Christmas gift list

What dancer doesn't love a dance-related gift?  With Christmas right around the corner, I thought I'd give a guide to dance gifts, broken down by age groups.

These are stereotypically feminine items, but at least one option in each category can be unisex depending on the item's specific styling.  I have noted some alternate options with male dancers in mind.

Ages 3 to 7

--Little dance bag

What's better for a tiny dancer than a cute duffel bag to stash dance shoes and other supplies?  A cute dance bag makes little ones feel grown up and encourages them to organize their things.  A variety of styles and sizes are available online and at dancewear stores.  Some come in different colors and variations can be chosen for different styles of dance.

--Cuddly animal dancer

Toys like this one are perfect for young dancers to cuddle and play with.  Dance themed animals can be found all over at toy stores and dancewear stores.  For a personalized touch, try making your own animal at Build-A-Bear Workshop and choosing a cute outfit.  There are always plenty of options to put together a dance outfit with items like dresses, shirts, pants/leggings, skirts, and shoes.

--Tutu or dance costume

No doubt the little princess has seen professional dancers wearing intricate costumes on stage.  She will love having her own fancy costume to wear when she puts on shows at home!  For the petit danseur, try white tights and white ballet slippers like the principal men wear.  MStevens, Wear Moi, and Eurotard have dance tights for men and boys starting at a boys size small (children's 4-6).

--Barbie ballet movies and related toys

There are a variety of Barbie movies based that are either based on ballets or contain a lot of dancing.  Look at the Nutcracker, Swan lake, Twelve Dancing Princesses (just dance, not specifically ballet), and the Pink Shoes.  The story lines are not true to the original ballets, but the music and characters are correct.  The characters also dance a lot, and their movements are based on real dancers.  Parents and older kids may enjoy the DVD extras that go into the making of the animation and highlight real life ballerinas.




Each of the Barbie dance movies have corresponding toys.  These include male and female characters, as well as accessories and pieces like scenery.  Because some of these films came out 10 or more years ago, the toys aren't widely available in retail stores.  They can be found on Amazon.com and Ebay.

If you can't find these specific toys, there always seems to be some kind of dancing barbie available at large toy stores or from barbie.com.  Currently it seems like the dance option is "Barbie Holiday Ballet Doll."  You may also be able to find the "Ballet Wishes" collector's doll.

Not a Barbie fan?  Angelina Ballerina is great too.  There are plenty of DVDs and toys available.  Try looking on amazon.com for the largest selection.








Ages 8 to 12

--Isabelle Girl of the Year American Girl Doll and/or accessories, books, and movie

This American Girl Doll is only available to purchase until December 31, 2014.  She is a ballet student, and her books tell her stories of success and struggles in the ballet world.  Isabelle has tons of dance clothes and accessories that can be used with any American Girl Doll.

In addition to the doll, books, and accessories, Isabelle also has a movie!  This is a fairly realistic representation of an 8-10 year old girl's experience training for and performing in a professional ballet.  The story is heartwarming, and kids and parents are sure to enjoy it.

--Dance related novels

Ballet Shoes, the first book in the "Shoes" series by Noel Streatfeild was written in 1936 and continues to be a classic.  (It was the inspiration for the "Ballet Shoes" film starring Emma Watson).  I am recommending the specific book because it is actually a good, classic story.  Many dance related books written at a tween reading level are kind of hokey, like the Baby Sitters' Club series.  However, if the child likes that kind of thing, there are plenty more options, like Samantha On Stage by Susan C. Farrar.

--Dance jewelry

Now that the little dancers are more grown up, they can enjoy the beauty and responsibility of having pretty jewelry.  For sensitive skin, look for items that are sterling silver or 14 karat (or higher) gold.  The best place to find this is on amazon.com.  There are tons and tons of good quality options at reasonable prices.

--Exercise bands

If the little dancer is a ballerina, pointe shoes may be around the corner.  Even if the child doesn't do ballet, she (or he) is now old enough to seriously train outside of class.  Exercise bands are great tools for strengthening muscles and refining technique.  A good add-on to this gift is a private lesson with the dance teacher to learn some exercises to do with the band.
This item is great for male dancers, as they are always looking to get stronger.

Ages 13 to adult (aka my personal wish list)

--Warm-up booties

For dancers who train seriously or perform a lot, keeping feet warm and limber is really important (regardless of dance style).  These booties can be worn over dance shoes or just by themselves to keep the feet toasty.  This specific boot, by Bloch, comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit male and female dancers of various styles.

--Skincare products, makeup, and brushes

 After Nutcracker or winter recitals, most dancers are in need of a little skin revitalization.  I love Blue Lagoon Iceland products, and they are very effective in clearing problem skin and making dull/dry skin a little happier.  There are many products in this line, including masks, moisturizers, and creams.

For everyday makeup (also good for dance class and rehearsal), Bare Minerals is the way to go.  Its natural formula is kind to skin, and the new liquid formula and patented brush make for an easy application and clean finish.

--Magazine subscriptions and nonfiction dance books

Magazines like Dance, Dance Spirit, and Pointe cater to dancers at an advanced and pre-professional level.  Male and Female dancers alike will find tons of info and advice about the dance world, including things like fashion trends, food, injuries, and auditions.

For the dancers who really enjoy reading, many professionals have biographies and memoirs.  Michaela DePrince has this new book, Taking Flight, which tells the story of her journey from an African orphanage all the way to the Dutch National Ballet, where she now performs.

--Custom dancewear (or gift cards for custom dancewear)

 Eleve dancewear allows dancers to choose a leotard or skirt design, then customize the colors and fabrics used to create the item.  The flare skirts shown in this picture are only $25 each!  I know I want one!

After the items are designed, they are made to order and shipped to the dancer's address.  Order in advance to get them by Christmas, or provide a gift card.

Yumiko has a similar designing and ordering process to Eleve, but the items are much sportier in style (and there are men's and women's options).  Yumiko is considered the creme-de-la-creme of leotards in the advanced/professional dance world.  The pieces are expensive, averaging $70 a piece before shipping.  If the dancer is not growing anymore, these leotards make a great investment because they are high quality and high fashion.






I hope you got some ideas of what kind of gifts to get for the dancers in your lives!  If you have any other dance gifts you're dying to get this holiday season, tell me about them in the comments!