Good Gift For A Teenager?

marla · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 06:14 AM

I'm starting my holiday shopping (I'm jealous of all of you that are already done) and I thought I would set up several threads so people can share their best gift ideas. I hope that all of you will share your ideas freely so we (I in particular) can reference it time and again in the future. I'll start with the most difficult for me. What is a good gift to give to a teenager?

Bruce Wayne · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 07:34 AM

My wife is an expert on gifts and she says the biggest thing to understand is what each individual is like. It's no good me suggesting ideas for my teenage son when your teenage son is likely to be very different. So you need to find out as much as you can about them.

It sounds obvious to buy a gift that your friend or loved one will like but many people buy gifts that they think that their friend/loved one will like. This often translates into what you think they should like, which might be very different from what they actually want.

If you don't know then there are a number of things you can do to find clues.
Listen to them for verbal clues as to gifts they may like

Observe what they do, movies they watch, sports they play etc.

Look at what they already have and think of complimentary gifts

If you look at the process in these terms then you should be able to find some great gift ideas. If you're stuck you can always try my wifes site for some hints - http://www.good-gift-guide.co.uk

greyhoundlover · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 07:19 AM

Teenagers love money or gift cards from their favorite store or mall.

flash · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 09:36 AM

HELP?!?!?

You are so right about the GCs. When my 15 yr old nephew was out here for the summer he practically lived at Best Buy. But he says they don't have Best Buy in Northern California. What DO they have?

TBH · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 05:04 PM

I usually take the easy gift card route. Kohl's for my neice, Best Buy for my nephew (can't use gift cards online at Best Buy, tho, I don't think). Amazon is always good cause you can buy toys or books or games or whatever.

Last year I got a subscription to Filmmaker Magazine for my nephew who wants to be a director. I think it was $10 or $15, and I felt great because he loved it and I saved some money--usually I spend $25 if it's a gift card.

Luv2shop · #6 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 09:36 PM

Cash is the best way to go. I don't like gift cards because I end up spending more money.