One of the most frequently asked questions are “What do I buy?” Basically anything you are comfortable with purchasing and donating.

We usually break down the buying into gender and age groups i.e.: Boys 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12 and Teens! Same for girls.

Our most needed categories are newborns and Teens. They are a huge part of our giving and are always in need of gifts for the categories.

We do ask that the toys be new and not used because like everybody else, who likes a used toy.

We ask that you do not wrap the gift because the paper usually gets torn in the transportation process.

The toys we raise support almost every toy-giving organization in the city and S.E. Minnesota. The Children’s Hospital, Christmas Anonymous, Salvation Army , St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital, Hiawatha homes, Head start etc. We are a non-profit team that devotes our time to those in need.

There are a number of ways you can come together as a group and build the spirit of Christmas. Some folks put up a Christmas tree as a constant reminder to put something underneath it. Some have taken group trips to the store and broken into teams to purchase the items all at once. Some use a teaching tool for there children by taking them to the store and explaining the process and including them in the toy purchase. What better input for a toy than a child’s input! Also, challenges inside the office with the person who raises the most toys getting a thank you prize. Businesses can stop by one of our locations to officially make the toy presentation on-air. It is success stories like the one you are building that ensure others to do the same. So not only are you raising toys, but being a model for other employees in other businesses.

Concerning cash, we try to keep our donations to toys, but if someone is unable to donate a toy we will accept cash or checks made out to “Toys for Tots”.

Tips for Choosing the Right Gift

"What do kids there age like?" Does this question sound familiar? Although stores and catalogs are full of toys, choosing a gift isn't always easy. Teenagers can be especially difficult to choose a gift for. Use the following ideas to help choose gifts that are appropriate for children of different ages. (Please keep in mind the GREATEST NEED EXISTS FOR TEENAGERS.)

Baseballs, Baseball Cap, Baseball Glove, Backpack, Duffel Bag, Purse, Sport Watch, C.D.'s, Video Tapes, DVD's, Disposable Cameras, Clock Radio, Walkman Radio with Headphones, "Inexpensive" Challenging Board Games, Challenging Jigsaw Puzzles, Car/plane models that need assembly/painting, Framed Posters, Hand Held Electronic Games, Art Supplies - large painting or charcoal set with art paper, Books, Modeling Clay and Tools, Rollerblades or accessories, Hockey Sticks and Puck, Footballs, Basketballs, Deluxe Frisbees, "Other" Sports Equipment, Make-up Cases, Hair Dryer – Volumizer, Curling Iron, Bedazzler beads, etc.

Tickets to: Movies/Bowling/Theater/Plays/Concerts/Sporting Events

Gift Certificates: Fast Food Restaurants, Movie Theaters, Pizza Parties, Sporting Events, Music and Video Stores or Theme Parks

If you have any questions about purchasing the appropriate gift for a particular age, ask someone at the store what's popular with that age group.

* PLEASE DO NOT DONATE ANY OF THESE ITEMS THAT ARE INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE PROGRAM (I.E. RATED R MOVIES OR MUSIC CONTAINING EXPLICIT LANGUAGE.)

Toys for Tots

About Toys for Tots