We asked our contributor team to share the gifts that the big kids (ages 7+) in their lives are excited to receive, and what our contributors are excited to give them this holiday season. Enjoy!
At-home Spa Kit
“I love giving my eight-year-old spa stuff. She loves bath bombs (I love the DaBomb brand), cozy socks, face masks, nail polish, lotions–anything pampering! She isn’t really into toys, but she isn’t quite ready to give them up. I like that this is something she will love to use, and it won’t take up space!”
-Ashley Schafluetzel @ashleydawn519
“I think this could be fun for almost any age, but glo-sticks and fun LED lights for a glow bath…you could add in a fun body wash and/or lotion and towel too.”
–Lisa Payne @lisaapayne4
Snap Circuits
“My boys (ages five and nine) both enjoy playing with Snap Circuits. They love figuring out how to connect the pieces to make things move, light up, and make funny sounds. And I love how they’re so quiet while they experiment! There are all kinds of sets so you can start out with a simple one and add on if kids get really into them.”
–Joanne Ruelos Diaz @joannerevising
First Makeup Set
“My oldest girl is 12.5 and has been showing signs of being interested in makeup, and I’ve noticed a lot of her friends are wearing it too! So I planned on getting her this Glossier makeup set this year as I know it is a popular brand and I figured a good starter set of the basics!”
-Kia Hammond @kiamhammond
Snack Subscription Box
“This year, we’re gifting our teen niece and nephew a snack subscription box. There are so many fun options to choose from, but I’m leaning toward Universal Yums, which delivers treats from around the world. Fun, right?!”
-Catie Parrish, The Mom Hour Brand Partnerships Manager and mom to three boys
Manicure Kit
“My 12.5 year-old is also really into painting her nails but gets frustrated at not being the best at it, and that traditional nail polishes don’t last as long so she is constantly having to redo them. I plan on getting her this Olive & June set as I myself have loved their products!”
-Kia Hammond @kiamhammond
Olive & June is a sponsor of The Mom Hour, but this mention isn’t sponsored! Code THEMOMHOUR saves you 20% if you do decide to take Kia’s recommendation.
Logic Games
“My nine-year-old suggested the games Laser Maze Logic and Rush Hour Traffic Jam Logic. He said, ‘They’re one-player games so they’re good for when your mom has to clean the kitchen, your dad has to give your little brother a bath, and you have to play by yourself.’ LOL.”
–Joanne Ruelos Diaz @joannerevising
Baking Kits
“We love baking kits! You can buy them, or you could even create your own! I love baking kits because we get to do it together, and the treats are always fun to share! Plus, it doesn’t take up space. It’s a great gift for a kid who isn’t ready to be done with toys, but doesn’t always play with them!”
-Ashley Schafluetzel @ashleydawn519
Stand-up Paddleboard
“This year, my 14-year-old daughter asked for a paddleboard because she went with a youth group and loved it. I got her this inflatable one because it was affordable and can fold to smaller to fit in my vehicle.”
–Lisa Payne @lisaapayne4
Unofficial Harry Potter Reference Books
“For Harry Potter fans that have already read the whole series, these books keep the magic going. (Just note that they contain spoilers from the later books!) My 9-year-old reads them over and over again.”
–Joanne Ruelos Diaz @joannerevising
Calendars
“Calendars are an easy, in-expensive gift for this age group, and in our family the same aunt always has “dibs” on this gift (like The Lazy Genius says: Decide once!). Wall calendars with a kid’s favorite animal, TV show, etc. are always a hit, and as my kids have gotten older they LOVE those one-a-day calendars with funny jokes, cartoons, fun facts, etc. This gift can also usually be procured last-minute at your local mall kiosk, Hallmark store, etc.”
-Sarah Powers, The Mom Hour Co-Host and Executive Producer
Custom Barns and Sheds
“Any farm and ranch-loving kid will love these custom barns and sheds to keep their tractors and animals in. These are handmade and will double as toy storage—which is great for parents too.”
-Stacy Bronec @stacybronec
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