<p>For the 10 year old:
My kids always love getting mail so maybe some magazine gift subscriptions to publications that will help expand his mind - National Geographic, Smithsonian, Scientific American, to name a few and there are various puzzle/game type magazines as well. Another benefit is that most magazine subscriptions are super cheap right now so it is possible to do several subscriptions. </p>
<p>I am getting Wired for several of my college aged nieces and nephews. In this technological age, I thought they would appreciate something showing up in their mailboxes.</p>
<p>I have been looking for Ticket To Ride on any site I feel I can trust and can’t find anyone that seems to have it AND can get it shipped in time for Christmas. Just about anyone I find who has it has the message “may not be received in time for Christmas” - if I can’t have it by then, it’s a no go. I called a specialty toy store in the area and they don’t have it. Target, ToysRUs etc. show it “not sold in stores”. I might try and give Walmart a try. It does no good to call our store to check though…</p>
<p>How about Rush Hour Game? I know my S LOVED it! He also bought and loved Mensa books–brain teasers pleased him for hours on end. S also loved plain wooden blocks & built with them tirelessly. Bought him KNEX BIG building sets with gazillion pieces.</p>
<p>How about a haromonica? Ukelele? Saw some harmonica books with harmonicas at B&N the other day for very reasonable prices. Telescope?</p>
<p>For the graduating law student–nice wooden pen/pencil set with holder (I still have mine after 30 years, as well as all the other nice pens/pencils I’ve received). I find luggage, briefcases, suits and coats requiring too much personal taste and sizing that I’d be reluctant to purchase it. Perhaps put $$$ into an envelope with a photo/catalog picture of what some of the things you think he can get with it?</p>
<p>the law student ideas are great esp the suit which are so expensive.
I got my nephews who a bit younger A national wildlife fun GC. They can pick an animal to sponsor and they send them a plush animal and some info. The above also sound nice</p>
<p>I know these should be easy, but I’m stymied:</p>
<p>Girl - age ten, likes horses
Girl - age twelve likes reading
Girl - age 23, in Engineering, plays Rugby
Girl - age 18, likes horses
Girl - age 16, in a lot of plays</p>
<p>The nephew will probably get an EMS gift card, but I may punt on all the girls but the ten year old and get them i-tunes cards if I can’t think of something better. Other years I’ve usually given them inexpensive bracelets or necklaces, but I haven’t seen anything I liked in the under $20 price range this year.</p>
<p>If you want another game suggestion more on complicated end, you could try Dominion. <a href=“Dominion | Board Game | BoardGameGeek”>Dominion | Board Game | BoardGameGeek; We play it with our kids - it looks a bit like Magic (cards with lots of directions), but it’s not about collecting cards and having to buy more - though there are expansion packs.</p>
<p>Stocking stuffer games I purchased for my family.
Fluxx, Mille Bornes, chrononauts.</p>
<p>Hope something clicks. All had great reviews and I used to play Mille Bornes with my family in the 60’s - the version I bought even has original 1962 artwork.</p>
<p>Have gotten girls/young women on my list wristlets (small clutches that are dangled from the wrist)–they come in a range of fabrics, colors and styles and are very popular with them. Does the engineering girl travel a lot for work? If so, maybe travel accessories. For the girl in a lot of plays, maybe a giftcard to Costco or somewhere to make a photo scrapbook of her in her plays. For the reader, maybe a gift card to B&N, unless you know what book(s) she likes but hasn’t yet read.</p>
<p>Amazon did have Ticket To Ride (the “regular” edition which is what I preferred) - but when I put it in my cart, it indicated that it might not make it before Christmas. </p>
<p>The wristlets ARE popular with all ages of girls this year - my 14 year old wants one, my S 20 year old GF got a couple for her Bday this week and I bought one for my 23 yr D last month. TJ MAXX has a selection of Vera Bradley ones right now (at least 3 of the TJ’s I’ve been to in my area this week) that are ADORABLE! Under $20 for a small one. They also had really really cute Vera small totes. I bought my 23 yr old a SacRoots wristlet from TJ’s last month that I really wanted to keep for myself!<br>
[Sakroots</a> Official Site - The Sak Official Store](<a href=“http://sakroots.thesak.com/sakrootsdefault.html]Sakroots”>http://sakroots.thesak.com/sakrootsdefault.html)</p>
<p>Wristlets might work for some of them - I would never have thought of that and have seen some cute ones. (I even got a zebra one for my Zebra Soiree earlier this year.) Engineering girl is still in school, but I believe she graduates this year. </p>
<p>Last year some of the Amazon orders that they threatened might not arrive in time came early, but there have been times when a picture of the what we ordered ends up in the box.</p>
<p>I bought my niece & nephew (around that age range) microscope sets–it says ages 8+; that might be a nice gift. I remember we purchased it for our kids as well. They were interested briefly & then it gathered dust. Chemistry set or telescope might hold attention somewhat longer, depending on kid’s & family’s interest.</p>
<p>We bought D some pairs of gloves (they were 2 pairs for $2 at Target). She always has cold hands & never has gloves or mittens. We also bought her a featherweight thermal top–she’s always cold & could use this as a base layer. Might buy her CPK gift card, since she & her buddies love it there.</p>
<p>“School extracurricular - Chess club 2 or 3 years.” - As my CC name suggests I have been around the chess world and may be able to assist with some chess related ideas.</p>
<p>Slotted Demo board. One of top ranked scholastic players, hung this wall board in his room and his mom would put up various chess problems - Mates in one, two or three which would challenge him. Sometimes it would take days to solve. </p>
<p>For another take on chess, consider Chinese Chess. S loved regular chess & then started a Chinese Chess club in HS. Something to consider in any case.</p>
Just about anyone I find who has it has the message “may not be received in time for Christmas” - if I can’t have it by then, it’s a no go. I called a specialty toy store in the area and they don’t have it. Target, ToysRUs etc. show it “not sold in stores”. I might try and give Walmart a try. It does no good to call our store to check though…</p>