<p>Our D loves the Wacom tablet–it electronically connects with the computer & allows you to draw/sketch. It comes in various prices, including some that are $100 or less (some as low as $59). D also loved complex leggo sets at that age. Journals are nice, if the girls like to write, so they can express their feelings.</p>
<p>Have you asked their mom for suggestions? I am just thinking that my kids have gotten a lot of inappropriate gifts over the years… just things that did not match their interests and hobbies at all.</p>
<p>Oh, Himom, my D (now age 17) bought a sketching tablet to attach to her computer with her own money last summer, and adores it. I am pretty sure she would have loved it at 11 as well, as she really likes to draw and is good at art. So if that is an interest of the older one, it is an idea.</p>
<p>Actually, even the 9 year old could use it & it could be a shared gift. Our D has loved the one we bought her years ago. The other day, H bought her the new & improved model & last night she opened it and loves the newer one even more than the other one. She loves sketching and drawing and does so constantly now–sometimes on her electronic tablet.</p>
<p>The 11 year old might love some scented lotions from Bath and Body works. I know my niece that age couldn’t have enough of that stuff.</p>
<p>I-pod shuffles. Target has them for $49. Great for kids this age.</p>
<p>They can spend hours loading them, and then it gives them something quite to use in those times that mom and dad may not be available.</p>
<p>I would definitely not recommend clothes. Girls will only wear clothes if they like them. I hated when relatives bought me clothes over the years- I never liked them, especially because they thought I was girly and I most definitely was not. </p>
<p>I recommend a gift card. That will keep them entertained and allow them to get exactly what they want. If they have a favorite mall, you can get them a mall-wide gift card if that’s an option. Or you could take them shopping and turn it in to a fun outing :)</p>
<p>I know people don’t like gift cards but if you’re stuck that’s really the best option. People would almost always rather get exactly what they want :)</p>
<p>I knew I would get great advice here. My boys spent hours making Perler beads! That is a great idea as are many of the other suggestions.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help! I will go shopping tomorrow and see what I can find.</p>
<p>I have nieces who are 12 and 10. I checked with my sister and the older one is getting a popular book that she wants and the younger one is getting nail polish ( for play/dress up). Both are getting gift cards - from different stores.</p>
<p>My advice:</p>
<p>Gift cards are great. The kids love them and love being able to pick out what they like. Can you find out what store/s they like? If not, Target cards are always good because they can get clothes, accessories, music, books, etc.</p>
<p>Don’t assume that b/c they are sisters and close in age that they want the same thing. As noted above, I bought my own nieces different gifts b/c they have very different interests. The older girl is very active, outgoing and athletic. Younger sister is quieter, artsy and likes girly things (like me :)). I stopped buying similar gifts years ago.</p>
<p>Want to second Romani about the clothes (and other girly things). Those are great for the right kid, but if you don’t know their tastes (though you might, of course), it can feel like you’re trying to make them over. My D, not a girly girl at all, hated when she got “girl” stuff at that age, because she felt like people were telling her she wasn’t into that enough. No way did she want to look older, dress older, wear nailpolish, etc. at 9 or 11. Now I know that’s not everyone, but just a caution. It depends on the child.</p>
<p>I agree–my D has rarely liked ANY of the clothing given to her by relatives. She has definite ideas about style and taste. One of my sisters always gives her pink, with ruffles. D HATES the color pink and absolutely abhors ruffles.</p>
<p>Also, a caution about scented things. My kids & everyone in our family is EXTREMELY sensitive to scents, so would strongly recommend AGAINST buying anything with scents unless you’re SURE that they would be appreciated by those living in that household. D would also get very OFFENDED by scented things–bad for her allergies & made her wonder if folks were hinting at her that she needed to scent-up.</p>
<p>All good advice… though I can’t help but think that one of the jobs of us parents is to teach our children to graciously accept - and thank for – gifts that are misfires. You ‘hate’ a blouse given to you? Fine, exchange or donate, but don’t pout. It was well meant. A child ‘offended’ by the gift of something scented? Please. Unless a serious allergy is at play, that child may be told to, in some many words, get a life…</p>
<p>^^^ I am sure this post was meant as a general reminder. Coming right after HImom post, it seems a bit harsh. I am a low poster but I know HImom posts are always kind and helpful. I feel her daughter would always be gracious receiving a gift and is very allergic to scents.</p>
<p>Thanks–my kids would be very gracious (always), but honestly would wonder about a hidden message if they got scented things. Most folks who know us are aware that we are all SERIOUSLY allergic to strong scents, even those that many find pleasing.</p>
<p>I’ve given light fragrances such as Philosophy Grace and the Tokidoki rollerballs and my goddaughters loved them. The only hidden message I had was hoping they love it they same I love it when my H gave me a light perfume. I, too, don’t like strong perfumes.</p>
<p>If you gave them a message with the gift, like the one you wrote in your post, I think that would be charming and treasured by your goddaughters. When many friends give you scents, it makes you wonder, especially if you are known to have LOTS of allergies, including scents.</p>
<p>I agree–my D has rarely liked ANY of the clothing given to her by relatives. She has definite ideas about style and taste. One of my sisters always gives her pink, with ruffles. D HATES the color pink and absolutely abhors ruffles.</p>
<p>Scented things I think are a common item for regifting, as it is so individual what sort of scent is appealing. I don’t wear any scents, out of habit because it triggered my moms severe asthma, and because I want to smell things, not myself. I do use aromatherapy sometimes however, especially lavender or clary sage for relaxing.</p>
<p>Also in some cases, giving a gift can be a control issue. Think of times when someone gives a gift that is wildly inappropriate ( such as with cost way below or way above what would be expected) For instance, at Christmas my inlaws, gave their sons-in-law both expensive power tools, I received dish towels. :rolleyes:
The giver may be giving the kind of gift they think the recipient should have, rather than what they want or need, and if the recipient isn’t appropriately thankful, * they are* rude?</p>
<p>Active toys are often popular for that age, do they play soccer or basketball?
Klutz makes a great series of books from idea for hair braiding to face painting, to [Chinese</a> Jump Rope (Klutz)](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Jump-Rope-Klutz-Johnson/dp/1570540985]Chinese”>http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Jump-Rope-Klutz-Johnson/dp/1570540985)</p>
<p>My kids still loved their board games at that age - Life, Scrabble, Monopoly, Clue, Sorry, etc. Interactive dance video or dance video games are very popular with some kids. D loved her Furby!</p>
<p>My relative has never received gifts from her inlaws (or very nominal gifts rarely), but her H & the kids always receive fairly nice gifts. She is the person who buys gifts in her home & is tired of the snubs, so this year will NOT be buying, except for the cousins.</p>
<p>Gifts can definitely be a control issue and unfortunately cause bad feelings. It seems better to try to avoid gifts that are very personal, especially if you aren’t EXTREMELY close to the recipients. Scents and clothing generally fall in that category, in my mind.</p>
<p>Maybe knitting or crocheting lessons, and some supplies?</p>