Ideas for My Girls for Christmas?

Updated on December 14, 2009
J.C. asks from Chicago, IL
17 answers

I am kind of at a loss as to what to get my two stepdaughters for Christmas this year. The oldest is 20, a college student (bio major), and outdoorsy. The youngest is 17 and quite girly. We have done jewelry, clothing, bath&body stuff in the past but are looking for something different this year. Any ideas? I have two teen boys, who are much easier to shop for, so I am not the best at "girl" stuff, so any advice would be appreciated! Thanks moms!

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thanks ladies for all the wonderful ideas! It will be a much easier shopping trip now!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Chicago on

It was about that age that got both my girls (now 22 and 29) their first planner from Franklin Covey.
They love them.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J. give the girls gift cards this way you willn't have to wonder if they like the gift or not. They can buy what they want.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Dallas on

My sister is a college student too, quite girly herself, she is very into makeup and fashion, I got her a nice make-up box (caboodle type) because she never had one, and a lighted mirror. Cute earrings are always fun, in the past I have gotten her some, colorful socks are always a cute/fun gift, a reusable insulated coffee cup, picture frames for their rooms, gift certificate for a local nail salon for a mani/pedi, a desklamp or other desk supplies, if either girl has an ipod maybe some credit for songs would be good, cute warm pjs, Old Navy has some cute boots right now advertized for 15 bucks, hmmm....still thinking, hope this helps!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.J.

answers from Champaign on

I sell Usborne Children's Books and we have some great Science and Biology internet linked dictionaries. They have tons of great information in them. You can see them at www.CrackOpenABook.com or email me and I would be glad to help you. Great books on Famous Paintings, Historty, etc. There are some nice games that are out now that college age would love too. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

Ps. You also could make a Christmas journal or special memories journal to help them to start to keep track of things that will be to come in their lives.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.E.

answers from Chicago on

Sephora does great gift cards - they come in a compact with a mirror -- and every girl teen to 20s that I've given them to LOVES getting them. They have so much fun stuff even my friends who don't wear a lot of make up like that place. Jewelry is always appreciated and you can spend a little or a lot depending on your budget. Lulu Lemon, Lucy and Athleta have great, stylish sport wear for women. Patagonia has nice outdoors wear. Practical things like a really nice wallet are always fun to get and something you might not go out and buy for yourself. Journals with pretty pens. Cell phone cases. Look in young women's magazines and you'll get plenty of ideas. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.H.

answers from Chicago on

The college student would appreciate $ more than anything. Put it in something she can open (a stuffed animal of her college alma mater) that'has been Christmas wrapped. The teenager would love a gift certificate to her favorite store where she can pick out what she wants with her friends at a shopping trip. Merry Christmas..

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.F.

answers from Chicago on

I would do, if they have an ipod, money on cards so they can buy songs, aeropostle, american eagle, etc. clothes store gift cards, gift cards for manicure, pedicures, hair done, etc... Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.P.

answers from Chicago on

I have two girls.. 25 and 23..
let's see. Most young adults really enjoy their ipods so if they have one.. either girl, an itunes gift card as someone as had suggested is great. (I want one!!) The outdoorsy one.. does she have good quality base layers in clothing to keep her warm. I know Dicks has just a ton of sporty clothing for athletes and outdoor activities. Like a really nice pair of hiking/running pants or a hoodie or long sleeve shirt that she can wear to keep her warm outside.. I got one from Pennys that I LOVE.. the brand is called "cuddles" and they used to just make thermal underwear pj types of stuff but now they have expanded to the base layer garments for people who ski.. exercise outdoors.. I wear it indoors. They are affordable and wick away the sweat.. also a great pair of hiking or good quality socks is always nice. Do you know what places are by her school.. if there is a starbucks on campus or like someone else said. you can't go wrong with gift cards..you could attach the socks to a gift card with a cute ribbon.. not sure what your budget is.
For the girly girl..again. gift cards are what a lot of the kids want.. but if you wanted to add something cute to a gift card, there is just a ton of stuff at the Sephora store. A popular brand right now is "philosophy" and they make some yummy smelling bath/shower gels.. in just the most wonderful smelling scents such as cinnamon, chocolate..I forget all of them, just a really clever gift. I asked for a set from my hubby for Christmas!

The set is called " the recipe box.." and has all sorts of yummy smelling washes in it. If you google Sephora and then click on the brand: philosophy, you will see all the different and cute gift sets they have.

I have bought several things from the Mark line that Avon makes. They have really cute lip gloss sets and so forth too. I have a consultant who gives me free shipping and can pass her name along if you need one. Have fun and I know they will appreciate whatever you choose for them!
Happy Holidays!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Chicago on

Price ranage is a huge factor here. I didn't really look at the other posts so I apologize if this is repetative. Tickets to a play or Blue Man Group would be nice,or a membership to the Arboretum for the outdoorsy one or a pass to State parks, if she's in the area. You could do a gift card somewhere, but I'm not a huge fan of gift cards. A Magazine subscription to something like Smithsonian or National Geographic would be nice. I'm at a loss for the 17 year old- girly is not really my thing. Sorry. Hope this helps. K

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.D.

answers from Chicago on

HI Jacqueline, Sorry you are having a hard time with picking something out for your stepdaughters, I would say gift cards to their favorite clothing store is always a great gift. My family is not into gift cards at all because they are not very "personable" but coming from someone that has gotten the worst gifts I would say I am more than happy to get a gift card. Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Jacqueline, My oldest daughter is 7 so when another mom told me about this shop I thought it would better suite a much older girl. Anyway it is located within the Macys at Oak Brook. It is located in the corner near the cosmetics department. They have all sorts of neat soaps, cleansers, bath salts etc. they are a bit pricey but the concept is cute. Sorry but dont recall the name of the shop. Good luck! c

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.O.

answers from Chicago on

My daughters are 18 and 19. For my youngest I am thinking about getting her tickets to a dance show or musical. My oldest daughter I am looking at the Kindle. She loves to read and her birthday is in Jan. so it can be part of her birthday present.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.G.

answers from Decatur on

Every year any kids in our families that are going to college I make them care packages homemad hot chocalate mix I put in jar with instructions small bags of snacks when I do my baking put that in a bag. sometimes money gift card from places to eat in their area pan and pencil set. stuff they would enjoy or need its hard kids away and trying to make it on there own and going to school

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Chicago on

The old teenagers/young adults are certainly difficult to buy for. If they enjoy going to movies you could get them an AMC movie card ($20 or $25) and create a movie basket complete with the gift card, a box of microwave popcorn, movie candy and a soda, etc. (all to add flare to the gift). The AMC movie cards are really great and they even smell like popcorn. I gave this to my teenage god daughter and she loved it. The basket presentation was really nice.

Or you can also get the movie and dinner card, which is usually a $50 value and can be used to pay for the movie tickets and dinner at one of four restaurants. Just a different idea to dress up the usual gift card.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Chicago on

Gift cards! Starbucks, itunes, old navy, gap, banana republic.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.G.

answers from Chicago on

You can make a movie gift basket for the college student. Microwave popcorn, candy, a couple Dvds and a gift card for a movie rental place....blockbuster etc. Those were always awesome when I got them! 17 year old why not something like a gift certificate for a mani/pedi, and throw that in a basket with some misc items she likes...a favorite fragrance, nail polish etc. I also read this neat idea to give Cash where you put a crisp bill in the spine of a hardcover book (bend it so the back cover touches the front cover and that should open the space for you to slide the money in. and it shouldn't slide out unless they bend it back like that) then underline the "clues" to find it. So as they are reading they will see the word "it's" or "it is" "in" "the" all underlined then write "spine" in the margins somewhere. Seems like a cute idea. :) Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Peoria on

I didn't read all your other responses, so sorry if this is a repeat. I have the opposite problem. I don't know what to get for my tween/teen brothers!! For your college girl or your second if she is getting ready to go to colege. A microwave or mini refrigerator if she is in a dorm and allowed to have those are great. Money may not be "personal" but is always appriciated. Also, for your older daughter a care package with general foods to cook. (ie: speghetti os, ravioli, soup, ramen noodles, juice bottles, water, soda, etc)One year when I was around that age I got camping equipment. I already had a tent, but I got sleeping bags and air mattresses. A gift card to itunes may also be an option for both girls. When I was in college(and before) I hardly ever watched tv, but I ALWAYS listened to music. I don't know your price limit, but my brother got me a computer (or a laptop would work- if is an option check newegg.com), then my parents got a printer for it. It was nice to have so I didn't have to spend hours in the computer lab typing and printing papers and I could save my papers to work on. Hope this helps give you some ideas!

1 mom found this helpful
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches