The holiday season is here, which means the annual Rock 95 KOOL FM Toy Drive is in full swing. If you’re looking to donate but aren’t sure what to buy, here’s a list of toy drive gift ideas to get you started.
Gifts that are most needed
While donations for any age group are always appreciated, toy drives often fall short on gifts for older kids in their teens and preteens.
So, to start off our list, let’s look at good toy drive gift ideas for teens …
Teenagers (13 to 16)
While some teens are happy to receive LEGO, board games, and other toys, many have more “grownup” Christmas wish lists. If you’re looking to buy gifts for a teenage boy or girl, here are some great options:
Gift Cards: Gift cards to popular stores are a great way to give teens the gift of choice and a fun experience. Gift cards for Shoppers, Walmart, VISA, Sephora, clothing stores, and restaurants are all good choices. Higher-value gift cards are great for big gifts while lower-value cards make great stocking stuffers. When possible, it’s a good idea to purchase gift cards individually so that they can be donated with their receipt in case the receiver has any problems.
Speakers/Headphones: Everyone loves to be able to sit back and enjoy their favourite podcast or music. That’s why a pair of good-quality budget-friendly headphones or small wireless speakers make great gifts for teens.
Hygiene & Make-Up Products: Teens are just beginning to explore the world of cosmetic and hygiene products. Buying a kit or selection of toiletry and makeup products can be a great way to pamper them.
Accessories: Accessories such as jewelry, watches, bags, and sunglasses are always a hit for both boys and girls. Stores like Walmart, Ardene, and Claire’s have good selections of well-priced items that are perfect for donating.
Hair Supplies: Teens like to experiment with different hairstyles. That’s why styling brushes, hair straighteners, curling irons, and hair products are all good gift options.
Light Strips: Teens are loving LED Light strips right now. They’re a fun way for them to personalize their space and are available at many different price points.
Sports Equipment: Sports equipment is always a popular choice for active teenagers. Footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, and frisbees are all good options. You can also look for outdoor game packs that the whole family can enjoy.
Preteens (9 to 12)
Preteens are another age group that is underserved during the holiday toy collection season. Many of the gifts listed in the section for teens can also make great gifts for preteens. But kids in this category are at that age where they still enjoy playing with toys as well.
If you want to shop in the toy aisle, check out these great toy drive gift ideas for kids aged 9 to 12 …
LEGO Sets: LEGO is a popular choice for preteens. There are dozens of different sets ranging from simple to complex. Popular choices for 9 to 12-year-olds include cars, flowers, and video games, tv shows, or movie-themed sets.
Board Games: Board games are a great pastime for the whole family. Popular choices include family classics such as Monopoly and Clue, as well as new games like Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan.
DIY Kits: Kits that let kids make and create are a perfect gift option. Science and engineering sets are a great way to make learning fun. Or you can go for something more crafty like slime, jewelry, soap, or journal-making kits.
Puzzles: Like board games, puzzles can be an excellent pastime for preteens. If you want to turn things up a notch, consider something more challenging like a jigsaw with irregularly shaped pieces or a 3D puzzle.
Stocking stuffers
The Rock 95 KOOL FM Toy Drive is always looking for small items to use as stocking stuffers, especially for boys and girls 8 to 10. Some good options include:
- Chapstick
- Nail polish
- Fidget toys
- Water bottles
- $5 to $15 gift cards
These lists include just some of the items that you can donate for those in need. There are lots of other wonderful options for stocking stuffers, teens, and tweens, so don’t be afraid to branch out and get creative.
Gifts that are less needed
The Rock 95 KOOL FM Toy Drive has been overwhelmed by the generosity of those giving gifts for boys and girls up to 8 years old. As a result, the Toy Drive has a stockpile of toys for these children and is not in need of additional donations at this time.
If you have already purchased items for this age group and wish to donate, please do! Every donation is greatly appreciated and it will help us get a head start for future years.
If you haven’t purchased your gifts yet for this age group, please consider donating gifts for teens and tweens. That way you can help make sure every child, no matter how old, has a wonderful holiday season this year!
Gifts the toy drive can't accept
As with any donation drive, there are items that cannot the Rock 95 KOOL FM Toy Drive can't accept. These items include:
Food: The Rock 95 KOOL FM Toy Drive does not accept food items. If you have food items to donate, there are many local charities in need of these types of donations.
Stuffed Animals: Stuffed animals, like Fur Real Friends and Tickle Me Elmos, that are in cardboard packaging are always great gifts for younger children. Unfortunately, however, the Toy Drive is not able to accept unpackaged stuffed animals as the charities they work with are not able to distribute them.
With your help, the Rock 95 KOOL FM Toy Drive and other charities across Simcoe County can help make sure every child feels the love on Christmas morning.
Donation drop-offs are available at Canadian Tire and The Beer Store locations across Simcoe County, as well as Toys ‘R’ Us in Barrie.
Happy shopping!
