Hey guys - My sister is turning 14 this month - we were very close when she was little but I moved out of the house when she was about five and several states away, so I see her about once a year. I tried to keep in touch, but, as it happens, I wasn't very good about it, and now we don't have a very close relationship, so I don't know her very well - I want to give her something cool - I remember that 14 is old enough to know about what's going on with trends, fashion, celebrities, whatever else. Anyway, I just can't think of anything. Do you guys have any ideas? For Christmas I gave her a bunch of Origins stuff, skin care and the little makeup my mom will allow her to wear (lip gloss and clear mascara,) so she's pretty set on that - cute notebooks, pens, etc are pretty much out because my mom buys her a ton of that stuff - any other ideas? I think she's old enough to like the same stuff I might in general, but at this point the things I want are all so expensive that they're out too. Sorry this is long-winded. Oh and also I never got my 9 year old sister something for her bday a couple months ago. 9 is such an in-between age! She's definitely not a teenager but does see her older sister so probably feels left out of some stuff. If you have any ideas for either, please let me know!!
It seems like most girls that age start to become painfully aware of clothes and having their own opinions about how they want to look. I'd either take her shopping, or if that is not possible 'cause you are out of state, find out her favorite store and send her a GC - she'll be thrilled to pick out what SHE likes, rather than get something that is not her style. (While you are at it, get something for the 9 year old too so she doesn't feel left out - cool books maybe if she likes to read (Sisterhood of Travelling Pants)
What kind of music is she into? Maybe get tickets to a concert and plan a weekend trip so you can take her. Or your mom might know what kind of music she likes these days. (And there's always iTunes gift cards.)
Maybe a digital camera if she doesn't have one already?
A semi-nice purse or tote from a place like UO, if they have one nearby, so she can exchange it if she doesn't like it?
Funky/trendy stuff for her bedroom, like a fringed bohemian hanging lamp or bedding in her favorite colors?
Will you be seeing your sister? If so, maybe you can take her out shopping so you two (or three!) can spend time together and ya know, do girly things. I know at that age, I always wanted to go shopping.
Gift cards are always fun, especially if it's to the mall where she lives because then she can go and choose what she wants. You could even include a throw-away camera so that she can take pictures of what she bought for you to see