Teen gifts: Ideas for hard-to-buy-for big kids hey are finicky and fickle, and might be updating their wish lists as often as their Instagram accounts. Do you have any idea what to buy the teenagers on your holiday shopping list this year?
Think small leather goods, jewelry and watches.
NO SHAME IN GIFT CARDS
Aileen Avery, author of “Gift Rap: The History and Art “Itʼs a challenge because they move of Gift Giving,” quickly and their desires change quick- advises steering ly,” says Gregg Andrews, Nordstromʼs clear of clothing, fashion creative director. “You have to makeup and handhave the newest, hottest thing. Theyʼre bags. “Those are bringing in so much information, so very personal style gift card so they can dine what they want changes constantly.” things that the teen should pick out themselves, especially if itʼs a girl,” she out with friends. Or see The best bets, according to the what kind of video says. experts: electronics — notably the games they play. smartphone, along with phone acces- Her advice for a no-fail gift: cash, gift Cash, says Avery, sories; video game systems and cards or electronics. is the gift of “first games; fashion accessories; “If you donʼt want to spend the big resort”: “Cash is activewear (the “athleisure” trend); and bucks on the iPad or a cellphone, then better than gift cards because items that let teens express themyou can buy things like accessories thatʼs immediate. Thatʼs, ʻgo wherevselves. Donʼt forget the standbys of and little gifts and match them to gift er, do whatever you want.ʼ” cash and gift cards. cards,” she said — for example, cool Idealistic teenagers will feel good “The No. 1 thing is the cellphone — itʼs earbuds with an iTunes gift card. receiving a gift from a retailer that not even close,” Marshal Cohen, chief Or wrap up a gadget like a Darth donates to a charitable cause they are industry analyst at market research Vader flash drive or purse-size cellpassionate about. “This generation is firm NPD Group, says of what phone charger/flashlight. more socially conscious that way and teenagers want. Donʼt be embarrassed to give a gift wants to make a difference,” Avery Gift-givers can then build on what the card, experts say, because teenagers says. child already has. donʼt find them impersonal the way UNIQUE AND PERSONAL “If I got you a new adults might. Just be sure you know Good gifts for teenagers are ones that phone during the year where they want to shop. are new, different and let them show or last year, Iʼm going “Teens would rather have who they are, says to look to accessorize one big, giant gift card Andrews, at Nordstrom. it this year,” Cohen than a whole bunch of lit“They want things that says. tle gift cards,” Cohen are unique, that express All kinds of accessays. “They donʼt their individuality and that sories, in fact, may be want a variety. theyʼre the first to have,” popular presents, he says. They want to make he says. a splash in one store.” Among his recommendaFor inspiration, check out tions: recipientsʼ social networks Smartphone cases. to find out about their Moschino has creative hobbies, what music models turned out to resemthey love or what team they ble fast-food french fries and a cheer for, Avery says. If you spot melting ice cream bar; other a restaurant they enjoy, grab a
brands feature floral, ethnic or animal prints. “When they all throw their cellphones down on the table, itʼs who has the coolest case,” Andrews says. He also suggests other tech accessories: earbuds, alone or built into earmuffs or headbands, or headphones offered with interchangeable “cans” for different looks. “Headphones are a crazy thing now, and theyʼre not just about the sound. Theyʼre also about the look and the accessory-like quality of them,” Andrews says. If youʼre looking for a wearable gift, consider the Converse sneaker, available in various colors and in styles from Missoni, the knitwear company known for zigzag patterns. For boys, consider a hat — a slouchy beanie or an oldschool ski hat emblazoned with a team logo and topped off with a pom-pom. As for activewear, thereʼs the jogger pant for boys and girls. The relaxed fit makes it easier for gift-givers to get the size right. Same goes for a quilted vest or trendy backpack, Andrews says. At Gifts.com, editorial curator Gwen Paja recommends a refurbished, vintage Polaroid instant camera as a nostalgic counterpoint to the latest technology. She also suggests necklaces in the shape of a state, and “experience” gifts, like flying in a jet pack. Lastly, thereʼs the gift they can eat: food or candy that can be ordered online or arranged in a basket. “Teenagers are the hungriest group of people,” Avery says. “You canʼt go wrong.” Lisa Flam can be reached on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/lisaflam.
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LISA A. FLAM Associated Press