With Birthday Palooza right around the corner, we asked kids, teens, and youth in foster care what they wanted most for their birthdays. Many appreciate having the space to make their own choices—often, gift cards to places like Amazon, Bath & Body, or Target give them that freedom—or practical items like shoes and backpacks.
But they also shared gifts we know would make their birthdays thoughtful, meaningful, and personal. Here’s what they asked for:
Becki, Age 9
Becki just moved into a new foster home. She’s still adjusting to new routines at home, but her foster parents say she’s been brave through it all. For her birthday, she didn’t ask for anything big—just a few small comforts to help her feel more like herself.
Becki chose:
- A stuffed toy like a Squishmallow cat
- New markers to replace the ones that recently dried out
- Board games to play with her 3 foster siblings
Jordan, Age 13
Jordan is in that in-between stage of growing up. Life in foster care has been a difficult journey for him, but he still finds joy in sports and anything active, saying he finds joy in playing football and soccer.
Jordan wished for:
- Sports items like a football to throw in the yard
- Comfortable, new clothes for school
- Snacks he can keep in his backpack and have between practice times
Luis, Age 16
Luis has been in foster care for over a year. He’s thinking about his future in college and what comes next after he transitions out of care. Like most teen boys, he is really into tech, electronics, and hanging out with his buddies.
Luis asked for:
- A PlayStation 5 to play games on and stay connected with friends
- A new hoodie
Eddy, Age 10
Eddy is full of energy and loves to make others smile. He says his birthday wish is to spend time with his family, but he wouldn’t say no to a few gifts, either!
Eddy wants:
- A build-your-own toy set like Legos or a model kit
- To go mini golfing
- Packs of new Pokémon cards
- An alligator (he says he’s kidding…but only a little!)
Katy, Age 7
Katy has stayed with her foster family since she was 4. They are getting ready to adopt her, and her parents can’t wait to celebrate their kiddo’s special day with a big party!
Here’s what she asked for:
- Mini Brands toys for her dolls
- A bubble blower and bubbles
- Fidget toys like NeeDoh Cubes or Squishy Butter
Aedane, Age 11
Ava loves anything creative. She finds comfort in familiar routines and calming activities.
She requested:
- Books for her Kindle
- An anklet bracelet
- An Owala water bottle to take to school
- An Instax camera
Birthdays Feel Different in Foster Care. You Can Help Make a Difference
In foster care, birthdays can feel different, if they exist at all.
Many children do not get to celebrate birthdays or find that their birthdays come second to those of other children.
But in spite of them feeling uncertain, lost, or unimportant, they also open the door to something powerful—the chance to remind a child that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
For foster kids, a birthday celebration isn’t about having a huge party bash with done up with lots of party supplies. It is about feeling acknowledged and seen. It is about stepping into a home and knowing someone cared enough to make their birthday special.
And for many foster children and teens, those gifts are often simple ways to help them see that someone cares.
Support Your Local Foster Care Community
If you want to keep making birthdays special by making sure foster kids feel seen, you can help make their wishes happen by choosing a birthday gift selected by a child in foster care from our Amazon Birthday Wishlist.
👉 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1VBO084QPRM9X
You can also directly support a child’s birthday by sponsoring Birthday Palooza where children get to celebrate with a giant party complete with party supplies, their very own birthday cake, candles, and gifts.
Every item is delivered directly to a foster child to help create moments of hope and joy they will remember.
Be Part of the Mission
Every birthday matters, and through programs with Foster Love, each present becomes a moment of connection, joy, and care. Programs like Birthday Palooza exist to bring fun, security, and meaningful celebration into the lives of kids navigating foster care.
Your donation, no matter the size, is incredibly helpful.
When you donate, you allow us to continue our mission to improve the lives of children in foster care, provide more resources, and create birthday experiences that remind every child they are valued. What may seem like a small act—choosing a gift, making a donation, or simply showing support—can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.
