Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Gift ideas 12-year-old who loves math, creating

Does anyone have recommendations on a gift for a 12-year-old gifted child who loves math and is very creative? She loves algebra, art, and science and also writes a lot of short stories. She is on a competitive robotics team as well. Some of her hobbies include weaving, soldering, drawing, reading, playing made up sports games (including making her own bows, arrows), roller skating, playing with chemistry sets, playing guitar and ukulele, creating her own art supplies, spending time outdoors. She hates programming. Haha

The mass-marketed toys/games usually in stores are way below her level of interest. We've also gone through mel science chemistry, mel physics, and maker crate (kiwico) subscriptions in prior years.

If anyone has ideas, I'd love to hear them. I don't want to limit ideas to brainy things. She loves thinking as well as doing.

Does she have a 3D printer?

I acknowledge she currently doesn’t enjoy programming but perhaps it’d be different if this enables her creative side.

My youngest enjoys knitting with good quality wool.

Thanks for your reply, Eagle Mum. Interesting that you should mention that. She has enjoyed using one at robotics. She and her older brother are pooling birthday/Christmas/lawn-mowing money to save up for a 3D printer, and I am happy that they are working together to do this. I think you are right, that she will enjoy a 3D printer.

If they are saving for a 3D printer, perhaps she & her brother might enjoy some of these adventure games and be inspired to create their own adventure game with their 3D printer, for family & friends: https://www.bonbonfusion.com.au/

I've never seen anything like this. Thanks for sharing! I will take a look at this.

The puzzles in the commercial set may be too easy for her, but could give her ideas for making more challenging puzzles. She could incorporate rhymes, cryptic clues and maths in her puzzles.