Disclosure: This post features affiliate links which I make a commission off of. I was provided with samples for this post but all opinions are my own!!
As my kids get older and older the ideal Christmas gift changes and changes. Gone are the days where my son asks for the Batcave and now he wants expensive sneakers, sports equipment and electronics. Luckily, at 9 years old, he is still really into building and STEM toys, which lets me hang on a bit to buying him toys. I like to be sure I am getting gifts that don’t just check a box but that will truly bring joy, provide entertainment and are worth my money. Gifting entertainment, exercise, thought-provoking introductions to new skills and things that make the kids say WOW!!! I have rounded up some of my top picks for this year that I know my kids will love!!
2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens
Happy Mail- Who knew one day that cursive would be a dying art?! Both of my kids are so intrigued by cursive, bubble letters and Derek recently starting writing letters to a friend that moved to Boston. What a fun way to have the kids make their own letters, words, notes and cards.
Pulse Performance Electric Scooter– It has been years of asking till I finally think both kids are old enough and responsible enough to get electric scooters. This under the tree with a big bow is going to be the WOW gift of the season!! There will be screaming, jumping and yelling!! Their might be arguing when I ask them to get off so I can have a turn
PRIMED® 7′ Instant Net– Exclusive to Dick’s Sporting Goods the Instant Net provides a way for the kids to get outside, play catch and not need a partner. Practicing hitting, pitching or throwing into the net gifts hours of entertainment and training.
Meccanoid Personal Robot- Derek loves to build but even more than that he loves to see things through and see that what he made come to life. The Personal Robot is such a great way to get kids to think, work and then enjoy the fruits of their labor
FujiFilm Instax Mini 9- As a blogger I am constantly taking photos of my kids. When I gifted Hayley, my 7 year old, with the FujiFlim Instax you could see the wheels turning. Setting up her American Girl Dolls for a special photo, sneaking up on her brother when he is sick and sleeping on the couch to get a shot and taking a selfie with Finnegan to show all her friends at school. It’s such a cute way for her to capture her moments!
Anyone else OBSESSED with Hedgehogs?? My daughter loves them and this Adorable Hedgehogs calendar is exactly what she needs to see every morning!
Amazon Echo Dot– “Alexa, remind me in 2 minutes to go brush my teeth” This is an actual thing Derek has been doing every morning! They love to ask Alexa questions like, “who won the Flyers game last night” “Where is Santa now?” and to “Play Kids Bop” Having Alexa for in their room dance parties will take it to a whole other level
The Junior Ninja’s 50′ Obstacle Course- Ninja Warrior is a favorite show in our house! Captain NBC trains down the road and both my kids took classes with him a few years ago. Hayley came home the first week of 1st grade with huge blisters because of her monkey bars obsession. Gifting them a way to play together and get in some healthy exercise is always a top gift in my book!
Herbie and Friends Kisses Mug– Hayley loves hot cocoa. Now she will have her own special mug to add her cocoa and marshmallows to! Plus it’s such a super cute one!
Hayley loves sketching but after a while she wants to draw more than just a house and face. This Kawaii Doodle Class will teach her so much more like TACOS….who doesn’t like to draw tacos!!
For the sports fan in your family!! Cartooning Silly Sports, add to it and have them make their own story book
Snow Cat Ankle Tassel Faux-Fur Booties- They are furry, warm and soft…need I say more???
Nike Strike Soccer Ball- Here is a tip, write your phone number with a sharpie on the soccer ball because when 8 teams are practicing on the turf field at once and your son loses track of his FAVORITE orange soccer ball, mayheim will follow!! If your number is on the ball, then the coach or trainer that ends up with it can call you!! You can never ever have enough soccers balls, footballs or basketballs and write your phone number and name on all of them!!!
Boston Terrier Stretched Canvas Wall Art- Super cute for the tween bedroom. At some point Hayley lost her love of princesses and now had found a new one for silly puppies and anything with a soccer ball on it!
Batman Spinner Fidget Toy– My kids will sit on the couch and spin away!! Fidget spinners have truly helped Derek focus too so I am all about them!!
Such a fun way to learn how to sew and cross stitch. Two things that I think everyone should know how to do!!! Fun with Stitchables is such a classic gift!
Whoopee Cushion Pool Float- Seriously, do I need to say anything about this hilarious pool float?? I can’t wait for my kids to show up at raft night at our swim club with this huge Whoopee Cushion!
Antsy Labs Batman Fidget Cube- Another one, like the spinner, the fidget cube is a great gift. It keeps kids relaxed, focused and thinking.
Pinball Science- This book actually allows the kids to build their own little pinball machine!!
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OMG! Those faux fur booties are SO FABULOUS!!!
Love it! Thanks for all the great ideas!