Gift buying should be fun but it can be a real burden! Teens are especially difficult to buy for because they are so picky and sometimes difficult to get to know. We ought to be purposeful about the way we give gifts. No one needs meaningless clutter in their lives. The best teen gifts inspire positive feelings that someone cares and cultivates creativity or growth. I believe it is important to show the recipient that you know them, care about them and actually are thinking about them.
Step 1 – Packaging
One of my favorite ideas is to find a unique basket or bucket at the craft store, goodwill or even the dollar tree. I either pick a favorite color or something unique. It could be a leaf shaped basket for a fall birthday or a train basket for the person who loves trains. You could purchase a basket or bucket and spray paint it their favorite color. It is just the packaging so don’t spend much money here. I often buy a bright plastic dollar tree bucket. If they toss it later, no biggie.
Step 2 – Gifts
Now comes the fun part, buy what the person loves. I like to do themes because it helps me shop more focused. Here are my top 3 favorites for teens and young adults.
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Bullet Journal Theme
Bullet journaling for teens is really in right now. Bullet journaling or BuJo is about making it yours. So just about anything goes.
Journaling is known to reduce anxiety and stress. and can also help teens stay on track when they have a lot going on. Juggling school work, chores, sports, and a social life can be exhausting. With some planners, teens might feel “boxed in” with no room to let their creative juices flow. You really only need 3 things. Start with a great journal. Add a fun pen pack with lots of colors. Then add any extras you want like washy tape and stickers. You may also add stress relief essential oil, a comfy pair of fuzzy socks or a blanket or pillow to make it a cozy gift.
Travel Theme
Pick a theme to go with where you are visiting for Christmas. Select an aloha beach bag or beachy travel bag for those going to the beach. Pick a cow theme bag if you are going to grandma’s farm in Montana. In the travel bag, pack any of the following: caboodles travel makeup case or travel toiletry bag, stress ball, lululemon leggings, air pods, and hoodies. Wrap each one and put it inside the travel bag. The travel bag becomes the packaging for this gift.
Team Theme
Pick the team that is the recipient’s favorite. It might be professional, college or even their high school team. First select the packaging. It can be a colorful bucket or a clear stadium bag. Select their favorite munchies. Takis, Doritos, Cheetos, chocolate, soda or jerky all work well. Buy a water bottle with the team logo on it or put a team logo sticker on it. Kids love to personalize their things with stickers. Get a hoodie or T-shirt with or without the team logo on it. How about adding a baseball cap or a beenie? You may buy stickers for the team and put them on water bottles or hydroflasks. If they like to listen to their favorite team then purchase air pods.
I hope these ideas get you thinking. Teens and young adults like to feel heard and understood. These gifts are designed to help you make a gift that lets them know you care.