Lightweight present to ship overseas ...

[farleygirl]

My two nephews, 12 months and 2 years, live overseas. I would like to get a Christmas present for them ($50-$60 range) that has to be light enough to ship to ship to Prague without spending a fortune. (I looked up a 5lb weight and it's around $25).

I have two boys and this should be easy, but I'm really drawing blanks. My kids love trains and tools, but everything I've looked at is too heavy ....

Any suggestions?

[kelly ann]

How about some personalized hooded towels from PBK and maybe some Color Wonder supplies from Crayola? I wouldn't think the towels weigh that much, but I am horrible with judging weight.

ETA: Maybe a DVD or music CD that both would enjoy.

[neeter]

I tend to give clothing when its for recipients in Canada/overseas. Otherwise so much money goes towards the shipping, where I would rather put it into the gift itself!

[brittone2]

Playsilks are about as light as you can get :)

Maybe some silks and a CD?

[farleygirl]

Thanks for the excellent suggestions ladies. I know this shouldn't be so hard for me to figure out!

Now, I have to admit my cluelessness -- I've seen posts about playsilks. Posts about people making them, losing them, dying them ... but what are they? I'm so in the dark about this. Help!

[Jen841]

What about cd's and or dvd's? We know people overseas that love ENGLISH items for viewing. Send your fav's!

[deannanb]

is there a company/toy store in prague (or europe) you can buy something from on-line? would it be cheaper to buy something and ship it that way?

[brittone2]

Our silks are from http://www.bumbershootbaby.com/catalog.php?category=1 and the owner is a mom from the BBB :) Hers truly are some of the nicest (by far) that I've come across in terms of how vibrant the colors, etc.

There are tons of other places to buy if you google playsilks though. Some are thicker, some are thinner, but the ones at bumbershoot are just right :) 8mm is a good thickness (flowy and billowy without being too thin), and most people tend to prefer a 36x36 inch square or a 35x35 inch square size.

Anyway, they can be used for dancing, pretend play (making "grass" or "water" for animals, people, etc.), peek a boo (so would be good for the little one you are looking to buy for), building forts, making capes, skirts, headscarves, blankets for baby dolls, "lovey" blankets, etc. They are really just a great open-ended toy that allows kids to use their imaginations. There are a bunch of old threads in the archives about playsilks if you want more info :)

Very lightweight and can be used for years :)

[slr]

How about a pair of Christmas slippers for each at only $4.99/pair at LandsEnd Overstock. Here is the link and I believe there is a free shipping code in the bargains section. I bought my son a couple of pairs last month and really like them.

http://www.landsend.com/cd/ov/prod/0,1467,2_17273_52599_56774_139000_117427_,00.html? sid=6628171321869122980&CM_MERCH=PAGE_56724

You could also get an aquadoodle and nesting blocks kind of like these:

http://www.babyscholars.com/abcbuilbloc.html

I think these should meet your weight requirements. Good luck.

[tiapam]

How about a play tent and some blow up furniture? A friend's daughter just got a set of stuff like that.

-Pam

DD - Two years old!