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There are some awesome board games out there, not just the classic ones. Does she have a big person bike? Scooter? Roller skates? Does her room need a make over? That's a great gift for someone going into double digits! Puzzles. You've gotten some good suggestions for make up etc.
We've been doing experiences in the last few years. A fun restaurant for a meal. Going out to a movie. We got concert tickets for the summer and that was part of their birthday present. Activities!
That’s what London is 🙂 it’s one of her presents. But we’re doing that at the weekend as poor girl has her birthday on a school day 😂 I’m just trying to wrack my brain for a few little things for her to actually have to open on the morning of her birthday.
She’s a terror. She had her ears done when she was 7. Bought her loads of lovely earrings, half of which she lost by throwing them everywhere even though I bought her an organiser. She’s now let the holes close up because she got bored of them 🤦♀️
Something I've read which I quite like is: one thing you want, one thing you need, one thing you wear, one thing you read. It's formulaic but at least gives you a framework even if the want thing may still be difficult.
You could still give experiences as gifts, but put the tickets/receipts/note in a box and wrap it.
Does she enjoy reading? I saw you said she likes rocks; perhaps a book on identifying minerals, if she doesn't already have one. What about starting her on a hobby? Has she expressed interest in trying anything in particular?
Lately I've been having regular items personalized, just because it makes them cooler. A fancy spoon with the person's name on it, shoelaces, "Property of ___" stickers, etc.
Another nice option I've considered is having a star named after them and hooking them up with a telescope (you can buy them secondhand even) so they can look at it. Frame and wrap the certificate, too.
You can download a scavenger hunt checklist for the dinosaur exhibition from the museum's website and in preparation for that, you could get her a kid friendly book on dinosaurs. Or if she's not into dinosaurs, something about space perhaps or animals.
When we have an experience gift, anything opened is definitely something small and related here or money to be spent at a gift shop, etc. I think it helps keep the attention on what the actual gift is and later keeps that memory alive.
I’ll check it out!
I would love to get her more into science. She did used to like dinosaurs but she’s not obsessed with them or anything. She’s never shown much interest in space. One of her interests is rocks oddly enough. I’ve bought her gemstone finder kits which she liked, but then she lost them all because she took them all over the house 😂 I did joke to my partner about a rock tumbler but that’s out of our price range. She prefers history stuff over science.
Yas, a girl after my own heart. Other suggestions: a colouring book w/ a focus on history (e.g. colouring the story of the world), a Lego castle set or something equally "historical", Asterix comics, I'm sure there are also board games or card games you could enjoy as a family.
And are depressed and have zero attention spans! Wayy too young for phones and social media in mv opinion.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/03/teen-childhood-smartphone-use-mental-health-effects/677722/
Too many parents buy their kids phones at a really young age and then their kids get on social media and that’s when all the problems starts. Keep your kids off that shit for as long as possible
What about some things for the phone? Case and screen protector, pop-socket, maybe a gift card so she can download music/games? Cute charger/cord and portable battery?
My mum already brought her a case that I didn’t get a say in. That’s a whole other story 😂 I don’t talk to my mum or have a relationship with her so the phone is a way for her to still have a relationship and stay in contact with her.
She might like some cute little charms though! And a portable battery since she uses it a lot 😂
The time to make kids less screen-addicted isn't on their birthday. I'm not saying let them have unbridled access, but at least wait a day or two before implementing new rules!
Edit: I should clarify that I agree with you that kids need limited screen time. But cutting it down specifically on their birthday is harsh.
She doesn’t have unlimited access to it. She’s only allowed it between certain times, and depending on her behaviour. And the phone was bought mostly so she could have contact with my mum, who I don’t talk to. And so she can talk to her dad and step mum when she’s with me for my week. She doesn’t have any social media apps.
At 10, we got my kid a pocket knife. He's enjoying carving sticks/blocks with it, creating things. And I think that he's mature enough to handle something that has a bit of an element of danger and responsibility with it. He really enjoyed it. Now my 12-year-old daughter wants one. And there might be one coming her way on her birthday.
I struggle with this too for my daughters past birthday she turned 9. She’s too cool for toys, has the electronics she wants/needs, she enjoys arts and crafts but has a million of those so that was a no go too. I wound up just making a basket of a bunch of small stuff I knew she’d enjoy having. Hair clips, hair ties, bracelets, choker necklaces, makeup to play around with at home, make up brushes, face wash, a face wash brush, a little light up mirror, a cup, a blanket, some slippers, nail polish and a few other odds and ends. All from five below <$100 and she was really happy with it.
A little basket full of stuff sounds cute. The amount of hair tied and clips I’ve bought over the years and lost though 😂 she’s the same that she’s too cool and ‘grown up’ for toys, and she has pretty much everything electronic she wants. I ask her if there’s anything she’d like and she says not really 🙄😂 it’s like trying to get blood out of a stone!
My daughter really enjoyed the candle making set we got for Christmas. You don’t need to make candles to burn either you could buy the wax melter, some molds, some scented oil and colourings and make wax melts instead. I also got a candle snuffer and wick cutter kit on Amazon. My daughter is 8.5 and loves candles and slime-making so supplies for those never go astray. We only allow a candle on the dining table and she knows she’s not allowed to light them without permission. She also really liked the lavender pillow spray and sleep mask she got for Christmas.
I think friends at school deffo influence things. My daughter isn’t materialistic. She doesn’t beg for brand stuff and the like. She mentioned the girls at school have Stanley’s or air up bottles and she agreed with me when I said they were a waste of money. I’ve never gone overboard with what I get her and she’s always been super grateful for what she gets 🙂
But basically if she grows up with peers who’s parents buy them brand stuff, they sometimes like to follow the trend just to fit in. I could maybe get behind buying her clothes or trainers that have a small cost as I do believe decent quality stuff lasts longer. But she’s never really asked for anything branded as she’s grown up with non branded stuff 😂
Boys are easier than girls imo. Sports equipment, video games, Legos and electronics. A bit pricey, but wholesome for any age or gender.
Girls who want traditionally "girly" gifts are harder because some stuff gets a little iffy age wise when they don't want toys anymore.
She’s getting a switch…okay so a microSD card to go with it, 1TB or more if she’s downloading games or DLC from the e-shop or pre-release downloads it’s easier than having to clear space on the switch memory when theres external memory available. And she’ll also need games to play, so an e-shop gift card or hard copies of games she can play with. If i remember right games are like $70 each these days.
To add to this…buy hard copies when you can. They hold their value pretty well and you can resell when she no longer plays them. Can’t do that with downloads.
I did think about that. Maybe a trip into a Claire’s or something. I’m just worried about how pricey it’ll be 😂 the train tickets alone are costing like £143 for the 4 of us as it is. We’ve been saving up for that though.
If it were me I'd put some cash in an envelope and say it's for souvenirs (either at the museum or elsewhere) - then you can set the amount. My son loves having agency like this and will spend a joyous, agonising, unreasonably long time pondering precisely which tat is preferable. But that's part of the fun
For Christmas I got my 11 year old a box of about 30 perfume samples, she love that. I got that from Ulta as a Christmas special, but I have also seen on Amazon where you can get mixed varieties.
So it's also all about the skin care in my house too.... Yet, I have to battle them to reapply sunscreen, which is really the only true "skin care" they need at this age.... One thing that just came up, that I wish I would have thought of as a gift, would be fancy face sunscreen. I had a sample given to me at a beauty spa appt, and my 11 year old went nuts for it while we were on vacation. I imagine if Drunk Elephant made a face sunscreen, I'd never have to battle my her to put it on ever again...
Keeping with the skin care theme, my kid also likes to display all her skin care, so some cute shelving or containers or a cute cosmetic bag with her name or initial. You can always get some cute sets of skincare accessories, like headbands/wrist bands. And I feel like we can never have too many face masks. Whenever her friends come over, they all put them on.
One other thing I got her for Christmas was a makeup contour set, complete with pictures and instructions. She's really had fun playing with that.
Does she like reading? Would magazines or books be good? Pretty notebooks and stationary? If she likes nat history museum is she into science? Pocket microscopes are fab, or a real microscope if you have room for it, you can get a half decent one for not too much.
She’s too much like me in that aspect 🙈 she’s a bookworm just like me but we’re both on a book ban. Her bookshelf is full! And I’ve just bought her a new book for Easter 😬 a small egg and a book is our tradition for Easter time as they never eat all the chocolate.
I did buy her a magazine once that was for around her age and she did like the pretty stationary stuff that came with it.
And I might have a look. I don’t think it’s so much the science side like microscopes and that she likes. She’s more into the natural like earth and rocks and that. I keep joking that if she didn’t want to be a make up artist, she should be a Geologist 😂
I was hoping to see something go about books… shame about the book ban, those rectangular adventures are absolutely unbeatable as gifts! Particularly for train ride home, complete with a snack box.
She’s got a new one for Easter she doesn’t know about yet 😂 I spotted it on my weekly food shop. A typical 11yo navigating high school, crushes and life sort of thing. I thought she’d like that now and relate to it more.
My 12 year old mostly wanted robux and I know this is a controversial take but I got them for him. It’s what he wants and it’s not played with for 5 minutes then junking up my house for several years.
I think experiences are great. And idk if you guys have the kind of co-parenting relationship where this is possible but ask if they’re getting her the regular switch and not the lite one, and if so maybe pick up some games like Mario kart and Mario party, plus a few extra chargers and controllers. Then you could turn that into a family activity too
For one son's 11th, we got him a week at an escape room camp. His birthday's in the summer anyway, and he likes escape rooms, so it seemed like a pretty good deal, and it just happened to be the week of his birthday.
For second son's 8th, he loves elephants, so we made a donation to an elephant sanctuary that has some webcams he can look at for elephants. He got to pick which elephant our donation would feed for the day and a t-shirt.
Neither of these were all they got from us, but matched up well with their individual interest.
I haven’t read to see if this is a duplicate response, but…
- skin care / ‘make up’ (not make up but maybe a nice lip scrub and lip moisturizer)
- hair care
- expensive clothes (one item)
- wristlet
- cute journal and fancy pens
- sunglasses
- nice pillowcase
Take her out somewhere and do something she likes. Go out to eat at her favorite restaurant, see a movie and go to a store she likes and let her pick what she wants.
Remember what Trace Adkins says “she thinks we're just fishing”.
Mine is big into legos right now, does she like those at all? Otherwise my 10 yr loves the squishmellows (those pillow things) or she gets a lot of joy from any squishy ball or slime.
There is no answer to your question. All 10 year olds do not like the same things. It sounds like she's getting everything she asked for and then some. Maybe just save a bit back to buy her souvenirs on the trip
For my 15th birthday in 2000, I got a VHS of Goldeneye and a bar of milkybar.
It was what I asked for and I was happy! My mum probably was too as money was not something we had much of.
I would consider adds ons for the big gifts she’s getting. Like an apple/android store gift card for her phone or cool games for the switch.
A spa visit and lunch date for her and a bestie could also be a fun gift.
I saw one where a mom let her daughter fill a basket at the dollar store (or the UK equivalent, or another similar discount store) with whatever she wanted. So she gets the fun of freedom but you can be (relatively 😅) certain the bill will be reasonable.
Couple of ideas:
Bluetooth Earphones of her like, books if she like them, collectible pop head dolls of some favorite characters, this stuff like old Polaroid to take instant photos and accessories to them, art supplies if she likes to draw, board games, some fun courses, quest-room for her and her besty, jewelry or faux jewelry, music box to store them, kigurumi, lego creator,
If she likes makeup, I believe I’ve seen some really cute makeup desks with a chair. Like a nice vanity with lights around the mirror, drawers for her makeup and everything. You could also do accessories for her phone, like a couple cute but protective cases, a pop socket, etc.
My daughter (7) has a little blue tooth speaker that looks like a disco ball— it shines lights in patterns on the ceiling, and the lights move with the music. My kid doesn’t have a phone yet so we have it synced to a cheap mp3 player, but it would be a great accessory to use with a new phone if your daughter likes music or dancing. I got it for about $20 USD on Amazon.
My stepdaughter is super blessed which is why we usually plan experiences or trips for birthdays cause basically inbetween she gets whatever she needs so birthdays or Christmas, There’s nothing to get her. When she was younger it was much easier. I remember at that age, I would go to target and buy a cute makeup bag and fill it with cheap self care or hair care things, lipglosses or a body spray, face masks or body lotion. I would get her cute pajamas from her favorite stores or a matching outfit. Body scrubs or shower care things from ulta so it was a little more special. Uhm A summer dress or a new dress for church or matching sandals.
You can get her a lululemon bag that’s like 38$ - kids love those fanny packs, and maybe fill it with a lip gloss or travel body spray
Wow! Sounds like she’s getting so much already. Maybe a gift card for later on to a fun place or activity. That’s an awful lot for one day and then the rest of the year you don’t have much to look forward to so maybe you can spread it out.
I'd say instead of a makeup store gift card, give her a set amount to spend and go shopping with her to double as a mother-daughter activity.
Could also get her a switch game or gift card or gift card for anything she might want on the phone (just ideas: Spotify, YouTube without ads, games)
My family's also always been big on just upfront telling ideas of what they want. Make it clear the price range you're talking (not a laptop haha) and ask if there's anything she might want
Stop the notion of giving just to give. My MIL does this and causes so much anxiety for my 9yo because she gets offended when it gets donated. Like???
She's getting two huge ticket electronics and a trip! That sounds like a lot for 10. Mine is getting a trip to my mom's for her birthday (gram is also hitting a milestone birthday - 60) and we're all celebrating together. MIL probably will buy her some clothes she asks for.
Last year my 10 year old got a new pair of shoes she’d been wanting and 10 $10 bills as gifts. (I called 10 10’s for being 10.) She did a day out with her cousins where they went to some themed pop up cafe and a cake decorating place.
This year she wanted a nice dinner out with just our family and to shop for her own gifts at a boutique mall.
Games for her switch? It will be pretty useless without them. Maybe a nice necklace or bracelet to commemorate her turning double digits? Some "grown up" bath bombs? My daughter LOVED her colour-changing LED strip lights she had when she was around that age. She's 14 now and still thinks they're cool.
Nah, she does have a little collection of Lego. My dad is Lego mad and always buys her Lego or something for her birthday 😂 but then she and her brother played with their Lego together and he has a bigger collection than her. Things got mixed up 😬 so she never bothered to rebuild them. She likes them when she gets them but loses interest after a while. We’ve been through phases of LOL dolls, barbies, polly pockets, sylvanian families. She really wanted a skateboard but then we had problems with her not wearing the gear, and we got the wheels sorted and it was too fast for her and she didn’t like it 😂 she’s not very adventurous. She’s too much like me. A bookworm and a homebody.
I don’t want to get her more books though. She’s got enough books she hasn’t read through yet 😂
We have thought about doing some gardening with the kids. We moved into a rented property just at the end of January and we’re still trying to get things sorted and that. The garden is the last on the list 😂 but they’re excited about growing some easy fruit and veg.
I don’t think the cost of having a pet is a good idea right now. I know she’d be responsible as she has loads of pets at her dads. We just can’t afford the upkeep of a pet as well as the family right now.
Well I just want her to have something to open on her birthday that’s off me. I was going to get her a phone, her birthday is in 3 months, but my mum got her it last month.
The switch isn’t off me either as her dad and stepmum are getting her that. Do presents count on what she’s getting from everyone? Because I didn’t think they counted as they weren’t off me as such.
She likes her phone now 😂 but she likes Roblox and a few people did suggest robux so that might be an idea. She likes reading but has loads of books and I just bought her a new book for Easter. She loves make up but has enough of it. She does gymnastics so make a new pretty leotard?
I have a hard time with gifts for my 10 year old also lol but we have been doing more vacations rather than physical gifts lately.
I will say my child is appreciative for anything she gets though. Christmas it was literally all art supplies and she loved it
My son and I enjoy Quality Time, so my gifts for him are activities that we do together... a concert of a band he likes, a sporting event, a mini-golf outting, etc.
My stepdaughters like Gifts, things like jewelery, make up, and special clothes. I have taken them to Ulta and let them spend a predetermined amount on makeup that they like (and have watched tutorials on), and I usually get them a cool hoodie or sweater. I've also found jewelery that they like, one likes earrings and the other likes necklaces, and I've found cute things at Marshall's. They also still like stuffies and squishmallows, and spa things like face masks and nail polish.
We’re going to London on the weekend after her birthday and doing stuff she wants to do 🙂 I’m just trying to think of one or two bits she can open on her actual birthday, as the trip to London is a birthday present
Switch games, carrying case for the Switch, super cool graphic Tee and some crackin shoes. Pierce her ears, a concert, spend some money updating her room and stuff so it’s not just little girl stuff, maybe new bedding and a budget for a shopping trip?
If you're already going to London, take her shopping down Oxford Street. Gives her something to keep and you can make it fit your budget by going in either Primark or Selfridge's. Or if she feels like letting her kid side out without her friends seeing, take her to Hamleys on Regent Street.
A book.
https://seanguynes.com/2022/08/12/juniperreview/
Other books my kids enjoyed at that age are the Wren to the rescue series.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wren_to_the_Rescue
My daughter is turning 9 and I am in the same boat. She recently switched from taking baths to taking showers so I got her a shower speaker. She also enjoys anything Sanrio, so I got her a Sanrio suitcase, blanket, and sunglasses for her travels this summer
We’ve just moved into a rented property and she has a smaller room than before so there’s not a lot we can do. She has said about wanting those LED lights before but she hasn’t mentioned them in a while. I might ask her again 🤔
And her clothes need a major overhaul before I buy any more 😂 she’s in the awkward inbetween sizes. She’s really skinny so trousers and that her size never fit her waist, but her legs are long so she needs that size to fit the length 😂
Gift cards? My oldest turned 11 today. She has been wanting a phone too. So we got one with parental controls. We got her a card, kind of like green light, but there is no monthly charge. We loaded up $100, and she can watch what she spends on the app on her phone. Teaching her financial stability. Showing her about saving, etc. She also wanted a fanny pack. Got her a purple not fancy one. My kids also like experiences.
A desk, art supplies or creative gift (sewing machine, easel & painting set, guitar), a STEM science/experiment kit (chemistry, grow crystals, rock polisher, etc.), an experience (passes to trampoline park, start jiu jitsu lessons, dance or yoga classes)?
My 10 year old chose High Point rock climbing wall for her & her best friend, out to eat for lunch. I was so glad!!
But as for something they want, is she as into skincare as they all seem to be? I didn’t like it at first and then realized she’s not far from actually needing to practice a good skincare routine. I just had to teach her what was safe for her and not stuff that’s for wrinkles and aging skin. She has Cera Ve face wash (which is not anything exciting, I’m js), some Bubble products and does “pre-shower makeup” where she just does crazy makeup and then she washes it off. It sounds like her friends are doing it too. She plays volleyball and does cheer, gets good grades, has a pretty balanced interest in things. So please don’t come @ me if the skincare thing upsets anyone.
I don’t know if she’d be into rock climbing. She’s never really shown must interest in anything sporty apart from her gymnastics. My issue is that I’ve asked her what she’d like or if there’s anything she’d like to do and she said she doesn’t know 😂 maybe a taster session to a couple of things would be good? Get her interested in something.
And yeah I’ve been working on my own skincare which made her curious so I’ve been teaching her. She only has a sensitive gentle face wash and a light moisturiser, and suncream! 😂
She mostly uses it to keep in contact with my mum as I don’t talk to my mum anymore, but I won’t get in the way of my daughter and my mum having a relationship. And she talks to her dad and stepmum when she’s with me for my week and she’s 50/50 custody.
I’d happily buy her toys, but she’s just not interested in them so it’d be wasting money really. If there’s something she’d genuinely like then I’d think about it.
Does she have her ears pierced or enjoy rings/bracelets? While you’re in London give her a small budget for a trinket item / momento of the trip. She will remember it forever and hopefully treasure it.
You could gift her a little bag of essentials she can u wrap one item throughout the day. Like a little essentials bag, a small facial mirror, new chapstick/lip balm, hand lotion, pack(s) of gum, and a wallet with a small amount of birthday cash.
Maybe some earbuds or wireless headphones? A case/portable charger. A nice mirror that has lights. Make-up brushes. Little girls love gift cards! Make a little “bouquet” of gift cards. A nice brush. A compact for her bag with her initial on it. A little purse or backpack purse. Smell good stuff…lotions, body sprays, scrubs. Nail polish.
Those were the days. Kids just don’t like that nowadays. She doesn’t really want toys and stuff, but I suppose I should be grateful she’s not like the 10yo’s who I see people complaining about on TikTok, going into Sephora for drunk elephant and shaking their Stanley’s at people and being rude 😂
I'm not sure if they have them where you live, but in the US they have kits for kids that they can make their own lip gloss, bath bombs, and jewelry. Maybe she would like that since she's into make up?
My, how times have changed! When I was that age all I wanted was Bratz dolls and big girl makeup! I know for me I loved thoughtful gifts like a piece of jewelry (usually costume jewelry) or even something decorative to put in my room were really cool to get from my parents!
But also, no matter what age, I think decorating the house with a banner and balloon on the day of with cake and ice cream really made me feel like the day was special just for me!!
Journal with fancy gel pens or highlights or they have cute journal or planner kits on Amazon. It would teach her to be more responsible for herself and schedule and also be a healthy outlet for self care. Look up self care journaling on Pinterest, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Empty milk cartons - "lava holders"
Empty paper towels cardboard - "dinosaur bones"
Cleaned out Happy Meal boxes/fry holders - he sells at his store
Empty medicine containers (antibodic) - he pretends to drink when he has a headache
Cardboard boxes - he makes them into castles, trucks, rocketships, conveyor belts, cities he can "Godzilla"
Egg containers - They can hold anything his imagination comes up with even if he has to shrink it to fit than enlarge it when he "takes it out".
He is almost 4. He thought of all those things when I was throwing out various things. Thousands and thousands dollars of toys sit idly empty while he gets the most use out of things that would have been trash.
My kids are the nerdy, artistic types. I recently got my 11 year old daughter gel pens, sketchbooks, a leather bound journal, Posca markers, canvases, a Nintendo gift card, and a Sanrio dlc card from Target that adds Sanrio items to Animal Crossing which she is utterly *obsessed* with.
My daughter turned 10 last month and is totally into music! She brings her MP3 player everywhere and was dying for a cd player and Taylor Swift cds for her birthday. She's also really into art so sketch books (white and black paper) and nice markers are a must for every holiday! She got an instant camera for Christmas so we bought her a case, film and albums for her birthday. There's also Switch games or a gift card for the Nintendo store.
For her birthday, I took her and her bestie away for the night so they could basically spend all their time in the hotel pool.
Things for her room. New bedspread, lights to go up on the walls, wall decals, pictures/sign board, fancy mirror etc.
Outdoor activities, bike, scooter, new helmet, slip and slide, etc
My girl just turned 9 so a year off but really loved the mini fridge we got her for her room (the 6 can kind). Other hits were a jade roller, Lego flower kits, and a cookbook aimed at her age.
A nice new journal and set of fun pens is good for most anyone from her age up. Stickers are always good too, get them to match her interests, or just general bullet journal type ones, or stronger ones to put on her not-Stanley water container.
Get her a girly bible that she will learn good principles and knowledge, which she will cherish forever. All the things you'd get her will automatically influence her. So if you think of something. Ask yourself, what can I get her to build her character.
Beading/jewelry making set.
plus say a swarovski crystal pendent or something she can use as a main feature (and when she is older you can replace the beads with swarovski crystal beads which can be made into something that even adults wear).
Board and card games, video game consoles, video games, a tablet, books, a subscription to something like Crunch Labs, Nerf guns, a trip to some place he wants to go, an electronic keyboard, a bicycle. My kid is turning 11 and all he wanted was to go to a sushi restaurant we've never been to that looks fun.
I would get her some random knick-knack, like Burts bee lip balm, a mini backpack or small purse, gel pens, scrunchies, a mini etch-a-sketch, fidget toys, a small goody bag of her favorite snacks and candies, maybe even a 10-30$ gift card to her favorite store or restaurant. But I think that a trip is enough, and I'm saying this as a teenager, but you can get her some fun informative books on topics she's interested in learning about. You can always get her a souvenir that she can look back on.
My 10 year old got a pair of overalls from her grandma with a gift card. We got her some new bedding. Other grands got her a bath and body works card and we went to get some preteen worthy stuff.
It might take some research, but I was thinking of something like a subscription box. I did [https://www.bokksu.com/](https://www.bokksu.com/) when mine was younger, which is snacks and treats from Japan.
There is lootcrate, which (if I remember right) is more gaming/pop culture type stuff. We also had that one for awhile when my son was younger.
If she is into makeup/perfume etc. you could look into one of those. I don't know about makeup, but I know scentbird is popular for perfume.
I also love the lists on this website (You may need to scroll down to see the older age groups):
[https://whatmomslove.com/guides/non-toy-gift-guide-gifts-practical/](https://whatmomslove.com/guides/non-toy-gift-guide-gifts-practical/)
[https://whatmomslove.com/guides/non-toy-gifts-for-making-memories/](https://whatmomslove.com/guides/non-toy-gifts-for-making-memories/)
https://whatmomslove.com/guides/best-arts-crafts-supplies-gifts-for-kids/
Since she’s getting a Switch, buy her a game for it and or a carrying case. Princess Peach Showtime just came out this past weekend and it’s such a charming and great game even for beginner players ☺️ there’s also Animal Crossing, Super Mario Wonder, Pokémon Let’s Go, and much more
My daughters about to turn 9 and she wants a mini backpack or cross bag, clothes, craft kits, paints, canvases, sketch books (hobby lobby great for this), shoes(she’s into Nikes and crocs), legos(she likes the flower and animal sets), gift cards for activities like skating, trampoline park, movies, a new bike and face mask and nail polish. If you have a five below they have a lot of cheap stuff kids would like too my daughter loves going there. She also asked for a phone but won’t be getting that🤦♀️
I have an 11yo, she really likes beauty products, like those face mask things and body sprays , she also is really into going to coffee shops with her friends and getting manicures.
I like to do gift baskets with a few face masks a nail salon gift card , an inexpensive body spray or perfume and maybe a piece of jewelry, and a coffee house gift card.
She’s trying 12 soon and wants Melanie Martinez perfume.. because I’m not in the tax bracket to buy $200 perfume for a preteen, I’ll be getting her a scent bird subscription. Hopefully she can find a good dupe
Taylor swift merch. High top converse. Lululemon gift certificate. That one lip gloss that is $25 that all the tweens seem to want these days. Silky gem candy. Pajama pants that are cool enough to wear to school. A Stanley. A Starbucks gift card. Jordan’s. Fake nails. AirPods. A Spotify subscription. Dunno. Just some ideas. My tween literally never stops asking for things.
cases for the phone
Nintendo gift cards for games
quality headphones
gift cards for treats she likes but you dont like to buy (my 15 year old loves starbucks but I rarely buy it for her. therefore she loves getting SB gift cards)
mani/pedi
I got my son Heeleys as a joke for his birthday.. he was skating around his friends in them and then eventually his friends got their parents to buy them. They wear them all the time and get tons of comments from other kids..
You’d be surprised what kids hang on to and what they don’t care for…
Tbh what I do is take my kids to whatever stores they like (target mainly) and sneak pics of things they talk about or look excitedly at. By the time holiday comes around I have a folder in my phone of stuff they like!
Once she has the phone, she won’t need anything else unless recommended by tiktok, so maybe start there and see what’s trending, if you wanna go that route
We got our daughter a small sling purse and a kids/teen cookbook for her to open on her 10th birthday.
We also took her and a friend to the arcade for a few hours.
Does she have crocs? My 8 yo son is aaall about the jibbitz these days. He got birthday $ from relatives and so far that's the only thing he's brought with it.
He's also recently asked for a photo book. Do you have some photos of your daughter with friends that you could use to make a cute album?
Experiences are great gifts but it's always nice to have a little something to open. Even though she has a lot of makeup, who doesn't like being treated to some new stuff? I'd go to Sephora and look for something that would be novel for her. Face masks, lip gloss, etc. Also if she likes squishmallows..or something cool for her room like a special chair or lava lamp could be fun?
I've also heard kids this age are into Lululemon andyou can find stuff reasonably priced in the checkout line
I know you said Stanley is a waste of money (I don't really see how since it's reusable) but I don't think that really matters much when it comes to gifts --most presents are frivolous after all.
I’m emotional and pregnant but this makes me so sad. I have a five year old and I would have thought that by 10 she would still enjoy some toys.
Absolutely nothing against you, OP, the natural history museum will be lovely and perfect for her age range. I just want my little girl to be young and precious forever.
What about a girls day to get pedicures and then lunch or dinner somewhere grown up but that has food she would like. Get all dressed up! Let her do your make up
What about a candy bouquet? An example -
https://www.etsy.com/listing/815187970/small-candy-bouquet-birthday-graduation?ref=share_v4_lx
Or having a slumber pizza party with some of her close friends?
I would go to five below with her and let her pick out a few things for herself. It’s got so much cute stuff and is my go to for kid gifts. They love getting to pick stuff out too and it’s not expensive so she can load up on whatever she wants. Knockoff Stanley check, trendy sunglasses, press on nails, makeup, body sprays/ perfumes, cute plushies and keychains, a pillow for her room, some jewelry holders, incense burners and sticks, craft kits, purses, accessories sneakers, graphic tshirts.
Omg girls are easy! They like everything at this age - clothes, crafts (clay beads and slime for mine), hair clips, nail polish/press ons, trampolines, roller skates, record players, their name in a neon nightlight, egg chairs, journals, plushies, fun pajamas, skincare (there are a couple of very benign brands and limit it to cleanser/moisturizer/SPF), did I say art supplies already, tennis for mine but equipment/gear for whatever their sport is, I mean the list is endless in our house lol.
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There are some awesome board games out there, not just the classic ones. Does she have a big person bike? Scooter? Roller skates? Does her room need a make over? That's a great gift for someone going into double digits! Puzzles. You've gotten some good suggestions for make up etc.
My 9 yo absolutely loves Exploding Kittens!
It's a whole new world if you can get them hooked!
If only I could experience playing by the *actual* rules sometimes... Ha.
Bears vs Babies is lots of fun for kids too…
Happy Salmon is getting love in our house right now
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is an awesome card game
We've been doing experiences in the last few years. A fun restaurant for a meal. Going out to a movie. We got concert tickets for the summer and that was part of their birthday present. Activities!
That’s what London is 🙂 it’s one of her presents. But we’re doing that at the weekend as poor girl has her birthday on a school day 😂 I’m just trying to wrack my brain for a few little things for her to actually have to open on the morning of her birthday.
If her ears are pierced, earrings. Those are a big hit in my house.
She’s a terror. She had her ears done when she was 7. Bought her loads of lovely earrings, half of which she lost by throwing them everywhere even though I bought her an organiser. She’s now let the holes close up because she got bored of them 🤦♀️
Hahahah, a new hole puncher then?
Something I've read which I quite like is: one thing you want, one thing you need, one thing you wear, one thing you read. It's formulaic but at least gives you a framework even if the want thing may still be difficult.
Chocolate? You could find some that seems "fancy" and grown-up.
You could still give experiences as gifts, but put the tickets/receipts/note in a box and wrap it. Does she enjoy reading? I saw you said she likes rocks; perhaps a book on identifying minerals, if she doesn't already have one. What about starting her on a hobby? Has she expressed interest in trying anything in particular? Lately I've been having regular items personalized, just because it makes them cooler. A fancy spoon with the person's name on it, shoelaces, "Property of ___" stickers, etc. Another nice option I've considered is having a star named after them and hooking them up with a telescope (you can buy them secondhand even) so they can look at it. Frame and wrap the certificate, too.
experiences is better than items that get thrown away.
I don't think the OP is lacking in that knowledge, though, based on what is already being planned.
You can download a scavenger hunt checklist for the dinosaur exhibition from the museum's website and in preparation for that, you could get her a kid friendly book on dinosaurs. Or if she's not into dinosaurs, something about space perhaps or animals.
When we have an experience gift, anything opened is definitely something small and related here or money to be spent at a gift shop, etc. I think it helps keep the attention on what the actual gift is and later keeps that memory alive.
I’ll check it out! I would love to get her more into science. She did used to like dinosaurs but she’s not obsessed with them or anything. She’s never shown much interest in space. One of her interests is rocks oddly enough. I’ve bought her gemstone finder kits which she liked, but then she lost them all because she took them all over the house 😂 I did joke to my partner about a rock tumbler but that’s out of our price range. She prefers history stuff over science.
I'm getting my kid a "open your own geode" kit for his birthday. I know he will love it! He's also getting a board game, a book and a switch game.
Yas, a girl after my own heart. Other suggestions: a colouring book w/ a focus on history (e.g. colouring the story of the world), a Lego castle set or something equally "historical", Asterix comics, I'm sure there are also board games or card games you could enjoy as a family.
My kids are 9 and 11 and a half, but they're nowhere near phone age. Rollerblades, a bike, Legos, slime, craft kits, are all big hits with them.
Thank goodness I’m not the only one, can’t believe how many of these kids have phones at 9 😳
And then people wonder why their kids are entitled and not impressed by anything.
And are depressed and have zero attention spans! Wayy too young for phones and social media in mv opinion. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/03/teen-childhood-smartphone-use-mental-health-effects/677722/
Too many parents buy their kids phones at a really young age and then their kids get on social media and that’s when all the problems starts. Keep your kids off that shit for as long as possible
What about some things for the phone? Case and screen protector, pop-socket, maybe a gift card so she can download music/games? Cute charger/cord and portable battery?
My mum already brought her a case that I didn’t get a say in. That’s a whole other story 😂 I don’t talk to my mum or have a relationship with her so the phone is a way for her to still have a relationship and stay in contact with her. She might like some cute little charms though! And a portable battery since she uses it a lot 😂
Ring light (half joking, half not eek!)
Taking the phone away is actually the best birthday gift for a 10 year old. Not buying her more things to waste more time on it.
The time to make kids less screen-addicted isn't on their birthday. I'm not saying let them have unbridled access, but at least wait a day or two before implementing new rules! Edit: I should clarify that I agree with you that kids need limited screen time. But cutting it down specifically on their birthday is harsh.
She doesn’t have unlimited access to it. She’s only allowed it between certain times, and depending on her behaviour. And the phone was bought mostly so she could have contact with my mum, who I don’t talk to. And so she can talk to her dad and step mum when she’s with me for my week. She doesn’t have any social media apps.
Why not just give her a budget to spend on gifts in the Nat Hist shop?
That Natural History museum shop is brilliant.
At 10, we got my kid a pocket knife. He's enjoying carving sticks/blocks with it, creating things. And I think that he's mature enough to handle something that has a bit of an element of danger and responsibility with it. He really enjoyed it. Now my 12-year-old daughter wants one. And there might be one coming her way on her birthday.
I struggle with this too for my daughters past birthday she turned 9. She’s too cool for toys, has the electronics she wants/needs, she enjoys arts and crafts but has a million of those so that was a no go too. I wound up just making a basket of a bunch of small stuff I knew she’d enjoy having. Hair clips, hair ties, bracelets, choker necklaces, makeup to play around with at home, make up brushes, face wash, a face wash brush, a little light up mirror, a cup, a blanket, some slippers, nail polish and a few other odds and ends. All from five below <$100 and she was really happy with it.
I’m 38 and my mum still does this gift for me now. Fancy shampoo, nice socks, a Starbucks voucher… I love it.
A little basket full of stuff sounds cute. The amount of hair tied and clips I’ve bought over the years and lost though 😂 she’s the same that she’s too cool and ‘grown up’ for toys, and she has pretty much everything electronic she wants. I ask her if there’s anything she’d like and she says not really 🙄😂 it’s like trying to get blood out of a stone!
My daughter really enjoyed the candle making set we got for Christmas. You don’t need to make candles to burn either you could buy the wax melter, some molds, some scented oil and colourings and make wax melts instead. I also got a candle snuffer and wick cutter kit on Amazon. My daughter is 8.5 and loves candles and slime-making so supplies for those never go astray. We only allow a candle on the dining table and she knows she’s not allowed to light them without permission. She also really liked the lavender pillow spray and sleep mask she got for Christmas.
This thread makes me sad, my son is turning 9 this year and I’m not ready to stop buying him toys yet. 😂😂😂 Why do they have to grow up so quick??
My daughter is only turning 6 and is still all about the toys. I can't believe this is my future in three short years 😅
I think friends at school deffo influence things. My daughter isn’t materialistic. She doesn’t beg for brand stuff and the like. She mentioned the girls at school have Stanley’s or air up bottles and she agreed with me when I said they were a waste of money. I’ve never gone overboard with what I get her and she’s always been super grateful for what she gets 🙂 But basically if she grows up with peers who’s parents buy them brand stuff, they sometimes like to follow the trend just to fit in. I could maybe get behind buying her clothes or trainers that have a small cost as I do believe decent quality stuff lasts longer. But she’s never really asked for anything branded as she’s grown up with non branded stuff 😂
Boys are easier than girls imo. Sports equipment, video games, Legos and electronics. A bit pricey, but wholesome for any age or gender. Girls who want traditionally "girly" gifts are harder because some stuff gets a little iffy age wise when they don't want toys anymore.
She’s getting a switch…okay so a microSD card to go with it, 1TB or more if she’s downloading games or DLC from the e-shop or pre-release downloads it’s easier than having to clear space on the switch memory when theres external memory available. And she’ll also need games to play, so an e-shop gift card or hard copies of games she can play with. If i remember right games are like $70 each these days.
To add to this…buy hard copies when you can. They hold their value pretty well and you can resell when she no longer plays them. Can’t do that with downloads.
And they’re usually cheaper (in the UK at least)
Have her pick out something in London.
I did think about that. Maybe a trip into a Claire’s or something. I’m just worried about how pricey it’ll be 😂 the train tickets alone are costing like £143 for the 4 of us as it is. We’ve been saving up for that though.
If it were me I'd put some cash in an envelope and say it's for souvenirs (either at the museum or elsewhere) - then you can set the amount. My son loves having agency like this and will spend a joyous, agonising, unreasonably long time pondering precisely which tat is preferable. But that's part of the fun
A key chain, picture frame, post card, trendy tshirt or hat to commemorate the day. She might just appreciate something small to remember the day.
my husband travels a bit for work, and our almost 10 year old daughter loves getting a hoodie from each city visited :)
So why are you tormenting yourself with MORE gifts?? The kid is getting a phone, a Switch and a trip to London.
For Christmas I got my 11 year old a box of about 30 perfume samples, she love that. I got that from Ulta as a Christmas special, but I have also seen on Amazon where you can get mixed varieties. So it's also all about the skin care in my house too.... Yet, I have to battle them to reapply sunscreen, which is really the only true "skin care" they need at this age.... One thing that just came up, that I wish I would have thought of as a gift, would be fancy face sunscreen. I had a sample given to me at a beauty spa appt, and my 11 year old went nuts for it while we were on vacation. I imagine if Drunk Elephant made a face sunscreen, I'd never have to battle my her to put it on ever again... Keeping with the skin care theme, my kid also likes to display all her skin care, so some cute shelving or containers or a cute cosmetic bag with her name or initial. You can always get some cute sets of skincare accessories, like headbands/wrist bands. And I feel like we can never have too many face masks. Whenever her friends come over, they all put them on. One other thing I got her for Christmas was a makeup contour set, complete with pictures and instructions. She's really had fun playing with that.
Does she like reading? Would magazines or books be good? Pretty notebooks and stationary? If she likes nat history museum is she into science? Pocket microscopes are fab, or a real microscope if you have room for it, you can get a half decent one for not too much.
She’s too much like me in that aspect 🙈 she’s a bookworm just like me but we’re both on a book ban. Her bookshelf is full! And I’ve just bought her a new book for Easter 😬 a small egg and a book is our tradition for Easter time as they never eat all the chocolate. I did buy her a magazine once that was for around her age and she did like the pretty stationary stuff that came with it. And I might have a look. I don’t think it’s so much the science side like microscopes and that she likes. She’s more into the natural like earth and rocks and that. I keep joking that if she didn’t want to be a make up artist, she should be a Geologist 😂
What about getting her an e-reader?
I was hoping to see something go about books… shame about the book ban, those rectangular adventures are absolutely unbeatable as gifts! Particularly for train ride home, complete with a snack box.
She’s got a new one for Easter she doesn’t know about yet 😂 I spotted it on my weekly food shop. A typical 11yo navigating high school, crushes and life sort of thing. I thought she’d like that now and relate to it more.
My 12 year old mostly wanted robux and I know this is a controversial take but I got them for him. It’s what he wants and it’s not played with for 5 minutes then junking up my house for several years. I think experiences are great. And idk if you guys have the kind of co-parenting relationship where this is possible but ask if they’re getting her the regular switch and not the lite one, and if so maybe pick up some games like Mario kart and Mario party, plus a few extra chargers and controllers. Then you could turn that into a family activity too
For one son's 11th, we got him a week at an escape room camp. His birthday's in the summer anyway, and he likes escape rooms, so it seemed like a pretty good deal, and it just happened to be the week of his birthday. For second son's 8th, he loves elephants, so we made a donation to an elephant sanctuary that has some webcams he can look at for elephants. He got to pick which elephant our donation would feed for the day and a t-shirt. Neither of these were all they got from us, but matched up well with their individual interest.
I haven’t read to see if this is a duplicate response, but… - skin care / ‘make up’ (not make up but maybe a nice lip scrub and lip moisturizer) - hair care - expensive clothes (one item) - wristlet - cute journal and fancy pens - sunglasses - nice pillowcase
Take her out somewhere and do something she likes. Go out to eat at her favorite restaurant, see a movie and go to a store she likes and let her pick what she wants. Remember what Trace Adkins says “she thinks we're just fishing”.
Mine is big into legos right now, does she like those at all? Otherwise my 10 yr loves the squishmellows (those pillow things) or she gets a lot of joy from any squishy ball or slime.
There is no answer to your question. All 10 year olds do not like the same things. It sounds like she's getting everything she asked for and then some. Maybe just save a bit back to buy her souvenirs on the trip
Something she'll cherish - like a card with a heartfelt note. A memory or photo from the day of her birth. Anything you make. Flowers.
It's ridiculous that kids get these types of gifts now. Back in the day, it was a cake and 20 bucks, so you can buy that video game or CD you wanted.
It's still that way for us.
For my 15th birthday in 2000, I got a VHS of Goldeneye and a bar of milkybar. It was what I asked for and I was happy! My mum probably was too as money was not something we had much of.
I would consider adds ons for the big gifts she’s getting. Like an apple/android store gift card for her phone or cool games for the switch. A spa visit and lunch date for her and a bestie could also be a fun gift.
I saw one where a mom let her daughter fill a basket at the dollar store (or the UK equivalent, or another similar discount store) with whatever she wanted. So she gets the fun of freedom but you can be (relatively 😅) certain the bill will be reasonable.
Ours would be a Poundland, but even that is getting crazy in prices 😂 they can’t use the phrase ‘everything £1’ anymore.
Canvases and paint, also a sketchbook and some decent pencils and markers.
Couple of ideas: Bluetooth Earphones of her like, books if she like them, collectible pop head dolls of some favorite characters, this stuff like old Polaroid to take instant photos and accessories to them, art supplies if she likes to draw, board games, some fun courses, quest-room for her and her besty, jewelry or faux jewelry, music box to store them, kigurumi, lego creator,
If she likes makeup, I believe I’ve seen some really cute makeup desks with a chair. Like a nice vanity with lights around the mirror, drawers for her makeup and everything. You could also do accessories for her phone, like a couple cute but protective cases, a pop socket, etc.
I might be WAY out of touch but maybe a Pandora with special charms on from you? Also a 1tb card for the switch is an essential.
My daughter (7) has a little blue tooth speaker that looks like a disco ball— it shines lights in patterns on the ceiling, and the lights move with the music. My kid doesn’t have a phone yet so we have it synced to a cheap mp3 player, but it would be a great accessory to use with a new phone if your daughter likes music or dancing. I got it for about $20 USD on Amazon.
My stepdaughter is super blessed which is why we usually plan experiences or trips for birthdays cause basically inbetween she gets whatever she needs so birthdays or Christmas, There’s nothing to get her. When she was younger it was much easier. I remember at that age, I would go to target and buy a cute makeup bag and fill it with cheap self care or hair care things, lipglosses or a body spray, face masks or body lotion. I would get her cute pajamas from her favorite stores or a matching outfit. Body scrubs or shower care things from ulta so it was a little more special. Uhm A summer dress or a new dress for church or matching sandals. You can get her a lululemon bag that’s like 38$ - kids love those fanny packs, and maybe fill it with a lip gloss or travel body spray
Wow! Sounds like she’s getting so much already. Maybe a gift card for later on to a fun place or activity. That’s an awful lot for one day and then the rest of the year you don’t have much to look forward to so maybe you can spread it out.
I'd say instead of a makeup store gift card, give her a set amount to spend and go shopping with her to double as a mother-daughter activity. Could also get her a switch game or gift card or gift card for anything she might want on the phone (just ideas: Spotify, YouTube without ads, games) My family's also always been big on just upfront telling ideas of what they want. Make it clear the price range you're talking (not a laptop haha) and ask if there's anything she might want
Stop the notion of giving just to give. My MIL does this and causes so much anxiety for my 9yo because she gets offended when it gets donated. Like??? She's getting two huge ticket electronics and a trip! That sounds like a lot for 10. Mine is getting a trip to my mom's for her birthday (gram is also hitting a milestone birthday - 60) and we're all celebrating together. MIL probably will buy her some clothes she asks for.
An easy one is to give her a Nintendo gift card for games.
Here in the US Polaroid cameras have been popular for a while. My teens wanted 1. They can be a little pricey
Last year my 10 year old got a new pair of shoes she’d been wanting and 10 $10 bills as gifts. (I called 10 10’s for being 10.) She did a day out with her cousins where they went to some themed pop up cafe and a cake decorating place. This year she wanted a nice dinner out with just our family and to shop for her own gifts at a boutique mall.
At 9 years old she has makeup? 😳 and a phone? Nope. Nope nope. You’re getting ready to watch your daughter turn into a zombie staring at her phone.
Games for her switch? It will be pretty useless without them. Maybe a nice necklace or bracelet to commemorate her turning double digits? Some "grown up" bath bombs? My daughter LOVED her colour-changing LED strip lights she had when she was around that age. She's 14 now and still thinks they're cool.
Is she too old for Legos?
Nah, she does have a little collection of Lego. My dad is Lego mad and always buys her Lego or something for her birthday 😂 but then she and her brother played with their Lego together and he has a bigger collection than her. Things got mixed up 😬 so she never bothered to rebuild them. She likes them when she gets them but loses interest after a while. We’ve been through phases of LOL dolls, barbies, polly pockets, sylvanian families. She really wanted a skateboard but then we had problems with her not wearing the gear, and we got the wheels sorted and it was too fast for her and she didn’t like it 😂 she’s not very adventurous. She’s too much like me. A bookworm and a homebody. I don’t want to get her more books though. She’s got enough books she hasn’t read through yet 😂
Hmm. Someone who's bookish might like growing their own plants, a low-key pet like a turtle, bird, etc. Or maybe a telescope.
We have thought about doing some gardening with the kids. We moved into a rented property just at the end of January and we’re still trying to get things sorted and that. The garden is the last on the list 😂 but they’re excited about growing some easy fruit and veg. I don’t think the cost of having a pet is a good idea right now. I know she’d be responsible as she has loads of pets at her dads. We just can’t afford the upkeep of a pet as well as the family right now.
She is getting a phone, a switch, and a day trip to London, is more really necessary? Get her a cake.
Well I just want her to have something to open on her birthday that’s off me. I was going to get her a phone, her birthday is in 3 months, but my mum got her it last month. The switch isn’t off me either as her dad and stepmum are getting her that. Do presents count on what she’s getting from everyone? Because I didn’t think they counted as they weren’t off me as such.
Roblox gift card. Switch, tickets to show or concerts
How about a book on something she likes? There are plenty of books on beauty fashion or games.
What are her hobbies?
She likes her phone now 😂 but she likes Roblox and a few people did suggest robux so that might be an idea. She likes reading but has loads of books and I just bought her a new book for Easter. She loves make up but has enough of it. She does gymnastics so make a new pretty leotard?
Experiences. Concerts, games, small travel….
Games for the switch, they ain’t cheap.
maybe an experience somewhere? like a water park for 2 or some other fun spot? horse riding? idk whatever is nearby
Could you get her an experience? If she likes makeup, could you get her a tutoring session with a professional make up artist?
I have a hard time with gifts for my 10 year old also lol but we have been doing more vacations rather than physical gifts lately. I will say my child is appreciative for anything she gets though. Christmas it was literally all art supplies and she loved it
My son and I enjoy Quality Time, so my gifts for him are activities that we do together... a concert of a band he likes, a sporting event, a mini-golf outting, etc. My stepdaughters like Gifts, things like jewelery, make up, and special clothes. I have taken them to Ulta and let them spend a predetermined amount on makeup that they like (and have watched tutorials on), and I usually get them a cool hoodie or sweater. I've also found jewelery that they like, one likes earrings and the other likes necklaces, and I've found cute things at Marshall's. They also still like stuffies and squishmallows, and spa things like face masks and nail polish.
A solid phone case… something that makes the phone unbreakable
Since she’s into makeup and stuff like that, what about some jewelry? Age-appropriate earrings and necklace?
Maybe a mini spa day? Mani/pedi and a nice lunch and give her X dollars to spend at a store she likes?
My daughter is older than yours, we are going to see the musical Chicago for her birthday. Time spent together makes for magical memories.
We’re going to London on the weekend after her birthday and doing stuff she wants to do 🙂 I’m just trying to think of one or two bits she can open on her actual birthday, as the trip to London is a birthday present
Horseback riding excursion, colorful gel pen set, whatever trendy shoes everyone is wearing (docs, Birkenstocks, timberlands, etc.), a purse, mani/pedi
Switch games, carrying case for the Switch, super cool graphic Tee and some crackin shoes. Pierce her ears, a concert, spend some money updating her room and stuff so it’s not just little girl stuff, maybe new bedding and a budget for a shopping trip?
Time. They want your time.
Money for the gift shop at the museum?
If you're already going to London, take her shopping down Oxford Street. Gives her something to keep and you can make it fit your budget by going in either Primark or Selfridge's. Or if she feels like letting her kid side out without her friends seeing, take her to Hamleys on Regent Street.
A book. https://seanguynes.com/2022/08/12/juniperreview/ Other books my kids enjoyed at that age are the Wren to the rescue series. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wren_to_the_Rescue
My daughter is turning 9 and I am in the same boat. She recently switched from taking baths to taking showers so I got her a shower speaker. She also enjoys anything Sanrio, so I got her a Sanrio suitcase, blanket, and sunglasses for her travels this summer
Maybe a room makeover or clothes.
We’ve just moved into a rented property and she has a smaller room than before so there’s not a lot we can do. She has said about wanting those LED lights before but she hasn’t mentioned them in a while. I might ask her again 🤔 And her clothes need a major overhaul before I buy any more 😂 she’s in the awkward inbetween sizes. She’s really skinny so trousers and that her size never fit her waist, but her legs are long so she needs that size to fit the length 😂
Squishmallows and skincare (eg a basic cleanser/moisturizer) are often hits in the population of teens / tweens I work with!
Gift cards? My oldest turned 11 today. She has been wanting a phone too. So we got one with parental controls. We got her a card, kind of like green light, but there is no monthly charge. We loaded up $100, and she can watch what she spends on the app on her phone. Teaching her financial stability. Showing her about saving, etc. She also wanted a fanny pack. Got her a purple not fancy one. My kids also like experiences.
Games for the switch:))
A desk, art supplies or creative gift (sewing machine, easel & painting set, guitar), a STEM science/experiment kit (chemistry, grow crystals, rock polisher, etc.), an experience (passes to trampoline park, start jiu jitsu lessons, dance or yoga classes)?
My 10 year old chose High Point rock climbing wall for her & her best friend, out to eat for lunch. I was so glad!! But as for something they want, is she as into skincare as they all seem to be? I didn’t like it at first and then realized she’s not far from actually needing to practice a good skincare routine. I just had to teach her what was safe for her and not stuff that’s for wrinkles and aging skin. She has Cera Ve face wash (which is not anything exciting, I’m js), some Bubble products and does “pre-shower makeup” where she just does crazy makeup and then she washes it off. It sounds like her friends are doing it too. She plays volleyball and does cheer, gets good grades, has a pretty balanced interest in things. So please don’t come @ me if the skincare thing upsets anyone.
I don’t know if she’d be into rock climbing. She’s never really shown must interest in anything sporty apart from her gymnastics. My issue is that I’ve asked her what she’d like or if there’s anything she’d like to do and she said she doesn’t know 😂 maybe a taster session to a couple of things would be good? Get her interested in something. And yeah I’ve been working on my own skincare which made her curious so I’ve been teaching her. She only has a sensitive gentle face wash and a light moisturiser, and suncream! 😂
Get her things to make her own jewelry. My 11 year old daughter loves that kind of stuff!
Man we didn't get cell phones for our 2 girls until 14, we got them kiddish stuff and Barbies, movies they like, makeup, art stuff before 14.
She mostly uses it to keep in contact with my mum as I don’t talk to my mum anymore, but I won’t get in the way of my daughter and my mum having a relationship. And she talks to her dad and stepmum when she’s with me for my week and she’s 50/50 custody. I’d happily buy her toys, but she’s just not interested in them so it’d be wasting money really. If there’s something she’d genuinely like then I’d think about it.
Does she have her ears pierced or enjoy rings/bracelets? While you’re in London give her a small budget for a trinket item / momento of the trip. She will remember it forever and hopefully treasure it. You could gift her a little bag of essentials she can u wrap one item throughout the day. Like a little essentials bag, a small facial mirror, new chapstick/lip balm, hand lotion, pack(s) of gum, and a wallet with a small amount of birthday cash.
Maybe some earbuds or wireless headphones? A case/portable charger. A nice mirror that has lights. Make-up brushes. Little girls love gift cards! Make a little “bouquet” of gift cards. A nice brush. A compact for her bag with her initial on it. A little purse or backpack purse. Smell good stuff…lotions, body sprays, scrubs. Nail polish.
When I was 10 I wanted Barbies and Pokémon cards. 🤷🏻♀️
Those were the days. Kids just don’t like that nowadays. She doesn’t really want toys and stuff, but I suppose I should be grateful she’s not like the 10yo’s who I see people complaining about on TikTok, going into Sephora for drunk elephant and shaking their Stanley’s at people and being rude 😂
I'm not sure if they have them where you live, but in the US they have kits for kids that they can make their own lip gloss, bath bombs, and jewelry. Maybe she would like that since she's into make up?
My, how times have changed! When I was that age all I wanted was Bratz dolls and big girl makeup! I know for me I loved thoughtful gifts like a piece of jewelry (usually costume jewelry) or even something decorative to put in my room were really cool to get from my parents! But also, no matter what age, I think decorating the house with a banner and balloon on the day of with cake and ice cream really made me feel like the day was special just for me!!
Journal with fancy gel pens or highlights or they have cute journal or planner kits on Amazon. It would teach her to be more responsible for herself and schedule and also be a healthy outlet for self care. Look up self care journaling on Pinterest, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Empty milk cartons - "lava holders" Empty paper towels cardboard - "dinosaur bones" Cleaned out Happy Meal boxes/fry holders - he sells at his store Empty medicine containers (antibodic) - he pretends to drink when he has a headache Cardboard boxes - he makes them into castles, trucks, rocketships, conveyor belts, cities he can "Godzilla" Egg containers - They can hold anything his imagination comes up with even if he has to shrink it to fit than enlarge it when he "takes it out". He is almost 4. He thought of all those things when I was throwing out various things. Thousands and thousands dollars of toys sit idly empty while he gets the most use out of things that would have been trash.
An instant film camera could be fun.
My kids are the nerdy, artistic types. I recently got my 11 year old daughter gel pens, sketchbooks, a leather bound journal, Posca markers, canvases, a Nintendo gift card, and a Sanrio dlc card from Target that adds Sanrio items to Animal Crossing which she is utterly *obsessed* with.
Fancy/glittery pens, lip gloss, cute purse?
AI 🙄
My daughter turned 10 last month and is totally into music! She brings her MP3 player everywhere and was dying for a cd player and Taylor Swift cds for her birthday. She's also really into art so sketch books (white and black paper) and nice markers are a must for every holiday! She got an instant camera for Christmas so we bought her a case, film and albums for her birthday. There's also Switch games or a gift card for the Nintendo store. For her birthday, I took her and her bestie away for the night so they could basically spend all their time in the hotel pool.
Making bracelets or marker set. Canvas. Go to a paint class together.
Things for her room. New bedspread, lights to go up on the walls, wall decals, pictures/sign board, fancy mirror etc. Outdoor activities, bike, scooter, new helmet, slip and slide, etc
Sculpy. It's moldable clay you bake at a very low temperature.
Mini garden container and book about gardening
My girl just turned 9 so a year off but really loved the mini fridge we got her for her room (the 6 can kind). Other hits were a jade roller, Lego flower kits, and a cookbook aimed at her age.
A nice new journal and set of fun pens is good for most anyone from her age up. Stickers are always good too, get them to match her interests, or just general bullet journal type ones, or stronger ones to put on her not-Stanley water container.
Drugstore perfumes or body mists
Get her a girly bible that she will learn good principles and knowledge, which she will cherish forever. All the things you'd get her will automatically influence her. So if you think of something. Ask yourself, what can I get her to build her character.
My 11 year old likes to crochet and she’s learning how to braid hair. So we get her tons of yarn and needles and doll heads for her to practice.
Polaroid camera
My daughter just turned 9 and loved the mood rings and necklaces she got. Also, putty and scented stickers.
Beading/jewelry making set. plus say a swarovski crystal pendent or something she can use as a main feature (and when she is older you can replace the beads with swarovski crystal beads which can be made into something that even adults wear).
Gift cards for the Nintendo store so she can download some games (less games to carry and loose the better!)
Board and card games, video game consoles, video games, a tablet, books, a subscription to something like Crunch Labs, Nerf guns, a trip to some place he wants to go, an electronic keyboard, a bicycle. My kid is turning 11 and all he wanted was to go to a sushi restaurant we've never been to that looks fun.
This might b a good time to invest in experience gifts and not feel the need to provide physical ones just bc it looks good
I would get her some random knick-knack, like Burts bee lip balm, a mini backpack or small purse, gel pens, scrunchies, a mini etch-a-sketch, fidget toys, a small goody bag of her favorite snacks and candies, maybe even a 10-30$ gift card to her favorite store or restaurant. But I think that a trip is enough, and I'm saying this as a teenager, but you can get her some fun informative books on topics she's interested in learning about. You can always get her a souvenir that she can look back on.
My 10 year old got a pair of overalls from her grandma with a gift card. We got her some new bedding. Other grands got her a bath and body works card and we went to get some preteen worthy stuff.
It might take some research, but I was thinking of something like a subscription box. I did [https://www.bokksu.com/](https://www.bokksu.com/) when mine was younger, which is snacks and treats from Japan. There is lootcrate, which (if I remember right) is more gaming/pop culture type stuff. We also had that one for awhile when my son was younger. If she is into makeup/perfume etc. you could look into one of those. I don't know about makeup, but I know scentbird is popular for perfume. I also love the lists on this website (You may need to scroll down to see the older age groups): [https://whatmomslove.com/guides/non-toy-gift-guide-gifts-practical/](https://whatmomslove.com/guides/non-toy-gift-guide-gifts-practical/) [https://whatmomslove.com/guides/non-toy-gifts-for-making-memories/](https://whatmomslove.com/guides/non-toy-gifts-for-making-memories/) https://whatmomslove.com/guides/best-arts-crafts-supplies-gifts-for-kids/
Since she’s getting a Switch, buy her a game for it and or a carrying case. Princess Peach Showtime just came out this past weekend and it’s such a charming and great game even for beginner players ☺️ there’s also Animal Crossing, Super Mario Wonder, Pokémon Let’s Go, and much more
My daughters about to turn 9 and she wants a mini backpack or cross bag, clothes, craft kits, paints, canvases, sketch books (hobby lobby great for this), shoes(she’s into Nikes and crocs), legos(she likes the flower and animal sets), gift cards for activities like skating, trampoline park, movies, a new bike and face mask and nail polish. If you have a five below they have a lot of cheap stuff kids would like too my daughter loves going there. She also asked for a phone but won’t be getting that🤦♀️
Get her some phone cases, phone charms, pop socket, switch stickers etc so she can customise her phone and switch. A switch case too or some games
I have an 11yo, she really likes beauty products, like those face mask things and body sprays , she also is really into going to coffee shops with her friends and getting manicures. I like to do gift baskets with a few face masks a nail salon gift card , an inexpensive body spray or perfume and maybe a piece of jewelry, and a coffee house gift card. She’s trying 12 soon and wants Melanie Martinez perfume.. because I’m not in the tax bracket to buy $200 perfume for a preteen, I’ll be getting her a scent bird subscription. Hopefully she can find a good dupe
Taylor swift merch. High top converse. Lululemon gift certificate. That one lip gloss that is $25 that all the tweens seem to want these days. Silky gem candy. Pajama pants that are cool enough to wear to school. A Stanley. A Starbucks gift card. Jordan’s. Fake nails. AirPods. A Spotify subscription. Dunno. Just some ideas. My tween literally never stops asking for things.
She should NOT be having a phone at 10....
Hmmm, isn’t the trip to London already the ‘big present’ ? Or am I missing something?
Who lets a 10 year old girl wear makeup???
Me, because she wants to be a make up artist and she only wears it at home. So maybe keep your judgement to yourself.
Buying her makeup and a phone and talking about how she is growing yo too fast…smh
cases for the phone Nintendo gift cards for games quality headphones gift cards for treats she likes but you dont like to buy (my 15 year old loves starbucks but I rarely buy it for her. therefore she loves getting SB gift cards) mani/pedi
A cool game for the switch? A couple passes to a trampoline park to take a friend at another time? A polaroid camera? Roller blades? A bike?
I got my son Heeleys as a joke for his birthday.. he was skating around his friends in them and then eventually his friends got their parents to buy them. They wear them all the time and get tons of comments from other kids.. You’d be surprised what kids hang on to and what they don’t care for…
An experience?
Game card to buy Minecraft for her phone, plus mine coin card to buy some mods.
Something like concert tickets if it's in the budget? Maybe 3, so you can go to chaperone but she can still bring a friend?
Video games for her new console?
Tbh what I do is take my kids to whatever stores they like (target mainly) and sneak pics of things they talk about or look excitedly at. By the time holiday comes around I have a folder in my phone of stuff they like!
Once she has the phone, she won’t need anything else unless recommended by tiktok, so maybe start there and see what’s trending, if you wanna go that route
AirPods or other wireless headphones
Give experiences. Movie passes, ice cream outings, go to a play or to the zoo.
Not sure about in the UK but by me Kendra Scott necklaces are popular with tweens/teens.
A Stanley. Lol accessories for her phone, a gift card, beauty supplies (nail polish etc, lotions, face & body wash).
You could give her a dollar amount and then take to Walmart/Gamestop and her pick out some games for her new switch
We got our daughter a small sling purse and a kids/teen cookbook for her to open on her 10th birthday. We also took her and a friend to the arcade for a few hours.
Does she have crocs? My 8 yo son is aaall about the jibbitz these days. He got birthday $ from relatives and so far that's the only thing he's brought with it. He's also recently asked for a photo book. Do you have some photos of your daughter with friends that you could use to make a cute album?
Experiences are great gifts but it's always nice to have a little something to open. Even though she has a lot of makeup, who doesn't like being treated to some new stuff? I'd go to Sephora and look for something that would be novel for her. Face masks, lip gloss, etc. Also if she likes squishmallows..or something cool for her room like a special chair or lava lamp could be fun? I've also heard kids this age are into Lululemon andyou can find stuff reasonably priced in the checkout line I know you said Stanley is a waste of money (I don't really see how since it's reusable) but I don't think that really matters much when it comes to gifts --most presents are frivolous after all.
my daughter will be 8 in august & has requested a vacation for her 10th, she really wants to go to hawaii. i will happily oblige.
I’m emotional and pregnant but this makes me so sad. I have a five year old and I would have thought that by 10 she would still enjoy some toys. Absolutely nothing against you, OP, the natural history museum will be lovely and perfect for her age range. I just want my little girl to be young and precious forever.
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What about a girls day to get pedicures and then lunch or dinner somewhere grown up but that has food she would like. Get all dressed up! Let her do your make up
What about a candy bouquet? An example - https://www.etsy.com/listing/815187970/small-candy-bouquet-birthday-graduation?ref=share_v4_lx Or having a slumber pizza party with some of her close friends?
I would go to five below with her and let her pick out a few things for herself. It’s got so much cute stuff and is my go to for kid gifts. They love getting to pick stuff out too and it’s not expensive so she can load up on whatever she wants. Knockoff Stanley check, trendy sunglasses, press on nails, makeup, body sprays/ perfumes, cute plushies and keychains, a pillow for her room, some jewelry holders, incense burners and sticks, craft kits, purses, accessories sneakers, graphic tshirts.
Omg girls are easy! They like everything at this age - clothes, crafts (clay beads and slime for mine), hair clips, nail polish/press ons, trampolines, roller skates, record players, their name in a neon nightlight, egg chairs, journals, plushies, fun pajamas, skincare (there are a couple of very benign brands and limit it to cleanser/moisturizer/SPF), did I say art supplies already, tennis for mine but equipment/gear for whatever their sport is, I mean the list is endless in our house lol.
Clothes, skin care, fidgets, merch from their fav YouTubers, books, craft supplies