Hi - I am looking for gift suggestions for 12 year old and 8 year old sisters who have September birthdays. It is always a struggle to buy for them because they have birthdays so close to each other, but their ages and styles differ so much. I don't see them frequetly so I don't totally know what they are into.
The older girl is 12 and pretty typical of a preteen, but her little sister is a total tomboy. have lots of toys, games, etc. I prefer to get somewhat unusual things - their family travels frequently (the girls have been to Europe several times) and they go to Montessori school so they are very well read and socially sophisticated for their ages.
Any ideas would be appreciated. I have preschoolers, so I am at a total loss what kids that age like!!!
Gift cards: Borders,Amazon.com; itunes.
Journals
Beginners make-up: lip gloss, nail polish, etc.
Sports jerseys
What about an experience (avoids clutter issue) like movie passes or tickets to a children's/dinner theater? Or a gift certificate to do something - paint pottery, batting cages, bowling, mini-golf? They could decide to do those things together (as a family), or they could each do them separately, maybe with a friend or parent?
I've found that craft kits are a big hit with girls. Beading, friendship bracelets, sand art, paint-by-numbers are all good. You could give them each a different kit that they could together or separately. Big beads for the little one and little beads for the older girl. They can share or not.
Another option is bath sets or lip gloss kits.
Regardless, you may want to check with parents if you're not sure if the gift will be acceptable.
Rollerblades! That has been my birthday gift to all of the kids parties that my son goes to this whole year. Anything to get them off the couch and active! Sure games and books and other stuff is good too, but things that promote activity is the way to go in my opinion!
By the time my daughter was 12 she wanted gift cards to either iTunes or her favorite stores. The most popular "girl" gift cards seem to come from: Justice, Aero, Hollister, American Eagle, Abercrombie, Target, Forever 21 and even GameStop. Your 8 year old would probably like Target, Toys R Us, or maybe even Justice.
I know it sounds pretty impersonal but my twin boys just celebrated their 12th birthday and what they wanted most was cash! There are several things they are saving up for and that is what they asked for from all of their relatives. In previous birthdays they have also enjoyed gift cards to various stores. My brother has 5 children-4 girls and 1 boy (ages 6-17) and unless there is something specific I know they want they get cash or a gift card to a favorite store. In fact the 6 year old requested a gift card to Old Navy this year because there was an outfit in there that she wanted. I always liked when my kids got gift cards because it taught them about spending within the budgeted (gift card) amount. Suddenly the price of that cheap toy that you have to spend your whole gift card on takes on a different meaning. If you dont want to do the cash or gift card then I would ask their mom what they want or are interested in and see if that gives you any ideas. Good Luck!!
Get them savings bonds!!!!! Seems like that have everything anyways. This way you can help their parents save a little for when it is time for college. A little help goes a long way.
