So our adoption agency will be traveling soon to Thailand to visit the waiting children in their program, and so we have the opportunity to send Ellen a small gift. It's too early in the process for photo albums or letters, but something small that she can keep with her is appropriate.
I'll confess that I'm a little gun shy about this trip; I'm kind of worried that they'll get over there and discover that for some reason Ellen is suddenly unavailable for adoption and we'll get another sad phone call. But I'm excited too, because we have the opportunity to have some more questions answered about our daughter, to receive updated pictures and video, and to send along something just for her filled with all the love we can cram into it.
The question is, what do we send?
Ellen loves Thai comic books and soap operas, but I don't have a good source for Thai comics here (and wouldn't be able to read them yet to make sure they're appropriate). She also enjoys playing chess, so we're thinking about maybe sending her a little travel chess set. Stuffed animals aren't necessarily appropriate for her age level, but we're going to send a small piece of jewelry like a necklace or a charm bracelet.
I think I'm also going to applique a little zippered bag for her-- maybe with a white elephant, as they're an important cultural symbol for Thailand. Since I have the time it would be good to send her something handmade. I might have Jeremy take a picture while I'm sewing on it, and then when we're allowed to send her a photo album she can see that I made it for her.
So what do you all think? Do you have any suggestions for age appropriate (she's thirteen) gifts we could send her? They need to be of fairly low monetary value, non-electronic and probably not easily breakable, and they need to take up very little room in a suitcase. Any ideas?
~Jess
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5 years ago
13 comments:
i have one go to my blog and look at the link i have to evas butterfly jewles ull find soemthing perfect these r made by a charge mum thats actualy how i found u another charge mum LOL but the money goes to charge foundation to cool ay
I think the items you mentioned sound perfect. In fact, if the chess set is small enough, maybe it would fit inside the clutch along with a piece of jewelry, and it would make a nice package altogether. The only other thing that comes to mind is chocolate, since a fondness for it is definitely going to help her fit into your family, but I guess it might melt en route. Too young for some Seattle coffee?
I think the things you've listed are excellent! Mom's should always go with their heart; even potential moms. :)
The only other thing I can think of is maybe a lightweight sweater or shirt, depending on their weather there now. I'm sure in the orphanage they don't get many new things just for themselves.
Regardless, whatever you decide will be right just because it's from you.
I REALLY like the clutch-bag idea, and definitely have Jer take a picture because I think that will make it even more special to her! I like the necklace or bracelet ideas as well. Ohhh I wonder if you could find chess-piece charms for a bracelet???
You have great ideas! For the jewelry, what about a locket? If you can't send a pic now, you could cut one to fit, to be sent later?
Definitely take a picture of you making and all you three with the things you send, to connect the dots later :D
Excited for you!
Julie
Maybe she'd like one of those pandora/trollbead/charmaila bracelets? They've got millions of charms so you can give it to her with a few charms (like a chess piece) and then give her more over time. :)
Maybe a small stuffed animal would be appropriate? I'm sixteen and still like them. :) But I love the clutch idea too... decisions decisions!
I wish you guys all the luck in the world!
I love the jewelry idea. Maybe a special journal too.
What about a gift certificate to Amazon.com so she can order some manga? You'd have to check with the adoption agency to make sure she has access to a computer, but I know they sell many Thai manga. (I have a friend who is a manga afficianado.)
I was going to suggest, if you have time, that you put your mad sewing skills to use and make her a little pouch for a small piece of jewelry, but you thought of this first! Thirteen is a hard age, but I think you're on the right track with the keepsake and handmade ideas.
I love your ideas. Especially the handmade bag. Nothing says "I love you" like something that has been handmade.
I'd be concerned with jewelry in her situation--I don't want someone to steal it. Perhaps a cute bag or things for her hair. If you do get jewelry--keep it low-key and inexpensive.
how about sewing a heart-shaped pillow with her name embroidered on it so she can sleep with it...it's comforting like a stuffed animal but more grown up. then she can think of you all as she falls asleep and will start building a secure attachment to you by having an object she can hold and snuggle
What about a book? A favorite or classic children's book with illustrations? Obviously a small version that won't take up too much space. She's learning English, you love to read, then when she gets here it can be the first book on her bookshelf (I know she'll have one at your house!) Joli
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