Gift Ideas for Teens This Year
Picking out gifts for teens this year is more difficult than ever. Typically, I can receive shopping lists from my kids full of ideas before October vacation. This year, however, despite my constant prodding, I received a list with only two items on it. When I asked why, they told me they didn’t really want much. Obviously, they didn’t want anything exciting and new – no “must-have” clothing brands, no groundbreaking game consoles, no new cell phones on a budget. Interesting, isn’t it?
Does this mean they don’t want anything for Christmas? Of course not! When I suggested that Santa might be feeling older and we could help him save his energy by having a younger Santa deliver the gifts, they looked dismayed. Mind you, when they got a little older and started asking questions about Santa, I made the rookie mistake of telling them that Santa would keep coming as long as they believed. Now, they are 20, 16 and 14 and still believe wholeheartedly.
For the past few weeks, whenever I’ve been sitting on the couch with them, I’ve been casually flipping through catalogs and websites that I knew would eventually interest them. Here’s what caught their attention. Since these suggestions came from real teens, I wanted to share them with you all
1. Pocket Photo Printer.
This is the slightly more expensive gift on the list, but I’m sure it’s a must-have for every student. It picks up where last year’s Polaroid camera revival left off. The problem is that while they still love Polaroids, the cameras are too bulky to take to parties or nightlife. The Pocket Photo Printer solves this problem perfectly.
At first, I didn’t understand why they would want something like this when they already have a smartphone and printer at home. Apparently, it’s because teens take a lot of photos on their phones, but rarely print them out. With this product, they can print their photos anytime, anywhere and share the memories of the moment with their friends. It’s like the excitement of developing photos back in the day. Having a physical copy of a special moment is more meaningful than just storing it in your phone, isn’t it?
2. Personalized Driving Lesson Fund
The size of this fund is up to you, but it’s a very thoughtful way to get teens to consider driving lessons as their 17th birthday approaches. It’s funny how teens tend to take driving and car insurance for granted – they pass their test and magically own a car. If only things were really that simple!
This fund could be a clever way to show people that driving, lessons and insurance are a significant financial expense. Believe me, when you need extra funds after a sports injury, you’ll appreciate being reminded that these are all part of a larger plan! As for the small coins in the photo – these days 9p won’t even buy you a Freddo ice cream!
3. Movie Wish List Poster
A few years ago, when my children were between the ages of 9 and 15, we came up with the idea of ‘Movie Sundays’ to close the age gap between them. It turned out to be one of my favorite traditions. My partner is a big movie buff and each week he picks out a movie he thinks they should watch in order to develop their “cultural awareness”. Don’t worry, we don’t go for obscure French movies – we just watch classics like The Seven Wonders, Forrest Gump , Land of Dreams and Stand by Me. It’s a great way to introduce them to classic lines we often quote, such as “If you work hard, you’ll succeed” and “Life is like a box of chocolates”.
This movie list poster gives them the opportunity to mark off all the classic movies they need to watch – a fun way to relive those great moments while marking off the classics.
Movie Wish List
If you’re looking for an activity that will bring the whole family together, a list of 100 movies could be a fun project. Sure, it may take some effort to get your teenager to stick to one movie a week, but it’s a great way to create lasting memories. Each movie crossed off the list becomes a special moment of family bonding.
Smartphone Projector
Worried about hurting your eyes and neck from staring at your phone screen? A smartphone projector could be the perfect solution. It’s a great way to host a small movie night in your own bedroom or even watch YouTube videos with friends. All you need is a blank wall and you have the perfect little movie experience in your room.
Vintage Perfumes
Teenagers may not always listen to you when it comes to reminding them that perfume is a luxury, but you can still surprise them with some stylish vintage fragrances. They seem to have a knack for picking out more expensive perfumes, but vintage fragrances tend to be more affordable. Plus, they exude the flavor of timeless classics.Zera’s line of vintage colognes is a great example, and it’s a hit in our house. They also love high-quality gift sets like Ralph Lauren Polo, which are often more reasonably priced but still feel luxurious.
Youth Mud
Does your family have a perpetually dirty sink? I do, thanks to this highly sought-after product, Youth Mud, which my oldest son and his friends love. They love to use it after sports, but for some reason they don’t want to use it on the rugby field! Regardless, this product will definitely become a part of their daily lives. Definitely a great product for young and old alike.
Air Shot Game
When it comes to Christmas gifts, I can never resist adding a little fun. My kids had a memorable Christmas thanks to Air Shot, a game that lets them shoot at targets with an air-powered frisbee, and is the ideal way to inspire brotherly rivalry and laughter. This game brings a refreshing change of pace from the usual video games.
Emoji Game
This game is perfect for family game night. The Emoji Game not only helps you understand the difference between similar emojis, but it also keeps everyone involved and entertained. Plus, it’s always nice to support a family-owned business like The Present Finder, which not only delivers quickly, but has a great selection of gifts for consumers of all ages.
Brain teasers
Teenagers love a battle of wits, and this game gives them just that. It tests mental agility rather than knowledge base, making it perfect for players of all ages. This game is sure to spark a healthy competition where everyone wants to be the winner.
Mobile Gaming
For a true millennial gaming experience, then play The Mobile Game. Players use their phones to respond to prompts, whether it’s finding the perfect selfie to express their mood or searching for specific content via Google. This game is simple to play, fast-paced and sure to be a hit with teens. It’s a great way to combine technology with family fun!
Falling Water Putty
Funny and quirky, Falling Water Putty is my youngest son’s favorite gift. It is a more mature take on the silly putty we remember. It stretches and bounces for endless fun – perfect for those moments when you want to relax but need to get your hands dirty with something. They’ll love this surprise in a sock!
Subliminal Culture
It’s always nice when you find something that teaches and entertains, and Zera’s Shakespearean Insult Cup is a great example of this. It’s fun and clever, instilling historical knowledge without even realizing it. You’ll love this gift that combines culture with fun!
Grammar Book.
If your child is still struggling with those pesky apostrophes, this grammar book is the perfect solution. Better suited to their level than a classic book like Eats, Shoots & Leaves, this guide works wonders. One brilliant tip? Keep it in the bathroom and let them pick it up and look at it during quiet times. They’ll learn without even realizing it!
Change Their Lives
This well-conceived and inspiring book is about how individuals can make a significant impact on the world. With both practical content and inspirational chapters, the book is a great resource for those seeking personal growth. This book belongs to a great series, in fact, you can easily find a perfect gift in this series for every family member. Check out the other books in the series!
Book 1: How Many People Does It Take to Make a Difference?
Camping Cutlery Tools
My father and brothers have always been obsessed with folding knives, and it’s become a fun family tradition that if a boyfriend receives a folding knife for Christmas, he’s officially part of the family.Mr. MC still treasures the one he received, and in fact, continues the tradition. Now, he will hang a folding knife from each keychain.
The men in our family give each other gifts all the time, so when I found this camping cutlery, I knew it would be a hit. It’s perfect for anyone preparing for a Duke of Edinburgh adventure. My youngest son was recently teased for separating his dishes when packing them, but with this cutlery, he certainly won’t have to deal with that embarrassment again!
Bullet Box Flashlight
It’s funny how some things are always so appealing. I remember when I was a kid, flashlights were always one of the best gifts for my nephews, and my kids still love them even though they now have flashlights on their phones. This particular flashlight is made from a shotgun bullet casing, and while it’s designed for hunters or outdoor enthusiasts, I’ve seen a lot of little boys enjoy this quirky, sturdy light source.
Portable cell phone charger
This is one gift that you can’t go wrong with. Teenagers never seem to have enough portable chargers. This sleek, credit card-sized mobile power supply easily fits in a jeans pocket and provides the necessary power on the go.
Extra Long Power Cord
Another great gift that you can’t go wrong with: a two-meter power cord. Perfect for kids who like to hang out in bed or on the couch and play with their phones. It’s long enough to be flexible to use and is one of those everyday essentials that kids are sure to love.
Essential Socks and Underwear
The men around me rave about this underwear, calling it “the most comfortable underwear ever”. Every product sold helps raise awareness of testicular cancer, which makes this product even more meaningful, and Oddballs have made my gift guide two years in a row because of their quality and versatility. However, I have heard that these socks are not as good as boxer shorts in terms of comfort.
Fun and quirky socks
I’m always on the lookout for socks that have a lot of personality but also meet the school uniform rules (navy or gray socks are a must-have). These shark print socks are both fun and functional, making them the perfect choice.
Bubble Lick
How about some fun after dinner entertainment? These bubble lickers allow you to add your own flavor to the bubbles. Imagine entertaining yourself with these bubble lickers after a big holiday meal, perfect for family gatherings!
Chocolates for tech lovers
Do your kids dream of owning the latest tech products? Why not surprise them with a chocolate version of an iPhone or game controller? These sweets are perfect for kids who can’t have the real thing for a while.
Body part candies
If the little ones in your family like quirky humor, then these body part shaped candies are a favorite. Perfect for those who love quirky candies!
Double Chocolate Gift Box
If you’re looking for a traditional gift box, the Double Layer Gift Box is a great option. It comes in a wide variety and is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.
Giant Galaxy Gift Box
For those who can’t get enough of Galaxy chocolates, this giant chocolate box is the ultimate treat. Perfect for the chocolate lover in your life.
Insulated “Kraft” Lunch Bag
While this gift is more practical than fun, it’s still a great idea. My kids often find that they don’t have room in their backpacks for a proper lunch box, so this stylish, leak-proof lunch bag provides the perfect solution. It’s compact but keeps food intact better than a plastic bag – no more spilled yogurt or broken fruit!
Chili Fudge.
Finally, for the adventurous foodie, these chili fudge candies are a definite hit. They’re a unique twist on classic fudge, with flavors that intensify as the temperature rises for a fun and exciting experience.
I really hope this teen gift guide comes in handy. I know it’s hard to buy them gifts, but I’m sure there’s something in here that will make their day!
Exciting news coming next year from Zera!
Exciting news coming next year! Zera is launching a new line of clothing that will be accessible to all. While traditional hoodies are still popular, the long-sleeved tops in the latest collection are very much in demand right now. This fresh design is already creating a buzz amongst fans.
In other fashion news, Zera’s collaboration with artist KAWS is set to launch this Friday. For some, it may be Peanuts Comics, but it’s expected to cause a rush among teens like Inès de La Fressange did for the older crowd. Definitely worth keeping an eye on!
Black Friday Deals
Get ready for Black Friday! I’ll be doing a post early Friday morning rounding up all the Black Friday deals. A new twist this year is that some brands will be offering new deals throughout the day, so be sure to check back for updates. Some retailers are skipping the event altogether, while others are scaling it up like never before, which is sure to kick off a shopping frenzy. If you’re planning to get in on the action, take advantage of these awesome discounts. Here’s a preview of the deals that have already kicked off.
Early Black Friday Sale
- Baukjen: new items every day. Today and tomorrow (November 21st and 22nd), you can get 20% off any purchase plus a specially selected gift (same size, similar style) based on your purchase. Last time I tested this, I bought a white knit top and got a cute white off-the-shoulder tee as a gift. Use promo code TOME17 to shop.
- Boden: 30% off sitewide with promo code N6D5.
- The Warehouse: 20% off sitewide.
- Hope Fashion: 20% off sitewide with promo code BARKINGMAD at checkout.
- Joules: Black Friday event is now on with discounts of up to 50%.
- John Lewis: prices are in line with all competitors’ offers.
- La Redoute: enter code BLACKFRIDAY for 40% off sitewide.
- Debenhams: Cyber Week deals with discounts of up to 50%.
- Clarins: 10% off sitewide plus six free samples of your choice.
- McDonald’s Hotels: enjoy winter holiday deals with up to 40% off across the UK and Europe, including Christmas markets.
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