[23] Best Toy and Gift Ideas for 11-Year-Old in 2018

INSIDE TABLE TENNIS TABLE BY JOOLA

Benefits

Table tennis is a classic activity for family time! It’s just active enough for a tween and can foster the competitive spirit in your child that can prepare them for other high-level sports. Since we know table tennis can be just as grueling and can be played like regular tennis, teams can be easily formed for matches—also, a lesson in winning through teamwork. With rolling caster and easily foldable design, this table could even be enjoyed in the backyard on a nice summer day barbecuing!

Pros

Easily Lockable Casters
Dual Locking Tables
Net Included
Blue Linoleum Finish
Single Player Function

Cons

Paddle And Balls Not Included
Lacks Side Pockets For Balls And Paddles

 

DUNE BUGGY BY RAZOR

Benefits

This is the classic dune buggy that a lot of kids grew-up with back-in-the-day! Razor has given it both a new design and a new twist! The tubular steel construction makes it lighter and much easier to handle than perhaps its earlier counterparts. It’s easily rackable for convenient storage. It’s the best and safest introduction for your son when it comes to handling one of these. While the battery operation and chain-driven engine allow for a more sustainable alternative.

Pros

Tubular Steel Construction
High-Torque Chain Motor
Rear Disc Brake
Thumb Trigger Accelerator
Owner’s Manual Included

Cons

Owner assembly required
Maximum speed 10 mph

 

iPad MINI BY APPLE

Benefits

The Apple iPad has already become an icon with every generation. Why not get your tween started as early as possible with his very own! It has all of the features of a regular iPad but may be more of a manageable size for your child! HD, with a WIFI only or WIFI + Cell feature, this is not only an early introduction to Apple, but it is also putting a sense of ownership and responsibility into your child’s hands. This gives a greater sense of purpose and thereby enhances social development.

Pros

7.9-Inch LED Screen
Backlit Multi-Touch Display
1 GHZ Dual-Core A5 Chip
5mp I-Sight Camera
10-Hour Battery Life

 

Cons

Limited Market Value
USB Cable Not Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes these products so unique to 11-year-olds?
A: These products aren’t necessarily unique to 11-year-olds. They hit around the range of 11-year-olds. Some these toys you will find can very easily be used by a younger more advanced child. Or even an older child that wants to learn the basics of some sort of tool or aptitude. I find that even an adult could get joy out of putting together the Lego Ghostbuster’s set. The purpose of all these products is to spark curiosity and lead to further advancement.

 

Q: Why not buy my child a regular Apple iPad instead of the Mini iPad?
A: The mini iPad can provide all of the features of a regular iPad, but without all of the complexities. Every adult already knows how complicated a Mac or a Smartphone already is! These are things that your child, even at the age of 11, might not be prepared for. There is also the factor of the mini version being more child-friendly in that parents can have more control on what is downloaded onto it; and there are other parental features included.

Q: How safe is the Razor Dune Buggy?
A: The Razor Dune Buggy is probably one of the more safer models on the market. Compared to a regular gas-powered buggy, this is a much safer option. Its maximum speed is 10 mph. And, with pneumatic tires that ensure greater traction of tight turns and a tubular steel frame, even with a wipeout, the seatbelt and bucket seats guarantee only a few bruises and scrapes. All that said, always be sure to have your child wear a helmet and all other forms of appropriate safety gear.

 

Q: What can be the longevity of the table tennis table?
A: The table tennis table will definitely never fade or go out of style! I imagine that this will be a classic that can go on e-bay for quite a bit in the future. It is one of our products that is not only for the older child but will remain cross-generation. With table tennis tournaments even becoming all the rage within the last 15 years, you could easily find a champion within your midst!

 

(19) Confessions of a former plastic water bottle buyer: Why I now go YETI

Confession #1

Okay. Don’t shoot me renewable readers, but I’ve never gone green.

It’s not because I don’t find it important or necessary, honestly. It’s because I just truly don’t have the time it takes to recycle. I know, I know, it’s a lame excuse—but humor me for a second: First, I’m a high school teacher. I wake up at 4 a.m. Monday thru Friday. And on Saturdays and Sundays when I’m supposed to be “not working” and actually relaxing, I’m working.

Newsflash: teachers work around the clock.

Lame Excuses for Confession #1

Ordinarily time wouldn’t be a valid excuse for refusing to walk across three parking lots to the recycle receptacle. (Yes, I live in a parking lot. Don’t judge me. Because just like the rest, I’m a millennial who is forced to rent an apartment for the remainder of my existence—you know, due to the student loan crisis and all—but I’ll save that for my next post).

On top of teaching full time, I’m enrolled in grad school, too. And not just the typical “oh I’ll take one or two classes a semester, and eventually I’ll get my diploma” type. I’m the idiot who decided to finish my Master’s degree in two years flat.

So, this means on top of teaching over 130 abnormally-hormonal high schoolers, I’m also taking three graduate classes and an internship. Not to mention, some guy actually wanted to marry me, so I’m attempting to plan a wedding that’s apparently taking place in July—according the invitations I was supposed to mail out last week. But that’s neither here nor there.

Now some of you are saying, “Oh, well I live a well-balanced life, and all you need is a little more structure.” Believe me, I hear you. My therapist already got that one covered.

Confession #2

So, to cut corners and to stay hydrated, I’ve been buying plastic water bottles for the past couple of years. *Insert disdain here.*

Yep. Plastic. It’s quick. It’s easy. When you’re done, BOOM. In the trash. Let’s keep it moving…

End rant. Introduce the YETI

Behold: The YETI

Although this past year has been hectic, I’ve found something consistent. The YETI. My sister bought me one because I was, according to her, “basically the only human being that didn’t own a good tumbler.” It took me approximately five hours to fall in love, but I did.

YETI Discovery #1

It was 4 a.m. on a cold, December morning when I decided to first use my YETI. I filled it to the brim, with piping hot coffee, and set out on my morning routine: I showered (I think), got dressed, and even survived the 695 Mad Max drive to school. I signed in at the front desk, answered the twenty-something e-mails from students, parents, and administration that flooded my inbox, and I welcomed my homeroom students into the classroom. I taught two 90 minute lessons, and then it hit me: I NEED CAFFEINE. NOW.

I remembered I had poured myself coffee that morning. Somehow, I managed to forget to drink my beloved coffee. I knew there was no way it would still be hot, but I needed something—anything—to get me through the next five hours of work. I took a sip, and was completely taken aback. It was still hot. As hot as if I had just poured it from the pot. How could this be?

The answer? YETI.

YETI with fuel for the day.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the YETI is extraordinary. YETI promises to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold. I mean, granted, many products make similar promises. But I had never, until this very moment, encountered drink-ware that actually fulfilled its potential. It was in this moment that I swore I would never sip hot drinks from another mug again.

YETI Discovery #2

Which brings me to February. One evening, I was running late for grad class because of a parent-teacher conference gone far too long. I knew I needed some hydration in my life. I filled my YETI up with ice and water, and I hit the road. After my three hour-long class, I drove home, parked the car, and went straight to bed.

The next morning, at 4 a.m., I started my normal routine. Except I couldn’t find my trusty YETI. I pleaded with God to tell me I did not leave my YETI behind the night before. With my prayers unanswered, I sadly filled up a regular-ole coffee mug and unlocked my car. BOOM. There sat my cherished YETI—right there in the center console.

Remembering there should be some left over water inside from the day before, I reluctantly took a sip. IT WAS ICE COLD. Not because it was Maryland in February, no, but because the ice cubes had never melted! Are you kidding me? That YETI sat in my console for over 12 hours, and the ice cubes never melted. A freaking God-send. Naturally, I had to do some research on this tumbler sent from the heavens…

Research behind the YETI

• Size: The Rambler is 8 inches tall and has a 4 inch diameter (which reduces to a 3 inch diameter at the bottom), so it fits perfectly in any cup holder. It holds 30 ounces of any liquid you desire—hot beverages or cold cocktails.
• Durability: An 18.8 grade shatter resistant, stainless steel construction makes the YETI virtually indestructible. Its lids are also 100% leak-proof, with a vacuum-seal, so there’s zero spillage.
• Temperature Retention: The YETI keeps the temperature of your drinks warm for 6 hours or cold for over 24 hours—thanks to the double wall vacuum insulation.
• Materials: This Rambler is crafted right here, in the good-ole U-S-of-A, folks. It’s made out of kitchen-grade stainless steel with a copper seal. Apparently copper is one of the best heat conductors…who knew?
• Dishwasher/Microwave Safe: The YETI is definitely dishwasher safe; however, do not put this bad boy in the microwave—or you’re gonna have a bad time.

YETI helps get degrees.

Listen: I know the YETI isn’t going to win me any awards for going green. But it’s one hell of a start for a girl with zero time.

 

Get your own YETI here: https://www.yeti.com/drinkware

 

22 My First Month with the Mini Happy Planner

 

My First Month with the Mini Happy Planner

To me, the beginning of every school year always means investing in another round of school supplies that are eventually discarded during the last week of the semester. This year, however, I was looking for a planner that actually offered me more than just a dispensable organizational system, but gave me plenty of extra room to turn my planner into a craft while keeping all my tasks and deadlines in check.

After searching for planners online, I soon stumbled upon the Mini Happy Planner Series sold by me and my big ideas©. I was instantly drawn in by how unique and truly versatile this planning system is! As the Mini Happy Planner was on sale for $9.99 (it’s usual price is $19.99), I decided to try it out to and order it online from their website. At this point, I’m hoping that it can keep me organized.

Quick Facts about the Mini Happy Planner:

The Cover:

•  The dimensions and size:
  • The cover is 5.125” x 7.5.”
  • The planner is a little bit longer than the length of a pen, so it’s very easy to carry around with you wherever you go! I move around a lot from school to home to cafes to study, and never have to worry about how much space my planner takes up in my bag.
• The cover is featured in a variety of colors and designs! (I bought the Lovely Pastels version.)
• The front and back covers and monthly tabs are laminated and very sturdy.

Front cover.

 

The pages:

• The dimensions and size:
  • The pages are 4.5” x 7.”
  • They are the perfect size to write down homework assignments or quick reminders.
• Each planner contains 12 months of undated pages, with one sheet of gold foil stickers to be used as labels.
• The pages contain both monthly layouts and horizontal weekly spreads over a 2-page layout. I love being able to look at a month in a quick glance and how it is separate from the finer details of my daily tasks.
• The Mini Happy Planner is bounded by specialized rings that let you take pages out of the planner and insert them right back in! Yes, you heard me correctly! (I will discuss how this planner works in detail soon.)

 

Beginning of the month notes over two pages.

Calendar for each month spread over two pages.

Horizontal weekly spread over two pages.

The Specialized Binding System

 

Unique rings with hearts in rose gold.

Unique rings with hearts in rose gold.

The unique ring-bound system is the main reason why I bought this planner. With this set of rings as a binding system, you can easily “tear” a page out of the planner to write on (no more uncomfortably resting your hand on the binding of your planner!) and place it right back into the Mini Happy Planner.

See the pictures below for a demonstration!

 

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Note: always “tear” out pages from the top, never from the side, to avoid ripping the page.

This ring-bound system makes it super convenient to write on individual pages. It also enables you to quickly get rid of pages in your planner you don’t want to keep anymore, or easily add more pages to your planner if you are interesting in buying six more months of undated sheets! Think about it: by using the six-month extension pack, you could technically keep on using this planner forever if you really want to stay organized.

So far, it was been very easy to place stickers in the planner when I can take the pages out. It truly is keeping me both organized, on top of tasks and deadlines, yet acts as a fun way to decorate and be creative in my down time. Who knew that getting your life together and organized could actually be so fun?

Other Accessories:

The Mini Happy Planner Stickers Sets is the other definite reason why the Mini Happy Planner really captivated my interest and convinced me to buy it. All of the stickers are designed to perfectly align with the dimensions of both the monthly and weekly layouts of the Mini Happy Planner, and accentuate the design and organization of monthly and weekly spreads. What could be better honestly?

The Mini Happy Planner Stickers serve not only as mere pretty decorations, but can also help you organize your day through making lists and reminding you of important deadlines or appointments! There are so many different types of stickers relating to school, being a parent, work, managing clubs, holidays, family events, and more!

See my pictures below for a preview of the stickers I own, and how they look in my Mini Happy planner!

Before adding stickers

After adding stickers!

Note: all sticker sets are sold separately.

What I like about the Planner so far:

• Affordability – I bought it on sale for $9.99, but the original price is $19.99. This is still completely worth the higher price for its exceptional value! I can promise you that!
• The color scheme and overall design is aesthetically pleasing, but remains simple, and will not distract you from your weekly tasks.
• The ring-bound system enables me to keep using this planning system with the six-month extension pack, and lets me design and write on pages more comfortably than any other planner. The pages have also remained in good quality as I have taking them out and putting them back in. I’ve never had a problem with a ripped page at all, and I use this planner almost every day!
• The sturdiness of the Mini Happy Planner and its compact size make it super easy and convenient to carry around with me wherever I go – from school to home to cafes and study locations.
• It’s also the perfect size for keeping my school-related tasks separate from those of my work and personal life. If I wanted to keep all my tasks, to-do lists, and important dates and appointments in one planner, I would have bought the Classic Happy Planner! (There’s even a BIGGER version of the planner, but I’m not ready for that level of organization just yet.)
• It offers the perfect balance between creativity and organization – exactly what I wanted in a planner!

 

Final Thoughts and Recommendations:

Overall, my one month of experience with the Mini Happy Planner has been really enjoyable. I never thought I would find a planner that I wouldn’t want to throw out when I’m done with it!

I’m really interested in continuing on with the Mini Happy Planner for the rest of the year and seeing what other products and accessories I can use with it, or what other spreads I can design. I feel confident that the versatility of this planning system will keep me entertained and also motivated to complete my monthly and weekly tasks as scheduled.

In summary, the Mini Happy Planner is like a super constructive art project – I get to complete my hobby at the same time as planning out my homework and to-do list (and hopefully getting my homework done too).

Would I recommend this planner? Of course. I honestly believe anyone can benefit from using the Mini Happy Planner – even if you are not interested in using the sticker sets or other accessories. Students, parents, and other busy people can definitely reap the benefits of being perfectly on track of important deadlines and tasks. The Mini Happy Planner still works as a great system to write down all of your important tasks and appointments! If you’re looking for something a bit more decorative and interactive, yet completely functional, it’s perfect!

Stay organized!