T.K.
answers from
Dallas
on
-
Q&A
Get advice from millions of moms -
Timeline
See what’s coming up for your child
My daughters who will soon be 11 and 14, usually get invited to about 20 girlfriends' birthday parties per school year. We live in a rural area and stores here do not carry anything for tween and teen girls so I usually find 1 or 2 neat "one-size fits all" great gift ideas on sale in the $10-$15 price range out of town or order them and purchase about 20 of them in advance so that we are always ready with a gift. I am stumped on a cool gift idea to stock up on his year, any ideas? My daughters do not enjoy giving gift cards at these parties as they don't get the oohs and ahhs at the parties, so that's out. You also have to think ahead about what fads will still be "in" next spring. Last year, I loaded up on snuggies with peace sign designs and t-shirts that also had peace sign designs that came with markers to color yourself. Both gifts were a hit, but now my daughters' friends vary a lot in size so t-shirts of any sort won't work anymore. Thanks in advance for any ideas!
I love giving that age group those nail decals (they have peace sign ones, that's still big this year!) with some more 'grown up' stuff, like nail polish, a favorite candy, bubble baths, lip gloss... pretty much anything from Bath and Body Works... bracelet making kits... compact mirror... an age appropriate purse... those markers that smell like fruit (my fav, LOL)... I love shopping :)
-certificate to the top hairplace in your town.
- manicure/pedicure
-facial
-massage
I'm not sure, but I think I would have liked one of the above a lot. I would have definitely done a facial if I were in my teens, so that I could get some advice on how to take care of skin.
Sorry, this is the best I could do.
Anything crafty is great -- girls this age love craft stuff. There are kits for friendship bracelets (always in fashion) etc.
Magazine subscriptions to things like American Girl magazine or other magazines keyed to that particular girl's interests are wonderful and a gift that keeps on giving all year long. Sounds like your kids would say "Oh, that's not fun, nothing to open," but if they get creative they could package up a few issues of the magazine in some really fun way and make a huge card that announces the subscription.
forget the craft kits & the American Girl magazines...at ages 11 & 14....these girls are waaaay beyond that!
Stock up on nail art kits or put together your own. That's still a very hot commodity with pre & teens. I have several nieces in that age group & it's a hit with all of them.
I have done the "stock up" thing as well and I really love this website for that age group:
www.fredflare.com
They have tons of cute gifts in the $15 range, jewelry, accessories, headphones, knick knacks, you name it.
Take a look at the site with your daughters, I bet you'll find lots of options there!
Hi L.-
Scarves seem to be big lately...at least my 14 yo and her 19 yo sis are 'stealing' my light weight ones!
They are cheap...available 'all' over....in your price range...and one size for all!
Best Luck!
michele/cat
Inexpensive purses or wallets are great for this age. I have even seen messenger bags at walmart that you color with the provided markers (just like the shirts you got) for $10. Also, bracelets or even a jewelery making kit (beads, freindship bracelets etc).
Glow items (glow sticks, glow jewelery, glow in the dark shirts). Sparkly things (body sparkles, sparkly shirts, sparkly socks). Cupcake themed items.
Accessories!!!
How about ordering online? Justice is a really cool tween store and has loads of accessories. Claire's is a hit, too. If you stick with various accessories (lip balms, scarves, earings, bracelets, hair bands, mirrors, journals, cosmetics bags, etc.) they will love you!
Almost anything from Bath and Body Works that would be fun and appopriate for girls that age - shampoos, skin cream, lip balm, etc. You could probably order it all at once on-line to stock up for the birthdays and holidays if you don't have a store near you.
A few things that come to mind: purses, journals, nail polish, lip gloss, friendship bracelet string...
Take your daughters shopping. Let them show you things they like in that price range. Chances are their friends like the same things. Then treat them to lunch or ice cream and enjoy your mother-daughter time!
