Need Ideas for DD age 11 1/2 for Christmas

[tarheel618]

I am drawing blanks. When I ask her she doesn't give much clues

She has an Ipad mini (she save her money and got it herself) and touch.

She was into duck tape crafts and is currently into the rainbow loom.

I know she would like a phone but not sure I am ready for that yet.

I would like to spend between 150-200 on presents. I am in need of ideas, lots of ideas.

The only thing she has mention is a keyboard for her ipad mini (around 60-80) which takes a huge chunk of the budget.

She isn't a reader and really isnt into clothes yet. So I am so stuck for ideas?

Suggestions Please!

 

[ldo]

I have a 12 yr old DD. She likes crafts, her Ipad, her phone, things for her rooms, some clothes, and she is a Disney nut. I think you can shop around and probably get a cheaper keyboard--esp. at Thanksg--I bet someone will have a sale.
Last year, she got Bearpaws--cheaper UGGS from after Thankg sale for $39. Maybe too hot in Fla, but what about converse tennis shoes?
Are you going to WDW anytime soon? Does she like to pin trade? If so, order some bulk pins. DD liked an adult paint by number acrylic painting set. She likes $$$ Lego sets (VW van is fun--but $120).
I would consider getting her a tracphone. They do all sorts of deals for a refurbished phone with double minutes for $25 or so with free shipping. I add 60 minutes, with the 60 double free minutes and sruf and find a code online for an extra 30 minutes (which I get doubled). That costs $30 or so and is good for 90 days. Texting is 1/3 a minute, I think. It is a good, low cost, minute-controlled phone for younger teens--I used it for all 3 of my kids. Plus, at 11+, I wanted my kids to have an EM phone in their backpack or when they rode their bikes around the neighborhood.
Good luck. Elaine

 

[bjscheel]

Sometimes when I need inspiration I go on Amazon and just start browsing. Like go into toys and then to the right gender and age categories. I always find stuff I never thought of looking for.

Trying to think of what I've gotten DD12 lately. There is an author who writes "books" like "This is Not a Book" and "Finish This Book". They are not to read, they are to do. This is Not a Book is especially easy to mess with and you're pretty much supposed to trash it in the process. Finish This Book is a little more involved.

With her birthday money, DD12 has bought a DVD of The Newsies, which she is currently very into, and a British flag case for the MacBook she has from school.

Every year I get the kids a Christmas ornament that reflects their interests at that time. They will have a nice collection when they go out on their own.

We have Tracfones and the last one I got new on Amazon for $17 and is triple minute (shopcelldeals is a legitimate seller). Tracfone can be a hassle whenever you change phones, but otherwise it is worth it. We get the annual cards so you only have to redo it once a year. You can buy different amounts of minutes on the annual cards, and then they are tripled, and they roll over.

 

[stsomewhere]

I would consider getting her a phone. My DD is 12. She is always texting and talking to friends.

We added her to our account and got a family plan with unlimited texting. It was about $15 a month.

 

[tarheel618]

thanks for the input. Anyone else have suggestions?

I got her one of those wreck this journal books last year. I am thinking of geting a silver initial necklace.

Just really drawing a blank.

 

[bab830205]

my daughter is 11 and her list includes...

cases for her ipod and iphone
boots
hair stuff
anything 1 direction
stickers
infinity ring
initial necklace
monogram scarf

 

[mom2d&b]

What about starting a camilla/pandora type bracelet? Then you can add beads for birthdays and future holidays.

 

[jenlynn0808]

Check Claire's every once in awhile. They often have good sales/clearance dodads. Last year I picked up some moustache 'stuff' and headbands (glittery stretchy ones), cute bobby pins and head wrap. DD15 (now) plays a select/travel/club and school sport and the headbands and wrap are popular with both teams. I think we got some cheap sunglasses and a couple key chains (she collects those) also.

They have a zebra print & hot pink hairbrush she is eyeing now. If I can find it on sale I'll pick it up for her this year. She is always losing hairbrushes. <shrugs shoulders>

 

[Pesky]

* DVDs -- don't only think of modern but think of older ones she might not be as familiar with like Princess Bride or even more remote like The Ugly Daschund or an old musical like Meet Me in St. Louis.
* iTunes GC
* jewelry of any kind -- earrings, bracelet, the necklace you mentioned
* other craft kits -- beginning sewing, knitting, painting or the like. Think about a GC for classes at a local craft store or a paint your own pottery place
* Movie GCs
* tickets to a play, concert or musical coming into town
* slippers and robe
* fun nail polish and lip gloss -- Target has a minnie mouse set of lip gloss that are cute
* accessories -- belts, purses, flip flops, sunglasses, hair clips/bands

Big idea for a next occasion -- her own P&S camera. Might be a good age for that and if you combine it with a shutterfly GC to make her own photo book, maybe a new hobby.

 

[tarheel618]

What about starting a camilla/pandora type bracelet? Then you can add beads for birthdays and future holidays.

I did think of this earlier when thinking about the necklace. I guess I am having a hard time because I am so afraid she is going to be disappointed Christmas morning. She's at that awkward stage between wanting to play with "toys, dolls" at times and other times, "she's too cool for that" I remember that age, it felt so awkard.

 

[HM]

Things to redecorate her room to make it more 'grown up'? New bedspread, lamps, throw pillows, a bean bag chair, tack board that she can decorate, new posters, throw rug, curtains, etc.

 

[kkwis2]

I was having a hard time with my DD's 10th birthday this summer. I decided to get her a silver charm bracelet. I got bought the bracelet and a birthday charm and can now add charms for whatever occasion.

It was a complete surprise, and she loves it! So personalized and a way to remember what was important to her at different stages in her life.

This is a tough age for gift buying, though, isn't it?

thanks for the input. Anyone else have suggestions?

I got her one of those wreck this journal books last year. I am thinking of geting a silver initial necklace.

Just really drawing a blank.

 

[sksjasams]

I am going to vote for a phone too! (if you can afford it)

It really does become a big deal at that age.

You know she wants one and she knows you are saying no, so that would be a great surpise for her Christmas morning

 

[mickeyboat]

DDs got phones at Christmas when they were about that age. They were thrilled.

DDs are 13 and 14 now, and we are doing more experiences than things nowadays. They just don't want or need much anymore, and we are really enjoying spending time with them. For their birthdays in August / September, we did a day trip to Boston.