Gift Guide for Teens
Teenagers are infamously hard to buy gifts for. The main problem is that teenagers and adults think on very different levels. These guidelines and suggestions will advise you on how to shop for teens and the kinds of gifts they appreciate most.
The Rules of Giving to Teenagers:
Teenagers are in the stage of life where they’re trying to figure out who they are. They look for connections in the world around them and find outlets to express themselves. Often they connect with music, movies, TV shows or books, and they use physical appearance as a means of personal expression. Although you may hate the way they dress and the music they listen to, it’s important to them. Giving gifts that coincide with their personal interests shows a deep level of respect. There’s no better gift than that.
Let’s face it; whatever was popular when you were younger is far from it today. You give your 16-year-old son an Elvis CD, and the next day he’ll exchange it for the hard rock grumble he usually listens to. Teenagers tend to be rebellious and the fads of today are drastically different than in the past. To buy successful teenager gifts, you have to learn what they like. The teenaged clerk at the music store will know the most popular CDs, and the same is true for clothing stores.
Although teenagers are no longer children, society sometimes treats them that way. Any gift that shows you think of a teenager as an adult will be appreciated. First cell phones, room phones, cameras, computers, TVs or car accessories are always appreciated. Many girls like makeup, jewelry, perfume and magazine subscriptions. Boys still like toys, but the toys get bigger and more expensive. Anything he can ride or program is usually a safe bet. Sports-related gifts are also very popular.
Many parents give their teenaged kids pets, but if you’re planning on doing this, keep in mind that the pet might ultimately become yours. Most teenagers think that they are responsible enough to take care of a pet, but when they realize how much work is involved, they back down. Unless you’re willing to take that risk, stay away from anything that requires constant care.
Teenagers love electronics, especially the hand-held ones. The newest iPod, cell phone, digital camera or electronic organizer will probably make every teen’s wish list. For the mid-teen boys, anything to make their cars louder, faster or flashier would be a hit. The newest CDs, DVDs and video games are great gifts as well. Teens like to be on the cutting edge.
Our teenaged years are usually what we think back on as the best and worst years of our youth. A gift that will create great memories will be appreciated for a lifetime. Tickets to an event like a sports game or concert are great for teens. Give thrill-seeking teens an outdoor adventure like sky diving, bungee jumping or hang gliding. Take a look at their interests and find an event that correlates. Giving them the chance to experience anything unique or out of the ordinary will be a great surprise.
Good luck and happy shopping!
