<p>My sister and I are participating in a “birthday buddy” program with adults with developmental disabilities. We have two buddies, both are women. One is in her twenties and the other in her thirties. We are supposed to send them cards on their birthday, and if we’d like, on other occasions. Of course I want to send them cards all year round, so we sent initial friendship cards with some adorable owl stickers tucked inside anyway, I’m getting off topic…</p>
<p>Their birthdays are coming up in July. We want to send them a small present. The coordinator of the program told us the women both love stickers and soft, plush animals. We will definitely include stickers. Does anybody know of a store where you can get cheap stuffed animals? I’m talking under $5 here…I don’t have much money but I don’t want to just send a card with stickers. I also want to avoid Amazon because shipping is expensive…please let me know if you’ve found plush animals in the dollar store or places like that. For those of you who’ve read my other posts, I’m currently recovering from surgery and it’s hard for me to get out, so I don’t want to go to a bunch of stores looking around.</p>
<p>Also, if anyone has suggestions for other small items we could send these women, please leave your ideas here! From what I understand, their disabilities seem rather severe…I obviously don’t know the details, but they live in a residential facility. </p>
<p>Kohl’s has plush animals for $5 and since you can always get a coupon, it would be less than that. They have this one, plus some little critter ones:</p>
<p>Yes. Kohls. Near the register they always have several children’s books and the stuffed animal that goes with each book. $5 each. Last time, I’m not sure they allowed me to use the coupon for that animal and book…proceeds go to charity. </p>
<p>These stuffed animals are a much nicer quality than those you would get anywhere else. </p>
<p>Dollar Tree has some $1 stuffed toys. Quality varies–but do check your local store because sometimes they have some cute ones and you can’t beat the price. I still have younger kids and have gotten some there recently. Do you think your friends would like toiletry items–soaps with different shape/scents? Chocolates or other candies? A pillow? T-shirt? Something for their walls like a poster or framed photo? (Just trying to think of something inexpensive but useful to them. . .) </p>
<p>Oh perfect, @3bm103 and @Thumper1 I always get some Kohl’s cash in the mail or great coupons so I will definitely try there! They’re always very wheelchair accessible! I remember seeing some cute animals by the register, but I assumed they were very expensive.</p>
<p>@HisGraceFillsMe, I went to Target a few days ago for another volunteer thing (filling birthday bags for children in homeless shelters- Cheerful Givers is the organization is you’re curious) and they surprisingly didn’t have stuffed animals in that section!! </p>
<p>I would love to send a little care package of candy and lotions and things of that nature, but I don’t know of any dietary restrictions or allergies, and that’s private medical information that I wouldn’t be able to find out. I was thinking of maybe framing a postcard from where I live, because the organization suggested post cards. I live in NY so I’m sure I could find a nice postcard with the city on it, which might be nice for them since they live in Minnesota </p>
<p>I saw today that our local Walmart had a deal, in the displays up in the front of the store where you leave the checkout lane, on those stuffed animal “pillow buddies” that fold up into a stuffed animal and then expand into a pillow when the velcro is unlatched. Not sure if under $5, tho. </p>
<p>Perhaps you can solicit some local stores or companies for a donation of stuffed animals and other items for your gift bags. You can do this by phone. </p>
anyway, I’m getting off topic…</p>
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