Christmas for children in out-of-home-care- 2026
Because every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas.
Imagine this…
For most children, Christmas is a time of joy, wonder, and wide-eyed excitement. It’s the feeling of waking up to something special under the tree, of being thought of, of being loved.
But for children in out-of-home care, Christmas can be a painful reminder of everything they’ve lost, their home, their family, and the familiar holiday traditions many of us take for granted.
At A Better Life For Foster Kids, we believe that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves to feel the magic of Christmas. That’s why each year, we run a Christmas Gift Program to make sure children in care have something to open, something just for them, something that says: you are not forgotten.
How It Works
Each year, in the lead-up to Christmas, we open our arms and our gift list to children in foster and kinship care Australia-wide.
Carers and caseworkers can request gifts for the children they support by completing our Christmas Gift Request Form. Every request helps us understand each child’s age, interests, and needs, so we can do our best to match them with a gift that feels personal, thoughtful, and full of joy.
We carefully pack and distribute gifts that reflect who that child is, whether it’s a doll, a skateboard, a book they’ve been wanting, or a set of paints to spark creativity. It’s not about the size of the gift. It’s about the feeling it brings.
Because these gifts aren’t just toys.
They’re a moment of happiness.
A sense of belonging.
A quiet but powerful message that says: you matter, and you are not forgotten.
We work closely with carers and organisations across the state to get gifts where they’re needed most, with as little red tape and as much heart as possible.
Who Can Request Gifts?
- Foster and kinship carers supporting children in out-of-home care
- Caseworkers, child protection staff, and support workers
- This service is available to children and young people in out-of-home care across Australia
- Our Christmas List opens to Carers in September. Get updates through our Facebook page or subscribe to our newsletter”
How You Can Help
The magic of this program is only possible because of the generosity of people like you. If you believe every child should have a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning, here’s how you can help:
Donate a New Gift
- Toys, games, books
- Art and craft sets
- Sports equipment
- Gift cards for teens
- Puzzles and sensory toys
- Toiletry gift packs
A Little Love Letter
It was the first time in years I saw her smile on Christmas Day. The gift was perfect — but more than that, it was the feeling that someone out there cared enough to remember her
– Foster Carer, Gippsland
Christmas Giving Campaign
Host a Giving Tree at Your Workplace or School
Bring your workplace, school, or community together to make Christmas brighter for a child in care.
Hosting a Giving Tree is a simple and powerful way to spread kindness during the holidays. You organise the tree — we make sure the gifts go where they’re needed most.
1
Register Your Tree
Decorate your tree and display it in a visible space where your team or community can participate. We’ll provide guidance on gift suggestions and age ranges.
Donate a Cuppa a Week
2
Set Up Your Tree
Decorate your tree and display it in a visible space where your team or community can participate.
3
Collect New, Unwrapped Gifts
Invite people to take part by purchasing a new, unwrapped gift and placing it under the tree. Gifts for older children and teens are especially appreciated.
4
Coordinate Drop-Off or Collection
When your collection is ready, simply let us know. You can drop gifts at one of our depot locations, or we’ll arrange pickup if needed.
5
Share the Spirit
Your Giving Tree will directly support children in out-of-home care across Victoria.
Christmas Gift Program
DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND, REGISTRATIONS FOR 2025 ARE NOW CLOSED
What’s Included in the Christmas Gift Program?
Each gift is carefully chosen to match the child’s age and interests, from toys and books to sports gear or craft kits. More than just a present, it’s a moment of joy, a sense of belonging, and a reminder that someone out there is thinking of them during the holidays.
Who Can Request a Gift?
Gifts can be requested by:
- Foster and kinship carers
- Case workers supporting children in out-of-home care
Requests open each year in November, and we encourage early submissions to ensure every child is included.
Where Is This Service Available?
Our Christmas Gift Program is available to children in care Australia wide.
To request gifts for the children you support, please complete the form, and we’ll take care of the rest.
