Anonymous wrote:You could give some money to a charity of her choice. That sounds really dumb but I did it a couple of times with my kids and they got really into it. It wasn’t their only gift, and they loved it.

Same. We "adopted" wild animals in a rehab facility for our kids and it was a huge hit.

Also, anything personalized. Have gotten my kids duffle bags, towels, notecards from Etsy. You could easily find name + ballet stuff.

Mine are slightly younger, but also like The Week and Nat Geo magazines for kids.

Anonymous wrote:For his 11th, my kid picked out a weekend away for us -- he looked through some places on AirBnB (I gave him some budget and distance parameters), and picked a spot for a weekend overnight. He really liked that he got to choose where we went. We did cake and a nice takeout meal to celebrate (this was last winter).

Other things he liked -- a fuzzy robe and slippers, a waterproof bluetooth speaker (he likes to listen to podcasts in the bath).

How about some beachy gear -- new towel, swimsuit, googles, maybe a cute beach bag? Pair it with a day at the beach, or an overnight in a hotel with an outdoor pool?

I love this. Your kid sounds awesome.

You've gotten some great suggestions already. How about sparkly/multi-colored pens, if she likes writing?

Hue lights for her room. Most tween/teen girls really like them. I am not sure which ones we have, but it is something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue-Bluetooth-Lightstrip-Compatible

My Dd likes trinkets -llama pillow, Keychain thingy for her back pack, tea light for her bedroom, poster for her wall, bunch of favorite candy, new water bottle, etc.

Instanax camera and corkboard to hang pics.

For his 11th, my kid picked out a weekend away for us -- he looked through some places on AirBnB (I gave him some budget and distance parameters), and picked a spot for a weekend overnight. He really liked that he got to choose where we went. We did cake and a nice takeout meal to celebrate (this was last winter).

Other things he liked -- a fuzzy robe and slippers, a waterproof bluetooth speaker (he likes to listen to podcasts in the bath).

How about some beachy gear -- new towel, swimsuit, googles, maybe a cute beach bag? Pair it with a day at the beach, or an overnight in a hotel with an outdoor pool?

I'm in the same boat. I am getting my DD a gaming system and clothes. She is really into fashion this year.

How about sneakers? Kids are serious about their footwear. Hoodies. Room decor. Money. Hair products/cosmetics?

I like the idea of decorations for her room and/or a special trip. My daughter loves doing an overnight to NYC!

Could you redecorate her room? Even to a small degree (string lights with little clips to hang photos and drawings, funky pillows from five below)

Regarding ballet, does she have a band strap and yoga mat for stretching at home, or a turning board? My daughter loved the book Ballet: An Illustrated Story by DK.

Tix to something. Kennedy center will have Mean Girls this year.

You could give some money to a charity of her choice. That sounds really dumb but I did it a couple of times with my kids and they got really into it. It wasn’t their only gift, and they loved it.

I default to doing a special trip, with a special evening out to celebrate. Covid makes it tricky though.

Would she be interested in a book with writing advice? Maybe some name-brand shoes she has been eyeing? Does she wear any makeup, like maybe nice lip glosses? I have also gotten personalized book plates and a cute book case.

I asked her and she shrugged and said "I don't know, I don't really need anything" but I know she'll be disappointed if she doesn't get anything.

This is such a hard age to buy for. She's outgrown most toys but does not yet have teen interests. A phone is off the table. She likes reading (has lots of books), writing (has journals aplenty) and ballet (can't think of any supplies). Help?