Those In-Between Years 8-12
If your child is between 8 and 12 years old, you've probably been noticing many changes, sometimes overnight. He's acting strange and becoming more independent. She's not that little girl any more. Your child is morphing into a new person — you now have a "Tween".
This term is the combination of the words "teenager" and "between" and is probably the most difficult time for any child. They aren't kids anymore but can't yet hang out with their older teenage siblings. They are forming their own identities and developing their personal set of morals. Their bodies are changing. They have emotions not felt before and their tastes in music, food, movies, and even toys is different.
You'll probably notice they will want to spend less time doing things with family and they'll feel the need to "fit in" with their circle of friends from whom they'll take further cues on how to act, dress, and even talk. Most will want to look more grown up and even start using some beauty products, whether or not they really know what to do with them, are allowed to use them, or even need them.
These websites explain in further detail what tweens are all about: parents.com and scarymommy.com
We at gyftit.com would like to help in the quest for gifting this age group. Tweens are the toughest to shop for. We know how complicated each tween can be, especially those approaching puberty. Finding presents that will make them happy may be a difficult chore, especially if you are a grandparent.
First, it's important to communicate with the tween. Using Gyftit's GyftBuddy questionnaire is one way of knowing their likes and dislikes. Showing interest will boost their self-esteem and you'll get an idea of what could be a surprisingly great gift. Most often what they want is way beyond your budget — a new snazzy computer, or the latest iPhone, or a variety of expensive toys.
Let's look at some of the categories for gifts suitable for tweens.
The gift card is the ultimate "get out of jail" card for any gift giver. It may not be exciting, but it certainly does the trick. You can give any amount and your tween will be happy to exchange it for something to their liking. Just know what their favorite interests are and get a card that will work in that store. If you want to give an actual present check out this website for the many toys and games that are available: hammacher.com
If you know what their favorite sports are you have a lot of gifts to choose from. Get them some new sports equipment, tickets to a game or a team jersey. Check out: amazon.com/Best-Sellers for ideas.
Give them some wheels with this not so original (but an oldie but goodie) — the Razor A Kick Scooter. It's sturdy at 6 pounds, folds and can be taken anywhere. amazon.ca and amazon.com
Knowing the genre of movies they enjoy, makes it easier to find DVDs of movies they'd want to see. A nice addition would be a movie poster and related paraphernalia. amazon.ca/movies and amazon.com/movies
If giving tickets to see a movie isn't possible consider a subscription to: primevideo.com or netflix.com
Today the music CD is almost passé (thanks to music streaming) but nevertheless they are still available and a CD of a favorite artist is a good gift. amazon.ca/music and amazon.com/music
Why not give an unlimited amount of music with a year's subscription to amazon.ca/music and or amazon.com/music unlimited, apple/iTunes, and Spotify also jamendo.com and deezer.com or a stand-alone music player that can play downloaded music.
Better still — freak them out and get them a record turntable and some vinyl records! See amazon.com/Audio-Vinyl
There is nothing like a live concert if you can score concert tickets to one of their idols. ticketmaster.ca
By JM Pietron
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements