Angel Tree: What to get 11 year old boy and girl?

[seagrovegirl]

I picked out 2 kids at the SWFD Angel Tree. It's been a long time since I had an eleven year old in the household. Any ideas on what to get for a boy and a girl, 11 years old? Any help is greatly appreciated and I am sure the kids will appreciate it too.

 

[Pearce]

My son is 9 and all he wants is video games. gift cards are always welcomed too.

 

[housecleaner10]

GIft card are always on my 12 year old's list. Target would be a good one, then they could get toiletries, clothes or other things they want or need. Maybe silver sands?? Then they could pick out some shoes? A stocking filled with necessities like deoderant, body sprays, if you would like some ideas on brands for the stockings e-mail me at housecleaner10@gmail.com. I will be happy to help, I could get my daughter to help you!

 

[playing4possum]

Itunes are great for that age/gender. Prepaid cell phones with minutes. Books to read. A yearly pass to big kahunas, macdonalds or other fast food gift cards. I work with a literacy group and I am surprised how many kids don't even own a board game anymore. What happened to the days when kids played games for hours on end? With the video games, they don't seem to get the social and emotional skills.
Children need to learn to socialize and get along with others, learn to win or lose, count money, take turns and board games support language because you usually have to talk, read a little card when you land on certain spaces. Just my two cents but I'm all about literacy. It is so important in all homes, especially those without much money.

 

[scooterbug44]

I try to get gifts that allow them to be creative, but that don't cost money for them to play with and won't easily break - I avoid presents that need batteries, a $$ video game player etc.

Science kits where they can make different stuff, Legos, blocks, etc.

I believe that gift cards are discouraged - they want the kids to have something to open and play with on Christmas Day.

 

[Douglas the Intrepid]

These are kids who wouldn't have much of a Christmas. Please get them something fun they normally wouldn't have access to. For gods sake don't get them deodorant or shoes! Talk about ruining a kids Christmas, I can just imagine the disapointment going that route. Kids need magic and hope and whimsy in their lives, give them something fun!

 

[housecleaner10]

I have to disagree here. I do agree with getting with the part about getting them something that brings joy, and while I can't speak for those children but I know mine loved getting nice toiletries (sp?) and new shoes. Some people do not realize these things are a luxury to some. I have a 12 year old daughter, and I do recall what things she and her friends had on their wishlist last year. Just trying to be helpful. They do allow gift cards. Legos and blocks are a great gift but not for that age from my experience. A board game is a great idea and there are alot of neat ones for 11 year olds.

 

[Matt J]

I have to disagree here. I do agree with getting with the part about getting them something that brings joy, and while I can't speak for those children but I know mine loved getting nice toiletries (sp?) and new shoes. Some people do not realize these things are a luxury to some. I have a 12 year old daughter, and I do recall what things she and her friends had on their wishlist last year. Just trying to be helpful. They do allow gift cards. Legos and blocks are a great gift but not for that age from my experience. A board game is a great idea and there are alot of neat ones for 11 year olds.

Perhaps a 12 year old girl, but I can assure you that an 11 year old boy is far more interested in farts and snot. Generally these kids have the basics, but this time of year is a budget killer for their parents. If you feel differently please feel free to start the personal hygiene tree, I'm sure one of the local pharmacies would be happy to help you with this.

 

[seagrovegirl]

Thanks for all the ideas. Personaally, I would like to purchase something that is immediately tangable, and will give joy and a big smile. Still not sure what that will be. Please keep the ideas coming.