Christmas List for Bigs
Big kids. It gets harder to shop for them every year, doesn’t it?! My oldest is only 11, but he’s into so much technology, sports, and all these mature things. Yet, he’s still a kid. His Christmas list ranges from a new NERF gun to Apple Air Pods. Here we go, friends, let’s make a list for those amazing big kids.
So cozy and comfy! If you think your big kid won’t use this, you’re wrong. If you think you won’t steal it from them… also wrong.
Wireless Headphones
I used to feel like a cool mom, but now I just feel like I can’t keep up. What’s the newest and coolest thing to have? Staying up on the technology is exhausting. Headphones are useful and I know it’s on quite a few big kid wish lists this year. Advice from my 11-year going on 18-year-old… “make sure you get a cool pair like Beats.” Bonus, they’re much more difficult to lose than wireless ear buds!
Bluetooth Speaker
I bought one for myself last year and my kids are constantly asking me to put music on in the house now. We have a little JBL and it’s wonderful, so that’s the brand I would recommend as ours has been phenomenal. These make great gifts for any kid – just know that you’ll be sharing your phone if they don’t have their own to play music and podcasts for them.
Something for their sport!
New cleats, dance shoes, skates, etc (I know my child isn’t the only one whose feet grow an inch per month) or other necessary equipment. Rebound net or device (they make some sort of rebound trainer for many sports!). Sponsor one of their tournaments or meets. New mitt or gloves, shin guards, mouth guard. A surface (tiles, mat) for the basement, garage, or bedroom for them to practice on. Gatorade water bottle filled with Prime drink mixes and their favorite candy. Message me if you need help with ideas here, I have plenty!
Hoverboard or Electric Scooter + Helmet
The ER nurse in me hates this one, but it’s been on my oldest kiddos list since he was like 6. Any scooter, bike, skateboard, or anything on wheels should always include a proper-fitting helmet if they don’t already have one.
The Gift of Experience
Go together to the nail salon for a mani + pedi. Gift card or go together to the blow dry bar for a fresh wash and blowout. Gift them and a friend (or you if you’re a cool parent) a loal cooking class. Paint your own pottery. Indoor skydiving. Top Golf if you have one near you. Tubing passes if you live where there’s winter. Tickets to a sports game. Escape room. Dinner and a movie. These are just a few ideas and will depend on your/their location. Check out Facebook Events page in the area or turn to Google for some ideas of what events may be coming up around you. Reach out if you need help finding something near you!
Water Bottle
It seems simple, I know. But everyone needs an emotional support water bottle, right?! My kids bring water bottles to school, and they take a beating. These ones by Simple Modern have been a favorite for us as they’re durable, actually leakproof, have a silicone straw, + fit in cup holders and backpack pockets. I have a teen cousin and she is getting one of the new colors Stanley 40oz cups for Christmas from me because what 16-year-old has $40 to spend on a cup?
New Shoes
Nike Air Max 7,000 with Bluetooth speakers + self-lacing…. only kidding. But, these kids grow out of shoes so. freaking. fast. A new pair of shoes will never be wasted. Don’t forget a gift receipt if you’re unsure of size (and, personally, I always size up 1/2-1 size for my kids to get a little more life out of shoes).
Lego’s
I suggested it for Littles, and I’ll suggest it for Bigs. Legos. I dunno about you, but we love Lego in our house. I asked my kids to get me the Wildflower Boquet Lego set and build it for me for Christmas. Both my boys will put a new Lego set on just about any wish list. My youngest likes to build whatever he can create with his mind, by my oldest likes to build a full set and display them in his room (he recently completed the Mandalorian Razor Crest, so time consuming and it was awesome to see his patience with it).
Games
No, not video games. We already know they have them all, or want them all and can’t have them all. Kan Jam and Spikeball are great physical games that will be a hit at home or with their friends. Exploding Kittens is easy to learn and play and always a hit + Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is hilarious. Blokus is fun to learn strategy and Battleship has an electronic version now where they can play against someone or the computer. Ticket to Ride, Azul, and Catan are also amazing board games though playtime tends to run quite long for these.
Best Wishes and Warmest Regards,
Em
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