This Christmas, there are many children who will be spending their day in a shelter home rather than sharing it with their families. These children may not have very much, so it is important to think of ways to make their Christmas special.
One way to do this is by donating Christmas gifts to the shelter home. These gifts can be something as simple as a new toy or book or something more practical like a winter coat. Whatever you choose to donate, it will surely bring joy to a child on Christmas day!
1. Books
Books, whether fiction or non-fiction, are a great gift idea for children in shelter homes. They will be able to learn new things and imagine themselves as the main character of their favorite book!
Books such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar (by Eric Carle) can be an excellent way to introduce young children to reading. Another idea is donating books about Christmas. This would bring back memories of their favorite holiday for older children and maybe even remind them that there is still some hope left for the future.
2. Toys and Games
Younger children also enjoy playing with toys and other fun games at Christmas time. It may not feel like Christmas without receiving presents from Santa Claus! Some ideas include stuffed animals, board games, science toys, etc.
3. Makeup
Although children in shelter homes are not likely to be playing dress-up or wearing makeup, they may enjoy some small toys that can temporarily transform them into a princess or superheroes.
Children can spend time imagining what it would be like if they truly were the character! Some examples include fairy wings, masks, and wands.
4. Musical Instruments
Kids love to make noise! Give some young children an instrument this Christmas so that they can create their own joyful tunes throughout the holidays.
Young children might enjoy some very simple instruments such as bells and recorders while older ones could have fun with drums and guitars!
5. Backpacks/School Supplies
Many of these kids will be going back to school after the holidays and need new supplies. Help give kids back their hope by filling a backpack with school supplies such as crayons, colored pencils, pens, paper, etc.
6. Warm Clothing
Children living in shelter homes are likely to spend most of their time indoors during the colder months of winter.
For them to still feel festive even though they cannot be outside, it may be a good idea to give them some warm clothing that will keep them cozy throughout the long winter nights! Items such as gloves, hats, scarves, and coats would make excellent gifts.
7. Snacks/Food
Although food is not exactly a “gift,” giving children treats during Christmas can help make them smile. Many shelters may not be able to provide the kids with a special meal, so it is nice when people donate in their honor.
Some ideas include candy canes, cookies, and other sweet treats!
8. Posters Autographed By Celebrities
Autographed posters are becoming very popular among younger kids who want to decorate their walls with autographs of their favorite singers, actors, and actresses.
This is a great gift for children living in shelters because it will remind them that there are many people out there who care about them! You can get autographed TV show posters and autographed movie posters. This will be an excellent present that any child would love.
9. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals come in all different shapes and sizes, so it is hard to have a bad experience with them!
They are cute, cuddly, and adorable, making kids feel warm inside. Every child loves snuggling up with stuffed animals, so why not give one to the kid(s) you choose this Christmas?
10. Craft Supplies
Crafts are a great way for children to express their creativity and imagination. They can make their own cards, decorate holiday cookies, or even draw pictures of what they want Santa Claus to bring them this year!
11. Gift Cards
Gift cards may not seem like the most satisfactory present, but it is always nice when people donate money in their honor so that they can buy whatever they want with it.
You could try giving gift cards to clothing stores and stores such as Walmart and Target so that kids can pick out some new clothes if they want them! This will be good regardless of what age group you choose to give it to!
These are just some ideas for gifts to donate during the holidays. It is important that young children living in shelter homes still have a very special Christmas even if their family cannot be there. Just because these children’s parents may not be around does not mean they should be without presents, food, and other things.
