Updated— Santa gift for group of kids

[zarapipe]

Update- we went with squishmallows 😜 and they were a complete hit!! The toddlers and teens loved them. We had over 200 people at our party, 50 of those being kids. We purchased last years “models” from owl and goose.com (they have so many squishmallows!!!) for around $7-8 each. The party was a complete success and we are absolutely doing it next year. Wish I remembered how to post a pic because Santa was the best I’ve ever seen (hired on Gigsalad.com) and the kids were so amazed.




We are throwing a company party and children are invited. I’m looking for a gift for our Santa (who will be there visiting and taking pictures) to give to all the kids. Age range of newborn to 12 years old. Santa would prefer one gift to give out but it’s not necessary but would keep things simpler. I was thinking a Christmas book, Santa suggested a stuffed animal. Any other ideas you can think of? We would like to stay under $10- $12 per kiddo.

[noodleoo]

For that age range I’d do squishmallows. You can get cute sets of small ones from Costco that would make them well below your budget. Kids of all ages seem to love them!

[nicolewi]

noodleoo’s idea is perfect!! Also saw those sets at Costco.

[charlatti]

If you want the slightly bigger squishmallows, five below has them for $6ish (I think the Costco set is the minis?).

[thebreakfastclub]

There is no such gift. I'd say the answer is a gift card to Target.

Was it here that I went back and forth with someone who was put out by gift cards? Off to find that thread lol.

But seriously my 10yo is not going to want a Christmas book or a squishmallow. I just don't think it's worth a physical gift as one size fits all.

[luckystar2]

Squishmallow ma was the first thing that came to mind! They can work for that age range.

[UMaineTeach]

I’m not put off by gift cards, but it seems wrong for Santa to give out gift cards.

If a kid doesn’t like the gift, I guess it’s a lesson in showing gratitude in the moment and donating later.

If you know the exact kids coming you could do books with the same book(s) for all kids in an age range (NB-3Y, 4-6, …), throw in some Christmas pencils and stickers.

[ny96]

My 10yo boy would love a squishmallow, so would my 6yo. I think that’s a great suggestion.

[VillainV]

Oct 18, 2023 18:31:38 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

There is no such gift. I'd say the answer is a gift card to Target.

Was it here that I went back and forth with someone who was put out by gift cards? Off to find that thread lol.

But seriously my 10yo is not going to want a Christmas book or a squishmallow. I just don't think it's worth a physical gift as one size fits all.

I know plenty of 10-year olds who would love a squishmallow.

In this case, you’re not going to please everyone, but I also don’t think you need it to be a home run gift for every single child. If they don’t like it, they can give it to a sibling or friend.

[pittpurple]

My 11/7 year olds love squishmallows and have for a while now so I'd go with that - they have Christmas themed ones that would be perfect as they could be decorations if they don't want to play with them.

[thebreakfastclub]

Oct 19, 2023 2:51:53 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Oct 18, 2023 18:31:38 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

There is no such gift. I'd say the answer is a gift card to Target.

Was it here that I went back and forth with someone who was put out by gift cards? Off to find that thread lol.

But seriously my 10yo is not going to want a Christmas book or a squishmallow. I just don't think it's worth a physical gift as one size fits all.

I know plenty of 10-year olds who would love a squishmallow.

In this case, you’re not going to please everyone, but I also don’t think you need it to be a home run gift for every single child. If they don’t like it, they can give it to a sibling or friend.

It's just so easy to walk into Target, buy 15 $10 gift cards, and actually give everyone something they're happy with and spend 10 minutes on it.

[VillainV]

Oct 19, 2023 5:08:32 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

Oct 19, 2023 2:51:53 GMT -5 VillainV said:

I know plenty of 10-year olds who would love a squishmallow.

In this case, you’re not going to please everyone, but I also don’t think you need it to be a home run gift for every single child. If they don’t like it, they can give it to a sibling or friend.

It's just so easy to walk into Target, buy 15 $10 gift cards, and actually give everyone something they're happy with and spend 10 minutes on it.

It’s a company party and a photo op with Santa. I don’t think you’re going to get a great photo op if Santa hands your two year old a plastic rectangle. And it puts the burden on the parent to take their child to target (which is really not fun) then either find something for $10 (not easy) or pony up the difference to a whiny child.

You could MAYBE have some $10 gift cards on hand and give kids the option to trade in their squishmallow for a gift card, and donate leftover squishmallows to Toys for Tots.

[thebreakfastclub]

Oct 19, 2023 5:40:57 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Oct 19, 2023 5:08:32 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

It's just so easy to walk into Target, buy 15 $10 gift cards, and actually give everyone something they're happy with and spend 10 minutes on it.

It’s a company party and a photo op with Santa. I don’t think you’re going to get a great photo op if Santa hands your two year old a plastic rectangle. And it puts the burden on the parent to take their child to target (which is really not fun) then either find something for $10 (not easy) or pony up the difference to a whiny child.

You could MAYBE have some $10 gift cards on hand and give kids the option to trade in their squishmallow for a gift card, and donate leftover squishmallows to Toys for Tots.

I do believe a toddler is excited to see Santa, full stop. I don't believe a Squishmallow is required for them to smile.

I also believe a parent can apply a $10 gc to a present they were going to buy anyway, if they struggle with taking their child to a store. I don't enjoy getting random junk that I need to giveaway.

So over the top!

[ssmjlm]

And here we are fighting over gifting a gift vs a gift card. Le sigh, I haven't finished my coffee.


Another vote for the costco squishmallow packs. They have a couple versions usually and they are still a hot item.

[expectantsteelerfan]

My 12 and 14 year olds would still be excited to be given a squishmallow. I mean sure, it would then be forgotten about almost instantly when they look at their phones again, but they'd be happy with it in the moment
They also pick them out for their 2-6 year old cousins.

[fancynewbeesly]

My 5 and 12 year olds would love a squishmallow. Although they would probably argue of which one they each got. 🤣

[penguingrrl]

My 16, 14, and 10 year olds still love squishmallows, so I think that’s a great choice. Most teens in my area love squishmallows, as do little kids. I actually think that’s a perfect gift for all ages.

[minniemouse]

I think a squishmallow is perfect.My 10 and 14 year olds like to collect them, as do my younger nieces and nephews. They would be more excited for a squishmallow than a coloring book, which is usually what I've seen Santa give out at parties. I would not do gift cards from Santa. Another option could be a small $5 lego set/minifig, but the doesn't work for babies/toddlers.

[purplepenguin7]

agreeing with all the others, I think a Squishmellow is your best bet here. I am normally pro-gift card in most situations, but this is not one of them. I think you need to hand out something physical. I love VillainV's idea of having a few target gift cards on hand and letting the older kids trade-in if they'd like. I think you'll be surprised how many kids want to keep them.

I wouldn't do a Christmas book, or any book. That's too wide of a range to find something suitable across the board. Also depending on what you mean by "Christmas" book it might not be well received. My family is mixed religion and while we do participate in Christmas activies, anything with a religious undertone would be given away.

[Poeticxpassion]

I was at Costco yesterday and saw these. They come in fantasy and winter styles as well.

www.costco.com/squishmallows-4-inch-ornament-plush-8-pack-assorted.product.4000157343.html

[stemmie]

A small Christmas ornament.

I have a friend whose husband is a photographer as a side hustle. He does Santa pictures for a local Christmas event. They give out an ornament and a candy cane.

[quesyrah]

Oct 19, 2023 6:28:10 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

Oct 19, 2023 5:40:57 GMT -5 VillainV said:

It’s a company party and a photo op with Santa. I don’t think you’re going to get a great photo op if Santa hands your two year old a plastic rectangle. And it puts the burden on the parent to take their child to target (which is really not fun) then either find something for $10 (not easy) or pony up the difference to a whiny child.

You could MAYBE have some $10 gift cards on hand and give kids the option to trade in their squishmallow for a gift card, and donate leftover squishmallows to Toys for Tots.

I do believe a toddler is excited to see Santa, full stop. I don't believe a Squishmallow is required for them to smile.

I also believe a parent can apply a $10 gc to a present they were going to buy anyway, if they struggle with taking their child to a store. I don't enjoy getting random junk that I need to giveaway.

So over the top!

I completely agree with you. My kids do not need more crap. How about just a candy cane?

[zarapipe]

Updated in OP