Gifts for tweens
Liz Atwood is taking this Tween Tuesday off, so Kate's here to talk about holiday gifts for tweens:
What to get a tween?
It's not an easy question. Their very nature means they're poised between the childish and the grown-up. Some believe in Santa. Some don't. Some know in their heads that there's no Santa, but in their hearts they want to believe.
On my 8-year-old daughter's list, for example, there's a Polly Pocket toy along with "the truth."
You could just give them cash, but that tends to make the grandparents sad.
So here's my list of five reliable gifts for tweens that are NOT video games. I'd love for readers to add to it:
--An iTunes gift card for the iPod-owning tween. Choosing their own music to be listened to in private seems a key milestone for tweens who can't wait to be teens.
--The Harry Potter series. For the younger tween who's just become a really fluid reader.
--Sports accessories. Soccer goals for practicing at home; a new lacrosse stick; ice skates. Just make sure the sport is either already a favorite, or one the tween is dying to try.
--An outing with you. Experiences make great gifts at this age, whether it's a trip to the movies, a concert or a sporting event, or a date to go camping.
--A beanbag chair. Great for chillin'.
Photo by me
