Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree OP. I would not buy anything I would not buy for my own DC. A $200 toy would not be on DCs list. I donate to many organizations throughout the year, I just can’t get behind the need for $200 toys.

That's always been my approach as well.

I don't know if these requests are typical. I haven't done an Angel tree since learning that one year, the parents returned everything their kids were given for gift cards. Just ask for gift cards.

[Anonymous]

Eh. We did 4 of them and the requests averaged about $100 but some were more (warm overalls, of course that is useful for a homeless person in our Midwest region!) to $30 for a toy unicorn.

[Anonymous]

The simple rule is "get one, give one" for stuff I'd get for myself or my family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eh. We did 4 of them and the requests averaged about $100 but some were more (warm overalls, of course that is useful for a homeless person in our Midwest region!) to $30 for a toy unicorn.

Forgot to say…on our church Angel Tree, you can see what you are selecting and thus pick something in your budget. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to help, there are ranges.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:OP, that comes from target and can be had for $104 on sale right now. not 199. It is expensive on amazon because someone is reselling it there. Our generation is target brand. https://www.target.com/p/our-generation-sweet-stop-ice-cream-truck-with-electronics-for-18-34-dolls-light-blue/-/A-47986277?sid=1005S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google_pmax_df&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000123550745&CPNG=Conversions%7Ca06Do000000Vxq3IAC%7CBranford+Ltd.%7CBattat_AO_Search_H2_2025%7CPKG-030377%7CSP-106476+%7C+ADG-1725927&adgroup=&LID=700000003266147pgs&network=x&device=c&location=9008124&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23242621630&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYUuPesxhceP7VWcszym_nez&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_JBhCTARIsADQZaylS0CyVmzCOD562JGciX3BNKoH241-uoQ2CA-7S1dz5ebQob5-7_kwaAm41EALw_wcB

me again. I don't think asking for this is OOT. Similar to a barbie house. No one says you have to get it all, but one big Santa gift and other items is totally reasonable and remembering this is a wish list? Do your kids never have any big ticket items?

My kids didn’t get big ticket items from us. We had a Barbie Dream House that was a hand me down from my nieces who are 10 years older. We are what most people would describe as affluent but to be and stay affluent you don’t spend $200 on one toy!

What a miserable lot. If you’re affluent, you have millions in investments making money for you (far more than $200/day) - and you’re sweating over $200? Are you sure you’re affluent?

I’d never spend that on a toy. Crazy.

You’re spending it on your kid to give them something they want and make them happy.

My kid would know better to even ask. They understood the value of money from an early age. Parents should be teaching kids that. No toy is worth $200.

The LOL dolls were very popular about five years ago. They still are but not sure how much. My first grader loved them. We probably spent between $1,000 - $1,500 on the dolls, the clothes, the extras, and LOL dollhouse was $250 back then when they first came on the market.

My daughter spent hours with those dolls for three years. Using her imagination and improving her dexterity ,manipulating those tiny accessories. They had value and were worth it.

You’re wrong. There are toys worth $200. We have generational wealth so we have the children’s college money plus already set. If we didn’t I would have been more careful with buying. You buy what you can afford and you can afford to buy that child’s toy.

No, I'm not wrong, we have different values and finances. If you are that wealthy, it may be worth it to you but not a chance I'm doing it. I do spend a lot on something else but its a hobby and they use it far more than 3 years.

Appropiate ask is clothing, shoes, bedding, books and reasonably priced toys. Its ok to ask for a stretch item too but not as the primary.

Wants, needs, then wishes.

You’re not wrong to decide not to buy it but you’re wrong to say they have no value.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:OP, that comes from target and can be had for $104 on sale right now. not 199. It is expensive on amazon because someone is reselling it there. Our generation is target brand. https://www.target.com/p/our-generation-sweet-stop-ice-cream-truck-with-electronics-for-18-34-dolls-light-blue/-/A-47986277?sid=1005S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google_pmax_df&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000123550745&CPNG=Conversions%7Ca06Do000000Vxq3IAC%7CBranford+Ltd.%7CBattat_AO_Search_H2_2025%7CPKG-030377%7CSP-106476+%7C+ADG-1725927&adgroup=&LID=700000003266147pgs&network=x&device=c&location=9008124&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23242621630&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYUuPesxhceP7VWcszym_nez&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_JBhCTARIsADQZaylS0CyVmzCOD562JGciX3BNKoH241-uoQ2CA-7S1dz5ebQob5-7_kwaAm41EALw_wcB

me again. I don't think asking for this is OOT. Similar to a barbie house. No one says you have to get it all, but one big Santa gift and other items is totally reasonable and remembering this is a wish list? Do your kids never have any big ticket items?

My kids didn’t get big ticket items from us. We had a Barbie Dream House that was a hand me down from my nieces who are 10 years older. We are what most people would describe as affluent but to be and stay affluent you don’t spend $200 on one toy!

What a miserable lot. If you’re affluent, you have millions in investments making money for you (far more than $200/day) - and you’re sweating over $200? Are you sure you’re affluent?

I’d never spend that on a toy. Crazy.

You’re spending it on your kid to give them something they want and make them happy.

My kid would know better to even ask. They understood the value of money from an early age. Parents should be teaching kids that. No toy is worth $200.

The LOL dolls were very popular about five years ago. They still are but not sure how much. My first grader loved them. We probably spent between $1,000 - $1,500 on the dolls, the clothes, the extras, and LOL dollhouse was $250 back then when they first came on the market.

My daughter spent hours with those dolls for three years. Using her imagination and improving her dexterity ,manipulating those tiny accessories. They had value and were worth it.

You’re wrong. There are toys worth $200. We have generational wealth so we have the children’s college money plus already set. If we didn’t I would have been more careful with buying. You buy what you can afford and you can afford to buy that child’s toy.

This. We’re saving 75% of our post tax income a month and on track to be UHNW. I’m not going to sweat giving my kid a toy.

Yea you! Is not the value we'd want to send to our kids even if we could afford it.

It’s teens that can be bougie. Buying a 2026 BMW for a 17 year old is not a value most people want to send to teens when a 15 year old car would be a better decision. I don’t get what “value” buying doll sets would send to a six year old.

What about Lego sets that are battery powered or replicas of things like the Titanic or the Eiffel Tower? 10,000 legos to put together to create a village is impressive but pricy. This is directed at the poster who doesn’t see value in high price toys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, that comes from target and can be had for $104 on sale right now. not 199. It is expensive on amazon because someone is reselling it there. Our generation is target brand. https://www.target.com/p/our-generation-sweet-stop-ice-cream-truck-with-electronics-for-18-34-dolls-light-blue/-/A-47986277?sid=1005S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google_pmax_df&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000123550745&CPNG=Conversions%7Ca06Do000000Vxq3IAC%7CBranford+Ltd.%7CBattat_AO_Search_H2_2025%7CPKG-030377%7CSP-106476+%7C+ADG-1725927&adgroup=&LID=700000003266147pgs&network=x&device=c&location=9008124&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23242621630&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYUuPesxhceP7VWcszym_nez&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_JBhCTARIsADQZaylS0CyVmzCOD562JGciX3BNKoH241-uoQ2CA-7S1dz5ebQob5-7_kwaAm41EALw_wcB

me again. I don't think asking for this is OOT. Similar to a barbie house. No one says you have to get it all, but one big Santa gift and other items is totally reasonable and remembering this is a wish list? Do your kids never have any big ticket items?

My kids didn’t get big ticket items from us. We had a Barbie Dream House that was a hand me down from my nieces who are 10 years older. We are what most people would describe as affluent but to be and stay affluent you don’t spend $200 on one toy!

What a miserable lot. If you’re affluent, you have millions in investments making money for you (far more than $200/day) - and you’re sweating over $200? Are you sure you’re affluent?

I’d never spend that on a toy. Crazy.

You’re spending it on your kid to give them something they want and make them happy.

My kid would know better to even ask. They understood the value of money from an early age. Parents should be teaching kids that. No toy is worth $200.

The LOL dolls were very popular about five years ago. They still are but not sure how much. My first grader loved them. We probably spent between $1,000 - $1,500 on the dolls, the clothes, the extras, and LOL dollhouse was $250 back then when they first came on the market.

My daughter spent hours with those dolls for three years. Using her imagination and improving her dexterity ,manipulating those tiny accessories. They had value and were worth it.

You’re wrong. There are toys worth $200. We have generational wealth so we have the children’s college money plus already set. If we didn’t I would have been more careful with buying. You buy what you can afford and you can afford to buy that child’s toy.

NP: how can you say you’re wrong. You have no idea whether a cheaper toy would have generated the same long time use results. The most expensive does not mean the best- by any means.

[Anonymous]

I once asked a Toys for Tots longtime volunteer what is the "best" items to get because I had no idea. He said
- anything the promotes physical activity -- basketballs, soccer balls, nerf footballs, skateboards, etc.
- books
- things without batteries
- items that don't have "tons of parts" because parts usually get lost in the house (This ice cream truck seems to have lots of parts.)

- And, remember the teens/older kids, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, that comes from target and can be had for $104 on sale right now. not 199. It is expensive on amazon because someone is reselling it there. Our generation is target brand. https://www.target.com/p/our-generation-sweet-stop-ice-cream-truck-with-electronics-for-18-34-dolls-light-blue/-/A-47986277?sid=1005S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google_pmax_df&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000123550745&CPNG=Conversions%7Ca06Do000000Vxq3IAC%7CBranford+Ltd.%7CBattat_AO_Search_H2_2025%7CPKG-030377%7CSP-106476+%7C+ADG-1725927&adgroup=&LID=700000003266147pgs&network=x&device=c&location=9008124&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23242621630&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYUuPesxhceP7VWcszym_nez&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_JBhCTARIsADQZaylS0CyVmzCOD562JGciX3BNKoH241-uoQ2CA-7S1dz5ebQob5-7_kwaAm41EALw_wcB

me again. I don't think asking for this is OOT. Similar to a barbie house. No one says you have to get it all, but one big Santa gift and other items is totally reasonable and remembering this is a wish list? Do your kids never have any big ticket items?

My kids didn’t get big ticket items from us. We had a Barbie Dream House that was a hand me down from my nieces who are 10 years older. We are what most people would describe as affluent but to be and stay affluent you don’t spend $200 on one toy!

What a miserable lot. If you’re affluent, you have millions in investments making money for you (far more than $200/day) - and you’re sweating over $200? Are you sure you’re affluent?

I’d never spend that on a toy. Crazy.

You’re spending it on your kid to give them something they want and make them happy.

My kid would know better to even ask. They understood the value of money from an early age. Parents should be teaching kids that. No toy is worth $200.

The LOL dolls were very popular about five years ago. They still are but not sure how much. My first grader loved them. We probably spent between $1,000 - $1,500 on the dolls, the clothes, the extras, and LOL dollhouse was $250 back then when they first came on the market.

My daughter spent hours with those dolls for three years. Using her imagination and improving her dexterity ,manipulating those tiny accessories. They had value and were worth it.

You’re wrong. There are toys worth $200. We have generational wealth so we have the children’s college money plus already set. If we didn’t I would have been more careful with buying. You buy what you can afford and you can afford to buy that child’s toy.

No, I'm not wrong, we have different values and finances. If you are that wealthy, it may be worth it to you but not a chance I'm doing it. I do spend a lot on something else but its a hobby and they use it far more than 3 years.

Appropiate ask is clothing, shoes, bedding, books and reasonably priced toys. Its ok to ask for a stretch item too but not as the primary.

Wants, needs, then wishes.

You’re not wrong to decide not to buy it but you’re wrong to say they have no value.

If you are low income, you don't need a $200 toy, you need clothing, bedding, basic toys, maybe a bike, etc. Have you ever been to these homes? Many are bare.

[Anonymous]

We did local angel tree but it’s called something else in our town. I spent $100 per child. I figure they would like Something to open that was on their wish list without fulfilling the Entire wish list. Games? Check. Something purple? Check. Labubu? Check. Lego? Check. I agree don’t overspend but don’t cheap out either.

[Anonymous]

We spent about $125 on our angel tree this year. $75 on toys for a 6 year old, $30 on some needs, and a $20 gift card. There were a few on the tree that had things out of our budget (bikes for older kids) and I skipped those.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree OP. I would not buy anything I would not buy for my own DC. A $200 toy would not be on DCs list. I donate to many organizations throughout the year, I just can’t get behind the need for $200 toys.

That's always been my approach as well.

I don't know if these requests are typical. I haven't done an Angel tree since learning that one year, the parents returned everything their kids were given for gift cards. Just ask for gift cards.

Some parents and kids can ask for anything and others have stricter guidelines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We spent about $125 on our angel tree this year. $75 on toys for a 6 year old, $30 on some needs, and a $20 gift card. There were a few on the tree that had things out of our budget (bikes for older kids) and I skipped those.

You can get a bike for $75.

[Anonymous]

Was the request for a older kids? Ive found as my kids get older i buy way less items but spend way more money. Its easy to buy a cheap toy. I always conform angel tree donations for older teens ans usually spend a bit between warm clothes, shoes and a decent gift a teen would want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, that comes from target and can be had for $104 on sale right now. not 199. It is expensive on amazon because someone is reselling it there. Our generation is target brand. https://www.target.com/p/our-generation-sweet-stop-ice-cream-truck-with-electronics-for-18-34-dolls-light-blue/-/A-47986277?sid=1005S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google_pmax_df&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000123550745&CPNG=Conversions%7Ca06Do000000Vxq3IAC%7CBranford+Ltd.%7CBattat_AO_Search_H2_2025%7CPKG-030377%7CSP-106476+%7C+ADG-1725927&adgroup=&LID=700000003266147pgs&network=x&device=c&location=9008124&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23242621630&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYUuPesxhceP7VWcszym_nez&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt_JBhCTARIsADQZaylS0CyVmzCOD562JGciX3BNKoH241-uoQ2CA-7S1dz5ebQob5-7_kwaAm41EALw_wcB

me again. I don't think asking for this is OOT. Similar to a barbie house. No one says you have to get it all, but one big Santa gift and other items is totally reasonable and remembering this is a wish list? Do your kids never have any big ticket items?

My kids didn’t get big ticket items from us. We had a Barbie Dream House that was a hand me down from my nieces who are 10 years older. We are what most people would describe as affluent but to be and stay affluent you don’t spend $200 on one toy!

What a miserable lot. If you’re affluent, you have millions in investments making money for you (far more than $200/day) - and you’re sweating over $200? Are you sure you’re affluent?

I’d never spend that on a toy. Crazy.

You’re spending it on your kid to give them something they want and make them happy.

My kid would know better to even ask. They understood the value of money from an early age. Parents should be teaching kids that. No toy is worth $200.

The LOL dolls were very popular about five years ago. They still are but not sure how much. My first grader loved them. We probably spent between $1,000 - $1,500 on the dolls, the clothes, the extras, and LOL dollhouse was $250 back then when they first came on the market.

My daughter spent hours with those dolls for three years. Using her imagination and improving her dexterity ,manipulating those tiny accessories. They had value and were worth it.

You’re wrong. There are toys worth $200. We have generational wealth so we have the children’s college money plus already set. If we didn’t I would have been more careful with buying. You buy what you can afford and you can afford to buy that child’s toy.

This. We’re saving 75% of our post tax income a month and on track to be UHNW. I’m not going to sweat giving my kid a toy.

Yea you! Is not the value we'd want to send to our kids even if we could afford it.

It’s teens that can be bougie. Buying a 2026 BMW for a 17 year old is not a value most people want to send to teens when a 15 year old car would be a better decision. I don’t get what “value” buying doll sets would send to a six year old.

What about Lego sets that are battery powered or replicas of things like the Titanic or the Eiffel Tower? 10,000 legos to put together to create a village is impressive but pricy. This is directed at the poster who doesn’t see value in high price toys.

Or, how about a compromise with a car? Our kid will get to borrow an older car and if it breaks we will maybe get a new one or a used one, but it will be our car, not theirs till they are older.

You are basing it on the fact your kids have a lavist lifestyle, which is very different.