Holiday Gift Drive 2011

November 9, 2011 11:43 AM

Hello all, it's time once again for the (3rd!) annual holiday gift drive. Step right in for more information on how you can get involved.

We are once again fulfilling wishes for the NYCares Winter Wishes program. In 2009, we fulfilled 12 wishes. In 2010, we fulfilled 25 wishes (and there was such generosity on your part that each child received 2+ gifts). This year, we are fulfilling requests from 44 children, who range in age from 4-12.

Check out this year's Amazon Wish List to see what they're wishing for. If you want to buy something on the list from an alternate source, let me know and we can work something out. We have a number of children requesting "handheld games"; I believe these will be our most challenging wishes to fulfill due to the cost. if you have any ideas on that front, please let me know.

spec80 has once again graciously agreed to be our warehouse. She will also be hosting a wrapping party in early December (will be up in IRL soon!), so no need to order gift wrapping from Amazon. All gifts must be received by Saturday, December 3rd.

posted by ThePinkSuperhero to MetaFilter-Related at 11:43 AM (75 comments total)

I missed last year - can you explain shipping? I tried to put something in my cart and it wanted to ship directly to me.
posted by librarianamy at 11:50 AM on November 9, 2011

Ah, nevermind. I see the option to select shipping to spec80. AWESOME. Thanks. :)
posted by librarianamy at 11:51 AM on November 9, 2011

a wrapping party in early December

Ooh, a Winter Wrap-up!
posted by Wolfdog at 11:52 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hmm yeah the handheld games one is confusing. Do they already have a handheld game system and need games for it? Also if people buy the DS systems that are listed in the wishlist, are they just going to get a DS without any actual games to play?
posted by burnmp3s at 11:53 AM on November 9, 2011

It really is confusing. The letters appear to have been dictated by a staff member, as they're all in the same handwriting, so each letter for those 5 kids requests the same thing- "handheld games". Does that mean the console or the games themselves? Not sure. It's impossible to buy games without knowing what system they're talking about, so I'm assuming it's the system they want.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 11:56 AM on November 9, 2011

Uh oh, I haven't warned my doormen yet.
posted by spec80 at 11:59 AM on November 9, 2011

What makes things a little more complicated is that games for the DSi and the 3DS are not compatible with the DSLite. I'm not sure about compatibility between DSi games and 3DS games, however. Neither should have trouble with DS games, though.

So, basically, make sure you're buying games for the DS and not the DSi or 3DS. If you're not sure, ask me.
posted by griphus at 12:02 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

clicky click! Although who got in before me and bought the cookie monster and Elmo?!? Was that you, librarianamy? (spec80, you should see them on Friday).
posted by gaspode at 12:03 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Better bring him down a plate of cookies :D
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:03 PM on November 9, 2011

I just bought a badass "Spy Mission Action Kit" for some little James/Jane Bond. The review sealed the deal:

My nephew absolutely loved it, however the 2 way little dart gun, is NOT for younger children, the darts are super fast and hard! otherwise he loved it!

Super fast and hard is just how I like my Christmasses to be!
posted by Rock Steady at 12:04 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Done, Dora's on her way. Thanks for doing this, spec80!
posted by jbickers at 12:09 PM on November 9, 2011

Was that you, librarianamy?

Nope - I was _all over_ that Easy Bake Oven!
posted by librarianamy at 12:10 PM on November 9, 2011

TPS is the one to thank! :)
posted by spec80 at 12:10 PM on November 9, 2011

No, no, it's all you, girl! You're the one with mountains of gifts piled in a corner of your house :D
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:12 PM on November 9, 2011

'Twas me, gaspode, sorry!

Happy Winter, everyone, and many thanks to ThePinkSuperhero and spec80.
posted by argonauta at 12:14 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Gift wrapping party!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:16 PM on November 9, 2011

Thanks again all.

Any need for coats again this year?

Also, do you need some help on picking out some random items again?
posted by k8t at 12:17 PM on November 9, 2011

No coats requested this year! Though I can't imagine they'd refuse them if we brought them along.

Not sure about additional items- let me make contact with the organization and see what they might need.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:18 PM on November 9, 2011

Hey peeps - just as a heads up, some 2010 items are on the list. Look at the date before you buy!
posted by k8t at 12:20 PM on November 9, 2011

Ok - lemme know.
posted by k8t at 12:20 PM on November 9, 2011

Hey peeps - just as a heads up, some 2010 items are on the list. Look at the date before you buy!

Do you still see 2010 items on the Unpurchased list? I thought I had moved everything over, and don't see anything. Let me know.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:24 PM on November 9, 2011

Thank you for setting this up! <3
posted by warble at 12:27 PM on November 9, 2011

I just Barbied my shopping cart's face off. No shopping cart outside of Angelyne's has seen so much pink. Thanks, spec80!
posted by katillathehun at 12:32 PM on November 9, 2011

Totally requesting an airbrush nail bar for Christmas, so what if it's for kids!
posted by ellieBOA at 1:05 PM on November 9, 2011

I could not resist the Spongebob Drum Pad. Thanks for doing this!
posted by dual_action at 1:25 PM on November 9, 2011

Ok. Two black bike helmets on their way.
posted by crunchland at 1:32 PM on November 9, 2011

Polly Pocket is on her way. Thank you New Yorkers for doing this! And thanks TPS and spec80!
posted by sarahnade at 1:59 PM on November 9, 2011

Bicycle on its way.

Love, the Internet.
posted by Rumple at 2:02 PM on November 9, 2011

Any we can pool our money, since most of the cheap gifts have already been purchased?
posted by schmod at 2:24 PM on November 9, 2011

Yes- drop me a line if you are interested in making a donation toward the purchase of gifts.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 2:26 PM on November 9, 2011

I could not resist Playskool Alphie, whatever he is. Thanks for doing this!
posted by jabes at 2:45 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Angelyne had to give up her pink Corvette? ;-P
posted by brujita at 4:49 PM on November 9, 2011

Yay! A Barbie Styling Head is on its way and should arrive Friday.

Have a wonderful time at the wrapping party!
posted by wiskunde at 5:29 PM on November 9, 2011

Gawd, I can't believe I succumbed to Barbie Jam With Me Rock Star Guitar when I was so tempted by Caboodles On The Go Girl Cosmetic Organizer! Thank you for setting this up ...
posted by thinkpiece at 5:51 PM on November 9, 2011

I was idly perusing the list when, out of nowhere, I remembered my mom telling me the story of how my dad taught me how to read using magnetic letters to spell out words. So one easel with 77 magnetic letters it is. And you can't seriously expect me to give some kid a dry-erase easel without a set of dry-erase crayons, whatever the fuck those are. (Delivery estimate: Nov. 16-21)

Thanks for doing this!
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 11:22 PM on November 9, 2011

I just sent the Pink cosmetic thingy. I'm not a fan of pink but I am a fan of giving kids an excellent surprise. Well done, everyone who has organised this!
posted by h00py at 3:38 AM on November 10, 2011

Plus it was the cheapest cos that's how I roll.
posted by h00py at 3:38 AM on November 10, 2011

I want to think about some alternate gifts for the 5 boys who requested handheld games- not sure we can make 5 DS/PSPs happen. NYCares suggests spending around $40; what would 8 to 12 year old boys like?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:31 AM on November 10, 2011

I've got a 9-year-old boy and his whole world is about Legos. There are tons of great sets in the $40 range, all different styles.
posted by jbickers at 7:04 AM on November 10, 2011

I can spend a decent amount of money on whatever we end up getting the gamer kids. Buying games rather than systems would make a lot more sense for that price range, but obviously we don't know what systems if any they have. The best thing I can think of in that price range is the Gopher Sega Genesis handheld. It comes with 20 Sega Genesis games built-in, and has an SD card slot that you can load more Genesis games onto.
posted by burnmp3s at 7:14 AM on November 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I saw those- are they fun and worth having? If so, I will put them on the list for the 3 12-year olds. I added some Lego sets for the 8-year olds.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:15 AM on November 10, 2011

Oh my god that thing is going on my Christmas list.
posted by griphus at 7:23 AM on November 10, 2011

I don't own one but they seem neat. As a big Sega Genesis I am tempted to buy one myself. The main negative I have heard is that the sound emulation is not very good. A 2GB SD card costs less than $5 and can hold every Sega Genesis game ever made, so I could buy a few cards and preload them with more games if that would make sense.
posted by burnmp3s at 7:30 AM on November 10, 2011

Ok, I added 5 to the list, for all the kids who requested "handheld games" (took off the lego sets, figure the 8-year olds would like these better). If you want to buy cards and put games on them, that'd be great!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:33 AM on November 10, 2011

Big Sega Genesis fan that is. I am not in fact a big Sega Genesis.
posted by burnmp3s at 7:33 AM on November 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Will it be hard for the kids to use the cards to load games onto the console?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:34 AM on November 10, 2011

The hard part is getting the games, making sure they are in the right format, and loading them onto the SD card correctly. But if the games are already on the card in the right format they just have to physically put the card into the SD slot. Plus there are 20 games on the system itself so even if they don't bother with the SD card that is a lot.
posted by burnmp3s at 7:41 AM on November 10, 2011

Getting the games themselves is also a bit of a hairy legal situation. No doubt the 20 on there have the proper licenses, but anything added onto it would be in a gray area.
posted by griphus at 7:49 AM on November 10, 2011

First packages came in! You guys are quick!
posted by spec80 at 11:18 AM on November 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Yay!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 11:28 AM on November 10, 2011

The second easel is on its way!
posted by brujita at 12:15 PM on November 10, 2011

Yay! Thanks very much to spec80 and ThePinkSuperhero for doing this!
posted by wiskunde at 2:13 PM on November 10, 2011

Bad news guys, we are almost out of gifts. Better act now if you are trying to get in on the action!
posted by shothotbot at 8:38 PM on November 10, 2011

There should be another package waiting for you!
posted by runningwithscissors at 8:41 AM on November 11, 2011

11! 11 boxes today! Ah ah ah.

Elmo and Cookie Monster look like my prisoners.
posted by spec80 at 4:18 PM on November 11, 2011

Just ordered the last Elmo, cause who wouldn't want to Elmo like a Rock Star? Thanks for organizing this and doing the wrapping and delivering, guys!
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 8:49 PM on November 11, 2011

Do you need some $$ to help cover the cost of wrapping paper and bows? If so, let me know and I'll paypal you.
posted by Nickel Pickle at 12:55 PM on November 12, 2011 [1 favorite]

Echoing Nickle Pickle, will be happy to contribute to the gift wrapping fund.

OR, if someone wants to go halfsies with me on one of the remaining two toys?
posted by MissySedai at 5:18 PM on November 13, 2011

spec80, do you need donations on wrapping materials?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:48 PM on November 13, 2011

Sorry! There is a lot in the pile from last year - even 2 unopened rolls. However, TPS answered a lot more kids' wishes this year.

I can always save it for next year's drive, if that is okay with you.
posted by spec80 at 5:40 AM on November 14, 2011

I mean, I can save the extra wrapping and bows for next year's drive.
posted by spec80 at 5:41 AM on November 14, 2011

Apparently even simple directions are beyond me as I have shipped a bunch of presents to myself. Any way I can drop them off sometime? (glad the bike was gone by the time I got around to ordering!)
posted by shothotbot at 8:48 AM on November 14, 2011

Check your MeMail, shothotbot!
posted by spec80 at 9:08 AM on November 14, 2011

The Matchbox truck asked if I wanted to be its friend.

Ok I spoke too soon. The bikes arrived today and yes, we will be needing more wrapping. Does the offer still stand, Nickel Pickle? Thank you for thinking of it!
posted by spec80 at 2:53 PM on November 14, 2011 [1 favorite]

I just received my own Sega Gopher handheld, it is pretty great. The sound is not bad at all, the screen is good quality, and the games run at full speed. I'm putting together a set of games that work well on the handheld, which I'll load onto some SD cards and send over.
posted by burnmp3s at 6:43 AM on November 15, 2011

Thanks, burnmp3s!

When we wrap them, do you think we should open the package and insert the SD card or should we tape the SD card to the unopened plastic package? I didn't really get a good look at the gophers when they arrived so I'm not sure how easy it is to find the slot for the SD card.
posted by spec80 at 9:22 AM on November 15, 2011

I will get my paycheck tomorrow & funds will be available on Thursday. Is it too late to help somehow?
posted by TrishaLynn at 10:26 AM on November 15, 2011

When we wrap them, do you think we should open the package and insert the SD card or should we tape the SD card to the unopened plastic package? I didn't really get a good look at the gophers when they arrived so I'm not sure how easy it is to find the slot for the SD card.

Yeah I don't really have a good idea around that. It comes in one of those annoying plastic blister pack things, so I don't think you will be able to easily get at the unit and then reseal it. If you did manage to get it open the SD slot is really obvious at the top of the device. If you end up taping the SD cards to the packaging I would suggest making it obvious with a taped-on note that says "Bonus Games" or something because the card itself is pretty small.
posted by burnmp3s at 11:08 AM on November 15, 2011

Not too late! There are still 2 gifts to purchase and spec80 could use wrapping materials.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:58 PM on November 15, 2011

TPS, do any of the toys need batteries? Maybe those could be added to the wish list and divvied up into little baggies among toys that require them, if people are still looking to donate.
posted by jabes at 12:25 PM on November 17, 2011

There were batteries on the list when it first came out. I think they already thought of that.
posted by crunchland at 1:16 PM on November 17, 2011

Yup, I think we got all needed batteries.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:35 AM on November 18, 2011

Is there a way to confirm, Gift Successfully Arrived by spec80? I don't trust NYC mail carriers (anymore ... apologies to MetaFilter's Own NYC mail carriers ... my own issue ... raised by mail-carrier-ists ... blah blah)!
posted by thinkpiece at 5:22 AM on November 20, 2011

thinkpiece: Confirming the Barbie Guitar
posted by spec80 at 6:58 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]

Just a reminder, we are wrapping on Sunday! Looks like present delivery will be Wednesday night after work; if anyone has a (larger) vehicle we could use for that, please let me know.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 11:32 AM on December 2, 2011