Winner Mama Stu -RAOK: Santa Ideas needed

[rbunnymom]

I have a 50q potluck to send to one random winner. To be entered, please give me some inexpensive ideas to help my sister this Christmas. She is in another state, so all gifts will have to be mailed. She is recovering from a life-threatening illness after being hospitalized almost 6 weeks. My niece is 10 and nephew is 12. They have had a very rough year and will have very little for Christmas. She was too ill to sign-up for any Christmas programs and missed the dates to do so. I really want to help but don't have the funds to do it like I would really like to. So, any ideas on what I can do to make this Christmas special for the kids would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Ends Wed 5pm CST

[cma2a17]

Alot of the restaurants around here do a special at christmas where you buy XXX gift card and then you get an extra XXX gift card. It might be nice for your sister to take herself and the kids out to eat without any stress. I'd think this would be a nice treat for them all.

[cybilx10]

How about a few outfits for the kids and maybe a new housecoat or slippers for her?

Even better, if you could do it, is make a few meals for her and put them in sealed containers with some dry ice and she is set for christmas dinner and beyond. Does she shop at a local grocery store, see if they could take an order and payment over the phone and let her pick it up. Thats also an option. Angel food ministries is another big help too for food.

[JustSaveMeTheMoney]

As someone who has been low on funds for over two years, I'd have to say a restaurant gift card would be greatly appreciated. My kids really miss dining out. Also, fun activities such as zoos, museums, movies, park district classes, sport leagues have been greatly missed. If they haven't been able to do any of their favorite things you could sponsor them, even if it only covers part of the cost. I would love for my family to contribute $50 toward a karate class instead of filling our home with more "stuff".

[vicar01]

maybe clean her house while she is out and fill the pantry with staples.
one bigger item for both kids
clothes from goodwill
take her to get her hair done

[rbunnymom]

Thanks for all the great ideas. Keep them coming. I live 8 hours from her so will be mailing a package. I love the pantry idea - didn't think of that. I am sure I can do that with some freebies I have gotten.

[cecaic0609]

If she has a significant other that could go shopping for her, maybe you could send a couple gift cards, maybe to a local grocery store and to get the kids some gifts.

[Doglover8180]

How about ice skating.... lots of cities have an outdoors ice skating area set up for the holidays - and I remember doing this growing up and have such fond memories.... usually the area is decorated with Christmas trees and it is just so festive and a fairly inexpensive, memorable fun time for kids. :)

[slvrmoon016]

Also like the restaurant/salon GC ideas... one fun way to do it would be to plan a "day out" itinerary. Example: GC to brunch with the kids, GC to a salon for some pampering time, GC to the movies or another family-recreational spot :)

Or you could send a "stay-in" movie night package, including some Christmas DVDs, popcorn, candy/snacks, hot chocolate packets, a cozy blanket for everyone to huddle underneath! Some local restaurants also do holiday dinner deliveries, which may be a nice surprise.

[kval07]

I'm a fan of the "experience" gifts, something for all of them to do together. Something to create a memory. Maybe a dinner/movie combo? Restaurants around here sell dinner certificates with movie tickets to the local theater. Search her area for events. Hopefully she has recovered well enough to participate.