But when
they’re ready to come back down to earth with their
wish list, we have a few ideas to get you started. The
best news is you don’t need to be hip to all of
the latest trends to get a gift that’s close to
their hearts. All it takes is a few good ideas and a little
imagination.
Computer gear: They’re spending
so much of their time on the computer, what else could
they possibly need? How about a computer lap desk with
a fun fabric cover – or if you’re willing
to spend more, how about a pumped-up
lap desk that’s ready to plug in
their MP3 players?
Travel gear: They’re itching
to get out on their own, so give them the tools they
need to have a great trip. Think about a luggage set
that’ll help them stand out in the crowd, with
stand-out colors or funky patterns. And it shouldn’t
be your grandmother’s luggage set either: Pieces
can include DVD or Wii travel cases or an over-the-shoulder
messenger
bag that is wired for sound.
Beauty Gear: For the teen girls on
your list, look for a multi-pocketed makeup bag or cosmetics
organizer. You can find some fun and sturdy boxes –
all teen favorites – at www.caboodles.com.
Stocking stuffer possibilities include hair clips, hair
bands, or sampler sets of her favorite lip gloss or
lotions.
Something “Green”: For
the environmentally conscious teen on your list, look
for super-soft organic cotton sheets and bamboo pillows
or blankets. If you know their shoe size, give them
a pair of environmentally sustainable shoes like the
ones from Simple
Shoes (they can support their favorite
college with the “Collegiate Collection”).
Or send them off to study with a hemp
messenger bag or a bag
made from a recycled billboard.
Something Practical: For boys or girls
– especially the ones who are headed off to college
– prepare them a tool kit complete with hammer,
pliers, flashlight, measuring tape, screwdrivers, and
all of the tools they’ll need to hang a picture
or fix a loose board. For older teens who are behind
the wheel, the Safety
Girl emergency roadside kit includes practical
items like a thermal emergency blanket and fun extras
like deodorant and breath freshener.
Cool Clocks: Most teens are so busy
they have somewhere they need to be every hour of the
day. Give them a cool clock – like the pin
clock or the suspended
animation clock – to keep them on
track. Have a deep sleeper or a teen who always hits
the snooze button? Try the flying
alarm clock , the runaway
alarm clock, or the puzzle
alarm clock.
Books: They don’t want you to
lecture them; they’d rather figure it out for
themselves. So give them some books that will help guide
them in the direction of their interests. Ideas include
“The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens,”
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens,”
“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Cool Jobs
for Teens,” “Changing Bodies, Changing Lives,”
or “Vegetables Rock! A Complete Guide for Teenage
Vegetarians.” Or inspire them to try new and adventurous
things with “The Dangerous Book for Boys”
and “The Daring Book for Girls.”
Give them your time: Let them know
that you enjoy time with them more than anything. Draw
up a gift certificate that promises them an afternoon
at the movies, tickets to a concert, or even just a
Saturday night burger-and-fries dinner. They’re
certain to appreciate the effort, and most likely they’ll
remember the gift better than anything else from the
holidays.
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