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Message |
    
phyllis
Citizen
Username: Phyllis
Post Number: 507
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:16 pm: | 
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Looking for some interesting ideas for my neices. One is just graduating from 5th grade, the other from middle school. They are having a party and I'd like to get them each something. Things to keep in mind - they have lots of money, so they don't really need mine. Second (and perhaps related?!) they are lose things often - jewelry, ipods and the like. For that reason, I don't want to buy them anything too precious. Both are bright, into ballet, but not many hobbies otherwise to speak of.
Anything ideas?
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LibraryLady..
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3329
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - 11:20 pm: |
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Take them both to a Broadway show or a day in the City . See the Ballet or have lunchand a visit to a museum,etc. Can't lose this gift and the memories will last a long time. |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 961
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 10:01 am: |
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I second the show or day in the City with some time with you. I did this for both of my nephews and they still talk about it.
Memories are the most precious gift in my opinion!!
Hope you find something that will work for you and your neices. |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 240
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 11:08 am: |
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Hmmm, lose things and have lots of money....
The greatest gift you can give these two is either nothing so not to encourage the "circle of getting and losing" or, if you feel thar you really should give something, why not make a donation to a charity on their behalf? Seriously. Take them out for a pizza and explain to them that as they are getting older they need to understand that the whole world isn't as fortunate as they are. Explain (if needs be) that their parents will always want to do the best for them, as would any parent, but around the world there are people without the bare essentials to live, and therefore you felt that your decision was a small steps towards their developing understanding and compassion. They are in need of nothing. There is nothing you can give that will "Benefit" them. Maybe, just maybe, this selfless act that you may take on their behalf could help them see that an ipod or new dress/bag etc is just another way to spend money to them, but that money to someone else can be a lifeline...
I know MY girls would prefer an ipod or a new dress....... but deep down, I hope that if they are ever in the position that I am suggesting you put those two in, they they will make me proud and choose the right option...
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Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 3009
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 11:19 am: |
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Well aren't we sanctimonious.
You could have just said "a donation in their name" and left it at that.
No one said they were spoiled brats. No one said they need to be taught a lesson. No one even said they were expecting a gift from Aunt Phyllis. She was just asking what might be nice for kids of that age with an interest in ballet.
What "option" would the girls be choosing if they were given nothing or a charity donation? And how does receiving a charity donation as a gift "make you proud"? |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4330
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 12:34 pm: |
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I think a day with a special aunt is a great gift. I encourage my siblings to take my kids to a museum, a show or even just a movie for an afternoon because they enjoy it so much.
Wendy, I agree with you. Celebrate their special day, not everything has to turn into a lesson about giving to those less fortunate. |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 242
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 12:47 pm: |
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It was just an option.....
Obviously a bad one.
I phrased it wrongly/badly and for that I apologise.
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Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 44
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 12:48 pm: |
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A cute idea for the younger one if she is a girly girl is a visit to Club Libby Lu. Check out their web site
http://www.clublibbylu.com/party.aspx
The closest one I think is in Rockaway, NJ
It might be ok for the older one too depending on what she is into, but maybe too baby-ish for a 14 year old.
What about concert tickets? Lots of bands teens are interested in tour in the summer. YOu could take the two to a concert or buy them 3 tickets and have one of their parents chaperone. |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 3011
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 2:03 pm: |
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I apologize as well soparents, I came off way too strong. I actually think the donation thing is a great idea, just not the lesson part. If the kids like animals you could donate to a shelter or something. I think some shelters sell t-shirts and the like which is basically like donating. Or do a Lance Armstrong bracelet or something similar.
Guess the $150 a head middle school party thread got you all riled up! 
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Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 244
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 2:15 pm: |
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Yup....
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ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 4672
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 2:45 pm: |
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Books are still nice gifts. |
fiche
Citizen
Username: Fiche
Post Number: 126
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 3:13 pm: |
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A magazine subscription to a dance magazine, or some other periodical. Something unusual but that either is of interest to them now or that you think would broaden their worlds.
I also love the idea of a day with Aunt Phyllis. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 3268
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 6:12 pm: |
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Re: charitable causes.. if you go to www.thehungersite.com, you have the option of purchasing a gift or a gift of food, water, etc. and by purchasing from the site you also donate a portion of food. You can access the breast cancer site, the children's health site, the rainforest site, the children's literacy site and the pet site in the same space so you can choose the area that interests your neices and then choose a gift. I think I'm not explaining this well.. just go to thehungersite and you'll see how it works. |
gretchen
Citizen
Username: Gretchen
Post Number: 209
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 10:12 pm: |
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How about cute/funky stationery/notecards with their name engraved? |
phyllis
Citizen
Username: Phyllis
Post Number: 508
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 11:13 pm: |
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Thanks, all, for the ideas. Keep em comin. I like the stationery idea, esp for the younger one who isn't quite into email yet like her older sister.
I have always done "a day out with auntie" with the girls, but its getting tougher. B'way is expensive - add in a meal and you're talking a few hundred bucks. Also, they have seen most of the kid friendly shows including Wicked, which my mom and I took them to for xmas. But maybe I will look into some cool dance performance or ballet.
They are wealthy, but not overly materialistic. Just really hard to buy for and like I said, a bit careless with their stuff, so my first choice of a beautiful piece of jewelry is out. Plus, I'm sad to say that I have gotten old enough where I now am not even close to being "cool" in terms of picking things out for them. It's a sad day, but inevitable, I guess.
And in terms of the charity idea.... it's great in certain circumstances, but not this one. I just want to help them celebrate their accomplishment not make a statement with the gesture. But I can certainly talk to them about doing something like that together for no special reason. |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 518
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 6:44 am: |
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How about a mani/pedi day? Or perhaps making an appointment with their stylist for a nice cut & blow dry and auntie picking up the tab? I think that the magazine subscription is a great idea too. You can allow them to choose two each and pay for a year's subscription. |
Mplwdrez
Citizen
Username: Mplwdrez
Post Number: 6
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 12:26 pm: |
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Since it's a graduation only from Middle School and 5th grade i wouldn't go all out. If you do you set them up for expecting big gifts for everything. I'm sure that they already do since they have money.
Anyway, the idea of a day trip is nice; into the city. I also like the mani/pedi idea. Someone mentioned that its the memories that will last and I agree. |
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