The Best Gifts for Kids 8 + to Tween 2021: Holiday Gift Guide

 

The Best Gifts for Kids 8 + to Tween 2021: Holiday Gift Guide
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The Best Gifts for Kids 8 + to Tween 2021: Holiday Gift Guide

For older kids ages eight to tween, parents know that kids this age may gravitate towards a game they loved four years back or are ready to tackle something pretty advanced. This grouping of kids is on a case-by-case basis (#IYKYK).

This is why we have gifts that do not focus on one genre- for really kids these days are pretty darn cool and surprise us with their creativity and intelligence every day so why should we not ‘bring it’ when picking out their gifts?!

Here are 7 worth considering:

 

Questions for Rebel Girls 

While the Rebel Girls series encourages girls to know they can reach their dreams/goals by reading about amazing women, I would personally love for my sons to read this book. The book shares quotes and introduces extraordinary women throughout history, allowing the reader to answer questions and be inspired. At the same time, they think upon these questions, imagine what they would do in a similar scenario, and perhaps have a  discussion with their peers or family. Ages 6+,  $9.99, rebelgirls.com

 

YuMe Among Us 

Kids love a good plushy, and these comfy pillow styles from the hit online multiplayer game Among Us are perfect for your tween-ager! Made of super-soft Velboa fabric, this plush is super soft, and yes, you can squeeze it. Each plush is sold separately and is 16 inches in height. Age 3 +, $24.98, Walmart.com

Pokemon 25th Anniversary Celebrations Elite Trainer Box

If your child is into Pokemon, then you know that Pokemon is 24/7 for fans of Pikachu and Mew, to name a few. This Anniversary Celebrations Elite Trainer Box includes 10 Pokémon TCG: Celebrations 4-card booster packs, five additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, one special foil card featuring Greninja, 65 card sleeves featuring the Pokémon 25 logo and lightning tail design, 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards, and more. Your kid will love this trainer Box. Ages 6+, $93, Amazon.com

 

Beetle Taxonomy Paint By Number Banner

If one of your goals is less screen time and more art, this banner kit includes unique die-cut cards printed on 100% paperboard. There are six beetle encyclopedia plates . Not only will your artist learn about each bug’s name, but you will also be able to paint these cards and have miniature art pieces to keep or be framed by you. Ages 13 +, $44, Nathanandco.com.

Artie Max The Coding Robot

You can’t go wrong with a STEM gift, and this Artie Max is perfect for both beginners and pro-coders.  Learning to code can feel intimidating, but with Artie Max, the robot draws in 6 major coding languages that help kids code creatively.  The Artie Max can be directly connected to your child’s tablet, phone, iPad, or home computer, and learning to code can start immediately. Ages 8-12, $109.99, educationalinsights.com.

 

Ghosted Game

Tweens love weird games, so we are giving in and adding GHOSTED a game of Boo-Dunnit. Where you and your players help your restless spirit search and identify who wanted you Ghosted.  Ages 10+, 16, Target.com.

Sphere Dj-Style Headphones 

If you go through headphones like crazy, you will appreciate these wired, dj-style headphones with a mic. That, at $5, won’t break the band, so buy one for every member of the family. The headphones feature a built-in mic, comfy ear cushions, and an adjustable headband. Are compatible with iPhone®, iPad®, Samsung galaxy®, android™ smartphones, tablets & other 3.5mm audio devices. $5, fivebelow.com.

Psst… Check out CDC Recommends Kids Ages 5-11 to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine: Here is What NYC Parents Need to Know

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OASIS DAY CAMP CENTRAL PARK – Manhattan

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Give Your Child A Lifetime of Memories At A Beautiful Summer Oasis</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>25 AMAZING SUMMERS, LIFELONG FRIENDS!</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unparalleled quality summer camp at the ICONIC Central Park in the heart of New York City. Over 90 activities for kids 3-16 Sports, Swim, Enrichment, + Teen Travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Warm Social and Emotional Environment. As part of the Oasis family, kids gain confidence, compassion, self-esteem & individuality.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oasis Day Camp offers specialized programming for campers 3 – 15 years old. A traditional day camp in every way, Oasis prides itself on quality programming at parent-friendly prices. Oasis has swim, sports, art, music, dance, nature, and enrichment programming as well as air-conditioned indoor facilities, and the great outdoor green shady fields and athletic facilities! There are trips for teens and, the most well trained, caring staff in the industry. Daily hot lunch and snacks and transportation options.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oasis gives campers the opportunity to be active, think creatively, and discover new friendships that will last a lifetime. Truly a summer to experience the outdoors and a traditional camp right in your neighborhood.</p>

Mosholu Day Camp

<div>For over 80 years, Mosholu Day Camp has been providing affordable, quality camping to children from all over the Bronx, Manhattan, Rockland & Westchester. Our picturesque facility sits on beautiful Lake Cohasset in Harriman State Park. It offers children a place to develop, experience, and enjoy the nature around them, while taking part in unforgettable outdoor summer activities.</div> <div> </div> <div>Mosholu offers campers more, while you pay less. As a camp that focuses on traditional activities our goal is to give children unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships. The camp has expert staff and top-notch facilities. Mosholu is a safe and nurturing environment filled with exciting activities and adventures for all ages. Director, Mike Halpern brings over 40 years of camping, teaching and childcare experiences and along with an amazing leadership team, built a program that allows campers to learn and thrive.</div> <div> </div> <div>The camp provides a nurturing environment where campers have an opportunity to enjoy activities (like music, arts, sports, and special programs), while a special focus is placed on swimming, where campers begin to develop and improve water familiarity and swimming skills take part in row boats, kayaks and an amazing waterpark. The camp has an amazing challenge and ropes course area with a number of challenges including a rock wall, zip line, tree climbing and rope swing. Campers gain independence while supervised by counselors who understand the needs of emerging tween campers.</div> <div> </div> <div>Mosholu is a “funtastic” place where campers make new friends, are creative, focus on sports and arts, and have a positive experience. Counselors are college-aged and older, and are directly supervised by adult professional child care workers who are in tune to the campers' needs. There are tons of inter-camp games and parties, as well as cookouts and a water balloon sling-shot area where campers stay cool and laugh.</div> <div> </div> <div>Mosholu Day Camp offers bus service (included in the price) from all over Westchester, Upper Manhattan, The Bronx and Rockland. It is a safe, fun-filled camp where kids grow, make friends, and create lasting memories through exciting adventures and amazing activities—all at an unbeatable price!</div>

Independent Lake Camp

<p>Independent Lake Camp is a premier overnight camp in the Poconos for ages 6-17. ILC is dedicated to being a diverse community with powerful individualized programming, and top-notch facilities & staff. We have been offering respect, creativity and understanding in a challenging and nurturing environment for 30 years.</p> <p>The friendships and connections that are developed at ILC are what makes our community so special. We are a fantastic circus, sports, dance, performing arts, music, aquatics, fine & digital arts, skateboarding, high ropes, role playing games, nature and equestrian camp all rolled into one.</p>