Fairy Market

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Fairy Market truly is a special time when children learn the the joy of giving a gift they've chosen themselves. They look, consider, and choose from a wide range of items, made by the parents. The gifts are nice quality and created by adults, not children.  

First, you make and donate the same number of gifts your child is purchasing, plus 2-4 extra. Then, once the Gift List Order Form is posted on Parent Square, you make your child's gift list and payment of $2 per gift being purchased. The cost of each gift is $2 and the maximum a child can purchase is 6 (there is no minimum). The Gift List Order Form you create lists the individuals your student will be shopping for, including names and ages. Please submit a separate gift list form for each student if you have multiple children at Journey. The donated gifts and the Gift List Order Form & Payment are all due by Friday, December 1st.  

Children love the opportunity to shop for parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, etc. You may help them select up to 6 people who they'd like to honor with a gift. As this event teaches the spirit of giving, we ask they do not shop for themselves. We also ask they not shop for classmates to minimize any hurt feelings or exclusion.  

There is really no end of variety in the gifts for Fairy Market. Many people enjoy making special items for the market and consider ages and gender when they generate their ideas. A handmade item or a handmade element is appreciated and a large part of what makes Fairy Market special to the students and those who receive the gifts. The gifts cover a wide range of items--everything from candles to soup mixings, jewelry to bookmarks, little pinecone gnomes to craft kits, frames to shell-filled pouches. Please note there is always a need for masculine gifts for fathers, grandfathers, and older boys. Your creative ideas enrich the Fairy Market and the experiences of the children each year.  Please NO perishable food items, store-bought stuffed animals or candy. Check out this Pinterest board for some great ideas! 

No.  Donating the correct number is important but you can turn in different kinds of gifts.
 

On the last day the gifts are collected, volunteers work to distribute items into a dedicated box for each class.  When gifts are not turned in on time it makes this important aspect of Fairy Market difficult.  Fairy Market is designed to give each class a fresh collection of items from which to shop. As a reminder, gifts are due by Friday, December 1st.  

 Fairy Market runs on the honor system.  We rely on families turning in the number of gifts their children are shopping for.  However, inevitably, some gifts don't quite make it to the shopping tables, usually due to breakage or falling apart.  We also have a time for parents to shop after the last class on Friday afternoon.  Please be so generous as to turn in 2-4 extra gifts.  It is very appreciated and helps ensure a smooth and successful Fairy Market. 

The short answer is, "No."  Fairy Market is not a kids craft show.  Student participation can be delightful but please be discerning to ensure the gifts are nice quality. 

 Yes, this is a chance to connect with other families, to get ideas and to work on your gift donations. Please bring your own supplies to make fairy market gift donations.