In Reply to: answer for addicted regarding gifts posted by salech on Friday, 4. March 2011 at 12:19 Bali Time:
we have been sponsoring 3 girls all from villages for about 5 years now. We normally go to visit and have a bit of a look out for presents before we go. Over the years have taken many different things. All seem to be well recieved..One thing we have always done (may not suit everyone but works well for us) is have a few special things in a gift bag for the sponsored girl AND lots of spare things all the other kids ie the neighbours and relatives that tend to come when were there. This makes it much fairer and cuts out any jealousy which happens with any kids. Ideas are clothes, hair accessories,soft toys( even the older girls seem to like these),books, pens pencils exercise/colouring books,backpacks ( have filled them with all the individual school stuff coles around now always has stuff on sale ) bubbles, little keyboards with spare batteries,stickers, hats, even mcdonalds toys, novelty cushions,pillowcases,toiletries, balls etc. For the small giveaways i always ask around for donations for mccdonalds toys,matchbox cars,small soft toys like beanie bears, pens and exercise books. chupa chups( buy in big containers over there) ballooons,small balls,kids towels/facewashers, even bought 50 recorders in the music section of the hardware store upstairs at centro very cheap - even though those parents were probably cursing me when i left), the multi packs of the bubbles, pads of stickers,party blowers etc i aways keep aneye out at cheap as chips, target etc Hope this helps. Have left my email open if you want to contact me re any further info. Judi