In the 6 step Disney World planning process, the last step is Step 6: Extra Magic. On that page, I have a section on Tinker Bell gifts.
I wanted to go into more detail on that topic to give you some ideas on how to do it and also to clarify a thing or two.
Here are my ideas on providing surprise Tinker Bell gifts during your Disney World trip…
What are Tinker Bell gifts?
Tinker Bell gifts are like presents from Santa Claus during your Disney World trip. They are provided by you (not Disney World!) and can be a fun way to pre-purchase souvenir type of items and/or can be a way to encourage good behavior.
Tinker Bell rules
My kids were very difficult when they were young so I was constantly having to find ways to encourage good behavior.
On 1 Disney trip, I made this short list of rules at home and snuck it into a suitcase.
The rules were set out on the first day, along with the gift bags that the kids had spent time decorating while we were traveling to Disney World (worked really well during an airport delay).
Daily routine
The gift bags were set out each night and then each morning, a new gift for the day would be in the bag. This is a great way to get kids out of bed each morning (because we always arrive to the parks early) and it’s a fun way to start the day.
Other people choose to have Tinker Bell gifts in the room for when they return to the room later.
Gift ideas
There are lots of different gift ideas you could use for your gifts. I often try to get gifts that the kids can use that day.
On water park/swimming days, I would get something they can use in the water.
On days where we plan to be out at night, I’d get something that works well in the dark.
On the last day, I like to leave it open and buy something at Disney World that the kids have had their eye on. I usually bring gifts for all of the other days.
Some ideas…
Headed to Animal Kingdom and riding Kali River Rapids? Have Tink leave a kid’s character poncho that day…
Those glow sticks from Dollar Tree are great, especially for days that you’ll be out at night…
Vintage (or vintage-looking) t-shirts from eBay are fun because they’re more unique (and cheaper) than the shirts sold in the parks…
Disney sunglasses (we always seem to get them at Walgreens) for helping kids tolerate long days out in the sun…
A new pair of Disney PJs (lots of cute ones at Target) are a great way to kick off the trip…
Disney Dollars (available to buy at WDW) are good to give out early in the trip so kids can keep their eye out for something they want to buy…
Pressed coin books (available at WDW or this website) are a great way to organize all of the pressed coins you might have floating around in your bag…
How about some beach toys for a water park/beach day….
For slightly older girls, items from the PixiGlow collection (sold at Target) are super cute…
Bring your own costume (especially fun at character meals)…
Extra credit
Sprinkle your gifts with glow-in-the-dark glitter for that extra pixie dust effect. (And tip Mousekeeping really well!)
What else?
What other ideas do you have? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
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{ 1 comment (add yours) }
Could you give more details on the disney dollars? Thanks so much!