NACD Gift Ideas for Ages 12+
At NACD, we work with children that have every imaginable developmental issue in addition to typical and gifted children. In the process we have explored, researched and utilized many thousands of toys and products that we have found to be fun, educational, engaging and helpful. At the request of families from throughout the world, we have put together a list of items that would make great gifts. Each item has been researched and reviewed by our professional staff. All items on the list below can be found either at our NACD Store or on Amazon.
The preteen and teen years are exciting and challenging for most all children. This can be a vital time for parents and children to build their relationship and bond through shared interests and activities. It’s also important for children at this age to develop interests that they can pursue themselves. This is good time to supply them with the tools to explore science, art, music, and learning in general. Interests developed during these years can lead to careers and options in their futures.
NACD receives a small commission if you use our Amazon referral link to buy our recommended products. The funds collected will go directly into a scholarship fund for our NACD families. NACD also receives a small commission for everything else you buy that is in your cart when you buy our recommended products. If you are going to purchase items based on our suggestions please use our referral link to help our incredible dedicated families.
[space size=”30px”]
17 Great Gift Ideas for Holidays, Birthdays & Special Occasions – Ages 12+
Simply Smarter Family
Its hard to imagine a better gift for a family than a tool that everyone can use to get smarter and do better. The families that I work with that utilize this program for the kids, mom, dad and even the grandparents see great benefits for everyone. Kids are much more motivated to try hard and compete when they know everyone else is doing the program right alone side of them. Its great hearing from amazed parents when start realizing how they are changing their own lives.
Simply Smarter Online Software
[space size=”30px”]
3 Wheel Recumbent Bikes
These bikes come in various size ranges. Match your child’s height to the right bike. Bikes are adjustable so you can accurately adjust the bike to properly fit your child or adult. These bikes are low to the ground, safe and provide many benefits including: improve strength and endurance, develop good leg muscle balance and development, help correct leg muscle imbalance issues, provide a fun activity that helps keep children engaged and present. —Bob
[amazon_link asins=’B001J0FWWQ,B003VGHRWO,B003VGFN7K’ template=’ProductGrid’ store=’nacd0d-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f5d8d6b5-d49a-11e7-8169-dfa6b03b8ae3′]
Weehoo Kids Turbo Bicycle Trailer
This is great for our kids that need the pedal motion of a recumbent but can’t ride a bike independently. It hooks on to an adult bike. One of our clients uses it and loves it! —Sara
[space size=”30px”]
STEM Toys
Science, Technology, Engineers and Math. This is about building your child’s future through toys and play. Tough to beat.
Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit
Designed for kids 6 and older. This set is filled with very cool science experiments to turn kids on to science. One of Amazon ’s top STEM toys.—Bob
[space size=”30px”]
The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book
Targeting kids from 7-12 this is a great source of experiments that you can do with you children.—Bob
[space size=”30px”]
Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium-Science Kit for Kids
For kids from 6-96 this kit permits kids to grow their own little habitat with plants and water. Contains everything they need.—Bob
[space size=”30px”]
4M Magnet Science Kit
This kit is designed for children 8 and older. Children can learn about magnetism through a combination of fun science experiments and games. A top STEM toy.—Bob
[space size=”30px”]
Wonder Workshop Dash Robot
This is advertised for kids from about 6 -12, but I would probably wait until about 8 unless you have a precocious child. This is a very cool toy, a real robot that is ready to use right out of the box. It teaches children to code and uses free apps from Apple, Android or Kindle Fire. This little robot is used in over 10,000 schools.—Bob
[space size=”30px”]
Coding
Teaching kids to code and having them understanding how coding works is becoming more and more important. Coding teaches problem solving and debugging. Debugging is the act of finding errors and fixing them. These are fantastic skills for all kids to have. Understanding and using code at an early age sets kids up success later on in life. —Laird
Kano Computer Kit (2017 Edition) | Make a computer. Learn to code
Kano Pixel Kit | Make & Code with Light
[space size=”30px”]
Basketball
Basketball is such a great sport to build endurance, strength and coordination. If you are playing indoors in a gym, I suggest the Wilson evolution. It’s soft, durable and high quality. —Laird
Wilson Evolution Indoor Game Basketball
For playing outdoors, I suggest the neverflat because it holds air a lot longer, so you don’t have to be constantly pumping it up. —Laird
Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
[space size=”30px”]
Indoor Basketball Hoop and Backboard
This is perfect for those long winter days when we want the kids active and improving their coordination skills. —Ellen
[space size=”30px”]
Other
Scrabble Deluxe Edition
I have played this for years. My mother-in-law won every time. My boys and I have our thoughts on why… In any event, we continue to play this every time we get together. The boys beat me bad now and they don’t “cheat”! —Glenda
[space size=”30px”]
Simon Electronic Memory Game
The classic memory game that can be played alone or with others at the same time to compete! Sequencing for sure with this game!
[space size=”30px”]
Yahtzee
One of the most popular dice strategy game which can be fun for the whole family . I can’t count how many times I have played this one over the years and love it to this day! —Glenda
[space size=”30px”]
Jenga
Play alone or make it a family strategy game – Challenge themselves or compete with others. They love it when you are the one to make it drop. —Glenda
[space size=”30px”]