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Conference moira::parenting_v3

Title:Parenting
Notice:READ 1.27 BEFORE WRITING
Moderator:CSC32::DUBOIS
Created:Wed May 30 1990
Last Modified:Tue May 27 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1364
Total number of notes:23848

401.0. "Gift ideas wanted" by CIVIC::JANEB (See it happen => Make it happen) Wed Oct 10 1990 12:38

    How about some gift ideas for kids?   I'm looking for some new ideas
    for fun and practical things, for the holidays (although this could
    apply to birthdays or other occasions). 
    
    The problem is: our children have too many toys already!  I want them
    to have the fun and magic of neat presents on Christmas morning, but
    I'd like to find things that I like having around.
    
    In my opinion -
    
    Things that are too practical:
    	Most Clothes - these kids are 3 and 5, so some snappy things are a
    		hit, but most are considered equal to socks and underwear
    	Anything that they know they'd get anyway - a new lunchbox, etc.
    
    Things that are not practical enough:
    	Plastic and commercial sets of a million tiny parts - like a Barbie
    		Soda Shop
    	Any doll with batteries
    
    Things that seem to fit the balance:
    	Books - special ones.  We get books by the bags at yard sales and
    		then do book orders at school, so this would have to be
    		pretty specific to be worth buying a good hardcover (maybe
    		this is a different note)
    	Slumber Bags - any idea where I could find some that don't feel	
    		like plastic in the NH area?
    	Craft Boxes - we did this last year for cousins and filled them
    		with paper and markers and scissors, etc.  Big hit.
    	Blocks - my dad made some for them and I'm hoping he'll supplement
    		the set
    	Things you do with a parent - Sally and her dad made a space
    		shuttle model for her birthday and we'll look for something
    		like that
    
    Any ideas?  What gifts did your kids get excited about at ages 3 or 5?
    Or any age?  What gifts were a flop?
    
    What gifts do your remember GETTING that were really great?
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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401.1music?TIPTOE::STOLICNYWed Oct 10 1990 12:435
    On the line of books, cassette and video tapes have always been
    a big hit for this age group in my experience (and somewhat
    practical, too!)
    
    Carol
401.2art suppliesTLE::RANDALLliving on another planetWed Oct 10 1990 14:487
    When Steven was 5 last year, his big hit toys were art supplies --
    crayons, watercolors, paper of all sorts, a fingerpainting kit,
    glue, tape, felt markers.   Child World had an alternate brand to
    Crayola that cost about a tenth the name-brand stuff, so I was
    able to really stock up for not a lot of money. 
    
    --bonnie
401.3Fisher PriceDSSDEV::STEGNERWed Oct 10 1990 15:0025
    Fisher Price makes three great toys I heartily recommend:
   
    o  Cookie Counter  --  This is an electronic toy that teaches counting,
                           addition, and subtraction.  Cookie Monster
                           juggles cookies, and eats them to subtract them. 
                           ;-)  The only bad thing about this toy is that
                           it's limited-- once they can add and subtract,
                           they never pick it up again (you can also use
                           it as a calculator.
    
    o  Spelling Starter -- This electronic toy teaches spelling and
                           ultimately reading.  My son was reading at age
                           4, and I sincerely believe this toy had a lot
                           to do with it.
    
    o  Math Starter  --    This electronic toy teaches math-- addition,
                           subtraction, multiplication, and division.
                           It will ask questions on two different levels--
                           Pace 1 and Pace 2 (harder).   
    
     
    I can't say enough about these toys, especially the last two.  They are
    the best toys on the market, and definitely worth the money.  If you 
    want to hear me extol the virtues of these toys at great length
    (I can go on for days on end), send mail.  :-)
401.4Outdoor activitiesPENUTS::MWHEELERMeg Wheeler, DAS ISThu Oct 11 1990 11:156
These aren't really new ideas, but how about a sled or ice skates?  
Of course these are only useful if you live somewhere where it snows.  

When I was little, I got a pair of beginner skates that had double blades 
and strapped on over my boots.  At that age I didn't need someplace fancy 
to skate, just a low spot in the back yard that flooded and froze.  
401.5CuddlebagsSITBUL::FRIEDRICHSKamikaze Eindecker pilotThu Oct 11 1990 13:0412
    Last Christmas we gave Cuddlebags to our nieces.  They were a great
    hit.
    
    They are obtained through Orvis Mail Order Company, P.O. Box 12000,
    Roanoke Va. 24022-8001  Phone: 1-800-541-3541.  They have four
    different ones this year.  A Dinosaur, Elephant, Penquin and Panda.
    They cost $59.00.  They were the only ones I liked, and I shopped
    around.
    
    Happy shopping,
    
    corinne
401.6Event Tickets and PhotosNRADM::TRIPPLThu Oct 11 1990 13:1415
    I give tickets to events, usually around Christmas there's an ice show
    in town, or a circus coming soon.  If this is for someone beside your
    own, you too can enjoy the time by getting yourself tickets and going,
    not to mention by doing this you're give the parents a break and a
    night off!  If it's for your family, it a fabulous way to have some
    quality family time!
    
    The other thing we do is family portraits.  My husband is heavily into
    photgraphy so we'll either give a "certificate" towards a family
    portrait package or do some pictures far enough before Christmas to be
    interted in to the Christmas Cards.  Perhaps for your purposes a
    certificate to Olan Mills, Kinderfoto or Sears photo studio would work.
    
    Lyn
    
401.7museum of science shopSKID::LALIBERTEThu Oct 11 1990 16:374
    the shop inside the Museum of Science in Boston is filled with
    colorful toys and gadgets with an educational purpose..some of the
    posters and puzzles are great...and lots of stocking stuffers for
    all ages.
401.8Think Holiday ON Vacations!NRADM::TRIPPLFri Oct 12 1990 15:2011
    .7 reminded me that we do *lots* of shopping while on vacation.  Last
    year for example, we were in the DC area and picked up many gifts at
    the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum gift shop.  Would you belive this?
    The year we got married  we did most of our Christmas shopping on our 
    honeymoon at Cape Cod!
    
    My husband's grandmother (almost 90) starts and finishes her shopping
    before Labor Day!!
    
    Lyn
    
401.9other ideasMAJORS::MANDALINCIMon Oct 15 1990 07:4838
    For Christmas our attitude is to give our son (almost 3) what he
    requests from Santa (there are only 2 things on his list - a BIG
    tractor and a truck and the list hasn't changed for 2 months. I hope
    commercials don't get to him). I too am totally against those toys with
    a million pieces at this age (safety from swallowing and sanity of
    cleaning them up).
    
    Other things we plan on getting him partially because he needs them.....
    
    "art" supplies - safety scissors, crayons, paper, glue, etc
    
    maybe a child table and chairs for a "work" area for him
    
    coloring books, work books, magic paint books
    
    he's ready to "move up" the scale in terms of reading books so some of
    them
    
    maybe some new underwear - he is still very proud of his underwear
    
    maybe some "sports" things - he alreay has a baseball bat and ball
    (soft foam training bat) but we might get him a soccer ball or a street
    hockey set. These things aren't really practical during the winter
    since they are outdoor games but if you have an open garage they could
    be used during the winter.
    
    Things that have been a great hit so far...
    
    trampoline with the bar for them to hold onto
    cars to ride in
    child's picnic table 
    train set (starter with simple pieces)
    legos and duplos - great for add-on gifts
    McDonald's gift certificates (or the like)
    books 
    
    Happy shopping!!!
    Andrea
401.10How about a book club?TYGER::CULLENThu Oct 18 1990 18:4743
    
Jane,
    
    In your basenote you were looking for ideas for hardcover books.  My
    3 1/2 year old has been recieving a book club from her grandparents
    for the last year.  It is nice because it comes al year long, and she
    really looks forward to getting the next book in the mail with her name
    on it.
    
    The book club we get is the Discovery Toys club, and if anyone would
    like more detail about it, please send me mail.  I came across this
    chart last night, and thought I would include it.
    
    Donna
    
    
    
    
Company		Age	Price	Gift	    Required	Intro	Developmental 
                        /ship-	Subscript.  Additional	Gifts   Newsletter
                         ment               Shipments


Discovery	2 1/2 	$9.98	Yes		0	Growth	   Yes 
Toys    	to 6					Chart

Disney		Pre-	$8.98	No		4	Book	   No
		School					Rack

Dr. Seuss	Pre-	$8.98	No		4	Book	   No		
		School

Books of My	6mos-	$13.95	Yes		0	T-shirt	   No
Very Own	10 yrs

Sesame Street	Pre-	$8.98	No		0      Free Book   No
		School				       Card Game
						       Growth Chart
                                                       Answer Finder

Parent's 	Pre-	$7.98	No		0	Tote Bag   Yes
Magazine	School
         
401.11gift for daughter's boyfriend?TLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistTue Nov 26 1991 18:2023
    This seems like as good a note as any to attach this to . . . 
    
    I have a question for parents of older teens.   Kat, my
    almost-18-year-old daughter is involved with her first serious
    boyfriend this fall.  This isn't "date-of-the-month" stuff --
    probably not permanent, but definitely serious.  
    
    Should we get him a Christmas present? 
    
    I'm torn two ways -- on the one hand, he's her boyfriend not ours,
    and we don't want to put pressure on them to be more serious than
    they want to be.  On the other hand, even the paper boy usually
    gets a token gift, and Rob will likely be spending part of the day
    at our house, so it doesn't really seam right to leave him out.
    
    What did others of you in this situation do?  Are there any local
    (New Hampshire) customs in this area?
    
    --bonnie
    
    
    
    
401.12So ask her!TLE::MINAR::BISHOPTue Nov 26 1991 18:318
    Why don't you ask Kat?  Depending on how she feels, a gift to her
    boyfriend from her parents might be something she'd welcome or reject.
    You don't want to embarass her, after all.
    
    On the other hand, there's a new Calvin and Hobbes book out which
    would make a great gift for anyone.
    
    			-John Bishop
401.13go for itSCAACT::COXManager, Dallas Demonstration Center, SME SupportWed Nov 27 1991 01:208
    My parents always bought my boyfriend presents, and his bought me
    presents.  It showed me that my parents cared about MY interests and
    accepted my boyfriend, and that his parents accepted me.  I think it's
    a great idea - a sweatshirt with his favorite sports figure or
    something not "mushy" would be great!
    
    Kristen
    
401.14SUPER::WTHOMASWed Nov 27 1991 10:3811
    
    	My parents also always purchased gifts for my boyfriends.
    Unfortunately, they would choose items that made the relationship
    appear more serious than it was (my mother always choose kitchen
    appliances) and it was uncomfortable for me to receive a book from his
    parents and he receive a blender from mine.
    
    	I say go ahead get a gift, just nothing outrageous. The Calvin and
    Hobbs book sounds ideal.
    
    				Wendy
401.15Gift Certificate?TENVAX::MIDTTUNLisa Midttun,285-3450,NIO/N4,Pole H14-15Wed Nov 27 1991 10:438
    I'd probably get a little something. Although my folks never did
    this, my in-laws do get a little gift for each person that will be
    there for the holidays. I would suggest something that is not too personal 
    so neither your daughter or her boyfriend feels uncomfortable...just to
    show that he's included at the holidays. How about a gift certificate for 
    the local movie theater or pizza place? Then the two of them might be able
    to have a nice evening together. I'd also second the thought about
    checking with your daughter first. 
401.16she wasn't much helpTLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistWed Nov 27 1991 11:075
    I did check with her, and she's giving VERY mixed signals.  I
    think I'm in one of those damned-if-I-do-damned-if-I-don't
    situations . . .
    
    --bonnie
401.17buy something!MCIS5::TRIPPWed Nov 27 1991 13:3015
    Just my opinion....because he will be sharing the holiday with you, and
    everyone will be opening presents, buy him one so he won't feel
    awkward.  My thoughts run from some of the previously mentioned ones,
    like a book, and gift certificates to places like movies, or pizza or
    burger joints, how about roller skating rinks, or what ever the local
    teen trend in your area is, how about lift tickets, if they ski, what
    about a box of good quality chocolate?  If his face and body will
    accept it (we all remember teen zits don't we? :-) !! ) a pound of
    something like Hebert's milk or white chocolate, how about a pound of
    fudge, maybe even homemade if you're inclined?
    
    Yup it's awkward for you, but these poor teens, practicaly everything
    they do is awkward!!
    
    Lyn
401.18Coupla more considerationsPOWDML::SATOWWed Nov 27 1991 13:509
Are Kat and Rob exchanging presents?  You certainly don't want to do MORE than 
Kat does.

Will he be there at a time of day that presents are typically opened?  If, 
when he's there, everyone is opening presents, then it might be awkward if he 
has no present.  If, when he's there, all the presents have already been 
opened and put away, then it might be awkward if he DOES have a present.  

Clay 
401.19SOFBAS::SNOWWed Nov 27 1991 15:1914
    
    
    	The SAFE thing to do would be to buy him one, and have it JUST IN
    CASE, wrapped and ready to go.  If you decide not to give it to him, or 
    if KAT at the last minute asks you NOT to give him one, you can always 
    return it.  But if you decided you DID want one at the last minute, and 
    didn't have one...
    
    	My mother always bought my 'serious' boyfriends presents, but
    something small - wool scarf, gloves, flannel shirt.  And I generally 
    received a present from my boyfriend's parents, again, something small.
    
    	Justine
                      
401.20Presents for Visitors on ChristmasCSC32::DUBOISLoveMon Dec 02 1991 19:487
We buy presents for *anyone* who will be at our house Christmas Day.
We usually have some spare presents wrapped in case we have unexpected
visitors.  

So, I say, buy him something, even if it is a "little" something.

     Carol
401.21USOPS::GALLANTEverybody grab a body...Tue Dec 10 1991 17:0211
    
    	Well having been 18 only five years ago, I would say it
    	would depend alot on how long she's been with him. To
    	say it's serious is okay but I think nowadays that "serious"
    	can happen after 3 months!
    
    	My mother would usually ask me if there was something
    	X wanted and I'd mention something small that wouldn't
    	embarrass him or myself.
    
    	/Kim
401.22solution!TLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistThu Dec 12 1991 14:209
    I flew the Calvin and Hobbes idea by Kat, and she thought that
    would be good; fortunately he loves Calvin and Hobbes. 
    
    Plus if he winds up not coming over or it otherwise doesn't look
    like a reasonable thing to do, I can read it myself :)
    
    Thanks for all the input.  It really helped. 
    
    --bonnie
401.23StartChristmas Gift TraditionCOLRDO::1738233Mon Dec 16 1991 15:1314
My wife would like to start a tradition of a keepsake present for our daughter.
She would like to buy the same type of gift every year for Tess and keep them
for her until she can appreciate them.  Some ideas that have already been given
to us are:

	Precious Moment figures
	Hummel(sp)
	Simplich Dolls(sp)
	Christmas Ordiments.

This is her first christmas and we wish to start this year, all ideas will be
appreciated.

Rob Youngquist
401.24Go with the ornamentsTLE::MINAR::BISHOPMon Dec 16 1991 17:0716
    If you want your daughter, someday in the far future, to open
    a box of these keepsakes and get misty-eyed, I'd strongly recommend
    _making_ rather than buying.  In any case, I'd recommend against
    something as bulky and fragile as fine china.
    
    If you and your wife make or buy a christmas ornament each year for
    your child, she will wind up with a box of memories (particularly
    if you put a date on each one, or if you make them from photographs
    or something personal).  Since they are christmas ornament, she'll
    see them at least once a year.  Since she has several tens of them,
    the inevitable wear and tear will be less of a problem.
    
    Remember that what you're trying to pass on is memories of you and
    her childhood, not just the physical objects.
    
    		-John Bishop
401.25Traditions are forever . . .POWDML::SATOWMon Dec 16 1991 17:3425
. . . whether or not you want them to be

re: .23

>	Simplich Dolls(sp)

That's Simpich.

I like the .24's idea, especially including a picture.  Like .24, I suggest 
that you define what it is you want to do.  Is .24's assumption correct, or is 
there a thought of investment also?  If so, another possibility is Christmas 
Plates from someone like Royal Copenhagen, or Lladro porcelains.
  
But just a note of warning.  I started, 20+ years ago, a "tradition" of giving 
my mother the Royal Copenhagen Christmas plate.  When I started the tradition, 
it was quite affordable.  Now it's become very expensive, but it's very 
difficult to discontinue the tradition.  So especially with things like Hummel 
figures and Lladro porcelains, think not only about whether you want to give 
it to her now, but also whether you want to be giving it to her many years 
from now, perhaps for the rest of your life.  

Less sentimental, but perhaps more practical, are savings bonds, or 
contributions to a college fund.

Clay
401.26pearlsTLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistMon Dec 16 1991 18:046
    A common tradition for Christmas gifts or birthdays for girls is
    to give a single pearl each year.  Then when she's grown (I think
    the sixteenth birthday is traditional) she gets the whole necklace
    strung.  
    
    --bonnie
401.27Crystal FiguresGLDOA::LAETZMon Dec 16 1991 18:3712
    My daughter's great-grandmother started her on the Schwar... crystals
    (sorry, the exact name escapes me) which are small crystal animals that
    are much less costly than Hummel's, and my daughter has loved them
    since she was six months.  
    
    Now that she is 18 months old, Kristen shows not interest in our
    Hummels, nor her precious moments, but LOVES the crystal figurines (as
    do I!)
    
    Interested in seeing everyone elses ideas!
    
    Jolene in Kalamazoo, MI
401.29Gift ideas for 9 1/2-yr-old girlGEMVAX::WARRENTue Dec 17 1991 13:036
    My brother is looking for ideas for our other brother's 9 1/2-year-old
    daughter.  Something in the $20-30 range.  She is getting books from
    me and clothes from my father, so some different ideas would be
    appreciated.  What do kids that age like to do?
    
    -Tracy (who can't remember back that far)
401.30do you know more about her? TLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistTue Dec 17 1991 13:226
    Do you know if she has any interests or hobbies -- dance, sports,
    clubs, music, general interests like a fascination with foreign
    countries or stargazing or saving the rainforests, a favorite rock
    group or TV show, etc. etc. etc.?
    
    --bonnie
401.31well...GEMVAX::WARRENTue Dec 17 1991 14:098
    I do know she loves kids (she's the type that will definitely be a 
    babysitter when she's older), is a good student, and takes karate
    lessons.  And I know she didn't get into Barbies.  I think she did
    like New Kids when they were big.  That's about all I know.  See why 
    we're at such a loss? 
    
    T.
    
401.32Some ideas...TENVAX::MIDTTUNLisa Midttun,285-3450,NIO/N4,Pole H14-15Tue Dec 17 1991 14:2011
    
    I'm not sure if these are appropriate...but hear are some things that
    came to mind (some of which are based on what I see the schoolkid in
    when I'm on the way to work...)
    How about....
    
    - backpack for school
    - anything neon  
    - barrettes or socks with curly ribbons 
    - a jewelry box
    - a diary
401.33Not a Barbie enthusiast eitherDELNI::BRYDONTue Dec 17 1991 14:2226
    
    
    I have a niece that age and its the age when they're not as interested
    in toys as they once were and all clothes could be disappointing.  I
    think this is the age where you really start focusing in on the
    individual interests of the person or try introducing them to new
    interests.
    
    Gifts that my niece has received that she didn't ask for but loved
    were;
    
    
    Bonsai Tree
    Jazzercise Classes
    Manicure set with nail polish
    Own Blow dryer and curling iron
    Movie tickets and restaurant certificate
    Anything Crafty (i.e. Sketch pads, color pencils, beginner needlework
    kits ...)
    Jewelry (a ring really thrilled her)
    
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    /Kathy
    
401.34DELNI::BRYDONTue Dec 17 1991 14:296
    
    
    RE:  -.32
    
    
    Diary is a great suggestion.  Encourages writing.
401.35age 9: a phone/address bookTNPUBS::STEINHARTTue Dec 17 1991 15:201
    
401.36Age appropriate gift - questionsMCIS5::TRIPPTue Dec 17 1991 16:3222
    I am looking for feedback on the age apropriate-ness of some potential
    toys for Christmas.  I can't believe I'm the only one with this type of
    query.
    
    Specifically, AJ wants Lite-Brite. Since I've not been lucky enough to
    see one out of the box in the stores, can anyone comment? He's  5 on
    Jan 2.  I feel like I'm so out of tune this year, what are the other
    "have to have" toys etc. for boys his age this year, we also considered
    Lincoln Logs.
    
    Secondly, my niece who is 6.5 and extremely "feminine" is receiving
    from her parents a nice white vanity that goes with her canopy bedroom
    set.  We have bought for her a nice silver plated comb, mirror & brush
    set. So far so good right?  Wrong, I am completely at a loss as to what
    else to get her for Christmas.  As I've mentioned elsewhere, we try
    to stay away from toys which she may outgrow, break, loose pieces from,
    but lean towards something lasting and meaningful.  Any ideas for
    something additional, say in the under $10-15 pricerange as an
    additional gift would be appreciated.  Any comments on if I could give
    pierced ear rings?
    
    Lyn               
401.37Simon?MCIS5::TRIPPTue Dec 17 1991 16:333
    Any comment on Simon or Simon Jr. for his age?
    
    Lyn
401.38POWDML::SATOWTue Dec 17 1991 17:3518
re: Lite Brite

IMO, it's appropriate to 5, but two things to keep in mind.  It is an 
electrical toy so there is a hazard, but IMO, it seems safely built.  Bulb 
socket is not easily accessible.  Also, the pieces you stick in to make the 
patterns are pretty small, so take into account your child's manual dexterity, 
and the fact the some of those pieces WILL get misplaced, and you will step on 
them with your bare feet, and if there are younger kids or pets around, they 
may get swallowed.  I don't mean to bad mouth it though.  I kinda like it.

re: pierced earrings

The gating question is pretty obvious.  Are her ears pierced?  If not, then I 
would avoid them.  The parents may feel strongly about not having ears 
pierced.  If her ears are pierced, IMO they make nice gifts, since you can get 
decent ones relatively inexpensively.

Clay
401.39Lite BriteGEMVAX::WARRENTue Dec 17 1991 17:4315
    Lyn--
    
    Caileigh has a Lite Brite that she got for her 4th birthday.  She does
    enjoy it, but it's one of the toys that I keep on top of her closet so
    she has to ask for it, as opposed to helping herself.  It prevents all
    those little bulbs from getting lost.  AJ will probably need help
    getting started with it.  The only other drawback is once they make a 
    picture, they want to show it off, so you can't put the silly (large)
    thing away!
    
    -Tracy
    
    
    
    
401.40A1VAX::DISMUKEKwik-n-e-z! That's my motto!Tue Dec 17 1991 17:5210
RE:  Lite Brite!

We have one at home and I hate it!!!  I wish I never wasted my money!  For the
first two weeks we were finding bulbs, papers all over the bedroom.  Then I
put it on the top shelf to be used with Mom.  It's been there for a year and 
they asked for it once.  I think the novelty wore off.  I wonder if they'll
ever be old enough to have it again -- maybe when they turn 18, I'll send it
to college withe them!  Then I won't have to clean it up!

-sandy
401.41some ideas for 9TLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistTue Dec 17 1991 18:0130
    re: the 9-year-old niece (.31)

    Most of these are also things that will interest an 8-9 year old
    boy, come to think of it . . . just get different colors and
    styles.  
    
    If she takes karate lessons, she could probably use a gym bag or
    other accessories related to carrying your gear to class and back. 
    Those small nylon zip bags that fit into bigger bags went over big
    with all my nieces when they were doing gymnstics, dance,
    swimming.  I don't know what sort of clothing or extras karate
    students use, but you might ask her parents if there's something
    she'd like for that.  She probably also needs hair clips etc. for
    tying her hair during lessons.  
    
    Kat was ecstatic when she was 10 and we got her her own oversize
    beach towel.  Even though it was going to be months before she
    could use it on the beach.  

    School accessories like pencil boxes and so on tend to be popular
    with this age.  Also desk accessories like holders for notepaper
    or staplers with hippopotamus faces or little jars of colored
    paper clips.  Pens, felt markers, scribble pads, diaries, address
    books, blank books, etc.  Stationery.
    
    An instamatic camera and film might be nice if her family's in a
    position to continue to buy film and pay for processing.  Or a
    photo album if she's already got the camera.
    
    --bonnie
401.42Does anyone remember the name of thisMCIS2::DUPUISLove is grand, divorce is 20 grandWed Dec 18 1991 09:486
    Instead of Lite-Brite there is some new thing on the market (the name
    escapes me at the moment) but it's along the same idea as Lite-Brite
    without the &%&^ pegs.  It's what my almost 5 year old will be getting
    even though she asked for Lite-Brite.
    
    Roberta
401.43Magnadoodle?TENVAX::MIDTTUNLisa Midttun,285-3450,NIO/N4,Pole H14-15Wed Dec 18 1991 12:013
    Re: Last
    
    Is it called Magnadoodle? 
401.44DiaryCUPMK::JETTEWed Dec 18 1991 12:538
    Niece - age 9 years old
    
    A diary is great for a girl that age - and it's something that will
    last.
    
    KJ
    
    
401.45KAOFS::S_BROOKWed Dec 18 1991 12:574
THere's another thing where you write on a screen with a marker / crayon
the screen is back lit and on a black background so the writing on the
screen looks extra bright.  Cannot remember what it's called.  There's
a similar one with a pink background.
401.46A1VAX::DISMUKEKwik-n-e-z! That's my motto!Wed Dec 18 1991 14:3211
Something about Ghost Writer rings a bell.  

Try out the one with the Pink background.  I found that when writing on them,
the material covering the pink usually lifted or bumped causing the design
to erase itself.  That would be very frustrating for the artist.

-sandy

The magnadoodle is great.  My kids wore theirs out.  It is also good for car 
trips, etc.

401.47Does this clear anything up???MCIS2::DUPUISLove is grand, divorce is 20 grandWed Dec 18 1991 14:527
    I think it's called Lights Alive.  I've seen Magna Doodle as a matter
    of fact my almost 3 year old got it for Christmas last year.  I equate
    it more like an etch a sketch.  I think Ghost Writer is also like an
    etch a sketch.  This ??Lights Alive?? is more like Lite-Brite as it has
    the light bulb underneath.
    
    Roberta
401.48more info on Add-A-BeadMCIS5::TRIPPThu Dec 19 1991 13:4411
    I've been giving some serious thoughts to the Add-A-Beads.  Just
    because I seem to be a little slow sometimes to understand things, Can
    I give my niece the bead, or beads, say one for each year of age, *ON*
    the chain already?  Or is the object of this to just give loose beads,
    and at a certain point, did I hear 16th birthday mentioned? have all
    the bead mounted on the chain at once.
    
    I'm guessing that both metalic and pearl are available, is there any
    preference  or special meaning attached to giving either one?
    
    Lyn....who still is just starting her Christmas shopping!
401.49Add-a-Pearl....TENVAX::MIDTTUNLisa Midttun,285-3450,NIO/N4,Pole H14-15Thu Dec 19 1991 14:038
    RE: Add-a-Bead (or Add-a-Pearl)
    
    When I bought one of these for my daughter, the first pearl was already
    on the chain. Since she's only 1, I expect to get a pearl/event
    (birthday, christmas,etc.) for the next 15 years or so and find a safe
    place to store them all. When she's ready to wear the necklace, I'll
    get them strung. If I find that I'm nervous about losing the unstrung
    pearls, I'll get them strung more often.
401.50what the neighbors sayTLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistThu Dec 19 1991 14:1817
    re: .48
    
    Not only metallic or pearl, but also precious stones are
    available.  Many better jewelers sell a package that includes
    storage in their vault, insurance against theft, and the final
    stringing.  My neighbor who is doing this is buying pearls that
    cost $100 each, so she doesn't want them lying around the house to
    get lost or stolen.  But that means that when her daughter turns
    16, she's going to have a $1600 necklace -- maybe more considering
    inflation and appreciation -- that was paid for relatively
    painlessly.
    
    Another neighbor who's buying much less expensive pearls is
    planning to have them strung for her daughter's bas mitzvah.
    She's just storing them in her own jewel box.
    
    --bonnie
401.51But pearls need to be *worn*MCIS5::WOOLNERPhotographer is fuzzy, underdeveloped and denseThu Dec 19 1991 14:3110
    I wouldn't want pearls sitting around in a vault for 15 years; I've
    always been told that they should be worn fairly frequently.  The warmth 
    and oil of your skin preserves their luster....  I'm sure some jewelers
    would be delighted to sell you the pearls one by one, but they might
    sing a different song if you buy a full necklace and then ask how to
    care for it.
    
    Now, semiprecious stones, THERE'S an idea!
    
    Leslie 
401.529 1\2 year old ideasGEMVAX::WARRENThu Dec 19 1991 21:416
    Thanks for all the great ideas for my niece.  I've passed them on to my
    brother.  What he does use now will come in handy for her March
    birthday!
    
    -Tracy
    
401.53Gift Ideas for 14 yr old girl?WR2FOR::BELINSKY_MAMon Jan 13 1992 21:1616
    All you parents of older children out there - help me out!  My eldest
    niece is approaching her 14th birthday next month, and I am at a loss
    for what to buy her for a present.  So far I have been able to keep up
    with the various nieces and nephews (my own daughter is only 16
    months), but as they get older it gets harder.....
    
    She is an avid reader, and generally a bookworm, although she does play
    soccer.  I have asked my sister what she would like, but am not really
    interested in getting her another sweatshirt or equivalent.
    
    Any ideas?  Would she like a journal - getting ready for high school
    and all of that?  She doesn't have any hobbies that I am aware of.  
    
    I'm open to any suggestions.  the more creative, the better!
    
    Mary - Michelle's aunt
401.54Jewelry or the LimitedSHALOT::KOPELICQuality is never an accident . . .Tue Jan 14 1992 10:397
    Does she have pierced ears?  When I was that age I loved getting
    jewelry.  Also, I always give my babysitter gift certificates to the
    LIMITED (her and my favorite store.)  The Limited also has a great
    selection of socks, sweaters, earrings, etc...  Those I can always
    count on for being in style.
    
    Bev
401.56FDCV06::HSCOTTLynn Hanley-ScottTue Jan 14 1992 11:103
    A gift certificate to the Gap or to a local bookstore, since she's such
    an avid book lover.
    
401.57books, books, booksTNPUBS::STEINHARTTue Jan 14 1992 11:1222
    You can't go wrong with a book.  Unless I have a specific gift that I
    think is perfect, I buy a child a book.

    If you can find a bookstore with a knowledgable clerk, you can ask for
    recommendations from the clerk.  You can also ask the town librarian
    (maybe the children's librarian) for suggestions.  If you have enough
    time, many bookstores will order for you.  It takes about 2 weeks.
    Look in the THEBAY::BOOKS where you can get lots of suggestions.

    For a girl of 14, a book of love poems is a possibility.  She may be 
    at the right age for Beverly Cleary's novels.  There are lots of
    illustrated books on geography, science, ancient history, mythology,
    American history, travel, and other educational
    topics.  If her family is religious, consider a religious book
    suitable for teenagers.  When I was 14 I adored Edgar Allen Poe.
    If she is an advanced reader (sounds like it) you can get her an
    adult book (such as Poe) suitable for a young person.

    We often order books through Lil Professor, which has a store in my
    town.  They have about 5 or 6 locations in New Hampshire.
    
    Laura-who-LOVES-books-and-is-passing-that-love-on-to-her-daughter
401.58UMLAUT::krishnaBoring personal nameTue Jan 14 1992 11:146
Re: .53

A subscription to GAMES magazine?

bc
401.59athletic presentTLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistTue Jan 14 1992 11:2422
    Our experience with various nieces has been that an athlete (and
    soccer players are athletes) appreciates an athletic gift such as
    an accessory for her athletic bag: things like wrist bands, a
    small bag to hold cosmetics etc. in the larger bag, holders for
    her hair, a good gym towel, a portable hair drier, etc.  Look
    around the soccer section of a sporting-goods store for ideas.  
    
    I love books, and reading, but at that age I generally thought of
    a book as a stodgy, uninteresting present -- no matter how much I
    wound up enjoying it, I thought the giver's intentions were to
    preach at me and show me the way to truth.  Or else they were too
    cheap or too lazy to buy a real present.  This was certainly
    unfair of me, but that's how I felt. 
    
    At 14 she is almost certainly too old for Beverly Cleary.  Cleary
    appeals more to the 10-year-old audience.  She's out of the
    children's books and into what publishers call "young adult" --
    though many kids at 14 are beyond books written specifically for
    their age group and are starting to get into a particular genre
    such as horror, romance, SF.  
    
    --bonnie
401.60Add-a beadMCIS5::TRIPPTue Jan 14 1992 11:3917
    At 14, would she be too old to start her with say 14 add-a-bead pearls? 
    I priced them at Christmas at Service Merchandise, and found that they
    were only about $1.50 each. Mulitiply that times her age (14) and
    you've just about spent what you probably planned on anyway.  Maybe
    tell her parents that you're going to buy 14 bead, and see if they
    might want to buy the chain that goes with it.  Or write her an "IOU"
    for the chain for her next special occation (teen prom, good grades, a
    soccer chamionship etc. or even next Christmas or her next birthday.)
    
    I do agree the pre and early teen years have to be a challenge.  I was
    totally overwhelmed at my son's birthday party last weekend.  In walks
    his Godparents' almost 12 year old.  My goodness, she's grown literally
    in just a few weeks into one beautiful woman!  I've got a challenge for
    her birthday in just a couple months, she's obviouly not a little girl
    anymore!
    
    Lyn
401.61Unfortunately, not cheapPOWDML::SATOWTue Jan 14 1992 12:167
If you want to pursue the soccer angle, "Umbro" soccer wear (shorts, practice 
shirts etc.) is very popular with soccer cognocenti.  It's somewhat like 
designer labels though -- you pay a lot for the label.  If she doesn't have 
one already, a jacket in the school colors, with her name stitched on the 
sleeve are also very popular (and expensive).

Clay
401.62Magazine subscription?TENVAX::MIDTTUNLisa Midttun,285-3450,NIO/N4,Pole H14-15Tue Jan 14 1992 12:297
    How about a subscription to a young teen magazine? I forget what's on
    the shelves these days. Anyone know what's popular? I agree with Bonnie
    on the book idea...even though I love to read and would really enjoy
    the book, at that age it seemed a little impersonal(?) (for lack of a
    better word). But I remember loving to read through those magazines
    a that time. And, getting mail addressed to me on a regular basis was
    pretty cool, too!
401.63Books and magazinesNOVA::WASSERMANDeb Wasserman, DTN 264-1863Tue Jan 14 1992 12:468
    I remember loving Seventeen Magazine when I was that age.  Do they
    still publish it?
    
    Back on the idea of books... Is she into Nancy Drew?  I read tons of
    those (don't remember exactly what age, though).  Is 14 too old for
    them?  I also read several books in the series Sue Barton, Student
    Nurse.  Does that still exist?  Probably kind of dated by now, though
    :-)
401.64TLE::RANDALLliberal feminist redneck pacifistTue Jan 14 1992 13:384
    Yes, Seventeen still publishes.  It's one of the best on the
    market.  (Kat's been a subscriber for years.)
    
    --bonnie
401.65Thanks!!!!WR2FOR::BELINSKY_MATue Jan 14 1992 14:5415
    Thanks for all of the great ideas!!
    
    I forgot to mention that I live in CA and Michelle lives in Mass.--- so
    it's hard for me to do a gift certificate at some stores.  National
    chains like The Limited or B Dalton would work.
    
    I really like the magazine subscription idea.  I remember what it was
    like to get mail addressed to ME at that age!  I will also check out
    the soccer gear.
    
    I can call my sister and get an idea if Seventeen Magazine would be a
    good one.  I remember the two of us reading it at about that age.
    
    Mary 
    Mary
401.66tapes/magazine subs.MILPND::PIMENTELWed Jan 15 1992 13:007
    How about a gift certificate for cassette tapes.  Do you have a
    Coconuts or Good Vibrations in CA?  My 14 year old LOVES her tapes and
    also I subscribe to TEEN magazine which she loves too.  I'll get the
    address of that one and it's like $11.97 for 2 years, if you are
    interested.
    
    
401.67yes!WR2FOR::BELINSKY_MAWed Jan 15 1992 19:255
    Re:  .66
    
    Yes, I'm interested in the address of TEEN magazine!
    
    Mary
401.68keepsakes for boys?MCIS5::TRIPPThu Jan 16 1992 14:3510
    A quick question here, several mentions (including mine) of the
    Add-a-beads for the girls.  Is ther any equivalent to this that would
    be appropriate for *boys*?
    
    My nephew will be 5, the end of March and would like to start some kind
    of a keepsake for him. As I mentioned in an earlier reply we plan on
    starting my niece, his sister  with add-a beads for her birthday in
    July.
    
    Lyn
401.69MILPND::PIMENTELFri Jan 31 1992 13:194
    .67 sorry I haven't been in for a while.  I will post the address later
    today or Monday.  Sorry I didn't get it for you sooner.