First-time organizers often ask how much to spend. The honest answer is that it depends on your school, but the method is the same everywhere.
Step 1: how many students will shop?
Not every student takes part. Ask a teacher or last year's volunteers for a realistic share, and plan for that number rather than the full enrollment.
Step 2: how many gifts will each child buy?
Count the people on a typical list: two parents, grandparents, a sibling or two. Many children buy three to five gifts. Pick a number that fits your families.
Step 3: choose your price ceiling
Decide the most any gift will cost a child. Many schools choose $5. Then plan for most gifts to cost well under that, so a child with a few dollars can still buy for everyone.
Step 4: do the arithmetic
As an example only: 200 shoppers buying 4 gifts each is 800 gifts. If your average cost per gift is $1.50, the order is about $1,200. Change the three numbers to match your school and you have your budget.
Step 5: lower the risk
- Order more low-priced gifts than high-priced ones. They sell first.
- Add closeouts for value: Clearance and Hot Deals and More Closeout Gifts.
- Remember the return window. Unsold, undamaged gifts can be returned before January 15 with a return authorization.
Orders over $400 ship free by UPS Ground in the continental U.S., which most school orders reach.
Ordering basics: $10 minimum order, free UPS Ground shipping on continental U.S. orders over $400, and payment by card, check or school purchase order (approved orders over $400). Unsold, undamaged gifts can be returned before January 15 with a return authorization. See shipping and ordering and our returns policy for the details.