Buying gifts for teenagers can get very difficult, particularly if you do not know teenagers very well. The problem with teenagers is that some are more grown up than others and if you do not know the person very well, you do not know whether to tend towards the adult or the child. However, you can always purchase a ‘little bit older’ knowing that if you have not judged the mental age correctly, then they will mentally grow into the gift.
There are a couple of classic gifts that teenagers feel are not too young for them, presents that make them feel grown up. These gifts are not in any particular order.
A watch is always helpful – a small dainty watch for a girl and a big chunky thing for a boy. It does not matter whether it is wind-up, automatic or battery and it does not have to be one of the very expensive names, but it is better if it is pretty famous like a Seiko.
A chain, necklace or bracelet of precious metal will be appreciated by any teen, but especially by girls. Nine carat gold or silver is not that expensive, but it will hold its value. A St Christopher can make a decent gift for someone who is religious or not.
Teenagers like clothing and shoes, but it is best to keep the clothing on the casual side. Like trainers instead of shoes or a T-shirt rather than a shirt with a collar, a hoodie rather than a jacket. A leather belt is also worth considering.
Sunglasses are mostly appreciated, but it is vital to get the style right. Ask the parents of the teenager which designer label the teenager prefers.
Music is a classic present for a teenager, but there is such a choice of media to play it on these days. Maybe a present voucher from a big high street record shop that also has an on line presence is best. That way, they can either purchase a CD or download the music from the Net onto their MP3 player.
An atmospheric lamp can be a good present if the teenager spends a great deal of time in his or her room. Lava lamps and optic fibre lamps are just the ticket.
Something for the computer. Most teens have a computer, so you could buy a web cam, a wireless mouse or a wireless keyboard. Or a new computer game. If the teen has a laptop, they might appreciate a new laptop case or carrying bag. Laptops do come with a carrying bag, but they take quite a bashing and soon become frayed and scruffy.
A decent quality pen. Not many teenagers use fountain pens these days, but they are still a good present. It might encourage the teen to tidy up his or her handwriting otherwise a famous-name biro, but it is really not the same as a classic fountain pen and a bottle of ink. You could add a blotter to this little package as well as no-one seems to have one any more.
Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on several topics, but is now involved with Silver Cross Rocking Horses. If you want to know more, please visit our website at Rocking Horses for sale.
