I have a few tactics that we have used with our girls...
One trip we were very limited on suitcase space, so I had told them up front that they would only get one plush. They really took to thinking about which one they really wanted.
We have said one trip, that they could only get one thing from each park. It also really helped them weight there options of what they wanted to get. You have the gift card limit but they are young and mind not totally get that. Might help to get them to spread the shopping out. Not burn through all the money right away.
Over the years I have encouraged them to pick things that they can't get at the
Disney Store at the mall. This was harder when they were younger. But I think it really has sunk in over time! Plush in the big main stores tends to be all the same and not quiet as original. Try and poke into the ride stores after riding a ride. They aren't that big, so you won't be in there too long and those places have more specific stuff. My girls got the rabbit from splash moutain on time. And the fox from fox and the hound. The Disney Snacks plush is super cute! And they aren't huge either! I have to admit that we have pretty much all of them, because I also just loved them so much!
Japan as a whole is a great place for the girls to pick something out! They have great toys from Japan and plush! My girls always want to get something from there. And like I said, something you can't get elsewhere.
IMG_1627 by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
That is Gwen with her Kitty "Perry" Doll from the last trip.
Japan Plush by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
These were the latest versions of some of the plush in Japan on our last trip.
The whole store is great! I got the girls kid chopsticks one year, they have plastic animals on the end to help the kids use them, and I usually get a pair for us. (we love sushi) Or the candy there is fun too! If they want to use there money on candy, have them pick out candy from the different countries to try at home later.
One year the girls got fans from China.
China Fans by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
And the lady wrote there names on them in Chinese. Which the girls loved! I heard they will do the same in Japan as well.
All of the big stores, has charm necklaces and bracelets that you can build. There are tons of charms to choose from. In the store in pandora there is also a make your own necklace station and the cost is based on which beads you do. Either of those would be great options. Morgan has done both.
What else have my girls gotten over the years... Ahhh the bubble wands! Hours of entertainment in line. If you think they will get one, bring bubble mix with you! You can buy more but it is silly $$$. My youngest spent 3 days thinking about getting one. And loved it every second once she had it!
IMG_9915 by
Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
There is pressed penny books you can buy, they are not that pricey at all. They are great for containing the pennies once you are back home.
Regardless you will end up with a bunch of stuff, I would image. I try to bring a bag that fold flat that I could use as an extra carry on when we fly someone that doesn't care if you have 2 carryons a piece. And I make the girls just carry one of the plush in there hands on the plane. We have never had a problem.
Good Luck!!!!