• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Shop
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

teach mama logo

teach mama

helps families connect & build bridges between home & school, by amy mascott

  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

best gifts for middle schoolers: creative, classic ideas

home / Activities / holidays / christmas / best gifts for middle schoolers: creative, classic ideas
209 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

best gifts for middle schoolers | teachmama.com | teachmama's picks

All year long we’re kind of preparing for this list, my friends–our holiday gift picks.

Except this year, with an 8, 10, and 11 year old under our roof and seven nieces and nephews ranging in age from toddler through second grade, I really feel like we have all bases covered.

Every, single item I’m asked to review over the year passes through the hands of some of these kids. Every, single item we come across through the year that we love, I share here.

It’s a long process–but it’s fun.

And so, here we have our gift guide for our biggest kids–our middle schoolers.

Here’s the skinny. . .

Best Gifts for Middle Schoolers: Creative, Classic Ideas:

If you need something slightly younger, check out our Preschool Gift Guide or even our Toddler Gift Guide, and if you need something a little older, check out our Middle School Gift Guide. Phew. We’ve been busy.

If you want Best Books as Gifts, then definitely visit our Books as Gifts Guide.

Click on the image or click on the link; they’ll both take you where you can quickly grab the product, and we even found a few great deals for you.

Many of the links are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase the item, teachmama.com gets a teeny, tiny percentage of the sale which helps us keep this website and all of its resources free for everyone. Yay! 

Best Gifts for Middle Schoolers

teachmama gift guide life teachmama gift guide 4d puzzle teachmama gift guide 3d puzzle
teachmama gift guide rush hour shift teachmama gift guide window art teachmama gift guide littlebits
teachmama gift guide big overboard teachmama gift guide iphone teachmama gift guide iphone case
teachmama gift guide beats by dre teachmama gift guide finger knitting teachmama gift guide crafts
teachmama gift guide maddy teachmama gift guide code masater teachmama gift guide friendship bracelets
teachmama gift guide itunes teachmama gift guide tinker crate teachmama gift guide doodle crate

The Game of Life: If your kids don’t have these classics, it’s time to get them! Risk, Monopoly, and Clue are all must-haves for every family.

4D National Geographic Ancient Greece Puzzle: With 600 pieces, this puzzle is no joke.

3D, 890-Piece Castle Puzzle by Neuschwanstein: Not even kidding with this. Talk about a super way to pass an unplugged snow day!

***

Rush Hour Shift: The favorite game of ours for so long has finally a two-player version!

Window Art Craft Kit and Window Art Refills: Window Art is totally addicting. And though really elementary schoolers can do this, I think it’s even cooler for middle schoolers because they understand how to keep the paint levels similar and how to keep all edges touching. I’m suggesting to buy this with a refill because your kids will use them that much.

littleBits: I have sung the praises of littleBits for a while now, but I really cannot speak highly enough about how amazing this product is and how much your kids will love them. Check out our experience with littleBits or go straight for the Deluxe Kit.  EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Free shipping on orders over $60!

***

Hoverboard: This Hoverboard by GalaxyBoard may be a contender for us, but really we’ll have to do more research and review. I’ll keep you posted. Or, we may wait until next year–either way, the kids are asking for one . . .

iPhone: Every middle schooler I know wants a phone. And if you’re going to go for it, just make sure you’re making the right decision for your family and your child. If your kid’s into Instagram, then definitely check out our post about Instagram for tweens.

Personalized iPhone Case: Love these. Shutterfly is a trusted name, and they do super-cute personalized mobile device cases for any make or brand. Personalize with your child’s Instagram photos, his or her name, or another beloved design! EXCLUSIVE DEAL: New customers enjoy 40% off one qualifying regular priced merchandise order using the code 40OFF at checkout, through 11/23/15. Get me that deal!

***

Beats by Dr. Dre On-Ear Headphones: These are the big guys. The big headphones with unparalleled quality. Or go with Beats by Dr. Dre In-Ear Phones.

Finger Knitting: Maddy, our 11–almost 12 year old–rocked the Finger Knitting this year. She made scarves, necklaces, fringes–you name it.

Craftsy Classes: This summer, we tried our hand at a class or two, and we loved it. I think these are really cool ways to help kids pick up new hobbies and learn new skills. EXCLUSIVE DEAL: 4 days of Black Friday sneak peeks – early access to online class deals! Click here!

***

Mabel’s Labels: Kids love seeing their name on things, so why not get a few name labels for your little love? EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Get 25% Off the Stocking Stuffer Combo until 11/22/15. 

Code Master Programming Logic Game: This game is tough, but kids will be intrigued. It’s a single-player game, which I think is a huge plus, though they can collaborate and play as a team. I love it.

Personalized Friendship Bracelets: We made these, and they turned out awesome. They just take a little practice, but once tweens ‘get it’, they will be friendship bracelet making machines. It’s friendship bracelets like we knew them–but taken to a whole new, totally exciting level.

***

Gift Cards! Gift cards are a huge win for kids this age because then they can get what they want, when they want. Consider: iTunes gift cards, Amazon gift cards, or Starbucks gift cards. Go with Fandango Movie Cards for a real win!

Tinker Crate or Doodle Crate: We have loved having subscriptions to both Tinker Crate (Owen and Maddy) and Doodle Crate (Cora) this whole year. Monthly, the box would arrive at our door, and for a good few hours or more, kids are entranced with reading the little magazine, figuring out the contents, and creating! We love these. EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Get 60% off first month subscriptions with code SUB60! Get me that deal!

***

I am so very, very, very excited about these items, and I think you will be, too.

Need a few more great ideas?

Here are our 2015 gift guides:

teachmama gift guide toddlers | smart products for smart families

**************

teachmama gift guide best gifts for preschoolers

**************

best gifts for elementary schoolers | teachmama's gift picks | must-have games for learning and fun

**************

best gifts for middle schoolers | teachmama.com | teachmama's picks

**************

gift guide best books as gifts | teachmama's picks | teachmama.com

**************

 

Want a few more holiday-inspired gift ideas or activities?

Click on the images below: 

must-have-gifts-for-kids-and-families-teachmama.com_

********

best books as gifts for family teachmama.com

********

gifts that give back: ideas for kids and family | teachmama.com

********

gifts for sunday school teachers or CCD teachers | teachmama.com

********

kids-and-family-gift-guide-cover

********

teachmama-gift-guide-2012-cover-400x400

********

holiday-gift-guide-teachmama.com_

 

  • Holiday Fun Fact and JOKES Lunchbox Notes (with Hannukah!)
  • Holiday Time Fun Fact Lunchbox Notes
  • Little Holiday Notes and Jokes
  • Holiday Notes for Families
  • The Polar Express tradition
  • Scratch-off Cards
  • K-Cup Advent Tree
  • New Year’s Family Interview
  • Happy Holidays Backyard Birds 

 

Follow amy mascott @teachmama’s board christmas ideas for kids and family on Pinterest.

 

 

fyi: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. This small percentage of money helps offset the costs of hosting this blog, which helps me keep this content free for you. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy. 

You May Also Like...

  • the polar express night: a holiday family tradition
    the polar express night: a holiday family tradition
  • photo books for kids and family: 15 best, coolest, most clever and creative
    photo books for kids and family: 15 best, coolest, most clever and creative
  • gifts that give back: ideas for kids and family #givingtuesday
    gifts that give back: ideas for kids and family #givingtuesday

About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro · http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

Previous Post:best gifts for elementary schoolers: must-have games and fun
Next Post:handmade gifts for the whole familyhandmade gifts for teachers teachmama.com

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

amy mascott profile blog

join the coolest club around:

  • About
  • Contact
  • disclaimer
  • terms of use
  • privacy policy
  • Site-Map

Instagram


our books

setting the stage for rock-star readers
raise a reader

Find Us On Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Helpful Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Follow Us On Instagram

View
Open
If you are not yet part of the Take 5 crew, you definitely want to get in the mix!

It will land in your inbox tomorrow: 
https://take5.teachmama.com/

#teachmamatake5  #teachersfollowteachers #parentsofIG #teachertips #linkinbio
View
Open
It’s here! It’s HERE! 

THE ULTIMATE VALENTINE’S DAY CLASS PARTY!

Everything you need to make a Valentine’s Day party totally ROCK: https://shop.teachmama.com/

#valentineparty #valentinesdayclassparty #teacherhacks #roomparent
View
Open
Friends!

I am over on Tiktok, and I’m actually loving it! I’m @teachmama1 or search ‘Amy Mascott’. 🍀

Are you there? PLEASE drop your user name so I can follow you. 

Tagging some one my Tiktok super⭐️ friends so we have some cool cats to follow and learn from. 

Find these 🔥 accounts: 
@myhealthydish 
@luciamallea 
@craftychica 
@livinglocurto 
@audreymcclellan 
@mo_mountain_mutts 
@tailsofconnection 
@jeannettekaplun 
@studiojjk 
@theamiyrahmartin 
@gerrybrooksprin 

#followmeontiktok #sorrykids #ifyoucantbeatemjoinem
View
Open
Even kids who dislike writing will LOVE to pen a note on these tiny cards! And the best news? These flowers last FOREVER!

Grab some here: 
https://zuli.ly/sl/n/t/ACEf

#makesomeonesday #featuredreel #teachersofIG #partner
View
Open
💜❤️🤍 THINK: VALENTINE’s DAY!! ❤️🤍💜

Sooooo many people we know LOVE cool sweatshirts. Skip the 🍬💕 this year and surprise your sweethearts with a fun, cozy, super-😎hoodie. 

Move now! $19 and FREE SHIPPING with my link here—> zulily.gfpv.net/x9eP6v

#coolvalentine #hoodieszn #ad #giftsfortweens #giftsforteens
View
Open
THANK YOU, @imse_og for the best. training. ever!!

WHERE on earth did this week go? It completely flew by!

Our instructor, Becky Strimple, was AWESOME. I am officially hooked on the #OrtonGillingham method, and I am already looking at the next IMSE course I can take to get me closer to Comprehensive OG Plus Certification. 

#UntilAllCanRead #imseog #readingrocks #multisensoryteaching #soexciting
View
Open
Day 4 of OG Training, and this 5 second video doesn’t even scratch the surface of what we covered. 

I have participated in dozens and dozens and dozens of trainings over the course of my career—and throughout my own education—but hands down this is the best one I have ever had. 

Every educator should take this. I don’t have the faintest idea why it’s not required for every edu degree. 

It’s not only a look at the best ways to teach decoding and encoding, but it’s a study of the English language as well. It’s wild. 

#ortongillingham #Letsread #ogteacher #readingteacher
View
Open
Day 3 of @imse_og Orton-Gillingham Training and I am 🤯. 

WHY did I not do this sooner?!

If YOU are OG-Trained, what did you find most helpful/ mind-blowing/ earth-shattering?

#ogteacher #ortongillinghamteachers #teachersofig #teachersfollowteachers
View
Open
Day 2 of Orton-Gillingham Training —we learned SO. MUCH. 

#OGtraining #readingteacher #teachreading #strivingreaders #ortongillingham

Copyright © 2023 · teach mama media, llc · All Rights Reserved

  • 3
209 shares