Dog Community

Toys for Kids (mrstjohnson)

Posted : 9/27/2008 7:34:57 PM

DH and I are going on vacation in November to Cancun, Mexico (WHOO HOOO). Anyway, before Charlie and Riley we used to go every year and bring toys for the children in Cancun and to a school on an island off the coast. Historically it was never an issue since we would just bring an extra duffle bag of stuff and would check the bag. Well, this year they are charging some serious $$ for each extra bag so I am trying to think of flat or smaller toys that I would be able to pack in my luggage. I am looking for some ideas. Some of the things I have already are (note not all are toys as these children have next to nothing so school supplies are needed too):

- Notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, markers, etc.

- Books

- matchbox cars

- Misc. dollar store toys

- McDonald's value meal toys

I am kind of at a loss since everything I have/know of is for little ones (toddlers) so I need some ideas for older kids.

Thanks

huskymom

Posted : 9/27/2008 8:55:59 PM

Flashcards, decks of playing cards, Dice, Lego sets...I'll try to think of more.

alieliza

Posted : 9/28/2008 7:55:08 AM

Smaller size board games? Travel size? How about inflatable balls and stuff, things that can be deflated for travel. Activity/coloring books? And along the lines of books, any books? They are a little heavy though, but you could probably pick some up at stores like good will and the salvation army, as well as the dollar store and used book stores. Though, Spanish language books might be a little harder to come by in those stores, and would cost you more cause you'd likely have to buy them new.

rwbeagles

Posted : 9/28/2008 8:14:05 AM

Balsa wood gliders, paper airplane kits, stickers.

alieliza

Posted : 9/28/2008 8:44:45 AM

Oooohhh! Stickers are a great idea. I *love* stickers, and so do all of my students!!!!!!!!!!

fuzzy_dogs_mom

Posted : 9/28/2008 10:35:52 AM

mrstjohnson

Well, this year they are charging some serious $$ for each extra bag

That's kind of a bummer. Do you think if you let them know ahead of time what you were bringing and where it was going, they might cut you a little slack?

Joyce

polarexpress

Posted : 9/28/2008 3:16:30 PM

STICKERS!!!!!

Can they use chalk? colored pencils

How about some ribbons for the girls' hair? or those cute decorated hair elastic head-band thingies? they weigh next to nothing.

Cards, marbles, matchbox cars,

baseball cards? the words would be in english, but if the boys like baseball they would get a kick out of them and be able to figure out most of the info on the back.

Chuffy

Posted : 9/28/2008 4:24:21 PM

Kids jewellery, you know, bracelets and necklaces that kind of thing?

Jigsaw puzzles

Posters

Hair bands, clips, scrunchies etc

Those little toys out of crackers or kinder eggs

lorib

Posted : 9/28/2008 4:56:00 PM

Nail polish for the pre-teen set. Hair doodads too. Packs of gum with trading cards in them. Cartoon character socks. Lip gloss/balm.

mrstjohnson

Posted : 9/28/2008 7:20:16 PM

OMG! Thank you for all of the excellent suggestions. These are great! I would have never thought about the hair stuff. Definitely light and will definitely be appreciated by the older girls.

We are heading to Milwaukee this upcoming weekend, and they have tons of Spanish books there in their dollar stores so I am going to stock up there.

Joyce - I had already called the airline and they said no exceptions at all. Gotta love 'em! NOT

4HAND

Posted : 9/28/2008 7:44:13 PM

yo yos, rubick's cubes, glow sticks,superballs