Christmas Gifts for Teens

Giving is better than receiving, unless of course you're a teenager. They haven't quite nailed that concept of giving or the one where the thought counts more than the gift. In fact these fickle minds seldom have room inside to contemplate and appreciate the thought behind the gifts at all. So gift-givers, beware. When teens comprise a portion of your holiday gift-giving list, be prepared with a variety of options that rate high in terms of usefulness and popularity. This isn't to infer that teens won't appreciate what they get-but until their minds and bodies shed their skins of the teen years-and become one with the human race, what they get counts for lots.

First, there is an old philosophy that must be shed immediately. You know the one-giving cash looks as though no thought went into the gift giving. Teens, however, don't care. Give cash. They love it. They'll appreciate it. And next year they'll be hoping for more of the same. Are you a little bit uncomfortable with the amount you can or can't afford to give? This is the only drawback to cash. If finances are strained, and you want to spend less on your gifts than you have in the past, cash gifts definitely won't work. Here are a few things that will.

1. A movie basket-fill a reusable container with a popular video or coupons for rentals. Add packets of microwave popcorn, move theater candy selections, and a freezable mug for cold soda.
2. A sock basket-all teens run out of socks. They're either lost en route or under the bed dirty. If your teen is an athlete, give a variety of cushioned athletic socks, high and low-cut. Add foot spray. A teen girl might enjoy a combination of sport socks and stylish ones. Add a can of foot powder and some pedicure implements and polish.
3. Music store gift certificates. Whether it's a new release, an impending release, or a golden oldie, there is sure to be something here to please even the most petulant teen.
4. Restaurant gift certificates. Whether they come from fast-food joints or sit-down dining establishments-all teens love to eat!
5. Electronic gift certificates. These are actually a lot of fun for both the giver and the recipient. Since teens spend a great deal of time online anyway, why not indulge them in this mode of electronic gift-giving? Companies like Amazon.com carry books, CD's, video games, electronics, and even clothes. An e-certificate arrives through an announcement in the teen's e-mail program. Browsing is done via the Web. And unless a few extra bucks are needed for shipping and handling, teens need not bother their parents for a credit card. They are totally independent in their gift selection. In addition to Amazon.com, most retailers like Target, Wal-Mart, The Gap, and Old Navy offer e-certificates and e-shopping. For the long distance gift giver, this eliminates the expense of packaging and shipping a gift as well.
6. Is the teen-in-question a driver or about to become a driver? Mobil offers prepaid gasoline cards that are also good for goods in their convenience stores. These are perfect for teens who travel, or perhaps the older teen on his or her way to college.
7. Most teens start their driving careers in cars that are less than pristine. The occasional break-down, flat tire, or overheated engine may cause considerable misery. For around $50, purchase a gift membership to AAA. They'll never be without help when they need it.
8. Teens love to talk, and when they do that talking on the household phone-and those friends are ones they've met away at camp or college-that gets to be pretty expensive. Pre-paid phone cards are a parent's blessing in disguise. And the teens will thank you for the extra workout their jaws receive!
9. Speaking of workouts-today's teens are into fitness and body sculpting big time! A trial membership to a gym or athletic club would be a welcome-and healthy-gift.
10. Financial-savvy teens will enjoy a gift from OneShare.com. This company allows the gift giver to purchase a single share of stock. The varieties are interesting and there are several teens would recognize-Krispy Kreme donuts, for instance. This ingenious program allows gift givers to buy stock without breaking the bank. The teen then has the opportunity to follow his or her investment and the option to buy additional shares down the road.

When creativity prevails-with a little assistance from innovative new gift-giving options, everyone will be more than happy with their gifts. A little forethought and a bit of insight make gift giving to teens a breeze.