Top Ten Gift Ideas for Stepchildren

As a stepmother, it is sometimes challenging to finds gifts for my stepson who visits us twice a month. Big-ticket items are a hard choice because then there is a debate over whether he gets to take them to his mother's house or leave them here. Over the years, I've developed some tactics for buying presents for "part-time kids."

Family Games

While your stepchild is visiting, you should encourage family activities that get everyone involved. We've found that family board games are a great way to spend time together without using the television or spending a whole lot of money.

Depending on your stepchild's age, there is a great deal to choose from. Here are some of the games we've enjoyed over the years.

*Cranium Cadoo, $14.99. All of the Cranium games we own have been delightful (we have 5 total), but Cranium Cadoo continues to be one of our favorites. We've played it since my stepson was just 7 and its still fun five years later. This game will have your family acting, drawing, using clay and running around the house in mad "scavenger hunt" challenges. The principles are simple to understand and adults and children are on a level playing field. Most cards require the use of a cool "secret decoder" card that kids will really enjoy.

*Sorry! Revenge Card Game, $19.93. The classic game has been retooled in this fun card alternative. This version of Sorry! still allows you to dig into your opponents. There are small individual boards for each player, which my stepson really loved. But the best part is the large Sorry! game piece that dispenses cards and witty sarcasm all at the same time.

*Monopoly, Here and Now, $27.75. As my stepson grew older, he was ready for the challenge of Monopoly. I've found that preteen boys love pretend money. He is a ruthless player and always tries to get Boardwalk and Park Place on the classic game. When this version came out, we knew we had to add it to our collection. The game play is much the same, but the look and feel of this new edition are really exciting. The money amount alone (denominations range from $100,000 to 5 million per bill) are enough to keep you and your stepchild interested.

Portable Toys

I mentioned the conundrum that my husband and I have when it comes to choosing big-ticket items for my stepson. In the past, when we tried to get larger items for him they'd inevitably get lost or broken at his mother's house. But we also felt it was unfair to keep the toys at our house where he could only use them twice a month. By the second time his birthday and the holidays rolled around, we decided that travel toys, smaller items and gifts to help him transport his favorite toys were our best bet.

*Travel Magna Doodle, $9.99. This toy was one of his favorites until he was about 9 years old. The Travel Magna Doodle has a fine tip pen that is easy to hold. It also comes with the sliding eraser. The pen is attached to the board with a string so it won't get lost. At just under a pound and 7 x 10 inches, this is a perfect pick for a portable toy. It fit easily in my stepson's backpack and even made a great travel toy for the hour ride back to his house.

*Excaliber Control Mini Cooper, $19.75. There are a lot of small radio controlled cars are a perfect choice for stepsons. They have all the excitement of larger remote controlled cars but can easy travel back and forth. Plus, there's nothing like spending an afternoon annoying the cat with one of these babies.

*Polly Pocket Toys, various prices. No…my stepson is not into Polly Pocket. But I have a niece who religiously carries these toys everywhere she goes. The Polly Pocket line is a perfect alternative to larger dolls and dollhouses that would have to be left at one parent's house or the other. The makers of Polly Pocket even provide a wide variety of carrying cases that can help your stepdaughter transport her dolls and accessories easily and safely.

*Sony Playstation 2 G-Pak Organizer and Travel Case, $17.92. Of course, kids don't stay entertained by Polly Pocket and Magna Doodles forever. When we purchased a Sony Playstation 2 for his 11th birthday, we knew he'd want to take it home with him. This organizer/travel case made it easy for him to take his favorite gaming system and a few games from our house to his and back again.

Something Just for Him or Her

Stepchildren can often feel lost in the chaos that surrounds them. If you grew up with parents in two households, I'm sure you can relate to the feeling of not knowing where you belong. From the start, we bought my stepson gifts that he could keep to himself and that made him feel like he had more control over his life.

*Massively Mini Media Music & Video Player, $74.99. This tiny media player allows your stepchild to program up to 2 hours of music, 1 hour of video and over 1, 200 photos. They can take their favorite media with them anywhere, which will make them feel more at home.

*Password Journal, $19.99. Your stepdaughter can feel free to write down her innermost thoughts without worrying about being spied on. The password journal has a voice recognition chip for voice commands, as well as a voice-activated light, calendar and clock. It will record and play back messages.

*Creativity for Kids-Create Your Own Book, $15.99. This kit will give your stepchild the tools to create their very own book. My stepson loved the easy to use format and the story starter ideas really helped him get going. There are two hardcover blank books, clip art, stickers and markers. The larger book is a great for an "all about me" book and the smaller book works well as a storybook.