However, sometimes, it’s so easy to get caught up in marketing strategies and trends when thinking about what gifts to buy our kids. We tend to purchase the latest gadgets and the most advertised toys. We need to be reminded that quantity and cost don’t necessarily equate with how much we love our children. It’s best to give them meaningful presents that they would appreciate and genuinely enjoy.
Giving gifts with meaning and purpose is most especially suitable for 11-year-old children or those that are in the cusp of their adolescence. This is the time when they start to go through changes, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. They’re starting to get to know themselves and is slowly building their individuality. With this in mind, we need to give them gifts that will help them explore themselves, nurture their talents, and equip them to take on their future. In this article, we’ll be giving you some ideas of meaningful gifts that you can give to 11-year-olds.
New Experiences
Instead of giving your adolescent something material, you can give them the gift of experience. A truly memorable experience would last longer than something that’s tangible and could perhaps be something that they would remember until they’re grown up. A gift like this could also help them explore things that they might be into. Some examples that you can give your 11-year-old are movie tickets, concert passes to their favourite music artists and tickets to plays. You can also sign them up for camping trips and tours to different attractions within your area. Better yet, let them join a charitable organization that would teach them the gift of giving.
New Skills and Hobbies
It would also be great to give your young adult something worthwhile to do, like learning a new skill. This is one of the most fun ways to teach them a skill that they could benefit from in the future. You can enrol them in cooking or woodworking classes. You can also try something academically related, like learning a foreign language.If your kids are into music and arts, you can register them for music lessons, pottery, painting, etc. This age would also be the ideal time to start them on sports, gymnastics, or other physical activities like martial arts. These classes would help kids learn and develop characteristics like creativity, decision-making, and perseverance, which they would need as adults. It's also an opportunity for your child to meet other kids of the same age and establish their social circles.
Books
Books are one of the most educational and useful gifts that you can give your 11-year-old. There is a whole genre of books that deal with coming-of-age topics that can help your child answer some questions that they might have with the physical and internal changes that they’re going through. Books can also provide them with experiences and insight on subjects that they might not be able to encounter within their surroundings personally.Equipment That Would Support Their Interests
Material things could also be meaningful if they help support the development of your kids’ interests. Investing in a new computer might be expensive, but it’s something that a child can use for school. A camera could be a great gift if your child shows some interest in photography or making documentaries. You can also buy them a musical instrument like a guitar or a keyboard if they’re interested in music. Not only do the kids get something that could contribute to exploring their interests, but they would also learn the importance of taking care of material things that are valuable.
Grooming Essentials
Eleven-year-olds are slowly becoming self-conscious of their appearance and are becoming aware of their bodies. One of the most useful gifts that you can give them is grooming kits. You can give a starter makeup set as a gift for young girls or a set of the necessary toiletries for boys. This is also the perfect time for them to discover their style by bringing them shopping for their clothes.These are just some ideas that’ll help you choose the right gift. However, no matter what gift you decide to give your children, know that it will always be meaningful so long as you have their interests and what’s best for them in mind.
