The Only Currency Accepted Is Love
At The Gift of Giving Store, we transform the simple act of gift-giving into an empowering experience for children living in shelters or connected with organizations for victims of domestic abuse. Our mission is to provide these children the opportunity to select a special gift for their mothers on Mother’s Day and during the holiday season, enriching their lives through the joy of selflessness and appreciation.
Our Vision
Imagine a child’s excitement as they pick the perfect gift, knowing the delight it will bring. I fondly remember my own children’s enthusiasm when they chose simple gifts for me at their school's holiday shop—like an "I love Mom" keychain. Their bright smiles as they handed over their carefully chosen gifts were priceless. We aim to replicate this heartfelt experience at The Gift of Giving Store, fostering a sense of pride and joy in these children, while also allowing mothers to feel cherished and valued.
How It Works?
We transform community centers into vibrant, child-friendly pop-up stores filled with Mother’s Day and holiday gift items. Each gift comes with a unique "price tag," but instead of money, the children pay with declarations of self-love and positive affirmations. For example:
- “List two things you love about yourself.”
- “List three things you are most proud of.”
- “List one thing you are most grateful for.”
- “List one goal for the year and your plan to achieve it.”
- “List two things your mother loves most about you.”
Children can also select from our coupon tree, picking coupons that encourage acts of kindness and love towards their mothers, such as:
- “Tell your mom you love her every day for a week.”
- “Do all your homework before your mom asks you to.”
- “Be extra nice to your sibling for a week.”
- “Give your mom an extra five minutes of quiet time when she asks for it.”
Once a child selects a gift, they proceed to the cashier station where they "pay" by writing their self-love declarations on a pre-printed receipt. This receipt is then included with their gift for their mother to read. At the cashier, children also pick a self-affirmation sticker and say the affirmation into a mirror, which serves as the “tax” for their gift. They then choose a gift bag and tissue paper to prepare their present for their mother.
Arts and Crafts
We also provide an Arts & Crafts table where children can create personalized Mother’s Day or holiday cards. They can include messages of love, pride, and appreciation for their mothers. Additionally, they can make personal gifts like bracelets to include in their gift bags.
Our Commitment
We provide everything needed for The Gift of Giving Store, from tables and decorations to gifts and receipt paper to snacks and craft supplies. Our team will run the store ensuring a smooth and confidential experience for everyone involved. The organization only needs to provide the children and staff chaperones. We look forward to creating a memorable and meaningful experience for the children, filled with joy and love.
-Jacqueline, Jarrod, Logan and Alexandra Newman
Testimonial
“The Gift of Giving Store provided an Amazing Mother’s Day pop-up and their mission came to life! It was captivating and the room was filled with awe and excitement as the children selected a personal gift for their parent. The children, volunteers, and staff were so appreciative of all the details that were planned out. Jacqueline and her family created a safe space and made youth feel special and empowered. They had a variety of gifts for children to choose from, mugs filled with chocolate kisses, pocketbooks, coloring books, self-care for mom kits, and etc. Children were then able to pick out a bag for their gift and then proceeded to the pretend register in which they were to purchase their item by saying positive affirmations for themselves or about their caregiver. We appreciate all your hard work in making The Gift of Giving special to all. This definitely impacted the children and caregivers in such a positive way. Thank you for all that you do and continue to do!”
Leslie R., LMHC, Director of Children & Youth Services,
Center for Safety & Change, Inc.
Our Goal
Our ultimate aim is to help children see their mothers as individuals with needs and wants, fostering a deeper bond and appreciation. By allowing children to "buy" gifts with self-love, we hope to create lasting positive feelings for both the children and their mothers. Each gift given is a gift of love and thoughtfulness, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
We encourage you to use the resources and information provided on this website to establish your own "Gift for Giving Store" at a local shelter near you. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. These mothers and children deserve to enjoy the Gift of Giving!