What are you buying for your 13/14 yeaar old daughter's for Christmas??

[MrsPete]

Thanks OP for the thread!

I wanted to comment on the digital cameras in the hopes that it will save someone else the grief we have gone through. I got DD a Kodak digi cam for Christmas last year. Got it on Black Friday and it was a great day. The thing only lasted about 2 days past the 90 day warranty. DD babied that thing. She probably had taken a total of 120 pics on it. Nothing excessive.
So, I went to Target to buy a new camera. I talked to the guy and he said too bad I hadn't bought the first camera there. He said her would NEVER, EVER recommend a Kodak. He suggested a Polaroid, and after researching it, we went with that. Well, one month later, it was eating batteries at the rate of a new set every hour. One trip to the zoo took 8 batteries! I googled the problem and it turns out it was a common problem. Camera was returned for a full refund. Did LOTS of research and ended up buying her a Fuji point and shoot. She LOVES that camera and so far, so good. My only complaint is that it has rechargeable batteries, so if they do lose their charge during a long outing, you can't just go get new batteries. I think we would both recommend it, though.
Note: We weren't prepared to spend the $150 or more needed at that time for a Canon or Nikon, so Fuji was the best option around $100. Also, I highly, highly, highly recommend spending the small amount to get Target's service/replacement plan if you purchase there. Well worth the money.

I wouldn't take the Target guy's opinion too seriously. The big box store employees get more training in how to run the cash register than they get in electronics.

Since I teach photography, I have more cameras than the average person (though it seems you're giving me a run for my money!). I have had great luck with Kodak and Fuji point-and-shoots. I also like Oympus and Cannons.

I never recommend the models with the rechargeable batteries. As you pointed out, if you're out and your charge is gone, you're stuck. The models that take AAs are a little more chunky (and don't fit as nicely in a teenaged girl's pocket), but you can always keep extra AAs in the camera bag or pick up another set here and there. Also, the ultra-small, sleek models just can't quite equal the larger models in photograph quality. I do have a couple rechargeable-style cameras, but none of them are favorites.

With point-and-shoots, you really do get what you pay for, but name brand (among the big boys) isn't all that important. A $100 Kodak is very similar to a $100 Olympus. A $300 Fuji will beat the pants off either one of those, but it's going to be very similar to a $300 Cannon.

If you pass the $500 mark, you should consider the low-end SLRs instead of point-and-shoots.

 

[peterpanlover96]

Hello! I am a 14 year old girl and I would like to say that all of you have wonderful ideas! I can assure you that everything mentioned will be greatly appreciated by someone my age. Just make sure that you base the gifts they'll be receiving on their personalities, not the latest fad. I have received several gifts that were ''in'' and all it did was cause my parents the hassle of having to return it and pick me out something else. And if you just don't know, ask one of your daughters friends as I'm sure they'd love to help

 

[Terry36]

Hello! I am a 14 year old girl and I would like to say that all of you have wonderful ideas! I can assure you that everything mentioned will be greatly appreciated by someone my age. Just make sure that you base the gifts they'll be receiving on their personalities, not the latest fad. I have received several gifts that were ''in'' and all it did was cause my parents the hassle of having to return it and pick me out something else. And if you just don't know, ask one of your daughters friends as I'm sure they'd love to help

Very good ideas, thanks.

 

[sharlon]

I wouldn't take the Target guy's opinion too seriously. The big box store employees get more training in how to run the cash register than they get in electronics.

Since I teach photography, I have more cameras than the average person (though it seems you're giving me a run for my money!). I have had great luck with Kodak and Fuji point-and-shoots. I also like Oympus and Cannons.

I never recommend the models with the rechargeable batteries. As you pointed out, if you're out and your charge is gone, you're stuck. The models that take AAs are a little more chunky (and don't fit as nicely in a teenaged girl's pocket), but you can always keep extra AAs in the camera bag or pick up another set here and there. Also, the ultra-small, sleek models just can't quite equal the larger models in photograph quality. I do have a couple rechargeable-style cameras, but none of them are favorites.

With point-and-shoots, you really do get what you pay for, but name brand (among the big boys) isn't all that important. A $100 Kodak is very similar to a $100 Olympus. A $300 Fuji will beat the pants off either one of those, but it's going to be very similar to a $300 Cannon.

If you pass the $500 mark, you should consider the low-end SLRs instead of point-and-shoots.

I guess I should have been more clear. It wasn't just the Target guy's opinion, though, in this case, it turns out he does have a great deal of photography experience. After I got home, I did more research and confirmed that the problem we had with the Kodak is a known problem that Kodak won't fix and it typically happens about a month or two after the warranty expires. Lovely, huh.
Her Fuji has been great! Unfortunately, we couldn't find one, at the time, that didn't have rechargeable batteries. And DD isn't your typical tween girl. She's not into pics of friends and stuff. She wants to take lessons on how to frame shots and best use of light, which no one around here will teach to anyone under 16. ARGH! Anyway, her pics are of animals and landscape. The Fuji has been perfect for her.

 

[pixiewings71]

Just a quick fyi, I have a Nikon Coolpix that I bought myself a few years ago, it was under $100 and it's a great little camera. Very easy to use, takes video and it's purple. I got it BF online at Best Buy.com well worth the price I paid.

 

[StitchBuddy]

Bump! So what di you end up buying?

 

[aprilgail2]

And I have to add: I know it is hard to spend a significant amount of money on UGGs or special jeans, but honestly I would hate to have deprived myself of seeing the joy on my daughter's face when she got her first pair of UGGs and nice jeans as Christmas gifts. Yes, she outgrew them after a year or so, but I think Christmas is about fulfilling some of those dreams and I wouldn't have missed that for the world. She was so thrilled - that was worth having to buy another pair the next year. Just my opinion...

I agree--my daughter is only 11 but that is one of the things that has been on her Christmas list 2 years now- this year she will be getting them. Her godmother is getting her Uggs and a coach pocketbook....her godmother is very girly and likes to get nice things for my daughter- like her first gold nameplate necklace, first diamond earrings (small diamond of course!!) etc.

My dd is getting
nook and a B&N giftcard
UGGs
coach purse
make-up
itunes card
Guilty Party Wii game and a pink wiimote (we needed this anyway but I thought I'd get pink and give it to her)
Abercrombie hoodie

.

that is like my daughters list!! She wants the nook, uggs, coach purse, abercrombie hoodie, a new make up kid(she had a little kidie one but wants a real one now),itunes card to download more apps for her itouch, she wants the ipod docking station for her room, lego harry potter forthe wii and some books.

 

[KKB]

I would never get my 12you a real coach purse & real uggs....she can get those when she can afford those herself.
She is getting about everything on her list:about $150
bright colored wool coat
fuggs (2pr...only $15 each at Old Navy)
gift cards from aero, AE, Bath & Body Works
Makeup kits

 

[SplashMo]

Latest Taylor Swift Cd should be a strong bet...

 

[StitchBuddy]

KKB I totally agree with you! I think if kids get everything they want all the time, then what do they have to look forward to. I always wanted Polo Shirts and Calvin Klien jeans when I was a teenager. Guess what?? I didn't get them until I bought them. Thought my parents were horrible! Ha, ha!! Now I appreciate the fact that they taught me to work for things and I understand the value of a dollar. My daughter really wanted an itouch, but we vetoed that and told her she could have a Ipod Classic, then we made her save money to buy it. She takes wonderful care of it. She has a friend who has gone through 5 phones in the last 18 months, parents just keep replacing them as she breaks them. Hmm... wonder if she appreciates them?? I think not!

 

[KKB]

KKB I totally agree with you! I think if kids get everything they want all the time, then what do they have to look forward to. I always wanted Polo Shirts and Calvin Klien jeans when I was a teenager. Guess what?? I didn't get them until I bought them. Thought my parents were horrible! Ha, ha!! Now I appreciate the fact that they taught me to work for things and I understand the value of a dollar. My daughter really wanted an itouch, but we vetoed that and told her she could have a Ipod Classic, then we made her save money to buy it. She takes wonderful care of it. She has a friend who has gone through 5 phones in the last 18 months, parents just keep replacing them as she breaks them. Hmm... wonder if she appreciates them?? I think not!

DS15 said all his friends got Call of Duty Special Ops the day it came out in November--HOW? None of them have jobs! (ok, some could have saved money from mowing in summer or bdays...) Killing him he has to wait until Xmas. Also killing him he cracked the crystal on his phone and either he has to ante up or wait until May until he can get a new free phone...
Our oldest 2 both have iTouchs--THEY saved up for; they sell them to their younger sibling.
Our children do a lot of extracurricular activities (sports, dance) & we take a big family vacation every year or 2 (Disney, cruise, etc.)--some would say that is spoiling them. We just prefer to spend our $ on experiences than stuff. The kids say they prefer that (well, most days...)

 

[SnowWhite2]

I'm amazed at how much you folks spend on your kids for Christmas. I was just having this conversation with my brother this weekend when he asked me if I was getting my DD16 an Ipad. I don't spend that amount of money on my kids for Christmas...we can afford to since DH and I both make very good money but my kids need to earn money to buy expensive stuff.

I started giving them a clothing allowance since they were buying things and not wearing them. I buy socks, underwear and bras for them. Coats, swimsuits, shoes, etc all come out of the clothing budget. DD16 has run out of money but still needs a winter coat. She has asked for one for Christmas. An $80 Northface coat and a few movie tickets will be her gifts. Any yes, she needs to wait for Christmas before I give her the coat so I hope it doesn't snow before then or get too cold. It is all about choices and she chose to get sweatshirts at each college she visited. Of course I might be easier on her if she would get a job...but she chooses not to get one.

 

[jaminmd]

I'm amazed at how much you folks spend on your kids for Christmas. I was just having this conversation with my brother this weekend when he asked me if I was getting my DD16 an Ipad. I don't spend that amount of money on my kids for Christmas...we can afford to since DH and I both make very good money but my kids need to earn money to buy expensive stuff.

I started giving them a clothing allowance since they were buying things and not wearing them. I buy socks, underwear and bras for them. Coats, swimsuits, shoes, etc all come out of the clothing budget. DD16 has run out of money but still needs a winter coat. She has asked for one for Christmas. An $80 Northface coat and a few movie tickets will be her gifts. Any yes, she needs to wait for Christmas before I give her the coat so I hope it doesn't snow before then or get too cold. It is all about choices and she chose to get sweatshirts at each college she visited. Of course I might be easier on her if she would get a job...but she chooses not to get one.

I have no qualms about spending a lot for my DD. She is my only one, isn't selfish & we are comfortable with it. I don't comment on those that choose to buy Christmas gifts for their kids at Goodwill because it is their choice just as it is my choice to spend freely for my own.

Glad we all have a choice.

 

[aprilgail2]

I have no qualms about spending a lot for my DD. She is my only one, isn't selfish & we are comfortable with it. I don't comment on those that choose to buy Christmas gifts for their kids at Goodwill because it is their choice just as it is my choice to spend freely for my own.

Glad we all have a choice.

 

[DVCLiz]

I would never get my 12you a real coach purse & real uggs....she can get those when she can afford those herself.
She is getting about everything on her list:about $150
bright colored wool coat
fuggs (2pr...only $15 each at Old Navy)
gift cards from aero, AE, Bath & Body Works
Makeup kits

KKB I totally agree with you! I think if kids get everything they want all the time, then what do they have to look forward to. I always wanted Polo Shirts and Calvin Klien jeans when I was a teenager. Guess what?? I didn't get them until I bought them. Thought my parents were horrible! Ha, ha!! Now I appreciate the fact that they taught me to work for things and I understand the value of a dollar. My daughter really wanted an itouch, but we vetoed that and told her she could have a Ipod Classic, then we made her save money to buy it. She takes wonderful care of it. She has a friend who has gone through 5 phones in the last 18 months, parents just keep replacing them as she breaks them. Hmm... wonder if she appreciates them?? I think not!

I'm amazed at how much you folks spend on your kids for Christmas. I was just having this conversation with my brother this weekend when he asked me if I was getting my DD16 an Ipad. I don't spend that amount of money on my kids for Christmas...we can afford to since DH and I both make very good money but my kids need to earn money to buy expensive stuff.

I started giving them a clothing allowance since they were buying things and not wearing them. I buy socks, underwear and bras for them. Coats, swimsuits, shoes, etc all come out of the clothing budget. DD16 has run out of money but still needs a winter coat. She has asked for one for Christmas. An $80 Northface coat and a few movie tickets will be her gifts. Any yes, she needs to wait for Christmas before I give her the coat so I hope it doesn't snow before then or get too cold. It is all about choices and she chose to get sweatshirts at each college she visited. Of course I might be easier on her if she would get a job...but she chooses not to get one.

I think the three of you would enjoy starting a thread called "Patting Ourselves on the Back Because Everyone Else Does It Wrong and WE Do It Right!!"

Seriously, what's the point of coming on a light-hearted thread about Christmas gift ideas and shaking your finger in everyone's face? Does it make you feel better? You can't possibly know anyone's individual circumstances so what is extravagant for you might be well within reach for someone else.

And who's to say really if one kid learns to appreciate something because she had to wait for it as opposed to another kid who had it handed to her? It just sounds judgemental to me.

But I do have to say it would be a cold day in hell before I would make my child wait to wear a warm coat in the winter. I think that does teach a lesson but it's not one I would want my daughter to learn about me.

 

[kirstenb1]

Our daughter is getting a Northface 3 in 1 coat (already gave her that). I'll toss in some game cartridges, and some Hollister shirts.

 

[luvsJack]

I totally agree about the coat, there is no way in hades my child would have to wait for a coat and I live in MS so very little chance of snow!

Just because someone spends a lot at Christmas or spends more on a luxury item for their child does not mean they spend that much every day!! Nor does it mean the child doesn't appreciate the gifts and is more than willing to work for things that they don't get for Christmas. My kids have worked and saved for many items they wanted, but they still may get some other expensive thing for Christmas. Right now dd has a stash of money she is saving for an expensive hair straightener, but I will probably locate one for a gift and she can spend her money on something else.

I don't use Christmas as a lesson in working for things. Christmas is when I get to spoil them a bit.

As for the OP, DD is 12 and she is getting a TV and DVD player for her room, the hair straightener, a digital camera, some clothes from Aero and AE, a pair of black boots (not Uggs, she doesn't like them), a silver bracelet, make up and case, hair goodies from the salon, movie gc, pizza place gc and game card for Gatti town and several necklace and earring sets from Clairs.

 

[Minnie]

But I do have to say it would be a cold day in hell before I would make my child wait to wear a warm coat in the winter. I think that does teach a lesson but it's not one I would want my daughter to learn about me.

100% agree with this one..... going without a basic necessity as a way to teach a budgeting lesson

 

[StitchBuddy]

DVCLiz sorry we must have hit a nerve with this one. Didn't say I don't spoil my kid. But, I do limit what she gets, because we spend lots of money on travel/etc. for her select sports. I was just agreeing with another post. Also, I work (teach high school) and live in an affluent area, I am amazed at what kids get and take for granted. Glad your kid doesn't, but a lot do. Can't tell you how many expensive phones, jackets, hoodies get placed in the lost and found and are never claimed. But, in keeping with the spirit of this thread, which I started, this is what I have bought...

Sephora Make-up Kit
2 DVD's
AE Hoodie
AE PJ's
Curling Iron
itune GC
Cute zebra print wallet (I am going to fill it with some small GC's far a mini shopping spree Hollister, Victoria Secret, Starbucks etc...)

Still need to get:
a make-up bag
shirt from Delia's
stocking stuffers

I think I am going to put all the girly things in the make-up bag from Santa.

Wow, it looks like more when I write it down, but I got some great deals!

 

[Mickeyluver37]

DD has asked for Uggs, the InStyler, a Kindle and a North Face. She also wants some Glee related tshirts and the Wii game. All fairly big ticket items but between us and the granparents I'm sure she'll get them all.