For most teenagers, cash is king. They desire to be more independent, but can't quite be on their own yet, so they appreciate the freedom of choice allowed by spending money. If you aren't comfortable giving straight cash, another option is a gift card. Amazon and eBay are good choices because there are so many products a teen can find there. If you know a teen is into fashion and which clothing stores the teen prefers, a gift card there is also good; or any specialty store you know the teen is interested in. If you prefer to give a physical gift, perhaps as a conveyance for cash or a gift card, here are some ideas.
MILESTONE MARKERS
Teenagers have a few special occasions to mark, like getting a driver's license, becoming a legal adult, and graduating high school. You can tailor a gift to commemorate these, like a gift card for gasoline with a keychain on a sixteenth birthday, or supplies for the camping trip a group of friends is going on before they all head off to college and post-high-school work. If an older teen is setting up a first apartment, you can give household essentials, like cleaning supplies stored in a mop bucket or kitchen staples in a baking dish.
BOOKS, MOVIES, AND MUSIC
There are three categories here: entertainment you know the teen likes, entertainment you liked or found useful as a teen, and material for studies.
For ones you know the teen likes, make sure yours will be the only copy or that it's unique somehow, like a first edition or special pressing or something autographed. You might also be able to find mementos of a concert or decorative items related to a book or movie. If the author, musicians, actors, etc are hosting a talk or concert or attending a convention, tickets to see the event could work well.
If you're looking to share your own interest, start small. Your interests might not match up with the teen's. If it doesn't, don't take it personally. As fun as it would be to be able to share a passion, it might not happen. If it does, don't go overboard.
If a teens is interesting in pursuing higher education or learning a trade or other skill, materials toward that are useful. College textbooks in particular are absurdly expensive, and training programs for various trades can be costly--not all are paid for upfront, and reimbursement, if offered, can take a long time.
HOBBY HELP
Especially as teens are able to explore electives in school and other interests through jobs and social activity, they might have specific interests you can cater to through gifts. Accessories for the hobby, gift cards to use to enhance collections, help replacing musical or athletic equipment that gets quickly worn out, a magazine subscription or book about the activity, tickets to a talk or event related to it, donation to a charity for an important cause, travel help or foreign currency if the teen wants to go to a convention far away--talk with the parents or teen first to be sure you're giving what can be used best, because there are a lot of options.
TECHNOLOGY
Many teens are interested in new technology. They are often excited about and maybe saving up for new phones, tablets, computers, or games. Depending on how close your relationship is with the teen and your budget, you might want to buy the thing itself (check with the teen and parents for the right specifications first). You could also sponsor a month or two of service payment.
You could also look into accessories for the technology a teen already has, like a car charger for a phone, speakers for handheld device, or an external hard drive for a computer. Again, you'll need to be sure it's compliant with the device.
GENDERED GIFTS
There seems to be a small trend that teen boys get cash and teen girls get scented candles, lotion, or plush animals. Especially for siblings, check first that the girl will appreciate getting something so different from her brother. Sometimes these can be a perfect gift, but a lot of girls would like the cash too, and sometimes boys would like a bit more thought, even if that's just getting a gift card for a specific things or writing a note to go with the cash that you know he's been saving up for something.
And please, unless you know the girl wants the occasion marked, skip presents, cards, or anything to acknowledge her menarche. The only thing most girls need after "becoming a woman" is to know where she can find feminine hygiene supplies. If she's in a situation where she can't get them herself for whatever reason, then it's reasonable to take her to pick some out, but generally a simple, "If you need anything, it's in the cabinet in the bathroom" will suffice.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Gifts for Young Children
Most people have at least a few young children in their lives who they want to give gifts to, from nieces and nephews to godchildren to friend's children to their own children. It can be tricky to strike the right balance between fun and useful, especially as younger children are still learning to appreciate the thought behind gifts. Here are some ideas to get you started brainstorming.
BOOKS AND MOVIES
Most kids love being read to. Books are easy to tailor to tastes, whether the parents' or the kids' or both. And a lot of books can be found second-hand in great shape for very little money. The same can be said for movies, and many families enjoy watching classic family films together--one of my brothers has made it a tradition to give my kids a Disney movie each Christmas with some snacks to enjoy while watching it.
If you're not sure what title is best, gift cards to bookstores work well too. By the time kids are about four or five, they have fun feeling grown-up by picking out and paying for their own things at stores, and most parents will appreciate that the children are picking a book which is relatively easy to store instead of a toy that can get lost or broken. Gift cards to movie theaters are good choices too, if the children are out of the baby stage.
TOYS
So long as you know the parents aren't already overwhelmed with THINGS, a small age-appropriate toy is certain to be appreciated. Puzzles, art sets, figures or plushes of favorite animals or characters, dolls and action figures--you have a lot to choose from. You can also ask if there are sets you can add to, like more Brio train tracks, Barbie accessories, toy food for a kitchen, or LEGO.
SWEETS AND OTHER FOOD
Most kids have a sweet tooth and will be thrilled to get candy. The main concerns with these is dietary restrictions. A bag of lollipops can't be enjoyed by a child sensitive to food dye, and package of cookies is frustratingly tempting to a Muslim child during Ramadan, a Jewish child on Yom Kippur, or a Christian child during Lent. Some food isn't safe for younger children, for example, toddlers who keep swallowing gum might choke on it. Check with the parents if you have any questions about the appropriate kind of treat for a child.
HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL ITEMS
Even young children can understand and appreciate having something just for them. Every preschooler and elementary-aged child that I've made a purse, wallet, afghan, pillowcase, or similar item for has loved that it's personalized in some way, even if that's just the favorite color. My mom has had great success embroidering keychains, washcloths, and handsewn plush toys for my cousins' children.
A lot of children seem to be enamored with kitchen items, stationery sets, and garden tools. If you know a child into these things, they're fun to pick out and easy to personalize as well.
Clothing can be good if you know the child will appreciate it. My daughters love getting new Christmas dresses from their grandparents each year. Not every kid does though, so check with the parents first, and be sure to get information about the right sizes.
GIFT CARDS, SUBSCRIPTIONS, CASH
My children have most of my old toys and most of my husband's old toys. They don't need many more. But they have piggy banks and enjoy filling them up. They also love being able to get a treat at an ice cream or fast food store.
Getting mail is fun for kids--they almost never get any, so the novelty is pretty special (and it's never a bill!). My husband's grandparents renew a subscription to a children's nature magazine every year, and I give my nieces and nephews a subscription to another. There are other fun things to get in the mail too: a family friend once sent us a coupon to redeem for caterpillars we could raise into butterflies! My kids absolutely loved the experience (do check that such coupons can be redeemed where your recipient lives; some are only good in certain areas).
Money for the future is a common gift from grandparents and great-grandparents, such as savings bonds or college tuition credits. These are so appreciated by the parents, but the thought might go over a young child's head, so be prepared for that. If you're concerned such a gift might not be fun enough, you can always add a packet of stickers, markers, candy, or other small conveyance gift.
GIFTS THAT NEED CARE
Always, always, always talk with the parents before giving children an animal, even caterpillars you only keep a couple weeks. Parents generally don't appreciate having to be the "bad guy" who says the child can't keep the puppy or kitten or fish, or having to go buy all the necessary equipment for an animal.
A plant is a much safer option, but if you have any doubt whether it will be difficult for the family, talk to the parents. There's a chance someone might be allergic to the plant or that they may not have the space in the yard for it (if they have a yard at all) or that they're about to go on a trip that means they'll come home to a dried-out, dead plant.
Fragile items can be beautiful heirlooms, but be sure that they're appropriate. A delicate crystal figurine is very nice for a Christmas ornament, but less ideal for sitting on a toddler's dresser.
When in doubt, ask!
BOOKS AND MOVIES
Most kids love being read to. Books are easy to tailor to tastes, whether the parents' or the kids' or both. And a lot of books can be found second-hand in great shape for very little money. The same can be said for movies, and many families enjoy watching classic family films together--one of my brothers has made it a tradition to give my kids a Disney movie each Christmas with some snacks to enjoy while watching it.
If you're not sure what title is best, gift cards to bookstores work well too. By the time kids are about four or five, they have fun feeling grown-up by picking out and paying for their own things at stores, and most parents will appreciate that the children are picking a book which is relatively easy to store instead of a toy that can get lost or broken. Gift cards to movie theaters are good choices too, if the children are out of the baby stage.
TOYS
So long as you know the parents aren't already overwhelmed with THINGS, a small age-appropriate toy is certain to be appreciated. Puzzles, art sets, figures or plushes of favorite animals or characters, dolls and action figures--you have a lot to choose from. You can also ask if there are sets you can add to, like more Brio train tracks, Barbie accessories, toy food for a kitchen, or LEGO.
SWEETS AND OTHER FOOD
Most kids have a sweet tooth and will be thrilled to get candy. The main concerns with these is dietary restrictions. A bag of lollipops can't be enjoyed by a child sensitive to food dye, and package of cookies is frustratingly tempting to a Muslim child during Ramadan, a Jewish child on Yom Kippur, or a Christian child during Lent. Some food isn't safe for younger children, for example, toddlers who keep swallowing gum might choke on it. Check with the parents if you have any questions about the appropriate kind of treat for a child.
HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL ITEMS
Even young children can understand and appreciate having something just for them. Every preschooler and elementary-aged child that I've made a purse, wallet, afghan, pillowcase, or similar item for has loved that it's personalized in some way, even if that's just the favorite color. My mom has had great success embroidering keychains, washcloths, and handsewn plush toys for my cousins' children.
A lot of children seem to be enamored with kitchen items, stationery sets, and garden tools. If you know a child into these things, they're fun to pick out and easy to personalize as well.
Clothing can be good if you know the child will appreciate it. My daughters love getting new Christmas dresses from their grandparents each year. Not every kid does though, so check with the parents first, and be sure to get information about the right sizes.
GIFT CARDS, SUBSCRIPTIONS, CASH
My children have most of my old toys and most of my husband's old toys. They don't need many more. But they have piggy banks and enjoy filling them up. They also love being able to get a treat at an ice cream or fast food store.
Getting mail is fun for kids--they almost never get any, so the novelty is pretty special (and it's never a bill!). My husband's grandparents renew a subscription to a children's nature magazine every year, and I give my nieces and nephews a subscription to another. There are other fun things to get in the mail too: a family friend once sent us a coupon to redeem for caterpillars we could raise into butterflies! My kids absolutely loved the experience (do check that such coupons can be redeemed where your recipient lives; some are only good in certain areas).
Money for the future is a common gift from grandparents and great-grandparents, such as savings bonds or college tuition credits. These are so appreciated by the parents, but the thought might go over a young child's head, so be prepared for that. If you're concerned such a gift might not be fun enough, you can always add a packet of stickers, markers, candy, or other small conveyance gift.
GIFTS THAT NEED CARE
Always, always, always talk with the parents before giving children an animal, even caterpillars you only keep a couple weeks. Parents generally don't appreciate having to be the "bad guy" who says the child can't keep the puppy or kitten or fish, or having to go buy all the necessary equipment for an animal.
A plant is a much safer option, but if you have any doubt whether it will be difficult for the family, talk to the parents. There's a chance someone might be allergic to the plant or that they may not have the space in the yard for it (if they have a yard at all) or that they're about to go on a trip that means they'll come home to a dried-out, dead plant.
Fragile items can be beautiful heirlooms, but be sure that they're appropriate. A delicate crystal figurine is very nice for a Christmas ornament, but less ideal for sitting on a toddler's dresser.
When in doubt, ask!
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