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A few days ago I asked my Facebook page to help me out with some gift ideas for teens. Some of you responded by posting actual photos of your teenager’s wish lists. Others offered some great creative ideas, and tried and true classics. Here are a few things the teen in your life might enjoy receiving on any special holiday. I know that many teens have large items like phones, computers, or even cars on their lists, but for our purposes I tried to stay as budget-friendly as possible and I kept every gift here under the $75 price point.
The #1 most requested gift for teens in my unofficial survey was gift cards or cash. I know, I know. That might seem boring or like it lacks creativity, but that is what they want. You really can’t go wrong with a Visa or American Express gift card, a Target or Walmart card, or an Amazon shopping spree. Other ideas include iTunes, Netflix, movie theater, or Steam cards for teens who are into gaming. Put it inside of a holiday card and tape it to a box of Sour Patch Kids and you will be all set.
I was surprised to see that the second most popular gift for teens in my survey was…SOCKS! Yes, socks. Apparently lots of teenagers REALLY like fun, comfy, socks. You might even want to consider giving socks with your gift card. Who knew?
For New Drivers:
AAA Memberships– My parents used to give us our AAA membership cards in our stocking each year after we started driving. We are still members. Eddie and I have needed to use our membership three times within the last month, and when I was on the phone with my sister and asking her what her favorite gift was to receive as a teenager, this was the first thing she remembered.
A gift card for a local gas station paired with a CD to listen to in the car, or a fun car-themed accessory like fuzzy dice or a key chain that reflects their interests is also a nice gift.
For Tech Lovers:
Teens love technology, but it can be hard to find ideas in this category that won’t blow the entire budget. If you don’t want to spend a bazillion dollars on a hoverboard or custom computer parts, here are a few alternatives that might still keep your teen happy.
Phonesoap. Ok, maybe I am the one who wants this, but I’m putting it on the list because it’s my blog and I say this thing awesome. Phonesoap is a charger that also uses UV light to sanitize your phone. Because that thing goes everywhere with you, including the bathroom, and you know no one is washing it. You can stick your car keys or whatever else you want in it to be sanitized too. Die, germs, die!
Speaking of phone chargers, a MyCharge would make a great stocking stuffer.
Or you could wrap up a tablet, like a Kindle Fire.
A miniprojector. Ok, again, this might actually be something I want. But also, I think it would be an awesome gift for kids in college to be able to hook up a cell phone or a laptop and have legit movie nights.
The Amazon Echo Dot was also a big item on a lot of teen wish lists this year.
For Music Lovers:
Grab a turn table and maybe a vinyl copy of a brand new record or an old classic. Our local book store has an entire vinyl section.
Wireless headphones. My in-laws got me a set similar to this one last year for Christmas and they have really come in handy at the gym.
Other Ideas:
A gift bag full of candy, cheese puffs, popcorn, and various other junk food. I have it on good authority that most teenagers like junk food.
Check out the gift list over on Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms for even more ideas.
Do these all gifts still seem too pricey?
Check out my list of low and no cost gift ideas.
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