OT: gifts for 13yr old girl - YouLookFab Forum

I spent about an hour looking around the shops today trying to find something for my half-sister, and I'm at a bit of a loss so I'm wondering if anyone here knows much about 13yr old girls??

I don't know my half sister all that well - haven't really seen her in 5 years, but she is very shy, doesn't have any hobbies or play any sports and from the pics I see, she generally just wears jeans/shorts and a T (and unless my mother is dramatically different to when I was that age, mum will still be dictating her fashion choices). She isn't like the other early teenagers I happen to know who are quite fashion forward, and outgoing, able to chat easily with adults and show off their personalities...

I just don't know her well enough to buy her jewellery or clothing and I have no idea what sort of books or music she likes.

The only idea I really have at the moment is a cross-body bag for when she does hang out with her friends (although I believe this is a rare occurrence) or go shopping.

In the past I've given her jewellery, journals, books etc, but I'm finding this year particularly hard because she is now a teenager and at secondary school.

So, any ideas? Do you think a bag is an ok idea?

I'm at a loss, so do appreciate any advice whatsoever, so Thank You very much for any help.

15 years ago

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

Hmm hard age to buy for. If you're not averse to gift cards I would suggest Valley Girl or maybe a Westfield Gift Card so she can buy whatever she desires. Or how about a skin care pack, something that is geared towards younger skin like the Nivea or Garnier ones or maybe a pack with Impulse spray and maybe some nail polish in it?

I havent brought for a 13 year old for a while though - good luck with it!

Maya

Sounds remarkably like me when I was 13. To this day the idea of "showing off" my personality makes me recoil sheepishly!

I wouldn't discount the idea of books just because she is a teenager. I can't speak for all the shy people in the world, but I think we have a general tendency to like reading (anything to avoid other people :p). However, don't ask me which books. I have no idea what teens are into these days...

Gift card would be good too.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

I buy all teenage relatives Amazon giftcards.

Ooh I just had a thought T - how about anything Twilight related? Most teens love Twilight I think (come to think of it the not so teens to do too *team jacob cough splutter*)!

Katiepea

Is she arty at all? Perhaps a calligraphy set and book on how to do the various scripts? Since you are not sure about her taste, what about a gift-voucher for buying a CD/DVD? An MP3 player? (I've seen them relatively cheap these days.) Otherwise your idea really sounds fine. Good luck Theresa, this sure sounds like a tricky task!

Louise

How about some nice face wash, moisturiser, bubble bath etc. Something a bit posher than your usual teen would buy? x

Theresa

Good Ideas ladies!!!

Maya don't worry it sounds like me at that age too, and I was ALWAYS reading LOL!! I just don't know what they read these days!

Karen some great ideas there - I know my bro's g/f (the beauty therapist) has her sorted for skin care, make up and nail polish though (Although on the upside, she keeps me sorted for it all too LOL!) As for twilight - good idea - except unless mum has changed dramatically, I doubt she would have been allowed to see/read it...

Kirstie we gave her a calligraphy and font book last year!! Great minds!! Mum has a business selling all forms of crafty things though so I'm not really wanting to buy her anything like that now because I know they do a lot of crafty stuff and mum has all the bits and pieces you could possibly need.

Vouchers are always a possibility...

I guess I struggle with this gift most because whilst I have barely anything to do with her, I wouldn't be surprised if the day comes when perhaps we will have more contact, and I also really would like to give her some "guidance" because, well, I know what its like to live with my mother...

Maybe there is a book aimed at "guidance for young girls" - words of wisdom or similar... will go googling!

Oh and I'm not trying to be difficult by naying the suggestions so far - she is just a very tricky gift recipient!!

But please, keep the ideas coming!!

Velma

We often send iTune, Amazon, or Borders gift cards to our nieces and nephews.

I just sent a long crinkly cotton/rayon scarf to a 14 yo niece. She has just started high school and, until this year, had no obvious interest in clothes--but she is now at an arts magnet school, and I have noticed that she has really been trying to step up her game! So for the past few occasions, I have been sending her jewelry and the like, since I'm not totally sure of her sizes. I also sent a Gap/Old Navy gift card one time.

Good luck, Theresa--I think it's wonderful that you want to be involved. I was so shy myself at that age (still am--but I learned to manage!), and I would have loved for an older relative to take an interest in me.

Astrid

I bought my sister (she's almost 12) a scarf to christmas. I'm going to give her the scarf (a little bit more expensive) together with my brothers, so it's one she wouldn't buy for herself. I chose colors that will go well with her hair and eye color and I hope she likes it. That's a present she can stil wear 10 years into the future, if she wants.

Queen Mum

I do think your idea of a bag is good. All girls carry one don't they? And it is something that you dont' need to worry about fit.. and you can find one that isnt' so girly that she won't ever use.....

Debora

Theresa, I'm giving my teenage niece an infinity scarf this year.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....sultback=0

Here's another example from the junior's department:

chewyspaghetti

Theresa- American Girls have some good 'guidance' type of books that are fun to read, but give some good points. My 11 yr old dd has several of those.

Thank you all so much for your suggestions - I'm filing them away for upcoming birthdays/christmases!

I ended up going to one of our younger trendier stores today and had a chat to the sales people about what her age group is buying, and I ended up with a blue cross body bag made by one of our "cool" surf labels. So I hope she likes it.

Khris thanks for the info on those books too - there were some really interesting ones there - I've bookmarked them for years when I'm more organised! (And noting that they may be quite handy for my own girls!!)

rute

My daughter has 12! I find easy to buy gifts for this age. A boho scarf (Debora I bought to mine an infinity scarf too!! She adores it!), a long sleeve t-shirt (I agree with Theresa, they love surf labels), a book, a cd.

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