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Gifts for Teens Ask teenagers what they want for Christmas (or any other holiday or occasion) and more often than not, the answer will be Money! Wanting to please, you respond with gifts of cash only to discover that the money runs through their fingers like water, with no residual value or remembrance of you—the giver—or the occasion for which your gift was given. What do you do the next time you want to give a gift? Keep in mind that most teens enjoy music, driving, sports, parties, junk food, makeup, and friends. Here are a few gift ideas you might try. (As this was written, our teen-age son was asking, "Why don't I get all those cool gifts?" In his wisdom, he then added, "Never give them clothes!") Give tickets to a concert, play, or movie the teen would like to attend. You might also want to throw in some cash for concessions and souvenirs. Prepaid DVD rentals and a bushel of snacks make a great gift the teen can share with friends. Give a party at a favorite teen spot. Rent a limo (or loan your car) for a special event—homecoming, an awards banquet, prom night, graduation. Assemble a car-care kit by filling a durable cleaning bucket with sponges, car cleaner, wax, chamois cloths, window cleaner, squeegees, dash cleaner, and car freshener. Give it to a teenager who has just received his driver's license or has recently purchased a car. Arrange for the services of a disc jockey or other entertainment (magician, comedian, caricaturist, instrumentalist, vocalist, gorilla, or strolling musicians) for a sweet sixteen, bar/bat mitzvah, or another party. Give a magazine subscription. Mad magazine is popular among teens. Other teen favorites include Seventeen, Teen, Sports Illustrated, or one of the many fanzines. Pick one up at the bookstore or newsstand, mail in the subscription form, and give the magazine with a note mentioning the forthcoming issues. Give all the fixin's for the ultimate ice cream sundae. Assemble assorted sauces (fudge, butterscotch, caramel), marshmallow crème, nuts, and candy toppings in a basket. Add an ice cream scoop and a coupon for ice cream or frozen yogurt. Top it off with a can of whipped cream and a jar of maraschino cherries for a gift of total indulgence. If driver's education classes are not offered at the teen's high school, arrange and pay for private driving lessons for the teen approaching driver's license age. Present a gift certificate for the lessons along with a key chain or car accessory—customized floor mats, console drink holder, dashboard sun shield, steering-wheel wrap, seat covers. Give passes to an amusement park, miniature golf course, water slide, or another popular teen spot. Pass on a family heirloom with a note about its origin and significance. Install a telephone—perhaps with a private line in the teen's room. (This could prove to be a nice little gift to yourself, as well.) Arrange for a makeover, color analysis, hair styling, contact lenses, or ear piercing to give the teen a new look. Order personalized license plates from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Teenagers love their privacy! Give a locking diary, safe, or box for storing private items. If you decide to give a gift of cash, what teen wouldn't love his or her own credit card or checking account (with a predetermined limit, of course)? A final word about gifts of money to teens. If you know the teen is saving for a specific item and you wish to make a contribution, by all means do so. But remember, once a gift is given, the giver has no control over what the recipient does with it. Even if you suspect the funds have been misappropriated, don't ask!
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