I’m glad I’m not in this teen gift boat yet. My kids are 7 and 8 (Yes, I know that sounds insane) and are just starting to think about more expensive gifts. As I said in the last gift guide, Gifts for 8 – 11 Year Olds, I have no intention of buying a Nintendo Switch. They are pretty cool and they do get kids up and moving for some games, but Holy $$$ Batman! I’m terrified for my wallet in a few years. Our niece and nephews and their friends are 13-22 and I know what they are asking for and I haven’t even splurged on some of those for me.
I’m going to temper the high ticket like the coveted iPhone 11 or the Apple Watch with some lower priced items to try to help us all out here. Let’s be real, gift cards are sometimes where it’s at with this age group. I hate to do that but I’m not going to assume I know what clothes or shoes someone else wants especially since I’m officially boring and old. I’m sure I’d buy the dorkiest thing available and not even totally on purpose. You can buy gift cards for just about any store on Amazon. Take the lazy route, give the gift card, AND don’t even leave the house looking all over creation to get it. Let’s be real, you don’t still belong in Spencers and Justice makes your skin crawl.
I’m going to start with some technology because, in this age bracket, that seems to be the hottest thing going. You don’t have to spend $1,000 to get some cool stuff. In fact, I’ve got ideas for under $100 because I’m not insane. I’ve added some fun gifts and some stocking stuffers, too.
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer with AirPrint
I’m not gonna lie, I kinda want this but I totally don’t need it. It’s a printer that prints your photos on the go. You know, like a Polaroid but the pictures look so much better than our old beloved standby and they are supposed to last 100 years. It’s a pretty cool gadget for parties or any events where you want to give people their picture immediately.
You can print directly from your phone, use a memory card, or print from Facebook and Instagram. You can use the Party Shuffle Print feature to print collages from multiple devices with your friends. That seems a little crazy but let’s go with it, your kids will know what to do. Print size is 2.1″x2.1″ to 4″x6″. The photos are also water resistant. This gift is just neat.
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
Didn’t I just mention Polaroid? Well, it’s back in the game in a new form. We all know what this is but this time around the pictures are 2″x3″ and have sticky backs to put wherever you want. Good or bad, life is instant these days. No shaking or blowing on the picture, it has a slim design and can fit in your pocket. I don’t know if this is exciting or scary.
Selfie Light Ring
We may be losing the battle against unbridled narcissism but at least we can do it with good lighting.
”Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.”
George Eastman
Pretty sure most tweens and teens aren’t that interested in artful photography but we can pretend. I know these phone accessories are wanted, heck, I even have one. They are rechargeable, light weight, small and they work. Did I mention inexpensive? You can snap these up for around $12.
Portable Charger 10000mAh Lucky Cat Power Bank
I’m starting to wonder if this is a teen gift list or it’s for me because I LOVE Lucky Cat and my batteries are forever going dead. Look, when you do the work that I do, you are on the phone a LOT. Who else is on the phone a lot? Well, everyone these days but let’s stay on track. These are a cool gift that doesn’t blow the bank and you know they are already ready for a recharge by the time you are done with your coffee. I’m sure they come with different illustrations but this is my list and not a free for all. You get Lucky Cart Get this for $23.99 on Amazon.
Classes at Oglebay Institute
I had to break up the consumerism! I have gifted classes to Oglebay Institute and Towngate Theatre before and it is a gift that they can use their entire lives. This one takes a little finagling because you have to sign them up for the class to save the space. It’s much easier for mom or dad but it can be done. They have classes in art, theatre, music, dance, history, nature, and more. I love this place. If you live close enough, make it a point to visit. If you live further away, find your local arts institutions and use them.
Pusheen Slippers
You don’t know who Pusheen is? Doesn’t matter, your kids do. It’s a harmless cat cartoon character so don’t worry about double meanings. Pusheen was created in 2010 and these slippers are another practical but fun gift. Why is this the second cat thing I’ve posted? I’m not sure. I don’t even own a cat.
Exploding Kittens
Okay, now I’m starting to feel weird myself about the cats. Moving on! Exploding Kittens is an amazing game from the cartoonist Matthew Inman also known as The Oatmeal. I’ve been reading his comics for years and they are hilarious. He has a bunch of merchandise based on his comics so go buy all his stuff and gift some to me, I mean, your teen. Click and watch.
Leather Writing Journal
This is pretty self explanatory. A fancy leather bound journal for all their deepest teen thoughts… Okay so probably where they will write about how much they hate you but still it’s a pretty good gift. You can tell yourself they are honing their writing skills and finding a healthy outlet for their emotions. The pages aren’t lined so they can draw in this book. It is refillable and has a binder type holder so they can take out pages without making a mess. Only $10 and they come in different colors, but you only get to see my favorite unless you click on the link.
Bluetooth Beanie
There’s are a bunch of these available so I took the liberty of looking through review sites and consumer reviews to settle on this one to show you. It comes in tons of colors and styles, some have lights, some are knit, and some have puff balls. They are rechargeable, have hands free calling, built in mic, speakers, and the material is washable. They start around $15.99 and go up for differing options. Pretty nice for that price, and I got to rhyme.
Clocky Alarm Clock on Wheels
So your teen might just not like this one but you will! This clock runs away from your teen that refuses to get out of bed. It can jump off of up to a 3′ tall nightstand, shake run, changes direction and generally annoy the crap out of them until they get up. It’s also extra loud for heavy sleepers.
Got more gift ideas? I bet they are better than when my sister gave me a can of Crisco. Post them in the comments.
