Is this a good Xmas gift?

[Anonymous]

OP, I have a niece and a nephew and I was in my sweet spot when they were infants to 8 years old.

And then I figured it out with some games and rockets and other stuff until about 11 years old.

And then by the time I had to give them a gift at 12 and up (they are in 8th and 11th grades now) I PANICKED! And absolutely finally admitted defeat and just give them money.

I will say, if your son is going to college (like, away) you could give him suitcases. But that might be more of a graduation from high school gift (that's what we got in the 80s - a typewriter (!), suitcases and other "going off to college stuff -and, yes, I got a PEN!)

So I just give them $75 in cash and I'm just done. I hate it, I wish I could do something more personalized, but it's so hard. Of course, you know your step kids better than I know my niece/nephew (they live a few states away) but still...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree it's not something teens will want. I'm the stepmother of college kids and I say this nicely, their birth stuff (time of birth, weight) is not yours. You didn't give birth to them. Those memories are for their mother.

Yes. This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree it's not something teens will want. I'm the stepmother of college kids and I say this nicely, their birth stuff (time of birth, weight) is not yours. You didn't give birth to them. Those memories are for their mother.

I’m trying to preserve a memory for them, not for me. It’s a present...for them. Albeit not a popular choice or the right pick, and thanks for your input everyone! Sports gear is a cute idea and personal and different and fun.

Also a big F you to the harpies on the board. I don’t have to be creative or go above and beyond or put myself out there...I could get a gift card. Same as everyone else does- I’m just trying to do something NICE. Ok so it is misguided. I’m a sentimental person and I have a two year old, not a teen. They always get gifts from “us” but also gifts uniquely from their mom, their dad, and me. I’m just st trying to think outside the box. I missed the mark, fine. Is it really necessary to be a total jerk about it?

You care and you asked! Teens are hard. My MIL always gives "sentimental gifts" and they are not a hit with my teens. I like the sports gear idea. Concert tickets to an upcoming concert are also HUGELY appreciated by teens. Matching funny Christmas Jammies or Funny Christmas sweaters might also be fun.

[Anonymous]

Are you from somewhere different or like a different sports team? How about tshirts from your hometown or team?

How about college gear from the oldest school? (unless not decided yet).

[Anonymous]

I'd enjoy that gift as a new parent or as an older young adult. I still have trouble remembering my birth time and weight.

[Anonymous]

Can you pick out a few books for each of them? Personalized to suit their interests and personalities? Like, give each kid two books and a gift card for another book or two?