Anyone else find Tweens hard to shop for? Long gone are the days of anything goes out of the toy aisle at Target. It’s gotten trickier. Some like clothes some don’t. They love technology and games, but you only need one iPhone or Xbox. I asked around, shopped and assembled a list of some fun and unique gifts for boys and girls, kid and/or parent approved to get you started this Holiday season. I’ve gotcha covered on everything from kids who love games, sports and reading to tech accessories, bling and cooking. Let’s take a look!
FOR THE KIDS WHO LOVES TO STRATEGIZE
One of our all-time favorite family games is Ticket to Ride, available from many resources, from Amazon HERE
My daughter received this game as a gift last year for Christmas. It was such a hit, Grandma purchased the Europe edition for the kids to play when they visit. Two of my friends with tween boys and girls purchased the game after hearing my daughter rave about it. Educational and fun for the entire family!
Here is what the manufacturer says about Ticket to Ride via the Amazon site:
October 2, 1900 – it’s 28 years to the day that noted London eccentric, Phileas Fogg accepted and then won a bet that he could travel “Around the World in 80 Days.” Now, at the dawn of the century, some old friends have gathered to celebrate Fogg’s impetuous and lucrative gamble – and to propose a new wager of their own. The stakes: $1 million in a winner-takes-all competition. The objective: to see the most cities in North America – in just 7 days. Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure game. Players collect train cards that enable them to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who can fulfill their Destination Tickets by connecting two distant cities, and to the player who builds the longest continuous railway. For 2 to 5 players ages 8 and older. Playing time: 30-60 minutes. Comes with: 1 Board map of North American train route; 240 Colored Train Cars, 110 Train Car cards, 30 Destination Tickets, 5 Wooden Scoring Markers, 1 Days of Wonder Online access number, and a Rules booklet.
Perplexus Original and Perplexus Epic, Available at Amazon HERE and HERE
This game is for the kid that loves puzzles and brain twisters. Perplexus Original Maze and Perplexus Epic are both super fun and challenging. My daughter received this as a gift last Christmas. We keep it out in the family room and when kids come to visit they can’t help but pick the thing up and give it a try, it’s addicting – in good way!
FOR THE SPORTY KID
I reached out to my friends who have boys to find out what they are into now. This item was recommend by my girlfriend who has 3 boys
ages 11-15 (yes, give her a medal now!) As you can imagine she has a stream of boys in and out of her house at all hours of the day. She claims that this game keeps all the ages entertained and is one of their favorite games!
Spike Ball
You can read more at www.spikeball.com or Amazon HERE
As stated on the their website,” If volleyball and foursquare had a baby it would be called Spikeball”
Other runner-up gifts that I have heard are popular with boys are; anything from their favorite sports team, beanbags, ping-pong, dartboard and hoops. For gamers; Madden NFL and for those who loved Skylanders, Disney Infinity 2.0 Marvel Superhero Starter kits. For younger boys we find Nerf products are always a hit!
FOR THE KID WHO LOVES TECH
Not a surprise that many tweens have an iPhone or iPod on their Holiday lists.
If you child is one of those or already has a device, I have some really fun accessories to go along with it.
I was given the opportunity to review a few products from a great company;
Chic Buds
Their products are unique in that they are specifically and intentionally designed to meet the exclusive needs of women and girls. They are 100% focused on the female customer and are all about giving back, supporting and encouraging women and girls. I love their story, you can read more HERE. This Holiday season ChicBuds will be giving 20% of website sales to the Ian Somerhalder Foundation AND you get a message from Ian with your purchase. Click HERE to read more on ISF.
My daughter and her friends had fun testing out the Porta Party bluetooth speaker. They loved that they could take it around for a dance party anywhere, anytime. The patterns make it extra fun!
That is me holding the actual speaker so you can see the size. This also makes a great gift for Mom who doesn’t have a speaker in her car!
Here is what the site says about this little gadget;
Be the life of any situation with the Porta Party Bluetooth Wireless Speaker. This pretty printed baby pumps out major sound for it’s sweet little size! You’ll be amazed by the crispness and clarity of booming sound that will be turning all the heads in your direction. This portable speaker is decked out in our runway-inspired print and has up to 10 hours of play time. Porta Party also features seamless talking on it’s speaker phone feature so you don’t miss a call while you are rocking out. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but loud enough to get the party started.
These earbuds were a hit with the girls because they come in 3 interchangeable sizes AND they look cool!
Here’s more on the earbuds;
ChicBuds Luv Buds feature no-tangle flat cords and offers a neat, easy and super comfortable listening and talking experience. Enjoy crystal clear audio while standing out from the crowd. Get them in all patterns to match your mood! Compatible with iPhones, iPods, MP3 Players and Computer.
Visit the Chic Buds site for more!
FOR THE JUNIOR CHEF WHO LOVES TO BAKE
For the kid who enjoys spending time in the kitchen, there are some really fun kitchen gadgets available!
Etsy has tons of fun aprons specifically for tweens (cut a bit longer than the kids aprons. I found so many choices with some available for customization. I loved this one because it was cute in front and back.
Clockwise from top apron by Penniolive on Etsy HERE (just sold out, other patterns are available. Email owner for requests). I liked this one as well HERE and HERE, Williams Sonoma easy cupcake decorator (great reviews!) HERE, Cupcake kit HERE, her own cupcake pan HERE, Betty Crocker cupcake book HERE.
DIY KITS
It’s a challenge to find fun craft kits for this age group. My daughter and I thought these all looked fun! She has the Lip Balm Making Kit on her wish list!
Left to right; Lip Balm Making Kit | Williams Sonoma HERE, Lotion-Making Kit | Williams Sonoma HERE, Make your Own Terrarium by Spitfire Girl HERE
FOR THE KIDS WHO LOVES TO READ
Many of you have met fellow blogger Freya Hooper who guest posted in October on ASB here.
Freya is the author of the blog One Great Book and you can visit her at www.onegreatbook.com.
For the past years, Freya’s book recommendations have been my go-to guide for gifts for the kids. These are just a small sampling of the many books Freya has reviewed on her site. Pop over and check out her entire gift guide HERE
Great choices for tween girls from top left clockwise HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE
And for the boys who have read all the Wimpy Kid Books;
Poached HERE and Return to Planet Tad HERE.
For many, many more options for boys and children of all ages, pop over and visit Freya.
FOR THE UGG LOVER
My daughter LOVES Uggs and we all know they are pricey. If your child has these on the top of their wish list, here are a few of my favorites. The slippers make great gifts as well. (for us Mom’s too!)
For all Uggs, click HERE also available for all ages at Nordstrom HERE
MORE FUN STUFF FOR GIRLS
Most girls love beauty kits; nails, lotions, lipgloss you name it!
Here are a few of my favorites.
Butter of London Nail Sets, HERE and HERE.
Butter it does not add formaldehyde, toluene or DBP to any of its nail formulas which I love! Both kits come with 3 polishes, tools and instructions to create fun looks. Nail tools that actually work are hard to find so this set at the $39.00 promo price is a win!
For the girl who wants LOTS of polish, $20, HERE, nail grooming set HERE (how adorable is this kit?), Nails book HERE | all at Nordstrom
My daughter and I love Philosophy products, they smell divine! She and I loved these fun gift sets HERE and HERE |Sephora
SUBSCRIPTION BOXES
Don’t know what to get? Subscriptions boxes are a fun gift that keep on giving. Boodle box is monthly subscription box for girls of all ages full of adorable accessories and beauty products! HERE. You can purchase a single month or a subscription to give as a gift. Need a holiday gift to ship right away? Grab one of their Special Edition Boxes!
photo via boodlebox.com
We just received the December Box in the mail filled with all kids of goodies! The December box included Flirt Body Butler, eyeliner by Jane, a patent leather bow headband, hot cocoa, body butter and cocoa.
My daughters favorite item was this Memory Locket found at stampthemoment.com along with 3 charms that can be interchanged into the locket.
Phew! I think I need a nap!
For more ideas for Tweens, stop by my Pinterest page and check out my Gifts for Tweens board HERE . I will be updating this board as I come across more fun gifts to be sure to check back !
I’ll be back on Saturday with tips on Holiday preparedness for us Moms, hope to see you then!
XOXO
Suzanne
If you would like to receive Ask Suzanne Bell in your inbox weekly, subscribe on my home page in the upper top right box. Subscribers will receive a bi-weekly updates in their inbox with links to my current postings on Wednesday and Saturday. Like me on Facebook to receive updates thoughout the week on sales, hot items and more! You can also check me out and follow me on Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram for inspiration on design, home, fashion, tweens and more! Just click though the links on the home page to be directed to the site of your choice to follow.
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