Buying for Tweens
Basketball, T-Shirt and Shoes
If your kid is sporty, this is a no-brainer. Just make sure you find out what’s cool. It's very easy to make a mistake here! According to my 12-year-old, this is what you NEED if you’re a basketball fan.
To buy: 1. The gray ‘Not a Nerd’ T-shirt (not the blue one, in case you were leaning in that direction—it’s not cool), $32; 2. Lebron black basketball, $20; 3. KD VII basketball shoes, $60.
Classic Books
Now it’s my turn to choose something I really want to give. Our son is a big reader and has ploughed through an “Ender’s Game”-type series so I figure he’s ready for the big league.
To buy: 1. "Lord of the Flies" $6; 2. "Catcher in the Rye" $6; "To Kill A Mockingbird" $6.
Facial Products
OK, so this is probably the equivalent of buying your kid socks and underpants but I know he needs this stuff. Plus, as puberty begins, he really has become more interested in hygiene (thank goodness!) and wants keep those zits at bay. He also wants to smell good. His friends are all using Axe—I can’t quite go there yet, but I can stock him up with Kiehl's which smells good and will help battle spots.
To buy: 1. Ultra Facial Moisturizer with SPF, $21; 2. Calendula Deep Cleansing Foam, $29; 3. Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap, $15.
Cozy Blanket and Boots
The 12-year-old and his 9-year-old sister both have a soft spot for all things cozy. These fur throws would be a huge hit especially paired with Uggs.
To buy: 1. Faux fur throw, $139; 2. Ugg Boots, $85
Music
Both kids listen to a lot of music and Beats headphones are on their lists. I went for the cheaper ones—which are still expensive! Then invest in a family Rdio account—that way everyone can listen to whatever they want from the same account.
To buy: 1. Beats headphones $169. 2. A family Rdio account is $17.99 a month.
Sewing Machine and DIY Books
I love feeding my daughter’s desire to make stuff. The Janome sewing machine has a 10-stitch option and with one steady speed which makes it safe for beginners. And the crafting books should inspire some interesting projects.
To buy: Sewing Machine, $60; 2. "Sewing School" $12; 3. "We Make Dolls" $15; 4. "Playful: Fun Projects to Make With and For Kids" $17.
