Mamabee

The Best Holiday Gifts for Teenagers

Buying a gift for anyone can be a challenge. The gift that’s perfect for one person could be terrible for another – just imagine giving a Slayer album to your grandma. But buying a gift for a teenager can be particularly challenging. Their tastes can change quickly, as they explore the world and try new things. Not only that, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be the “cool relative,” and going for something trendy and gimmicky.

Instead, think about what the teenager in your life enjoys. A unique gift will show that you understand them, and take an interest in their tastes. Here are eight gift ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.

A Tablet Ceiling Mount

Teenagers love tablets, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re more powerful than smartphones, and their larger screens are better suited for gaming or watching videos. At the same time, they’re more portable – and more affordable – than a laptop or desktop PC. This makes them great for kids who are constantly on the go.

That said, it can be uncomfortable to hold a tablet in your hands for an extended period of time. And if you’re just watching a movie, you might want to do something else with your hands. As a result, various tablet stands and mounts have started becoming popular.

Take this tablet ceiling mount, for example. It has a magnetic mounting base, which adheres to your ceiling, so there are no screws required for installation. The mounting clamp attaches to the end of a telescoping rod, which can be easily detached when it’s not in use. Even so, the magnet is strong enough to support even the heaviest tablets, while the clamp can accommodate all but the largest.

Music

One thing humans all have in common is that we enjoy music. The question is what kind. Different people have different tastes, and what’s popular today isn’t the same as what was popular five, 10, or 20 years ago.

Thankfully, you don’t have to be an expert on the modern music scene to give a good gift. One surefire way to please is to give a gift card for a streaming service like Spotify. That way, your teenager can listen to whatever they enjoy. You’re not just giving the gift of music – you’re giving the gift of their music.

Another alternative is to give music so popular, so universal, that everybody likes it. This can be risky since nobody wants the same music that’s blasting on repeat in the supermarket. But why not put a twist on the gift, with something like

Nail Art Stamps and Supplies

Cosmetics can be a risky gift. On the one hand, teenage girls are often learning and experimenting with makeup, so it’s a sensible gift that they’re actually likely to use. On the other hand, it’s easy to send the wrong message. Given the wrong way, a gift of makeup might seem to imply that the teenager needs it rather than wants it.

The easiest way to send the right message is to give a cosmetic product that’s unique. For example, even a very nice blush palette is a fairly generic gift. But what about something like a nail art kit? It’s not just a bit of makeup; it’s a creative project. It’s something they can engage with over the course of an afternoon, and a way to express themselves.

Candles

The teenage years are some of the most stressful years of our lives. A part of this is a sense of feeling like more of an adult without actually being in control. But another aggravating factor is that teenagers don’t have as much experience managing their stress. Now is the time when they’re actually learning those life skills.

So, how can a gift help with this? You could schedule a spa day or a massage at the gym. Or you could go with something simpler, like Chiji candles with their radiating crystal energy. The point is to give them the tools to relax and relieve their own stress. That’s a gift that will last them for the rest of their lives.

Slick LEDs

LED poi is a popular dance trend that’s exploded from the EDM scene into popular culture. In LED poi, participants swing LEDs in various geometric patterns. As the lights move around in more and more complex patterns, they create a unique, colorful display that’s as visually appealing as it is technologically advanced.

The art of LED poi requires accessories. Basically, you need some kind of light in order to participate. At its most basic level, participants might use a glow stick, but serious enthusiasts use purpose-made LED poi LEDs. You can even use other nifty accessories, such as a pair of LED gloves, or even full-body LED outfits. Needless to say, these gifts are only a good idea if your teenager is interested in LED poi.

Something for Their Pet

We all love our pets, and teenagers, like everyone else, might have a furry companion with whom they share a special bond. So if you’re not sure what to get them, why not get something for their pet instead? A pack of durable dog chews toys or a high-tech heat lamp for a lizard are sure to be welcome.

If you’re going to do this, keep in mind to follow the same rule you’d follow with people; it has to be something the pet would actually like. So if you haven’t spent time with the pet and gotten to know them, give the “pet gift” a pass.

Another alternative is to give a pet-related gift that’s really for your teenager. A good example of this is a set of custom pet portraits. These create a permanent, unique record of a special moment, which your teenager will treasure for years.

A New Tablet

A new tablet isn’t exactly the most creative gift. Everyone knows when the latest tablet is coming out, and people will line up around the block to get the one they want. Then again, who says the best gift is always creative? Sometimes, it’s something your teenager has been hoping to receive for months.

In that case, a tablet like the iPad Pro can be an excellent choice. Your teenager will be able to enjoy the latest games, their favorite videos, and stay on top of social media. If they’ve been begging you for a new tablet, the holidays are the ideal time to give them one.

Fun Shoes

When it comes to making a bold fashion statement, it’s tough to go wrong with a fashionable set of shoes. Sporty sneakers, fun pumps, and relaxing Crocs are all perfectly viable options.

The nice thing about shoes is that sizes tend to be fairly consistent, unlike a lot of other clothes. As a result, it’s easy to buy a pair online and be reasonably sure that they’ll fit. But just to be sure, make sure to get a gift receipt. That way, if there are any sizing issues, it will be easy to make an exchange.