Gift Ideas for Tween Girls from Hip Chic

I find that Tween girls are the most difficult to shop for. A tween--a child between the ages of 9-12--is not quite a teen, but not a little kid anymore, either.

Tweens know what's "in." And what's "out." They know what they like. And dislike. Especially dislike. That makes it hard to know what to buy.

Adults just don't "get it." Although they... that is "we" mean well. I know, because I remember some of the gifts I received at that time. Gifts that weren't quite right. In fact, thumbs-down awful.

Fortunately I discovered Hip Chic, a funky clothing and accessories shop in Upper Montclair, NJ. Hip Chic specializes in cool products for tweens, teens and college students. When I was poking around, the place was swarming with tweens. A good sign. The owner definitely knows what tween girls love. Thank god. And she made some great gift suggestions.

"These initial pendants are very popular," the owner showed me the display of gold-plated necklaces. The letter necklaces are nickel-free. I like their modern look. Sure to make a tween happy.

Initial pendants: $20.00

The owner indicated a basket overflowing with cell phone holders and change purses. They’re really cute and come in a variety of colors and styles. The snowman is perfect for the holidays. But ya gotta love the perky red terrier. Hmm. I wonder if I'm too old to own one.

Change Purse: $7.00

Cell Phone Holder: $15.00

"Peace bags are doing very well with the Tweens," the owner points out an assortment of fabric bags that the store sells. 

I like this hippy-luxe look with its pink peace sign and fashionable zebra stripes.

Peace tote bag: $18.00

You really can’t go wrong buying here for tween girls.  

As I’m getting ready to leave I notice the adorable Kimmidolls. 

"They just came in,” the owner said. “They're key chains. They all have different names."

Three of  the sweet dolls/keychains are featured in the above photo (L to R): Etsumi, her spirit is joyful and playful and expresses "Delight"; Kioko brings fulfillment and pleasure and expresses "Happiness"; and Emi connects and cheers and means "Smile." Awww!

The delightful dolls are based on the traditional Japanese Kokeshi Doll. Kokeshi Dolls were hand-made by peasant farmers and given away as gifts of love and friendship. 

Hip Chic carries a large selection of Kimmidoll key-ring characters sure to delight any tween.

Kimmidoll keychains: $10/each

With possibilities like this you might even receive a text from your tween: Thank U for da gift. I rilly luv it! 


In the following month, I plan to single out some unique items from Montclair shops that would make fabulous gifts. And lucky you, you won’t even have to leave home as you can order everything on-line.  You can check out a previous blog post where I highlighted festive dog accessories at The Banyan Tree.

Hip Chic: http://www.hipchicnow.com/contact.asp/195 Bellevue Ave., Upper Montclair, NJ/973-233-0306

photo credit for change purse/cell phone holder: hip chic

Two Tasteful Gifts From Stonewall Kitchen: Under $25

Pretzel Dips Gift

I’m always looking for something different to serve for appetizers when I entertain my family. And because I like to do something a little different, my family has come to expect a surprise--that is if they're not reading this! (Couldn’t you just make a meal of appetizers!) 

Stonewall Kitchen’s Pretzel Dips Gift includes Honey Mustard, Maple Mustard and Orange Ginger Pretzel Dips. What could be easier and more stress-free when you're busy in the kitchen than opening up a couple jars! 


The dips would also be perfect for a SuperBowl party. Or consider sending the Pretzel Dips as a care package to a college student. They will surely appreciate your thoughtfulness. And maybe the best way to their heart is through their stomach.


Stonewall Kitchen's Pretzel Dips Gift: $18.00 

Mini Jam Tree

I love fresh blueberries. And I love Maine with the crispest, coolest air you can breathe! Bottle Maine and wild blueberries and you get Stonewall Kitchen’s wonderful Wild Maine Blueberry Jam. (Tip: Try the blueberry jam on your buttermilk pancakes.) 

Stonewall Kitchen is now offering a nicely designed Mini Jam Tree holiday gift package. It contains my Wild Maine blueberry favorite and Stonewall Kitchen’s  Raspberry Peach Champagne and Holiday Jam--with a touch of orange liqueur, ripe pears, cranberries and raspberries. Who wouldn’t want to find this under the tree and be the recipient of your good taste.


Stonewall Kitchen's Mini Jam Tree: $15.50


Stonewall Kitchen: www.stonewallkitchen.com


photo credits: Stonewall Kitchen

Tweet! Object d'Art for Your Home from Lili & Loo

Right now I have my eye on this little brass sparrow. Won’t he look beautiful as a centerpiece perched on your Thanksgiving table? Very simple and sculptural. 

Or how about as a gift for a bird lover friend?

You can find him at one of my favorite stores Lili and Loo, a home and gift shop, in Hudson, New York. They feature the exotic, the edgy and the refined--including furniture, tableware, lighting and home accents. (See photo below.)

Check out Lili and Loo’s website and get a taste of what the store offers. The shop is also nesting a flock of other feathered friends in various price ranges. 

Better yet made a trip to Hudson. This charming historical village, less than an hour from Albany, has the best shopping. There are 65 antique stores, along 5 blocks on Warren Street.  I mostly browse (and dream) in the antique stores, because the majority are high-end. (Although you can find some bargains.) Where I buy is at Lili and Loo.

While you're in the area, you can tour nearby Olana--the impressive Persian-style home of Hudson River artist Frederick Church. His home is high on the hill overlooking the river, and the view is breathtaking.

Lili and Loo: www.LiliandLoo.com/"Sparrow on a Branch"/$20.00/259 Warren Street, Hudson, NY

photo credits: Lili and Loo