Every year my dad and I would adopt a kid for the holidays. Last christmas was the first christmas without my dad and I was too emotional to do it. Basically I didn't want the holidays at all. This year I am getting back into the tradition. I chose a 12 year old girl. She needs clothes, she likes arts and crafts but other than that I don't know much about her. I would like to get her other things on top of the things she likes but I can not think of things 12 year old girls like. Since she is in middle school I don't want to get her clothes that i wouldn't wear. Jr. High is such a rough time. I just can't find things that I think are cute. She is in desperate need of a winter coat. She is a size 12 - 14. Any help finding great things would be great.
So sorry to hear about your dad but this is a great tradition! What a great way to honor your dad!
I agree with Cortney, you can't go wrong with Old Navy. That coat she posted was great, but I think it may be too dressy. You never know what kind of circumstances these kids are in (right?) I think something in a neutral color (maybe a black with the fur collar) that is basic but still 'cool.'
You really can't be too specific since you don't know her interests but if she likes arts and crafts, what about a simple crotchet kit or something younger girls would be interested in (maybe a braclet making kit (beads, etc)).
that cream old navy henley is ADORABLE. i want it. i love love old navy's kids clothes- i think its their best product. kids don't need nice stuff and its SO cute.
side note- how do you find a kid to adopt like this? my family used to do this, but i'd like to do it this year, maybe with my bf or sister. what programs? i'd like to have a specific gender/age, or family, so that i can shop with that in mind.
My son's friends that are girls love Hollister, A&F, Roxy, stuff like that. We are in SO CAL though so I don't know if that has any impact on what they like. Probably so.
Cortney, that was one of the coats I was looking at in Old Navy, but I was thinking the teal or tan. I also already purchased those Jeans, and the PJ Set, that is too funny. I really like the polo, thanks for all of the great ideas.
Lynnie, my bank normally has the salvation army angel tree. This year I picked up the angel card at my job, they also do it every year. I always try and find an entire family to adopt but those are hard to come by. If in your searches you find a way to do that please let me know, so I can do it next year. If you visit your local salvation army they might be able to assist you in finding a location that you can pick up an angel card, or they might have the tree with the angels in the store.
I really don't know what 12 year olds like, but I just wanted you to know that this really warms my heart. Add this to the list of things that "get me every time". Thanks for doing this - even though it is probably hard on you with the loss of your dad.
I dont' know what kind of crafts she is into, but Target has "Knit This" kits which include everything to get started knitting one project for like $15. And you can get an beginner kit, you just have to look through them. They are over by the school supplies in one of those aisles. Like this but doesn't have to be an out of style poncho....
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One of my babysitters is 12, and she is always wearing Hollister tees and Abercrombie sweats w/ the name across the butt. Last night she had on some really cute pj bottoms that were pink w/ candy canes on them. Her mom says she likes music, so maybe a personal cd player would be good, too.
There's a new item out this X-mas called LiteBrite FX that is basically spin art. Don't know if it's too young for a 12 year old or not. There are always jewelry making kits all over the place. You're never too old for custom jewelry! fredflare.com has a paint-by-number set of famous works of art that was cool. Undies and socks are a good gift for someone who's needy, even though it's not very exciting. You could roll up each pair individually, tie them w/ a ribbon or a rubber bracelet and place them in a cute purse or something of the sort.
Oh yeah, everybody needs something really fun on Christmas, especially kids. I like the paint by number idea too. Also was thinking about a beaded jewelry kit.