It's that magical moment, when your kid turns 13th birthday gifts! The magical thirteen marks your child as an official teenager. "Whoo-hoo, hormones!" "Whoo-hoo, hormones!" you may jokingly grun. Along with this title comes the difficulty of finding a present that's not baffling and won't get a teenage eye-roll. You need not be afraid. You can do it.
We'll start by talking about your hobbies. Does your almost-teen like technology? Do not look past a cool device. Think about a VR head-set. This is like opening the door to another realm. They'll be having a great time in their room. You will not be able to deny the amazement. You'll have to be ready for their weird expressions as you explore the virtual world.
Maybe encourage that budding Picasso who is lounging at home. The combination of a quality sketchbook and specially selected art supplies is a great way to save time. The art is the perfect way to show that you're going through your 13-year-old feelings. Hey, Van Gogh used to do it.
If they already have a closet stuffed full of artsy items, why not? Take a look at their bookshelf. Look at their book collection. You can revitalize their love of reading by giving them a box set or new publication from their favourite author. A personalized bookplate featuring their name will make the gift extra special. Their eyes will light up, and you'll officially hold the title of "Coolest Parent/Aunt/Uncle/Surprise Gifter."
Wait! Don't ignore sports fans. You might want to consider investing in new gear for your kid if they can't get enough of their soccer victories. Do you have fancy shoes? Uniforms with flashy graphics? What about an activity tracker, so they could boast their long-distance sprint records during the evening dinner? Score!
Gifts with a music theme can make a great gift for children who are able to follow their heart. Think about an online music lesson or a starter ukulele. Who knows! Who knows? You may need to form a family group by Christmas next year. You could upgrade those earbuds you insist on using, or perhaps even replace them with better ones.
Is fashion and jewelry more the kid's judgement zone? Give them a piece that is both stylish and meaningful. The charms can bring back memories and are a better gift than a sweater that they will never wear.
We must not ignore the gamers. It's not about the old board games (though those are fun too). Video games, of course! Yes, some parents proudly display their "I survived Fortnite" battle scars. There are plenty of challenges for everyone, regardless of whether your child is obsessed with puzzles or the latest Switch titles.
To make a celebration more fun, you can give your guests gift cards to their favorite stores. In truth, this is the age when picking your own treasures can be gold. Plus, skipping potential risk of get-it-wrong-is-awkward is priceless. You can save yourself and others' sanity by using gift cards.
It's important to remember that creativity and thoughtfulness always win. You don't have to spend a fortune, just share your love with them and try to understand their quirky nature. The world of a child awaits exploration. You'll also learn some valuable lessons about the art of giving and how to better understand that teenager.