Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:33
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
Anonymous wrote:I've never spent $200 for the holidays - that's about double what I've spent, if not more than double.
Of course a store like WalMart will encourage making a holiday all about buying stuff, because they're in the business of selling stuff. But to me, the holidays are about family and being cozy, spending time together, etc. We spend very little on gifts. So I don't want to spend hundreds on kids I don't know.
No one is saying you need to buy this gift. But you should recognize that many of these gifts go to kids who are either separated from family at the holidays, in foster care, or who aren't cozy at home, because homeless shelters aren't cozy, or aren't spending time together because their parents are working long hours to keep a roof over their head. At a young age, they know those things aren't fixable, so the thing they're looking forward to is a fun toy.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:22
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
When did "ask" replace "request?" It's so annoying.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:21
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
To answer your question OP I’ve seen Angel
Tree requests all over the place. Some have gifts for $20 and some are over $100. If you can afford to buy it, buy it. If not, maybe go in with a friend or exchange that one for a different one. The child requesting may not be aware of the price of have no concept of the value.
Also remember some of these kids have very little. They may be getting clothes and needs over wants from family if they have one. This could be their “ want”
Some kids are in foster care or living in dufferent situations.
Do what your heart tells you OP
Tree requests all over the place. Some have gifts for $20 and some are over $100. If you can afford to buy it, buy it. If not, maybe go in with a friend or exchange that one for a different one. The child requesting may not be aware of the price of have no concept of the value.
Also remember some of these kids have very little. They may be getting clothes and needs over wants from family if they have one. This could be their “ want”
Some kids are in foster care or living in dufferent situations.
Do what your heart tells you OP
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:21
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
It's a toy for a young child. I don't expect a young child who is asked what they want for Christmas to be thinking "how much will this cost Santa's elves to make?" I certainly don't expect an organization to make it clear to the kids that any gifts will come from a charity, and to wish accordingly.
So, the young child named a toy they had seen and liked, and a volunteer wrote that down. That doesn't mean the kid should get exactly what they asked for, but it does mean they shouldn't be shamed for asking for it.
So, the young child named a toy they had seen and liked, and a volunteer wrote that down. That doesn't mean the kid should get exactly what they asked for, but it does mean they shouldn't be shamed for asking for it.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:19
Subject: Re:Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
We used to do it every year. The material from the Salvation Army said that most people spend around $100 per child. So we tried to spend around $50 for clothing items and $50 for fun stuff or toys. Over the years I remember buying play-do sets for a toddler, roller blades for tween girl and a football and soccer ball for a little boy. All reasonable requests and I hope the gifts were used and enjoyed. But the last couple years all the requests were for really expensive items like tablets and video game systems that couldn't possibly be purchased under the $100 guidance. I supposed some people might be willing to go way over but that wasn't in the cards for us. So we stopped doing it.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:15
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
I've never spent $200 for the holidays - that's about double what I've spent, if not more than double.
Of course a store like WalMart will encourage making a holiday all about buying stuff, because they're in the business of selling stuff. But to me, the holidays are about family and being cozy, spending time together, etc. We spend very little on gifts. So I don't want to spend hundreds on kids I don't know.
Of course a store like WalMart will encourage making a holiday all about buying stuff, because they're in the business of selling stuff. But to me, the holidays are about family and being cozy, spending time together, etc. We spend very little on gifts. So I don't want to spend hundreds on kids I don't know.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:13
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
when i have participated in programs like this, there is typically guidance from the nonprofit about how much to spend per recipient. this year, the org suggested spending $85 per. last year, it was $150.
i don't think the our generation ice cream truck is obviously extravagant--i know several kids in my neighborhood who have it. it surprises me that it costs that much.
i don't think the our generation ice cream truck is obviously extravagant--i know several kids in my neighborhood who have it. it surprises me that it costs that much.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:08
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
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!
That’s not true. You don’t have to be cheap in order to maintain what you describe as your affluence. That old excuse has been around forever.
If I was a young mother with a very low income and my child wanted a dream house I would look on Facebook, I would check every local used store including Savers until I found an affordable one. If I was in my 30s with a high income and my child wanted a dream house I would order from a store. It’s all depends on what you can afford.
And this is why many people don’t have as much savings as they could. I’m wealthy but for a toy (versus an item when kids are older and would be used onward - phone, ipad, memorabilia, etc), & I would not spend $200. Instead, I would look for used or a cheaper dupe and if not an option, then I’d suggest the kid use grandparents’, aunts’, etc xmas gift money and I would kick in a certain amt and the rest comes from kid’s savings.
I'd never ask a family member for an expensive gift. If we wouldn't buy it we wouldn't ask someone else. And, I wouldn't allow my kids to use their money either, which we put into savings/college. For iPads, etc. they get they handydown in less there is a good reason (computer in MS, chromebook in HS) and they only got new phones as it was cheaper than replacing the battery and they weren't fancy ones.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:06
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
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.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 12:06
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
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.
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.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 11:57
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
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.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 11:38
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
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.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 06:27
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
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!
once again, it is $104 at target right now. And it is a wish list, and OP can return the ticket and donate $ to a charity of their choice.
OP here: as I mentioned, I went with Toys for Tots and got lots of items which I will drop off today.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 06:24
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
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!
That’s not true. You don’t have to be cheap in order to maintain what you describe as your affluence. That old excuse has been around forever.
If I was a young mother with a very low income and my child wanted a dream house I would look on Facebook, I would check every local used store including Savers until I found an affordable one. If I was in my 30s with a high income and my child wanted a dream house I would order from a store. It’s all depends on what you can afford.
And this is why many people don’t have as much savings as they could. I’m wealthy but for a toy (versus an item when kids are older and would be used onward - phone, ipad, memorabilia, etc), & I would not spend $200. Instead, I would look for used or a cheaper dupe and if not an option, then I’d suggest the kid use grandparents’, aunts’, etc xmas gift money and I would kick in a certain amt and the rest comes from kid’s savings.
Anonymous
12/10/2025 00:04
Subject: Angel Tree gift cards/asks - dollar amount thoughts?
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.