new supercheap gifts for boys

I guess it depends on their ages, but what about some magic tricks? Er, illusions? My brother just asked me for one and I got it at Tip Top Gifts on 5th ave for like $4.

this place (local to chicago, but you could probably find enough to make shipping worthwhile) always has fun, cheap stuff:

http://www.sciplus.com/

Orientaltradingco.com has the cheapest and best art supplies, fancy balls and projects to do alone or with grownups. You will not believe the prices but I have found the quality to be above average. Check it out .

Sorry - I just checked and it is: orientaltrading.com HTH

Magic tricks are a brilliant idea! Also, don't be afraid to bet used stuff on CL or freecycle. As long as you wrap it nicely, you'll get more for your money.
Boys this age also like big picture books--again, look online for skateboard, snowboard, science, castle, bridge, guiness book of world record books--and wrap em up!
Good Luck!

also: pearl river market.

and there are good craft projects here: http://www.instructables.com/kids

Matchbox cars.

this game is $14.99 and is a good time for all:

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Planet-46001-Hyper-Dash/dp/B000TTPEXU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1229296079&sr=1-5

I know that you want to be the nice cousins, but you are currently unemployed and you have no real idea about when you are going to work next. I think that your cousins may benefit from a lesson about life in the real world. I think that you should send cards, but keep your cash for rent, food and utilities. I know this sound tough, but so is a severe recession. If you feel you really need to give them something, go online and see if you can make them something for next to no outlay in cash. Or maybe buy something from a thrift shop. Your need for basic necessities of life may outweigh their need for holiday presents.

Try the toy aisles in duane reade/CVS/Rite Aid. They usually have a bunch of toys for under 10 bucks. Things like pick-up-sticks, small 100 piece puzzles, small lego cars, checkers, etc.

You can also go to the dollar store and look at games ad little toy

legos!

Light sabers for $5.99: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Classic-Collection-Emperor/dp/B000OVNHO6/ref=sr_1_60?tag=slickdeals&ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1229264811&sr=1-60

Yahtzee, $6: http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Brothers-40616-Yahtzee-Free/dp/B0017RSYDU/ref=br_lf_m_1000310081_1_28_img?tag=slickdeals&ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=toys-and-games&pf_rd_p=465887251&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000310081&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1A0XBBQA4TT4PK41VNHZ

Smitty wrote: Light sabers for $5.99: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Classic-Collection-Emperor/dp/B000OVNHO6/ref=sr_1_60?tag=slickdeals&ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1229264811&sr=1-60

Yahtzee, $6: http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Brothers-40616-Yahtzee-Free/dp/B0017RSYDU/ref=br_lf_m_1000310081_1_28_img?tag=slickdeals&ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=toys-and-games&pf_rd_p=465887251&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000310081&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1A0XBBQA4TT4PK41VNHZ

Wow, those light sabers are a great deal, you are getting tow of them for that price!

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