Emily’s House/PAC Christmas/Holiday Season Gift Drive Wishlist 2024
Dear Elves.
Thank you for thinking of our children and families as Christmas and the holiday gift-giving season approaches!
Emily’s House and the Philip Aziz Centre for Hospice Care have been celebrating our families all year long. Without letting any secrets out of the bag (i.e., Santa’s sack), we can anticipate some special events, activities, Pop-up Toy/Gift Store pickups, and/or home deliveries in support of our client families this December.
As in past years, year-end donations of funds are always preferred, so that they can be directed to where the need is greatest in support of those we care for. This year, increasingly, we are offering children and families experiences in the community, so funding for programs, excursions, and community-based recreation fees are also made possible from these general donations. You can give the gift of hospice by donating through our website.
For elves who may prefer to donate something tangible, here is your chance! Hopefully, this Wish List 2024 of gift ideas and recommendations will inspire you and help to bring some extra, needed joy into hearts and homes this season…. Please remember if you prefer to purchase an actual gift, do not gift wrapped. Keep in original packaging so parents can choose the right gifts for the children and family.
Sometimes, we receive more toy donations than are needed for the holiday season. These children, teens young adults, parents and seniors are celebrating, crafting, decorating baked goods, making memories and enjoying recreation and respite all year round, which requires materials and supplies. Some donations, if not needed immediately for holiday gifts, may be stored for recreation, programming and client events throughout the year.
2024 Wish List” for Christmas, Chanukah, seasonal celebrations and fundraising:
Gift ideas for Emily’s House that will benefit many children and families:
- All-Terrain Cruiser Wagon XL Bundle: Our children will be able to embark on memorable adventures and outings, with the perfect combination of comfort, functionality, and style. Includes canopy and foldable storage basket for outdoor needs. ($1,480) The Comfort Seat for Toddlers is an additional $150.
- Cuddle Cot and Cuddle Blanket: An incredible gift to families of more time with their loved ones immediately after death. ($400+)
- 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope, Case and Accessories: This digital stethoscope takes listening to a whole new level. It toggles between analog and amplified listening modes so you can listen how you want to during assessments. ($400)
Gift cards are flexible and can provide the perfect gift for every individual at any age:
- Gift Cards are always needed to support entire families:
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- Teen Gift Cards: Roblox, Sephora, Gap, Cineplex, Bed Bath and Beyond
- Restaurant and entertainment gift cards for evenings out: The Ultimate Dining Card, Cineplex, The Keg, Milestones
- Family gift cards: Walmart, President’s Choice, Amazon
- Uber Gift cards can be used for either food or transportation
- Grocery cards are a year-round priority, with $25 dollar increments allowing the best flexibility
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Gifts that bring video, music, audio stories, and legacy activities to life:
Electronics: Tablets for kids with parental controls ($250); an age appropriate toy keyboard with sounds and lights for preschoolers and toddlers ($55); Yoto player with Bluetooth audio speaker, audiobook stories, and nightlight ($135); Yoto playtime audiobooks for kids ($39). See gift registry for details.
Legacy Kits and Materials: Either in a complete kit/package or as individual crafting supplies, these legacy materials are wonderful for capturing footprints, handprints, and meaningful moments that loved ones can keep and treasure ($20-$40).
Toys and games that are engaging, easy to grip, encourage discovery, or are ingredients for crafts/dress-up:
- Tactile and Grip-able Toys: Giant bowling pins, sturdy oversized building blocks, ring toss games, multi sensory easy-to-grab textured rubber touch toys… (Prices vary).
- Craft supplies: Craft paper, thick easy-grip paint pens and markers, chunky easy-grip glue sticks for kids, pipe cleaners, paint brushes, paper plates, poster sheets, Bristol board, Bingo dobbers, Cheerios, dry macaroni, pool noodles, popsicle sticks, masking tape, construction paper, magic clay/plasticine, stickers and decals, and large sturdy Ziploc bags for storing crafts and activity materials. Craft time is always a gift! ($15-60).
- Educational Toys and Engaging Craft Kids: Kits like Gem Art, Paint Your Own Moon, or make up/beauty kits can be super engaging and enable the imagination to travel. ($20-30).
Emily’s House 2024 Holiday Gift Registry:
- Amazon Gift Registry: Our recreation team elves have created an online Amazon gift registry that includes super fun and therapeutic toys that are proven to be winners for our children and youth at Emily’s House and for children who receive Emily’s House at Home. This list will be updated throughout the season by elves who know our children.
Emily’s House 2024 Holiday Gift Registry/Amazon Gift List:
https://www.amazon.ca/registries/gl/guest-view/8GUQWGLZN0D0
Practical and Benevolent Gifts for Families:
- Christmas “hampers” or benevolent funds for families in crisis: For families receiving hospice care who have the greatest need, all the “holiday ingredients” may be needed to participate in seasonal celebrations, including grocery gift cards for festive seasonal meals, plus a small gift for each of the immediate family members to lift their spirits during the holiday season. Sponsor one family with a donation of $200-$250, and our hospice team will coordinate a personalized Christmas “hamper” or benevolent care gift for a family. Generally, about 25 families fall into this category each year.
- Grocery Cards: A year-round priority, grocery gift cards with $25 dollar increments allow the best flexibility for supporting our families.
Timelines:
Please deliver seasonal donations by December 11th or earlier, so that there is time for our elves to coordinate gift deliveries and seasonal events. Donations received after the preferred delivery date will still find their best home.
Emily’s House / PAC Christmas / Holiday Season Gift Drive is in Memory of Ava:
Please read Ava’s Story at: https://paceh.ca/ava-and-avas-garden-story/
Thank you, Merry Christmas, and happy holidays to you!
