It has been a long winter, but the daytime hours are increasing and spring is just around the corner. Soon you will be receiving invites to or hosting your own teen celebrations. Graduations, Quinceaneras, Bar Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, and even Cow Jumping are just a sampling of the springtime coming of age observances for teenagers worldwide that have been around for centuries. For parents, it’s a time of poignant joy as you witness your teen step through the door from childhood to adulthood to become the person they have dreamed of and you have hoped for.
Celebrations equate to gift-giving punctuated by the age-old question that all parents ask, “What do I give a teenager?” Nowadays one’s first thought might lean towards some sort of technology. But beware, trying to buy your teen a tech-related gift will most likely fail as any teenager today is probably several steps ahead of you in their knowledge of the latest and greatest. Technology changes so quickly that most people cannot keep up. If that is what your teen really wants, then a money gift will most surely satisfy.
So for those who would prefer to give a gift other than money, what should you consider that will make a lasting impression on your tenacious teen? Fortunately, there are numerous items that are sure to please any teenager of varying tastes.
For the Sports Minded
Many teenagers have been actively involved in sports practically since they learned how to walk. They also love rooting for their favorite teams. This provides you with many options for pleasing the young athletes in your life. You can even step into the area of technology with sports-themed gifts. Things like footballs with built-in speakers are sure to please. Sports balls of all shapes and sizes are now available in glow-in-the-dark models, perfect for that nighttime game of soccer or basketball. Kids who practice alone would love a pitching machine or hockey puck flinger. And what teen would say no to a new skateboard, especially one that simulates the feel of a winter snowboard, a win-win for all seasons? Items with their favorite team logo will always be a hit and don’t forget to include tickets to that sought-after game.
For the Nostalgic Minded
The latest trend shows teenagers have become fascinated with old technology and want to be the first to own it. You can purchase a new typewriter, but you would be playing the cool card by sourcing out a refurbished Smith Corona or Remington. Analog wrist watches are also all the rage with refurbished or new options available at your favorite jeweler. Now might be the perfect time to gift that pocket watch you’ve hung onto all these years. Keep it as-is for your son, or add a long chain and turn it into a beautiful pendant for your daughter.
Today's teenagers are very much devoted to music and art. Though The Weeknd, Drake, BTS, and Taylor Swift may reign supreme, many teens are ‘Rediscovering’ the music of their parents and grandparents, and making it their own. To complete this nostalgic embracing of classic rock and hip hop greats, teens are discovering that the vinyl disc is a superior way to listen to music. Owning a portable turntable has become all the rage among teenagers who marvel at the ‘technology’ behind the needle and that 12" 33 long-playing vinyl record. Teenagers are also taking notice of the brilliance of some of the classic album art accompanying those records. Buy your teen a new turntable with some classic vinyl albums (you might want to dust off your old collection), and you are sure to be the hit of the party while giving a gift that will long be a favorite.
For the Do It Yourself Minded
For as many teenagers who try to fit in, there are those who want to create their own unique style and stand out. If your teenager enjoys standing out from the crowd, you may want to consider purchasing a sewing machine. Today’s sewing machines are not your grandma’s old treadle machine, though some teens might find a treadle machine a fun novelty. You can still find mechanical machines, but most sewing machines today have a computerized interface. A computerized sewing machine will tap into your tech-savvy teen’s creativity. There are numerous online videos to help them get started. Soon your teenager will be creating original designs and become the envy of their crowd.
In the past decade, there has been a proliferation of cooking shows creating superstar chefs who have made cooking and baking rad amongst the teen set. If you have a teenager who loves experimenting in the kitchen, you have a whole genre of awesome food preparation gifts to choose from. Your teen will gain personal satisfaction And popularity making bread or cakes that can be enjoyed by family and friends.
No matter your teenager’s interest and personality, the perfect gift is available. Talk to your child and pay close attention to your teen’s interests in music, movies, food, fashion, books, and sports. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box as you think about that perfect gift. You will amaze and delight them because your teen is already outside that box!
