Gift Guide for the Middle Grader + A GIVEAWAY!

Ahh the middle graders. Big feelings that sometimes seem too big for their not yet big enough bodies. I’m learning this new chapter with my nine year old, Caroline, and I can tell I still have much to learn.

As far as gifts, there also seems to be a challenging middle place. Their interests lie somewhere in the middle between little kid imaginative toys and big kid tech toys. It’s tricky to find what excites them.

With help from my daughter, I rounded up some ideas that hit the happy middle ground, mostly surrounding the joy of creativity and developing their sense of self. I hope you find some ideas for the middle grader in your life.

Creativity is where my nine year Old’s heart lies. If she can make it with her hands, she is in. In fact, I know if she was gifted a giant box of random fabrics and yarn and crafting doo dads she would be in heaven. Pair it with one of these Creativity Books to make a great gift. If you want to go even bigger, consider a Sewing Machine for your little creative. My mom found a used sewing machine that was once used in high school so it was the perfect machine on which to learn. The brand is the Singer 140q and you can find some on eBay. But this newer Singer version looks like a good size too. I was intimidated by teaching her but then came down one night to say goodnight to find her working away at the sewing machine like she has been doing it her whole life. Kids are amazing.

While Caroline is starting to grow out of playing with dolls and imagination (insert cry face emoji), I still find her setting up the dollhouse and sewing clothes or accessories for her dolls. I spotted these Mini DIY Dollhouse rooms and now I want to do one with her! How cute is that library?! The reviews say it is challenging but for patient hands and adult support, it could be a very fun project.

My girl got her ears pierced this year and she seems very sensitive to metal posts. Hypoallergenic earrings can be expensive, but I found these plastic posts on Earrings by Emma with just the cutest designs.

There are some great microphones advertised for the younger crowd, and one is on my nine year old’s Christmas list. But I’m also keeping this Podcast Microphone in mind. She has discovered podcasts this year and is always coming up with ideas of starting one of her own. Who knows, maybe I could get into podcasting too!

When I redecorated Caroline’s room, I was surprised at how excited she got over the art I chose. It reminded me how much kids this age really love creating a space of their own. Art is a great way to do this. These were some of her favorites on Etsy. For the Strong Girl. For the Magic Fan. For the Reader, or this one, or this one.

Friendships are huge at this age. Keeping up with pen pals is more fun with personalized Stationery.

From the same company, we have also fell in love with these paper dolls. Fashion is a new fun discovery for Caroline. Paper dolls are the perfect way to explore this. especially now that the company has just come out with their Coloring Paper Doll Kits.

We love these so much that I entered into a giveaway with Unusual Kind when they released the new coloring paper doll kits and I WON!! I never win ANYTHING!! And I didn’t just win one, I won ALL OF THEM!! So to spread the love I want to GIVEAWAY one packet of your choice plus one of the adorable postcards to one lucky winner!

To enter:

1.) Follow this link to Instagram and like the post.
2.) Sign up for my Raise & Shine letter. And then comment on the Instagram post when you do!

the legalese:
You must be 18+ and a U.S. resident with a valid mailing address to enter. Contest closes at 7:00 PM CST on Sunday, December 5, 2021. The number of eligible entries will determine odds of winning. One winner will be randomly selected and announced on December 5th. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram, Substack, or Squarespace. By entering, you agree to a complete release of Instagram, Substack, and Squarespace.

Can’t wait to send along the love to a middle grader in your life!