[mommyto2guatboys]

Okay guys I need your help. We leave for Guatemala in 2 1/2 weeks and I can not figure out what to get the boys foster moms for gifts, and I can not think of a thing to get Isaac's birthmom. Do you have any ideas what I could get them? Something useful, sentimental? any ideas would be wonderful.

thanks,
Magen
My family!

[kzwief]

Magen, that is GREAT that you leave for GT in a couple weeks! Congratulations!

We gave our foster mom money. Really, that was what they needed. We gave them $300 (2 months worth of foster fees). I wanted to give them more, but we just couldn't afford it. I think if you have a good relationship with your foster family, spend time with them. Go to the zoo, dinner, etc. We did that with Kate's foster family and I think that really helped her transition easier with us.

We stay in contact with our foster family. We Skype and send photos every couple months. They appreciate that more than anything. They say that it makes them happy to continue to see Kate and see that she is doing so well. Maybe you can work something out with them for when you come home?

As far as the birthmom, hmmm, that's difficult. We never met Kate's birthmom. Maybe a locket? Hopefully someone will have a better idea.

Good luck!

[mommytoEli]

when my dh went back to guatemala and visited eli's fostermom, he took her money, pictures, and a stained glass hanging bell- which was the city symbol for where we lived. i wrote a little note and just said something like i hoped everytime she saw it, she would know where eli was and that he was safe and loved there.

[cattlefarms]

Congrats on your up coming trip. We gave our foster family money. That is what they needed most. I did make a picture book of all of our visit trip pictures and all of the pictures we got of our daughter during the journey to give to the foster mom. We also got small gifts for their children. Hope this helps. Oh I also put chocolate in the gifts bags.

[Slatond10]

I have sent Christmas presents for the past year and here are some things that I have sent.

2007 - "S" suggested a blanket. So I sent a blanket for the birthmom

2008 - I sent a purse ( similar to a Vera Bradley) it appeared to be a huge hit from pictures w/ big smile.

2009 - food basket.

I also sent a picture book w/ reflections by mo. and pictures of DD each year.

Not the most exotic gifts but useful.

[Shannavi]

I gave our sons foster family items from our area. We live on the coast so "beachy" items. I found nice soaps and chocolates to take, pretty hair pieces, and got the foster son a "real" soccer shirt. I forget where I read it, but chocolate is expensive and considered a luxary item in Guatemala. I gave money too and still send some from time to time. To be honest, I spent a lot of money on the gifts because I felt I had no other way to express my gratitude for taking care of my son for 10 months.