Hobbies And Interests
Sporting Goods and the Outdoors
If you are buying a gift for a kid who plays a sport or enjoys being outdoors, your local sporting goods store is a good place to find a great gift. For example, if the child plays Little League baseball or softball, buy a new bat, glove or ball. If the child enjoys being outside, a new pair of hiking boots, a pair of binoculars or a pup-tent are all things that will help cultivate an appreciation for nature. Mountain bikes and skateboards are popular outdoor activities; if the child is interested in biking or skating, buy a new bike or board.
Electronics
Video game consoles are some of the most popular gifts for kids, whether it be a PlayStation 3, Nintendo DSi, Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii. Gaming systems make excellent holiday or birthday presents. The youngster will be able to use and enjoy the system for many years to come. If he already owns a game console, buy games that suit his interests; there are many titles in various categories, such as action and adventure games, puzzle games, and sports games. Other electronic gift ideas are CDs and DVDs; find out a bit about what kind of music and movies the youngster likes before you go shopping.
Board Games
Many board games now have interactive features that make them more fun to play in an ever-increasing technological society. Monopoly now offers a paper-moneyless version that uses a credit card system; the Scene It trivia games come with DVDs that provide questions and puzzles for players to solve. Board games come in a variety of categories tailored to a number of interests; if the child enjoys a TV series, you can often find a board or trivia game dedicated to that show.
Educational Gifts
Gifts that provide both entertainment and education can cultivate a child's mental development. Help the child to learn a new language by giving her language tutorial CDs or DVDs. If she enjoys a book series, such as "Twilight," "Harry Potter," or "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," give a book she still doesn't own from the series or introduce he92to a new series of a similar vein. Promote and support the child's natural curiosity by giving her a science kit; these often come with a microscope or magnifying glass, slides and a notebook to write findings in.