Holiday Shopping Guide
With the holiday season approaching, it can be hard to find the right gifts for everyone on your list! Here is a guide that will help you navigate the many options for a middle schooler.
Middle Schoolers’ Wishlist
- Electronics
While this gift may be on the expensive side, it is a guarantee that they will love it! A pair of Airpods is a popular ask, or a pair of Beats. To get either of these, or have an even larger selection, you can go to the local Best Buy in Mt. Vernon to pick up a pair.
- Music
As a big music fan myself, I love having music to put on while I’m cleaning, or just hanging out in my basement. From albums like “Cowboy Carter” by Beyonce, to “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” by Bad Bunny, a record is sure to please any music lover! Make sure that you have a record player and speaker though! You can also pick these up at the local Best Buy in Mt. Vernon. Also consider a gift certificate for popular music streaming platforms such as Spotify, and Amazon Music.
- Books
If you know any middle schoolers that love to read, this is the perfect gift for them! A classic fantasy book that many love is the Harry Potter series, along with the Percy Jackson series. With the new Pelham Comics & Collectibles store that just opened in town, it’s very easy to also grab manga, or comics! Another option is to stop at the local Barnes & Noble in Scarsdale.
- Skincare & Makeup
Who doesn’t enjoy looking extra fabulous for the holidays? This is a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys using skincare products, fragrances, or the latest makeup trends. Stop at the local SEPHORA which just so happens to be in the same shopping center as Barnes & Noble!
- Toys & Collectibles
These gifts would also go great with a comic or manga, and they just so happen to be in the same store! At the new Pelham Comics & Collectibles you can find a wall of Funko Pop!, and shelves of popular collectibles. Legos are another great option, and they have just recently released a Stranger Things set in honor of the 5th season. If you know any Stranger Things fans, this is the gift for them! You can find all of these items at the local Target located in Mt. Vernon, or at the local toy store located on Fifth Avenue.
- Cozy wear
Since winter is here, it’s the time for cozy footwear and clothing! Warm up your feet with a cozy pair of Uggs, or a pair of Bombas slippers. Wrap yourself in a fuzzy robe. Visit the local TJ Maxx in Mt. Vernon for great deals on all of these items!
- Clothing
Clothing is always a good gift to get for someone, as long as you know their size! Nike and Lululemon continue to top charts for the most popular brands for teens. Lucky for you, both of these stores happen to be in the same local shopping center! You can find them in Scarsdale located next to Barnes & Noble and SEPHORA. Shop from all four of these stores, and get something for everyone on your list!
- Gift Cards
Don’t know what to get? This is a simple gift that will please any middle schooler! A gift card to Amazon, or a Visa gift card are just some of the many options that are sure to make them happy. With these, they can get whatever they want, even if you’re not sure about it! Choose from a wide selection of gift card options at the nearby CVS located in Pelham Manor.
- Food cards
While I just mentioned gift cards for personal shopping, food gift cards are also a people pleasing gift! You can buy gift cards to local favorites, such as Pearl Dynastea and Pelham Pizza. Hey, maybe your recipients will treat you to a bite with this card! You can find these on the same shelves where the other gift cards are at the Pelham Manor CVS.
- Accessories
I love to express myself with jewelry of all kinds, but earrings are my favorite! Target has shelves of amazing earrings, bracelets, and necklaces! Another great thing to add to your style, is a trendy water bottle. Owalas have gained lots of popularity since their release in 2020. With so many fun colors to choose from, you can definitely find something that will satisfy you! Both of these items can be picked up at the Target in Mt. Vernon.
I hope that you found this list helpful! Let’s all support our local stores, and have fun shopping in the process. Happy Holidays!
-Penelope Cerda

Lennon Shirazi
Dec 11, 2025 at 5:50 pm
PENNYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! OMG this is soooo helpful!!! TYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gabriel kim
Dec 11, 2025 at 1:03 pm
very nice overall
Anna A
Dec 10, 2025 at 12:32 pm
These are some GREAT ideas! Good job!
Lena
Dec 9, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Penny, this is so good, I have to show my parents this!!!!!!!!
Vivian Maiberger
Dec 8, 2025 at 9:22 pm
OMG I NEEED to show this to my parents like RN