that, and hope that you can keep in better contact with your relatives then we did, but the gifting is not the way to do it.
but since this year you ARE exchanging - there is a mansion out there that I took my daughter to with them when they had just moved out there, my daughter was just turned 3 and found it really interesting. http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/
I'd send gift cards, to Target or Walmart. My guy is 3.5 as well, he loves shopping with gift cards :) He has bought toys, clothing like shirts or "cool" underwear, DVD's...I allow him to get whatever he wants. My granddaughter first went shopping with a gift card at Toys R Us when she was 2 years and 3 months, she quickly understood she couldn't buy everything and learned to make choices. At 11 years gift cards are her favorite gift.
How nice of you!
At that age, they love opening toys so I'd get them a small toy & you can still send them a gift certificate to the zoo. I think they'd love that!
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
1300 Senter Road San Jose, CA 95112
###-###-####
You could send each child their own Christmas card each with a gift card to the local toy store chain or to a Target/Walmart. Better yet, send one of those cards that allows you to pre-record a message to each of them. They will be so surprised to hear your voice coming out of the card.
What about a membership to a zoo or children's museum near them? It would be something they could enjoy all year. If not that, maybe a small age appropriate toy and Target gift card?
