Should I stop buying fund raiser items from my best friends kids?
819733
just say no the next time you are asked....you have no responsibility to buy anything from anyone...just say funds are tight. I don't buy these things from anyone...better to donate to the cause than to buy something the cause only gets about 5 cents on the dollar. fund raisers are really good for only one entity..the entity that manufactures the junk that is sold. I won't even buy my Grandson's stuff, I donate directly to the school instead. Good luck
898297
well... in the end you know what's best. Weigh your priorities.  I say keep doing it. Buuut, if doing that means sacrificing something more important than helping kids. Then maybe you shouldn't.
925484
That will largely depend on the child, and of course, your financial situation.\nMy parents used to spend about $300 a piece on us when we were in high school.\n\nAlthough, I have to tell you that the most meaningful gift I ever got only cost $12. It was the missing book from a collection I had.... If you're thoughtful and can find something that they really want and will cherish, there isn't any need to go that high.
226831
When you talk of "invest" - there is an expected return. What can I get from sponsoring your child, other than a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart that I have supported someone. \n\nThis is the 3rd time or so that I have seen your question. Maybe this is not the right forum to seek sponsorship. I would suggest you create an auction listing in eBay asking for this sponsorship. The more heart-tugging your auction listing, the better.\n\nGood luck
587772
Give them all cell phones, like they do on My Super Sweet 16.\n\nJust kidding, personally I think you shouldn't give out goody bags because they're just so cheap and the stuff you get in them are like pencils and candy. Take it from a fellow 13 year old, your friends will have fun anyways. I don't think anybody really gives out goody bags anymore, so don't worry. If you want to give out something, I would go buy each of your friends a disposable camera where they can take pictures of what they want to do, without having your parents saying "okay girls, gather around". I went to a party yesterday where we all got our own cameras and it was fun. Hope that helps.
474568
I always live by the rule " IF I HAVENT USED IT IN THE LAST YEAR- I THROW IT OUT OR DONATE TO CHARITY"  I agree with u- keeping so much from the past is ridiculous!  Just keep a few things that really mean something to u.  Or you could always get her to box them up in water proof totes and have them stored in the atic, garage, or even a storage  facility!  Try to reach a compromise like that .  Tell them how u feel and see if they would be willing to do that.  Otherwise u may be stuck in a house full of crap and will never even be able to find the kids again!  lol
1036226
My daughter has cystic fibrosis...so we are getting to be old pros at fundraising.  The easiest and least confrontational method that we have used has been letter writing campaigns.  Write out a letter that lets people know who you are and what you need.  Be personal but not too personal.  Tell about the camp and what a great thing it will be for her and what kind of positive changes it will bring about in her life.  If she is old enough have her write at least part of the letter and make the copies in her handwriting...it makes it more personal to the people who will read it.  When asking for money from people you don't know in this way it makes people much more confident if they are able to write out the check directly to the place that is going to recieve it (Camp Shane) rather than the person writing the letter.  When you send out the letters include a self addressed and stamped envelope so that all they have to do is put the check in the mail...no looking for stamps or trying to find your address.  Mail letters to all family, friends, local organizations, and don't forget places like Walmart (they write off charitible donations).\n\nThis is my favorite method for fundraising because it pains me to ask people for money personally.  This is how we do the CF walk fundraising every year and this year we made $2000 this way.\n\nAfter people send checks don't forget to send them thank you letters...you will be amazed at the people who show their generosity.
25112
ask their friends parents if they have heard anythingabout what your kids want i wouldn't normally give this advice but just incase you have no idea alot of times kids want what their friends are getting or ask their teachers its worth a shot if you are not a parent you could always look for a sight with the results of the most wanted toys for kids at the ages of 12 and8 boy and girl results id suggest asking www.ask.com if there is such a sight in your own words also if you are aparent go ahead and try this then if you see something you like price it just a suggestion
886701
I would get them a "token" something, yes. He will see that you did, and appreciate it. He might not get your son something, but no matter, I think you should get his kids something...just don't go "overboard".
833943
That can be quite a controversial question.  Unfortunately in many places schools, for example, are so poorly funded that children participate in many fund raising activities.  In a perfect world there would be no need to have children participate in fund raisers.  The fund raising is not necessarily bad, as it can teach children many great skills, including the social skills necessary for such tasks, though some may consider it child labor to have children participate in fund raisers.  Children in my neighborhood did a school fund raiser last week and came to my door selling chocolate bars.  I bought some, of course, but I don't like the chocolate bar fund raiser because of the issues today with health and nutrition.   Some fund raisers involve the sale of such items as Christmas ornaments, greeting cards, etc., where the customer gets a more substantial product for the money, which seems a bit better.\n\nI don't think there is anything wrong with having children help raise funds for worthy causes, participating in a reasonable way under the supervision of responsible adults.  It helps them learn that nothing is free and that many of the privileges we have cost money.  I don't  think children should be expected to take responsibility for fund raising - parents or other adults need to be the key players.  In some schools I have worked in, parents opted to contribute an amount to the school each year equivalent to what their child might be expected to raise by selling chocolate bars - sometimes that is a viable option.\n\nI don't know if this has answered your question, but those are some of my thoughts on the issue.  I hope it helps.
787136
This is entirely up to you.  Don't do anything out of guilt, but from a genuine desire to give.  If you really want to give them something, give them something!\n\nI recommend it be something fun, small, or inexpensive.  You might get them small toys or costume jewelry or an inexpensive T-shirt or a book or video.  You might also bake them cookies or gingerbread cakes.
697377
I agree with all answers so far. Donations, clothing, food, toys...etc.\nAlso, I (personally), think this would be a good idea. Maybe buy Gift Certificates to grocery stores, or a Mall Gift Certificate so that way they can choose what they would like to pick out and buy. Just a thought =)   .. or, do both?  Entirely up to you what you want to do. God Bless
66505
Do?  There is nothing you can do.  Enjoy the "gift of giving".  Next year you'll have one less to buy for.
707693
Have you talked to your local Mothers of Multiples/Mothers of Twiins Club?  I know that our club has a charity fund.  I'm not from the Boston area so I don't have any specifics.  Also, remember that at 2 years old they won't fully appreciate Christmas gifts.  My cousins kids always end up just playing with the boxes and gift wrap!\n\nGood luck from a mom of 10 month old twins!
68237
Sounds like a mooch...maybe dont do anything with this friend where money is involved.  or bring it up and tell them that you can't keep footing the bill, if they keep wanting to, maybe they are in the friendship more for the free stuff then you.
373039
Reasonalbe is the key word here.  THey are infact rare, but not a real HOT commodity.  Some will even only offer you face value.  I have quite a few that Ive stashed away for my kids when they get older.  I'd suggest holding on to them, if possible.
783385
If its a gift exchange where you only buy one present, then perhaps you should ask your group to establish a spending limit. I would say $20 and under would be fine!