Ordering too little means empty tables on the last day. Ordering too much ties up PTO money. You do not need a spreadsheet to get close — just three numbers.
Step 1: How many students will actually shop?
Start with enrollment, then be realistic. Not every child takes part. If your school has run a shop before, last year’s number of shoppers is the best guide you have. If this is the first year, ask teachers for a show of hands after the flyer goes home.
Step 2: How many gifts does each child buy?
Look at the envelopes you send home: most children shop for a handful of people — parents, a grandparent or two, a sibling, sometimes a teacher or a pet. Multiply your shoppers by that number and you have your total gift count. For example, 200 shoppers buying 5 gifts each is 1,000 gifts.
Step 3: Split the total by who the gifts are for
Children shop by person, so spread your order across the people on their lists rather than buying a lot of one thing:
- Mom and Dad — almost every child buys for these two, so they need the most stock and the most choice. Amazing Mom Pen (35¢), Mom Forever Love Bracelet ($1.25), Superstar Dad Pen (35¢), Coolest Dad Mug ($2.50).
- Grandma and Grandpa — the next biggest group. Wonderful Grandma Pen (35¢), I Love Grandma Mug ($2.50), Best Grandpa Mug ($2.50).
- Brothers and sisters — toys and small fun things. Big Bounce Sports Ball (40¢), Jurassic Volcanic Slime (25¢), Super Sister Pen (50¢).
- Teachers, aunts, uncles, pets — smaller quantities, but children are glad they are there. Top Teacher Desk Pen (50¢), Hot Dog Squeaky Dog Toy ($1.00).
Mom Forever Love Bracelet$1.25
Best Grandpa Mug$2.50
Jurassic Volcanic Slime25¢
Hot Dog Squeaky Dog Toy$1.00Mix your price points
Stock every table with something under $1, something around $2 and something near your top price. A child with $3 should be able to buy for three people; a child with $20 should find a gift that feels special.
Add a small cushion — and plan for leftovers
Order a little more than your count so the last class to shop still has a choice. Leftovers are not wasted: keep them for next year’s shop, a spring Mother’s Day or Father’s Day table, or classroom prizes.
Watch the free-shipping line
Orders over $400 ship free, so it is usually worth placing one complete order rather than several small ones.
Not sure your numbers are right? Tell us your student count and budget and we will help you build the order.
