Hi, My daughter is going to be 12 on Sunday. She really wants a cell phone as her gift. My husband says definately no! So what else do I get her. She has an ipod and is not really into any video games. I usually buy one big gift and some other small stuff. I have a budget of around $100.00. Any ideas?
Cash!! :)
I started giving my son cash when he was 12. I took him to the stores & watched him pick out what he wanted. He was very happy with that.
Oooh what about a Mom and Daughter spa day? Massage, Manicure and Pedicure. I would have LOVED if my mother took me to do that when I was that age.
What about a birthstone ring or necklace. Does she have pierced ears? If so, a nice pair of gold earrings or pearl studs. A gold or silver bracelet. Mervyns always has their fine jewelry on sale. She would always treasure a nice piece of jewelry.
I agree w/ a day at the mall & lunch or if she is sentimental (sp?) then a necklace from mom would be a great idea. My boyfriend's dtr (12.5 y.o.) lives w/ us and she likes trips to the mall. This is only my opinion and I'm probably the minority, but I believe that if a child gets a cel phone, esp. at that age, she/he needs to be 100% responsible for payments, etc. Otherwise you are inevitibly in for a big bill in the future!
My niece turned 12 in december and for her birthday my sister and I bought her a fancy dress, got all dressed up, and went to see the Nutcracker. She had soooo much fun getting all dolled up and a having a girls night out. I think rather than a BIG gift. . just spending that one on one time will make it special.
How about a digital camera? My niece is twelve and got her's as a gift and she absolutely loves it and takes wonderful care of it.
My parents bought me a Tiffany charm bracelet at that age, with my name engraved on it. (Who doesn't love getting a gift in that fabulous blue box?) For various events after that, they bought small charms (for graduation, confirmation, engagement, when my kids were born, etc). I wear the bracelet to this day and love it for every memory it represents!
Im with Kimmie!! Thats sounds like the best gift ever!!
Hi T.,
Consider your reasons for giving your daughter a cell phone. Is it because you would like for her to be able to get in touch with you at any time (and vice-a-verse-a), or is it just to give her a gift?
Keep in mind too, cell phones are a gift you must keep on giving... month, after month, after month, when you pay the bill.
My own experience with my daughter having a cell is that we are often at odds over the amount of her use. While my daughter is older than yours and I like when she is at school activities or out on a date that she checks in regularly, her text messaging in class when the phone is supposed to be shut off and her downloading ring tones (at 2.99 each) gets her into trouble. When at home my daughter uses her cell rather than the house phone to gab with friends. Her 49.99 rate is often closer to $70. The only reason we haven't shut the thing off is because she is a straight "A" student.
Anyway, before giving the gift of a cell phone consider what it will mean in the months to come. It is a minimum two year commitment between you and the phone company. Ask yourself if your daughter is responsible enough for that kind of commitment.
L.
how about you spend some alone time with her, take her to the mall, get your nails done together, get her ear pierced (if she doesn't have them yet), maybe even go shopping together & let her pick some cute outfits, i think she will defenetly apreciate the alone time she will get to spend with you & get a babysitter so you will enjoy yourself too.
L.
Funny how one changes one's opinion about things like cell phones, driving, etc. I was thoroughly against cell phones when my kids were younger, but when they get into middle school and high school and start to get a lot more freedom but you still worry about them and want to keep tabs on them you find a cell phone very handy. I will let my second kid drive at 16, earlier than my oldest, because I discovered if you don't then they have a bunch of people you may or may not know with the power behind the wheel. Better your own kid driving.
Anyway, that's beside the point - I like the camera idea and I know my daughter would have loved the mani/pedicure idea at that age.
