<p>DS is often invited to the birthday parties of kids who are part of the special needs program at school, and as incoming president of his school’s Best Buddies Club this year, we anticipate even more invitations than in prior years, probably close to 20. He loves to go and celebrate with the kids, but after a while, it gets pretty expensive. I am looking for ideas for budget-friendly, yet meaningful gifts that I could keep stocked in the gift cupboard. All the kids are high school aged, with the majority being either autistic or having Down’s or something similar. Food related gifts are not a good option due to many of them having dietary restrictions. I usually end up footing the bill, and would like to keep costs around $10 each. Thanks!</p>
<p>Off the top of my head…</p>
<p>Small stuffed animals for the girls.</p>
<p>Sandals are cheap. Under $10 at CVS.</p>
<p>Colorful tee shirts.
Tie dye shirts.</p>
<p>Nail polish…</p>
<p>Watches…bracelets…rings…</p>
<p>Maybe cds…</p>
<p>Do you have a ‘Five Below’ nearby? You could put a cute giftbag together with the items dstark notes above. </p>
<p>When my kids were younger, I gave beach towels one year to every kid. You might be able to find some on clearance this time of year.</p>
<p>What a thoughtful mom you are!</p>
<p>How about a CD of pop music, something from Amazon’s top whatever list?
Or an iTunes card?
Some unusual sports water bottle?
A small sampler of inexpensive nail polish?
A cap or socks with a sports team theme?
An inexpensive wallet or changepurse or cell phone holder?</p>
<p>I get lots of good ideas in dollar stores and then find slightly nicer versions at
KOHLS or Costco.
We have a 24 yr old special needs D who would like most of these.
She was part of a similar club while in school and it was wonderful for all involved.</p>
<p>Love the beach towel idea! We live in a beach town and my son is at a beach party for one of the girls right now, which is what prompted my original post. Can’t believe I didn’t think of it. Thanks!</p>
<p>Five Below is a great idea. Is there a Christmas Tree Shop in your area? Best Buddies is a wonderful program. Kuddos to your son, he will receive so much more than he will give. How about taking a group photo in the beginning of the school year and giving the photo in a frame for each birthday?</p>
<p>All good ideas. My son always wants to pick out individual presents based on the birthday boy or girl, but his schedule is crazy full and I want to make things easier on both of us :). I bought a really fun $14.99 nail polish set at Costco for his friend today:
[Jenna</a> Hipp x Costco Nail Polish | Lexi’s Look of the Day](<a href=“http://chromachameleon.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2013/06/27/jenna-hipp-x-costco-nail-polish/]Jenna”>Jenna Hipp x Costco Nail Polish | Cosmetic Confessional)</p>
<p>A couple weeks ago, we bought a more expensive, $30 Disney snow globe for another boy, which was apparently a HUGE hit so worth the expense, but moving forward I plan on stocking up on many of your suggested items to keep the costs down and everything fair. Thanks for the ideas!</p>
<p>Love the group photo idea, too!</p>
<p>No Five Belows in my neck of the woods, but now I wish there was!</p>
<p>Westcoastmom…your son is a mench.</p>
<p>Ahh, thanks dstark. The funny thing is that he is usually a very serious, logical, intellectual thinker, but the kids in the program bring out a whole other (lighter, more patient, compassionate) side of him, and it has been a huge blessing. If only he could be so loving with his younger brother…</p>
<p>:)…</p>
<p>Someday… Your older son will show compassion for his younger brother.</p>
<p>I was at Walmart the other day… yes, honest I was… it was opening day of our new Walmart, and I couldn’t resist buying a couple of colorful bandanas for $1 each. They come with a tag that shows you many different ways to wear them and tie them, including wearing it over your nose (under the eyes) like a traditional western bandit, which I thought was in bad taste.</p>
<p>thread drift…I got the beach towel idea from a friend who gave my winter-birthday kids Barbie & Telle Tubbies one year. Barbie is now my pool towel and no one touches the Telle Tubbies!</p>