Gifts for Tweens: Fashion Lookouts

Fashion Lookouts: Naughty & Nice
It’s so pretty to be mini, and this season is a celebration of schoolgirl cute with plaid mini skirts. She’ll feel bubbly in a warm, winter bubble coat since the form is forgiving, poofy and fun. To round things out with a bit of edge, score a skull & cross bones T-shirt for your son in metallics, solids or repeated prints.

Ipod Cases
It’s a bright, white Christmas with all of those white Ipods and Nanos running around, so why not help your teen accessorize his ultimate accessory to make it pop? Pylones, a colorful French company quite literally, has designed a funky and bright Ipod video case cover ($25) and Ipod Nano case cover ($20) with the designs of gumballs, butterflies, money, cars or the Mona Lisa to name a few. There’s no better way to personalize his music storehouse. This is what we call pręt a portable.

Skateboard
If your teen has been bugging you for a skateboard, she’s not alone. Twelve million kids skateboard in the U.S., so might as well do it the eco-friendly way. The Dervish Bamboo by Loaded Boards, which debuted in July, can handle steeps, hills, parking garages, round town, banks and bowls…so basically e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Its bamboo core construction not only makes it qualify as the Green Gift in this category but also delivers when it comes to responsiveness and maximized energy return. Loaded Boards is about combining the best of snowboard technology with a skateboard-inspired design. So, bring an end to the begging. This board really delivers. Load Dervish $310; 323-782-0322, www.loadedboards.com.

Legwarmers
She won’t dress warmly? Hates hose and tights? Then stuff some Abercrombie & Fitch legwarmers into her stocking and watch her cheeks glow with delight. She’ll be toasty and fashionable with the layering trend, and prepared with a versatile and hot color of the season: gray. Available in four styles, $29.50; www.abercrombie.com.

Varsity Tote
Even if you kid already has a personalized backpack, this great duffle from Pottery Barn Kids is the perfect way to gear up for spring sports. Made of durable material that can handle a few bumps and bruises of its own, this duffle has exterior pockets to keep the dirty shoes and clothes separate from the clean ones, which can be safely stowed in the large central compartment. An adjustable shoulder strap makes it handy for any sized shoulder, and for an extra six bucks you can get the bag monogrammed. Available in four colors (pink, orange, navy, burgundy), $34; 800-993-4923, www.potterybarnkids.com.