Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Christmas gifts--elementary age

Our girls are getting compound bows and BB guns as their "big" presents from us. The rest will be some clothes, games (ThinkFun is high on our list too), and maybe a download or two to their Ipod or Kindle.

Those are awesome gifts, btw!

Portia, I know your son is developing an interest in the stock market. Does he like physical coins or bills? You could buy retired stock and bond certificates on ebay, which have some neat historical value. At your son's age, I was fascinated with foreign coins and bills and had a beautiful album to display them in.

You could also buy him an ETF, maybe $50 of the S&P500, and monitor it together as a long-term investment.

Just a couple of ideas. I'll brainstorm some more. Is he still into the Civil War?

Is it time to size up his bicycle? Musical instruments are also great.

Thanks for the microscope recommendations! I appreciate it!

My DD9 is getting an ipad (DH won one at a work function he went to, lucky girl this year gets the benefit). She is also getting a standing floor punching bag to practice her Martial Arts, along with a karate belt display case for her belts. She wanted a real microscope and a telescope. Could only swing one so we got her a real telescope since she is currently learning about the Sun and the Moon. A few Lego kits and some American Girl stuff.

Thanks for all the suggestions! Here are some things I have on my Amazon wishlist. Won't be getting them all but they look interesting. If anyone has input, let me know.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TGVNHA...olid=3KXX4Q1ZYSJAJ&coliid=I2H4N9MU8XCEQQ

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NR7PN0...colid=3KXX4Q1ZYSJAJ&coliid=I1XMMIXAJ7YI0


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PQZM3A...olid=3KXX4Q1ZYSJAJ&coliid=I1K4W4WSST74W7

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00720I7TC...olid=3KXX4Q1ZYSJAJ&coliid=I3SL93C8VCNUVQ

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KAZPXG...colid=3KXX4Q1ZYSJAJ&coliid=IE2AS4K3F5H7U

I purchased this DVD a few years ago in anticipation of the time DS would be ready for it: Mr. Bean-The Whole Bean.

Here's an example:
Mr. Bean-Sandwich for Lunch
Mr. Bean Back to School
Mr. Bean-The Exam

He's getting that and a microscope, four-in-one game table, and scotch tape...lots 'o scotch tape, laddie.

Would love ideas for DD9. She likes art, birds, life science, reading, and writing. There isn't much on her list. She doesn't tend to be materialistic, and if she is it's little things, like headbands or tiny cute things, so she isn't coming up with many ideas. We don't buy many books since she is out of shelf space and doesn't usually reread.

Experiential gifts may range from travel to museum membership, or even a donation to an organization which helps others (Heifer International comes to mind because you mention your daughter likes animals).