Looking for Ideas...... - Pittsburgh,PA

Camera?

ETA: Okay, this is ridiculous - no one judged or criticized you. Get a grip. You're welcome.

What about tickets to something cool, a show, play, concert or musical? Could be a fun mother daughter date!

That was me. It's an awkward age for girls. They aren't into younger stuff, and not into teeny stuff. I loved music, and reading. Maybe an iPod or iPad, camera, movie/concert tickets, gift cards to Barnes and Nobel, a book shelf , clothes. If she can't come up with a list, just have some random surprise gifts for her. I wouldn't say how disappointed she will be. That's just mean.

ETA... Who judged and critized you? People took time to answer your question. Gees posters are awfully super sensitive these days. No matter what anyone says in a helpful post, the posters get all riled up. Geesh. Go have a glass of wine or something and unkink yourself.

Original:
. No matter what my daughter, now 19, asked for I ALWAYS gave her a pretty Christmas ornament for her tree someday.

She moved into her condo in August of 2013 and around Christmas time, I took the box of all the ornaments that I had given her as well as friends and family had given her and she loved it. Her tree is beautiful with many ornaments that have meaning behind each one.

Also, she loves Godiva chocolate so I always give her a foil wrapped Santa and her favorite truffles.

When I was little, my mom always gave us The Book of Lifesavers which had about 5 rolls of lifesavers. I give this every year as well.

I know what makeup, moisturizers and cleansers my daughter uses so I usually stock her up on that as well.

Is there anything your daughter enjoys? Your description makes her sounds very boring and dull. Surely, there is something she likes to do.

I am not a fan of Christmas lists. My nieces and nephews hand me a list every year. I know it's helpful, but to me it screams "Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie!"

Relax, you will think of something. Maybe it's time for a laptop or phone. Perhaps she'd appreciate a gift card to Barnes and Noble or a movie theater or the bowling alley.

I think it's great that you are trying to come up with some ideas rather than just telling her, short list = less presents. That would be harsh.

I'm a reader and I love my Kindle. How about a Kindle and a subscription to Kindle Unlimited?

I'm big on "experience" gifts for that age group. Concerts, movies, sports events, even an overnight in a local hotel, just you and her...whatever she is into. Wrap up the gift card or IOU with something cute - if it's a sports event, get her a team T-shirt, or a hotel overnight, some cute jammies. Good luck!

instead of what she isn't into if you could let us know what she is into, or does like we can help out a lot.

one of both of my kids favorite presents from last year that gets used all the time is a really nice blanket that i got at jcpenney. It super soft and fuzzy and big. That is their go to blanket if they have to take one anywhere or if they sleep on the floors or couches downstairs.

http://www.jcpenney.com/royal-velvet-silk-touch-blanket/p...

What does she NEED? A new backpack? Updated bedding? Sneakers? Jeans? Sweaters? An outing, like "I'll take you and a friend to a movie of your choice" coupon? Would she like a point n shoot camera? The Nikon Coolpix is good.

RE: your son, I'd tell him (both of them) that wish lists are wishes. So he might not get it all.

I also agree that not knowing what she IS into is hard to make suggestions.

I could tell you what my tween boys are getting:

Video games
DVD's
Books
Tent
Gloves
Hats
Scarves
Long underwear
Socks
Underwear
PJ's
Flashlights
Soccer shoes
Trumpet stand
Swim goggles
Gift cards for the movies, trampoline place and ice tubing
Theatre tickets
Stocking stuff such as chap stick, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, candy, cards...

Gifts they have enjoyed in the past:

Museum membership
Zoo membership
Toboggans
Snow boards
Skates
Watches
Science experiments
iPods
Game systems
Tickets to hockey game/ice show
Symphony tckets
Bowling/mini golf passes
Sleeping bags
Bedding
Chess set

I hate to think that she's going to be disappointed because she's not greedy and no one can think of anything for her. I would never recommend treating the kids totally differently and letting one get way more gifts than the other. If she doesn't have a list, then you have to think up stuff on your own rather than say, "Well, then, you're out of luck and there won't be anything for you!" Christmas is about the GIVING, not about making a list of demands - I think it's kind of sweet that she doesn't think that way! This should not be about turning it into a struggle for her - it should be about a loving parent really thinking creatively about her. I really recommend that you not tell her she's going to be disappointed - try to get her into the spirit of being surprised, and how that is just FINE! This is the age when kids start to feel left out, unwanted by peers or others, and just generally "different" so I think it's very risky to increase that sense of isolation by letting her think she doesn't fit the "mold" of a young girl who "should" want hair stuff and shoes and clothes. I know this age can be so frustrating especially if the kids are a little sullen or rolling their eyes, but you aren't wasting time on a child if you make them feel remembered at a holiday and you aren't wasting money if things can be exchanged/returned. This is her self esteem on the line, and we don't want this age group to feel they are irritating or annoying to use parents - because they kind of feel depressed and hormonal anyway.

Movie tickets - you can buy them at a discount at AAA if you are a member. She can take a friend or two over the vacation or on some weekend in January when there's nothing to do. Include a coupon of your own for the snacks or popcorn. At this age, kids are intrigued by going out without adult supervision, and you can start giving her independence while still dropping her off with a friend and picking her up.

Museum membership for the year - science museum, art museum, etc. If she has skin issues, how about a facial at a spa that deals nicely with teens? It's a good way to learn good habits. Board games are great because the family can play, or she can do them with a friend. If she doesn't like the one you got, she can exchange it at the store - just keep it wrapped. Gift card for department store, with a "day with Mom" including lunch out. Even if she buys sweatshirts, she needs them and will have a little fun picking out something utilitarian if not fashionable. Is she into fitness at all? How about a pedometer and light set of weights, or an exercise/yoga mat?

Books? Get ideas from the children's librarian or her teacher, or the info desk at the bookstore. Is there an indoor mini golf place near you? She can take a friend or two if you buy her passes. If there is an iMax movie theater near you, those are awesome and they show a variety of movies. We have them in the Science Museum and also, weirdly enough, at a major furniture store.

New backpack? Something for her locker at school like an organizer for inside the door or a shelf unit? Does she cook at all? How about a cookbook or a class? How about a course at the museum or craft store?

I'm sure you can come up with some things from all the suggestions here! Just keep things positive no matter how she reacts. She needs to know she's not a pain - even if sometimes she is at this age!

Books
Chess set
Tickets to a museum, show, concert, etc.
Science kit, chemistry set, geology set - what subjects does she like at school?
Music lessons, tennis lessons, ice skating lessons
Badminton set, croquet set
Erector set, build a robot set
Art supplies - these are always age appropriate - combine with lessons - ceramics, glass blowing.

what about an upgraded ipod or iPad?

Bike?
Exercise?

Coupons for dates with you - to the movies, dinner, breakfast, etc.

think outside the box for her...is there a sport she likes or follows?
what about a band that she likes? Tickets to an upcoming concert???
A play?

Lip balm/gloss is good.
A mini LED flashlight is great for everyone.
She might not be IN to clothes but if she needs anything, get it for her anyway.
Does she like any crafts?
A kit to make/build something might be fun - like a mosaic garden stepping stone or something like that.

Fuji instax mini 8 camera. It is like a polaroid except it prints tiny pictures. You can get film with novelty prints on its border (dots, hello kitty, stripes, etc).

Subscription to Cricket magazine. The company has other age appropriate mags. NO adds. Great publications.

Kigurumi. They're Über cute oversized pajamas here's some http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Pajamas-Sleeping-Kigurumi...

Is she interested in playing an instrument? How about a classical guitar with lessons?

Anything by this author is great. It is an interactive journal of sorts...not writing in one.

http://www.amazon.com/Wreck-This-Journal-Black-Expanded/d...

Concert/show tickets with mom
Sled/snowboard/cross country or downhill skis/saucer
Pogo stick/roller blades/skateboard
Cookbook/her own chef's knife/cutting board/apron
Board games for big kids
Art supplies
Craft kits
Kindle
Sports equipment she may be interested in trying-tennis,volleyball etc?
Gift cards and a shopping trip and lunch
Stuff to decorate her room-New lamp/ribbon memo board/New quilt/cute mirror/picture frames/and on and on.....

Mine wants everything! And she does still play with dolls with her younger sisters. I bought her more tween things, but I KNOW she's going to be a little dissapointed when her sisters open dolls and she opens a Nortface jacket (even though she's been moaning about wanting the NorthFace).
I agree with the experience suggestion. Try one of those paint nights where you could go together, a cooking class, or a bead/jewelry making class.
Also, a big fad with my soccer kids that are that age is Kendama. It's a Chinese skill toy. Oh! And uno dare. My (almost) 11 year old wants that. It's basic uno with dare cards mixed in.
I LOVE to read paper books so I always appreciated books/book related things. Bookmarks, book covers, vintage/collectors books. I always loved it when people found books whose character had my name. It's an uncommon name (this only happened twice) so it was weird seeing it in print. Maybe a safe disguised as a book to hide stuff from her brother??

Here is what my 11 year old daughter's list:

Dance Outfit
Daughter Sign
Ornament
Underarmour Socks
Just Dance 15
Origami Owl Necklace and Charms
Sephora Makeup Kit
Bear Paws
North Face
TV
Lego Friends Shopping Mall
Ulitmate Decorator Kit
Perfume
Candy
Tooth Brush
Bath and Body Works
Starbucks Gift Card
iTunes Gift Card
Pajamas

Hope that helps some!

That was my grandaughter at 11. Gift cards worked or a shopping trip with mom. My grandaughter would see things at the store that she couldn't think of on her own.

You could also introduce a new activity to try. My granddaughter received art supplies one Christmas or birthday. At the time she drew a few times. Now, at 14, she draws every day. She is also a great reader.

At 11 she liked to go to concerts when her favorite singers came to town. Her mother gave her tickets and went with her.

My grandkids like their favorite treats that they don't have to share.

Ideas for my 11 year old... She wanted a subscription to "Animal Jam" a fun video game online where she can act as an animal and connect with friends. She wanted a cell phone. She asked for book series, Warriors. Other ideas, fun hats, clothes I know she needs, a T-shirt with characters from a video game she plays, collectable beads for a charm bracelet, favorite chocolates, shampoo and conditioner and other hygiene items for her stocking, new converse shoes, a new flashlight, crafts and art supplies. Mine also has sensitive skin, but I found a botanical skin cleanser for her stocking that I think she will like. A bookstore gift card might be a good option too. If you can afford it, a Kindle or other tablet might be fun. Someone else had the suggestion of a blanket. I gave both of my kids a fuzzy blanket last year for Christmas and they LOVE them. Everyone needs a soft, fuzzy blanket.

surely there are things she needs, or things YOU'D like her to have. i'm a little taken aback that you'd admonish her over not being particularly covetous.
pjs, t-shirts, hoodies, good socks and backpacks may not be 'exciting' but if she needs any of 'em, why not take advantage of this opportunity to wrap 'em up and put 'em under the tree? and since she's a reader, your list of possibilities is pretty much endless. and that's even before the 'experience' possibilities- riding lessons or a coupon for a trail ride, museum tickets, hot air balloon, waterskiing, lift tickets at a ski resort, broadway or theater show, concert, zoo trip............
no need to create a pile for a nice kid who is content with little, but i'm sure her mom knows her well enough to get her a few things that will really please her.
khairete
S.

That's a tough one but I'm sure if you rack your brain you could think of
a few things.
Definitely get her more things or she will be sadly disappointed come
Christmas morning.
How about something cute for her room like a small bookshelf for her
books? Esp since she likes to read.
Converse tennies if you think she'll wear them.
A cool black lamp for her bedside.
Magazine subscription.
A gift card to her favorite restaurant so you & she can go out to lunch.
Money