Gifts Teens Really Want for the Holidays

How to Give a Gift That’s Fire, Not Cringe

If you don’t have teenage children (or sometimes even if  you do), it can be a real struggle to figure out a good gift for those in that awkward age of rapid growth and monosyllabic responses.  We know little ones want toys, and tweens want whatever is trendy at the moment. But teenagers are in the process of developing their own personalities and haven’t quite yet figured out effective communication yet.  Don’t worry; I’ve got the scoop for you… some of it is straight from the colts’ mouths.  

When selecting a gift for a teen, you first have to be  honest with yourself about who he or she is. That’s not who he was 6 months or a year ago, nor what you’d like him to be.  

Ask the kid “What are you in to?” You might need to clarify after the response you’re supplied with is “huh?” 

“Who or what do you like? The Dodgers, Taylor Swift, Fortnite, Barbie, who?” If that doesn’t yield sufficient results, try asking what he or she enjoys doing, with something like “So do you play sports, or video games or guitar?”  If this question still doesn’t provide enough info, try asking ridiculous questions to provoke a response.  “What? You say fushia is your favorite color and your idol is Big Bird? Musical   theatre is your passion?!”  Hopefully these will help you get a little insight into the adolescent psyche of the pre-adult in question.   

The free bonus here, is that you’ve now successfully expressed interest in the child. Though he surely won’t voice that he’s happy you asked.

Next, dive into one or more of the categories below, customizing the selection with the idol, or genre, or color you’ve discovered is a winner (or at least satisfactory).

1

Everyone likes to feel cuddly, but for this generation   it’s especially true!  Oversized hoodies, Slankets or Snuggies, kitschy slippers (like Squishmallows), Cozy PJ Bottoms, beanie caps, Crocs or slides are all very cool. Maybe even get an electronic massager, especially of it’s a sporty kid.

2

CD’s or any type of cartridge media is out of date and   annoying to teens.  Too often they get   lost, scratched or duplicates are received.Instead, go for gift cards specific to the type of device or streaming   service the teen uses.  

3

If you can find out what type of devices your teen uses, tech accessories are always good!  Wireless   earbuds are great, but there are so many other accessory options: extra adaptors, cord wraps, cases, phone stands, phone ring holders or grips, shutter remotes, Airtags or Tiles, back-up batteries, wallet pockets, and charging stations. Some are even dual purpose or universal!

4

For creative kids, a kit is a great way to try a new technique or medium without a big commitment. Jewelry making, felting, resin, robotics or electronics, 3D pens, macrame, or old-school embroidery are all en vogue this year.

5

Most teens have role models, even if they never refer to them as such.  Finding out their fave sports team, athlete, artist, band, actor, or movie can lead to inspired gift giving!  Of course, how the images   present on the gift are important as well, so it may serve you to sort those search items by popularity.  Look for t-shirts, wall images, socks, or figurines at teen-focused stores.  If it’s not too cringe a sitch, you might even do a pillow! Try Etsy or local crafters for custom ideas.

6

Tickets for events can give a special kid memories for a  lifetime!  There’s two ways to do this:  

1. For a personalized experience,  get a hold of the teen’s schedule for the coming months, buy tickets, and take him to the event. Or 2. For an easier way, present him with a gift card for the service where he can get the tickets for the date and venue that he fancies.  An experience gift, though on the pricier side, is great for a wide range of interests, and may be of greater value than a tangible item.