If you’re doing a gift card, I agree with a store like Target where you can find almost anything. Sons kids (like my 11 yo DD) would have no interest in a Sephora gift card.
If you want an actual gift, something crafty or a nice water bottle, but include a gift receipt regardless.

Not LEGOS. My DD dislikes Legos. Target or Michael’s gift card is very safe.

$20 Target gift card.

Anonymous wrote:+1 for a gift card. Do people just put cash in cards anymore?

I do, but do origami with it to make it more interesting.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A nice card and $25 gift card to Target, Barnes & Noble, or even Amazon is totally fine.

(my daughter got all of these from her friends, who know her well last year in 6th grade)

That just seems so impersonal and like the friends don't care at all. I mean, they know her "well" but can't figure out a real gift? Just tossing a gift card at someone is what you do when you don't know a person or don't care about them.

I think it's different with elementary school kids. The concept of being able to pick out their own favorite thing from Target is super cool and exciting. Yeah it's boring when you're 30, but it's great when you're 11.

+1

Its basically gifting a small piece of freedom. As an adult, if I get a giftcard to Amazon or Target, I feel pressure to just buy something I need. Kids are less likely to feel that way and will use it to get something they really want.

I wouldn't send my son, but if you are going to, then gift card to sephora.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A nice card and $25 gift card to Target, Barnes & Noble, or even Amazon is totally fine.

(my daughter got all of these from her friends, who know her well last year in 6th grade)

That just seems so impersonal and like the friends don't care at all. I mean, they know her "well" but can't figure out a real gift? Just tossing a gift card at someone is what you do when you don't know a person or don't care about them.

I think it's different with elementary school kids. The concept of being able to pick out their own favorite thing from Target is super cool and exciting. Yeah it's boring when you're 30, but it's great when you're 11.

I teach that age group.

“Adult” coloring book with a set of colored pencils. Especially if you found a set of the mini colored pencils.

Small Lego set

Jewelry

Friendship bracelet kit

Owala water bottle

Croc charms if she has crocs

Anonymous wrote:Target or Sephora gift card.

Labubu

+1
Perfect!