Holiday Gift Guide 2014 For Tweens

The tween world is a vast one to navigate. Our 12-year-old-son and 9-year-old daughter couldn't be more different. The boy is hovering on the edge of something grown up—he's definitely not a little boy anymore, while the girl is all sweet innocence. But they do come together in their love of music (you can guess which likes Taylor Swift and which one goes for Tyler, The Creator). Also, they both have very clear ideas about what is cool and what is NOT. Hopefully this list will help other moms of tweens with some ideas for the holidays!

MORE: Don't forget to check out all our editors' gift guides! Maura (pregnancy/newborn), Esther (baby, toddler), Andie (baby, big kid), Laura (toddler, big kid), April (big kid boy and girl), Madeline (big kid, tween and teen), Angelica (mom), Anne Marie (big kids), Olivia (teen girl) and Jen (dad)

Our 12-year-old son is obsessed with video games. Obsessed. We resisted for as long we could but last year we finally gave in and got him an Xbox. Now the new Xbox One is at the top of his Christmas list (and I have to admit the face recognition technology looks really cool). As far as games go, I'd recommend avoiding first-person shooter games until they are older (23 would be good). There is not a single FPS game you are going to be OK with—we've tried all the 'mild' ones and no matter how you cut it, the kid is shooting to kill. Focus on the sport games instead. My 12-year-old expert recommends "NBA2K15," "Madden 15" and "FIFA 15." Second, get rechargeable batteries. Turns out it's really annoying when the controller batteries run out mid-game.

To buy: 1. Xbox One, $39; 2. rechargeable batteries, $26; 3. Madden 15 Ultimate Edition, $40; 4. NBA2K15, $52; 5. FiFA15), $48

If your kid is sporty, this is a no-brainer. Just make sure you find out what’s cool. It's very easy to make a mistake here! According to my 12-year-old, this is what you NEED if you’re a basketball fan.

To buy: 1. The gray ‘Not a Nerd’ T-shirt (not the blue one, in case you were leaning in that direction—it’s not cool), $32; 2. Lebron black basketball, $20; 3. KD VII basketball shoes, $60.

Now it’s my turn to choose something I really want to give. Our son is a big reader and has ploughed through an “Ender’s Game”-type series so I figure he’s ready for the big league.

To buy: 1. "Lord of the Flies" $6; 2. "Catcher in the Rye" $6; "To Kill A Mockingbird" $6.

OK, so this is probably the equivalent of buying your kid socks and underpants but I know he needs this stuff. Plus, as puberty begins, he really has become more interested in hygiene (thank goodness!) and wants keep those zits at bay. He also wants to smell good. His friends are all using Axe—I can’t quite go there yet, but I can stock him up with Kiehl's which smells good and will help battle spots.

To buy: 1. Ultra Facial Moisturizer with SPF, $21; 2. Calendula Deep Cleansing Foam, $29; 3. Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap, $15.

The 12-year-old and his 9-year-old sister both have a soft spot for all things cozy. These fur throws would be a huge hit especially paired with Uggs.

To buy: 1. Faux fur throw, $139; 2. Ugg Boots, $85

Both kids listen to a lot of music and Beats headphones are on their lists. I went for the cheaper ones—which are still expensive! Then invest in a family Rdio account—that way everyone can listen to whatever they want from the same account.

To buy: 1. Beats headphones $169. 2. A family Rdio account is $17.99 a month.

I love feeding my daughter’s desire to make stuff. The Janome sewing machine has a 10-stitch option and with one steady speed which makes it safe for beginners. And the crafting books should inspire some interesting projects.

To buy: Sewing Machine, $60; 2. "Sewing School" $12; 3. "We Make Dolls" $15; 4. "Playful: Fun Projects to Make With and For Kids" $17.

Create an instant reading nook with a sweetly patterned bean bag and a pile of books. My 9-year-old daughter has been begging for a bean bag and I finally found gorgeous ones on Etsy. Pair with Puffin’s beautifully designed re-release of these classics. Perfect.

To buy: 1. Puffin "In Bloom" books: "Anne of Green Gables" pictured, the collection also includes "Little Women" and "A Little Princess," $12 each; 2. Boho Bean Bag, $161.

Our son is highly allergic so my daughter can’t have a real cat but that doesn’t stop us stocking up on every kind of faux feline.

To buy: 1.Tabby Together pillow, $25; 2. Cat Scarf, $37; 3. Cat Postcard Set, $25

Both the kids like to cook—mainly sweets, and mostly so they can lick the bowl. I’m hoping to steer them in a savory direction and I think the mac and cheese book will do the trick. But couldn’t resist the doughnut cookbook and tray. Yum.

To buy: 1. The Mac and Cheese Cookbook, $17; 2. Doughnuts: Simple and Delicious Recipes to Make at Home, $12; 3. Wilton Non-Stick Doughnut pan, $10.

And now for me! I always need perfume and I love See by Chloe. Ted Muehling is my favorite jewelry designer—you can't go wrong with his earrings. And you can never go wrong with a cashmere scarf (which is really all I need to weather winter in Los Angeles). My current handbag is 3 years old so I feel like I'm due for a new one; plus, I'm a big Marc Jacobs fan. Finally, we're renovating the house right now and I know we'll run out of money for anything fun, so I'm adding this cool sculpture from 1st Dibs to my wish list.

To buy: 1. Denis Colomb cashmere scarf, $565; 2. Ted Muehling Onyx earrings, $200; 3. Marc Jacobs Boho bag, $438; 4. Cast aluminum and marble 1970s sculpture from 1st Dibs; 5. See by Chloe, $78.