Top 10 Gift Ideas for Children's Missions and Charities

Remember the "The Waltons" Christmas special? The children received 'missionary barrel' gifts and Elizabeth got nothing but a broken doll. I cried my eyes out as she lovingly held that destroyed doll. I didn't understand why wealthy people would send a broken toy.

Our church like many others, hosts toy drives for local children. It's exciting to see so many organizations collecting gifts. One year, a friend and I volunteered with our children to package gifts for shipment to our sister parish in Haiti. We were pleased by the generosity, but there were some gifts could not be sent. This gift list is written to clarify what children in overseas and domestic missions can use and what may not be appropriate.

1) Avoid anything electronic or battery-operated (unless you sent batteries in the correct size). Children may not have access to the resources needed to enjoy these.

2) Avoid gifts that contain liquid or glass. These items can break or spill and then the gift is useless to the child.

3) Avoid anything that requires other resources to use properly (computer, water, or even cement). Try to give stand-alone toys that can be enjoyed in and of themselves.

4) Avoid gifts of toy guns, war toys or games. Many of these children have seen enough violence to last a lifetime.

5) Consider shipping costs when choosing toys. Large, bulky toys with excess packaging will cost more to send.

6) Be mindful of the language, climate and culture of the people. If you send books or games, make sure they are printed in the native tongue. If you send dolls, choose those with the skin tone of the children who will play with them. Choose toys that can be used year-round.

7) Choose items in the suggested price range suggested by the organization. As we packaged toys, we found items many price ranges, from freebie McDonald Happy Meal toys to large, expensive gifts. To compensate, we made up gift bags with smaller items of lower value. We divided packages with multiples of the same items, Happy Meal toys, small stuffed animals, jewelry and other lower value toys into zippered plastic bags. We tried to even out the value of the gifts.

8) Choose new or very gently used toys only. We didn't mind the unopened Happy Meal prizes as much as the obviously used toys. Make sure anything you send is clean, usable and safe. If you send a cloth toy, be sure it is new. Stuffed animals are lovely, but they do carry germs.

This is my 'Ultimate Gift Guide' wish list children's charities, grouped by age:

-Pre-School: cuddly baby dolls, inflatable playground balls (we purchased several inflation devices), Nerf balls, jump rope, wooden blocks, building bricks (Lego Duplo), blanket and pillow, study picture books, puzzles, plastic dishware or tea set.

-Lower Elementary: same as preschool plus inexpensive jewelry and hair ornaments, Barbie doll and accessories, Littlest Pet Shop, Matchbox cars, boats, airplanes, Nerf bat and ball, marbles, simple art supply kit (crayons, drawing paper, construction paper, scissors, glue, stickers), sewing kit

-Upper Elementary: craft kits (especially Rose Art) with all accessories, bead stringing, candle making, stenciling, latch or rug hooking, macrame tying, painting sets, knitting machine sets, sewing sets, lip gloss, personal care kits, comb and brush set, diary, journal, keepsake box, purse, backpack, balls (soccer, football, basketball, tennis), volleyball set, badminton set, scooter.

Happy shopping and giving. Thank you for caring. For more donation tips and gift-giving ideas, visit the blogs listed.