It has been so hard to shop for Hannah this year, mostly because she’s in that awkward in-between stage. She’s not really a “child, child” anymore, but she’s not really a teen either. She’s a tweeeen… yikes. How on earth did that happen? She’s also not really sure what she wants either. Every time we’ve asked her what she wants for Christmas she sort of shrugs her shoulders and says something like, “eh-Ever After High stuff?”
Not overly enthusiastic about the toys anymore, not really all that excited about clothes either, she’s arrived safely in that strange no-man’s-land void where toy lists go to die.
Anyway, I’ve spent weeks mulling over it and looking for great ideas, (since she didn’t have any) and here’s what I came up with:
Baking set, Julia Child Book, Apron. Tiara kit, make-your-own lip balm kit, small sewing kit. Reading: Spiderwick book, classics set. Hard core bow.
Hannah’s really interested in learning right now. Learning how to cook, how to sew, how to take pictures, write stories and poems… how to do all kinds of things. I find her spontaneously cutting up fabric and making pillows, stitching little “H’s” on everything made of fabric in her room. Whenever I’m in the kitchen cooking she sort of hovers around me, politely asking if she can crack the eggs, roll out the cookie dough or blend the batter. I decided that gifts focused on what she’s interested in right now, were the right way to go, and I can’t wait to see what she thinks of them.
When I was a tween myself was when I was REALLY into the Spiderwick Chronicles. I own that field guide and I’m proud of it. It was way cool! Also a good series of books is the “Series of Unfortunate Events” which can get dark, but I loved it.
Another good series is the “Royal Diaries”. I owned about 15 of them at one point. They’re diaries written from the view points of famous royal girls when they are in their tweens/teenage years. They’re historical fiction, appropriate, and really grew my vocabulary. The books for Catherine the Great, Cleopatra, and Marie Antoinette were my personal favorite.
Coincidentally I also got really into cooking/baking during that time and it sparked a deep love in me. If you’re looking for delicious/semi healthy/pretty easy recipes to learn with, I personally love all of Ina Garten’s cookbooks. I’ve been using them since I was 10 years old. I especially recommend her “Family Style” cookbook, it’s one of my faves.
cute ideas!
http://girlandthepolkadot.blogspot.com/
Great picks! Love these cute books:)
Shall We Sasa
Love these suggestions. I am also having a hard time buying for a tween with items that don’t break the break, i.e. electronics! The book idea is my favorite-maybe this year I can give my daughter a classic. Thanks for the fun blog