NAMI Holiday Gift Drive 2016 – Suggested Gifts
NAMI will be accepting Holiday gifts for children and adults hospitalized over the
holidays in local psychiatric in-patient units and adults in residential facilities.
Particular types of gifts are sought - safe, new and unwrapped gifts, nothing
sharp, no ribbons/string/necklaces, and nothing breakable. Please check
below for gift suggestions. Gifts can be dropped off at the NAMI office from Dec. 119, between 9:00-5:00.
Ways to participate:
* Bring in a personal donation of items for the drive.
* Have a party and put together themed kits (see below).
* Organize a mini-drive at your business, organization, or school to gather items for
NAMI.
* If you are outside the metro area, consider partnering with your affiliate and a
local residential facility or direct service provider to host a drive of your own.
1) Gifts for children hospitalized over Christmas in inpatient psychiatric wards (ages
6 to 18). Items must be safe (no sharp edges, strings, ribbons, etc.) and can include:
art materials, puzzles, games, air dry clay, DVDs (G-rated), origami paper, bingo,
legos, large beads for making jewelry, science and construction kits, hacky sack,
scrapbook supplies, stuffed animals, 3D puzzles, cardstock paper, journals (no spiral
notebooks).
2) Gifts for adults with mental illnesses hospitalized over the holidays in inpatient
psychiatric wards. Items must be safe (nothing sharp, ribbons, etc.) and can include:
novels, word puzzle books, find the words puzzle books, crossword puzzles, Sudoku,
deck of cards, journals, gift cards, magazines. Items can include toiletries (soap,
shampoo, bodywash, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste).
3) Gifts for adults in residential facilities over the holidays. Items can include
toiletries (soap, shampoo, bodywash, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste),
games, puzzles, DVDs, hand-held games, deck of cards, gift cards, microwave
popcorn, calendars, t-shirts, stocking hats, gloves.
Also Themed Kits:
• Art Therapy: watercolor paints, air-dry clay, origami paper, sketch paper/pads,
colored pencils, etc.
• Fidget Kits: Stretching or bendy toys, mini-kush or splat balls, small bottles of
bubbles, mini play dough, tactile toys, etc.
• Journaling Supplies: non-spiral journal(s), stationary, and nice pens, etc.
• Toiletries: A washcloth (no poufs), body wash, nice soaps, bath items, etc.
• Games: puzzles, board games, Sudoku/Crossword or word-find books, cards/card
games, etc.
• Relaxation Kit: stress ball, mini zen garden, workout DVD, meditation CD or book,
lavender lotion, spa-type items, etc.