birthday present for 14 yo girl

[zech13_9_goforgold]

Hi, I know that this is probably not the right place- but I wasn't sure what was....

I have a little sister who is turning 14 in November. I need a present idea for her to go along with a homemade cookbook. Obviously, she lives at home, so I can't really put together a cooking kit. I can knit and do basic crafts. I was thinking an apron, but I don't know that a knitted one would be very helpful (and kind of hard to clean). But, maybe it would work. Any other ideas? Or maybe the cookbook is enough on it's own?

Thanks.

[notjustmamie]

If her mom doesn't have one already, maybe you could make a cookbook stand out of scrap wood. Does she have long hair? If so, what about knitting a hat, headband or some hair ties to keep her hair out of the way while she's cooking? Maybe some hand-drawn or stamped recipe cards so she can share her creations with her friends?

Is she the kind of girl who would get excited about having stuff of her own (i.e., not her parents' things)? If so, you could always include some hot pads or a mixing bowl and spoon or whatever that would just be "hers" to use in the kitchen--and potentially stuff she could take with her when she goes to college or moves out on her own.

As for a knitted apron ... what about a basic cloth apron with knitted ties or edging or something? You could sew the apron from scratch or start with a basic solid or patterned one that you embellish yourself. You could even make your own designs with fabric paint/markets or embroidery or whatever.

[caiesmommy]

I also say a really funky apron...maybe a cupcake print and frilly. Something really trendy looking instead of "old lady"...if she has a cell phone an apron with a special pocket just for her phone would be great

[leighi123]

you could do some knit scubbies/dish rags/ wash cloth type things - those would be easy to make and useful.