Gifts for Teens – Perfect Presents for That (Not So) Tough Teenage Crowd

by Cyndi Allison

Do you have a teenage boy or teenage girl on your gift list and feel clueless about what to buy them? Don't feel bad. You are not alone. While it may be easier to dash in and buy something for a toddler, teens really are just big kids (at heart), and it's certainly possible to find the perfect teen gift and capture a digital camera moment and maybe even a big "thank you" hug.

What Teens Want – Yes! – You Can Open Your Eyes and Breathe a Sigh of Relief

While many an uncle, Grandma or friend of the family has agonized over what to buy someone too old for Legos and too young for kitchen appliances, teen guys and girls are really not that hard to please. When I conducted an informal poll of teen students, most had modest expectations. One teen stated that he expected a brand new car (not sure if he was holding his breath), but the rest of the teenagers had delightful gift wish lists with items that fit various budget ranges.

"Anything is fine," said one 18-year-old. "I love to open gifts no matter what's inside. It's just good to be loved."

Another teen said, "I try to think now about how I can help others instead of just what I can get. I know that I have more than so many out there, and I do love presents but try to keep it in perspective."

There were also a lot of interesting gift ideas mentioned in the survey. One young guy needed tires for his truck. A teen athlete was hoping for the Magic Bullet blending set, so she could make healthy smoothies. One teenager even put socks on her gift list. "I love socks," she said. "I guess you could call me a sock collector." So, you just never know. Teenagers come in all shapes, sizes and with a huge variety of interests and ideas about what's the best gift.

Teens do not always open up and talk. Often, teenagers are simply waiting to be asked (like on my survey). If you really are clueless about what to buy teens, you can't wrong by asking for or requesting a wish list. On the other hand, it is loads of fun to do the shopping (which becomes part of the gift) and select just the right present for that delightful teenager who may hesitate to straight up ask for that MP3 player all his or her friends are enjoying.

High Tech Gifts For Teens

Teens grew up playing with high technology gadgets, and they do love bells and whistles as well as things that have tiny buttons. In fact, teenagers sometimes have the coolest new tech toys (but often need or want special accessories to go with the tech toys). If a teen does not have something currently "hot" in the electronics category, you are "rocking" if you hook them up with the coolest new high tech toy.

Top Five Tech Toys for Teens

Yes, the big tech toys are expensive. Teens really do use and enjoy these higher ticket items a lot. Most teens hope parents can hook them up with the flashier tech toys. Then again, the proverbial "rich uncle" might also consider some of these great gifts that are in the higher price range.

Really Cool Tech Accessories for Teens with Tech Toys

Don't forget about the accessories for the high tech toys. Almost everyone, at some point, has received a terrific gift and then discovered the batteries are not included. That's not much fun. Even if your teen's tech toy is ready to use straight out of the box, there are probably many neat add-on tech items that will make great gifts.

1 | 2 | 3 of 3