Magnolia Mamas : Gifts for Tweens

Showing posts with label Gifts for Tweens. Show all posts

Friday, October 8, 2021

Mix & Mingle: Simply Be Box

One of our favorite things about running Magnolia Mamas is all of the amazing companies we get introduced to. We love supporting other women and moms who are going out on a limb, following their callings and creating some amazing things. Because of that we started our Mix and Mingle series...to share with you some fun small businesses and the people behind the amazing products we come across.

It's been a while since we've had a post in this series, but when I got introduced to Ellen Cooper by a mutual friend I knew this post was meant to happen! Ellen is the founder of Simply Be Box. Simply Be Box is a faith-based subscription box just for teen girls (middle and high school ages) and we absolutely LOVE what Ellen has created. I'll share a little more about the box and all the goodies in a sec, but first let's get to know Ellen.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm an Atlanta native, grew up in East Cobb, graduated from Walton High School and went to Ole Miss. Been married to James since 2003 and we have two teenage daughters, Ella and Hannah. I worked in a corporate career for 15 years and left in 2013 to spend more time with our girls, get more involved in the community and at church. At 40 years old, God called me to seminary which was never in my plan, but turned out to be a life transforming experience. I've always felt called to pour into girls and have had many opportunities to do that over the years with my own daughters, their friends and through bible studies and small groups.

2. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I'd probably eat and drink my way through Italy.

3. What's the funniest/most embarrassing thing that has happened to you as a mom?

When my girls were younger, we had that first nerve racking birds & bees discussion. In an attempt to be real and open with them I held nothing back, used all the real words and for some reason felt the need to go into specifics about the egg and sperm...you know all the details. Feeling relieved and quite proud of myself to have successfully made it through that conversation, my husband walked in and said, "so the girls tell me you lay eggs?" I have never laughed so hard...mom fail!

4. What inspired you to start Simply Be Box?

During quarantine, we kept seeing commercials for the big subscription box brand so my daughter and I decided to order one. It was so fun, we both loved receiving it in the mail. It got me thinking how nice it would be if there was a subscription box specifically geared toward teen girls filled with things they'd love, that was positive and could be a vehicle to share the gospel and encourage them. I did some research and couldn't find anything so I decided to start it myself. Since graduating from seminary in 2019, I'd been praying for God to reveal what was next and for a while it was unclear, but as 2021 rolled around it started to become clear that this was it. The box full of goodies may get the girl's attention, but I'm really after their heart, to help them know how much they are loved by God and to be who God created them to be.

Now that you've gotten to know a little more about Ellen and how Simply Be came to be, it's time for the really fun part. Taking a peek inside the fall box!

My girls were thrilled to open up theirs and see all of the goodies it is filled with.

What's in each box?

Each Simply Be Box has a theme focused around one of their "Be Attitudes."

Be You, Be Brave, Be a Light, Be a Friend.

It is filled with items that are on-trend and that the girls love, but also items that are positive and uplifting...something all our teen girls need in this day and age.

Each box includes something to READ, DO, USE, DISPLAY, WEAR & EAT.

How often do they come?

The neat thing about Simple Be is that you can choose to get a one-time box, a seasonal subscription or an annual subscription. We think these would be fun gifts for the teen girls in your life! You could do a one time gift or a subscription, but this is something positive and really different than anything out there that we have seen!

Book Club

Y'all know our love of books and a good book club. Can you even believe that Simply Be has it's own?! The READ in each box is a faith-based book, devotional, or bible study focused on that box's theme. The girls are invited to participated in a 4-6 week virtual book club via Zoom to discuss the book, implement what they are learning and to just be encouraged.

Simply Be Book Club is a subscriber exclusive, offered to those who sign up for an Annual or Seasonal Subscription.

Discount Code

Ellen was kind enough to share a discount code with us for our followers to get $10 off any purchase of an annual subscription, seasonal subscription or a one-time box.

Use code: MM1021 through the end of this month!

Learn more about Simple Be Box

Website // Facebook // Instagram

Come spend the day with us on:

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Teen Gift Idea {Favorite Color Gift Basket}

Last weekend my daughter was headed to a birthday party for one of her friends so that was a good excuse for us to go shopping! When I asked her what she wanted to get her friend she told me about the cutest idea she had seen online for a favorite color gift basket. After finding out what her friend's favorite color was (Aqua) we made our way to Target and went on the hunt for all things Aqua.

We hit up the accessories section, make up, nail polish, snacks, candy, school supplies and more! This gift was so much fun to shop for and even my son had fun looking for items that would match.

We took it all home, styled it cute in the basket with shredded paper filler on the bottom and then wrapped it up with clear wrapping paper and a big matching bow. It was the cutest and easiest thing to put together and I'm pretty sure we'll be giving this gift to all of my girls' friends in the near future!

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Tween/Teen Girl Gift Guide

Anyone starting to freak out just a bit about Christmas that is right around the corner? I thought I had a good start on things, but now I'm looking at my calendar thinking when in the world am I going to finish all my shopping?

Last weekend I had my kids finalize their Christmas lists and while there was a random few things on their lists (one of my kids wants a set of crutches???!!!) their lists did help give me some great ideas. One of our most popular gift guides last year was the tween/teen guide and I had a few requests for that one again this year so I compiled the things on my girls' lists to share!

Here's one thing I know for sure about this age group...name brands matter to them. When they are going to school and comparing amongst friends they want the real deal, the name brands and you know what...I'm happy to give it to them. I am usually the first one to opt for the great look-alike, but when it comes to Christmas if they care about the symbol on their water bottle or jacket then I want to give them what they want. Some may think this is feeding in to the whole Keeping up with the Jones' mentality, but honestly this is the one time of year I actually do buy them what they want so if having the same shoes as every other 13 year old is going to make them happy and confident, then so be it!

Hydro Flask - Remember when I said that name brands matter...yeah, this is one of those instances. All the girls are loving this insulated water bottle that comes in a slew of fun colors.

Waterproof Stickers - It's like they are little girls all over again with the stickers. Only these are special stickers that go on their cool water bottles. Amazon has a ton of multi-packs (like HERE) so they can put stickers on water bottles, notebooks, laptops, etc. until their hearts are content.

Metal Straws - All the trend right now is saving the turtles and one way to do that is by using a metal straw instead of it's plastic alternative. Bonus is these come in a cute little carrying case so they can tote it with them anywhere they go!

Fuzzy Sweatshirts - I took my daughter shopping for some new fall clothes a few weeks ago and I swear her entire cart was filled with fluffy sweatshirts in every color, style and variety. These are a must and please note, they should be oversized. The fluffier and cozier the better! HERE and HERE

Fun slippers - Who doesn't love a new pair of slippers for those cold winter nights? These fun glitter ones are a fav!

AirPods - Every tween and teen (both boys and girls) want a pair of AirPods so they can watch YouTube and listen to their music without having to worry about those pesky cords. (I for one, like my cords, but that is certainly showing my age.)

Pura Vida Bracelets - These bracelets come in every color of the rainbow and have waterproof coating so girls can wear them night and day and not worry about them getting ruined. They love to stack them and wear multiple ones at a time.

Scrunchies - Yep, they are back and also function as a bracelet more often than a hair accessory.

Suitcase - Have an upcoming trip? A nice grown up suitcase is something she'll use for years to come!

Slushy Maker - This is something I could put on just about every gift guide I make. Tweens, kids, and grownups alike love this slushy maker. My kids have one and always fight over who gets to use it, my mother-in-law has one and my husband always wants to use it, too!

Patagonia - Remember that whole brand and label thing. Yep, that applies to this. While a bit pricier, I know the quality is great and something that she can wear for a long time!

Crop Tops - I know what you are thinking...no way, no how on the crop tops. This isn't really that cropped though...just shorter than a regular t-shirt. It really is the style and they can were them over tank tops. Cropped tees and cropped sweatshirts are favorites for my girls. And again with the brand.

Makeup Mirror - Honestly, this is something I would like for myself, but my girls are super in to makeup right now, so this lighted make up mirror would be a great gift and it has a rechargeable battery!

Makeup Brushes - New makeup brushes are fun for everyone! Glitter, rose gold, or other pretty sets make dabbling in make-up that much more fun! Some other options HERE and HERE.

Makeup - Anything from eyeshadow or Highlighter Pallets to lip gloss sets are fun for girls of any age to add to their collections.

Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat - This is another one of those I want it for Christmas, too, type of things. These brush cleaning mats go in your sink for an easy way to properly clean all of your makeup brushes.

Monday, November 26, 2018

Tween Girl Gift Guide

Thanksgiving break is behind us and that means we are in full blown Christmas mode now. Our decorations are up, our trees are trimmed and the shopping has begun!

When my girls were little they would be excited about the latest American Girl catalog arriving so they could circle all their favorites and wish for what Santa would bring them. My oh my how times have changed. Now I get texts from them with links to specific items they want. A part of me misses those days of a catalog and marker, but I will say it is nice to have specific links to shop from. I like knowing for sure that I'm getting what they want. I have no shortage of ideas for them this year and they are probably the easiest ones on my list to shop for!

I put together a quick little Tween Girl Gift Guide in case any of you are in search of the perfect gift for the tween in your life. Maybe a niece, neighbor, friend or daughter that you just aren't quite sure what to get. Heck, Half the things on their list could easily be on my list, too! They have nice taste!

1. Water Bottles - They carry water bottles with them everyday to school and sports, so having a new one is always fun. Their favorites are Swell, Corcksicle, or this Contigo style.

2. Wireless Headphones - They are constantly listing to their music or watching YouTube videos!

3. Vans - How very hip of them, right? Vans aren't just for skaters anymore. All the kids are wearing these now.

4. Sherpa Pullovers - We shared about these pullovers a while back and the kids still love them. At this price, I'm going to grab them another and throw a monogram on it!

5. Facial Cleansing Brush - Never too early to start practicing good skincare practices. Plus, these make washing your face fun!

6. Caboodles - They are back! I remember my caboodle and when I saw these were making a comeback I couldn't wait to introduce my girls to the organizational goodness. I can just imagine them getting all of their hair and makeup stuff in all the little compartments.

7. Kendra Scott Necklace - Talk about nice taste, right?! I love that my oldest loves jewelry though and the birthstone line is perfect for girls this age. Plus, it will be a special piece they can wear into their teen years.

8. Flair pens - It's way more fun to take notes and do homework with fun pens!

9. Uggs - A pricey item, but the quality can't be beat and the comfort is top notch. Did you know Dick's Sporting Goods carries Uggs? I didn't until last week and today they have 25% off your order including the Uggs! If you are thinking of purchasing now is definitely the time!

10. Grab and Go Hair Ties - The latest in a ponytail holder!

11. Crocs - I know. I thought the same thing. These can't possibly be coming back, but they are! All the middle schoolers are sporting Crocs with charms. My kids wore these when they were little and I can't believe they are making a comeback. Amazon has at the best price I've been able to find!

12. Vera Bradley - Something that doesn't go out of style is Vera Bradley! From backpacks to lunch boxes and crossbody bags to makeup pouches...they'll love it all!

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

8 GREAT Birthday Gift Ideas For 8 Year Olds

Yesterday I shared Blondie's Minute-To-Win-It birthday party and today the birthday fun continues. 8 is GREAT so I wanted to share 8 great gift ideas for girls in this age range. It can kind of be a tricky age. They are usually too old for toys, but too young for some stuff, so finding something in-between to get them excited about isn't always easy. However, here are eight ideas that are a hit with the girls I know!

1. Bead/Bracelet set - Girls this age love making jewelry and beading kits are perfect because it contains everything they need all in one box. We have recently loved this Emoji Bracelet Kit. It makes 5 bracelets so they can make some with friends or sisters.

2. Books - You can't go wrong with fun books and and for my sweet Blondie this Curlee Girlee book by Atara Twersky was the prefect choice.

Blondie was born with super curly hair and over the years it has gotten blonder and longer making it much more difficult to manage. I should have bought stock in the Johnson's detangling spray because we go through that stuff like crazy. Every morning is quite the ordeal to brush out her crazy bed-head and there have been a time or two that she has longed for nice straight hair. However, the older she gets the more she appreciates that her hair makes her who she is and this book is the perfect read for her! It helps teach young girls to embrace and love who they are...in my girl's case...curly hair and all!

3. Shoes - For girls, like mine, that love clothing, shoes and accessories, new shoes are always a big hit. This time of year cute flip-flops are super easy to buy as gifts. Since Blondie has lots of hand-me-down things from her older sister I decided to get her something that was specifically just for her. She is our soccer girl so Boo-Boo actually picked her out a pair of soccer slides in her favorite color to give her.

4. Usborne Sticker Books - She received one of these from a friend has has had the best time with it. This is a gift that would be good for younger ages all the way up to 10 year olds, in my opinion. She got one of the dolly sticker books were you pick outfits and accessories for the girls in different settings (skiing, the beach, etc.), but there are tons of different sticker books available.

There are cute ones for boys, too that I am going to order for my son like sports, robots, and cars. See all of their sticker books HERE.

5. Beach towels/goggles/shades - Just in time for Spring Break and Summer is right around the corner, fun beach towels, new goggles or fun sunnies are always appreciated in my house. We spend a lot of time at the pool and lake in the summer so these items always get put to good use.

6. Headbands/Accessories - Fun headband and accessories always make a great gift. She loves the non-slip headbands and wears them almost daily. They come in a million different colors and designs so there are always new ones to be had! She wears them for school, for soccer, or just when we are around the house even. These Sweaty Bands are our favorite.

7. Fitbit - The one thing that she really wanted for her birthday was a Fitbit. I was a little worried that she might be too young for this, but several of her friends at school have them and she was really hoping to get one for her birthday. She has LOVED it! She got the older model of the Fitbit Charge.

I do not have a Fitbit, so I wasn't sure exactly how everything worked, but we figured it out together. I found setting up the app on her iPod was a little tricky because you have to be 13 years old to have an account, but I just changed her birthdate to get it set up and really there is nothing she needs to do on there anyway. I just needed the account to get it set up initially. She loves tracking her steps, seeing how active she is each day, and I think it would be a great gift for any kid her age or older. What better way to encourage kids to get up, get moving, and be active than with some fun technology!

8. Gift Cards - When in doubt, gift cards are always a great gift. Most kids this age love going to pick things out at their favorite stores. Target is always great one, but also other places you might not think of like Starbucks, the movies, a favorite ice cream shop, or even iTunes gift cards are a hit!

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide: Tween Girls

As hard as it is for me to admit to myself that my sweet big-bow wearing little girls have grown up to be tweens, they have! I think this age is super fun and pretty much the easiest group to shop for, but if you aren't a parent of a girl in the 8-12 age range then you might need a little inspiration for gift giving. Today we're sharing lots of fun things for all the tween girls on your list.

North Face Fleece - It's sad, but true that a lot of girls this age start caring about labels and brands. They want what their friends have and they want to feel like they fit in. For my girls right now it's all about the labels. The Mr. just rolls his eyes and I tell him to buckle up because this roller coaster ride is just getting started. These North Face fleece jackets are great though because they are lightweight enough to not be too bulky, but super warm and something I'm sure they will wear to school pretty much every day.

Athleisure Wear - Just like their mama, they want to be comfortable, they want to be able to move around easily, and they want to look good. Tweens love athleisure and my girls especially love these capri and full length leggings. They will both be getting a few new pairs for Christmas.

Jewelry Box - They have some special jewelry and they each have a jewelry box, but nothing that keeps it all organized that well and I'm the one that ends up having to undo all the tangles or help find missing earrings. These personalized jewelry boxes are such a nice gift and will be perfect for helping them keep all of their special pieces safe and sound.

Mermaid Tail Blanket - While this age group likes to be grown up, they are also still little girls so something like these mermaid tail blankets are fun and appeal to them! So warm and fun to snuggle up while watching a movie or reading a book during cold winter months!

Simply Southern Tees - Again with the labels, but all girls this age love Simply Southern tees. There are both long and short sleeved options available and tons of designs to choose from. My girls lived in these this summer!

Smart Phone Printer - We shared this a few weeks ago for our Kids Tech Gifts post and it bears repeating here. Kids love snapping selfies or pictures with their friends and this cool printer lets them hook up their devices wirelessly and print their favorite shots instantly. I secretly want this gift for myself and I know my girls will be obsessed with it!

Graphic Novels - I mentioned these books a while back, but graphic novel are all the rage right now and the Smile series or the Babysitters Club series are ones I know my girls love!

Make-up - Looking for some fun stocking stuffer ideas? Get them real make up! It doesn't have to be anything wild that is going to make them look like a clown, but tweens love make up. A very neutral blush, some shimmery/sheer eyeshadow, lip gloss and clear mascara will make them feel all grown up!

Small Crossbody Bags - Last but not least, a small cross body bag is something they will love to carry with them. They can bring their gum, lip gloss, iPods, and other goodies everywhere they go! We love this pink stonewashed crossbody from Jentou bags. The pink is fun and will match a ton of their outfits, but it's grown-up looking at the same time. Don't forget to use the discount code MAGNOLIAMAMASHOLIDAY to receive 30% off your order AND free shipping on all Jentou bags!