Buying gifts for teenager girls can be a time consuming task, especially for the “out of touch” parent or adult. Teenagers tend to be fickle and the new fad changes constantly. With all this mind changing, it’s almost impossible to know exactly what a teenager would like to receive. However, I have been privy to some inside information on what teenage girls are raving about for the 2006 holiday season. Take notes and keep in mind that the most thoughtful present is the time and energy you take to find something that they like.
First up is the Jenga Truth or Dare Game by Milton Bradley. All teenage girls love playing truth or dare and now they can play with a new and exciting twist! Teens will love that the dares are still fun and crazy while parents will love the fact that they are still clean and decent. All of the excitement of the devious game of truth or dare is combined in this game of skill that includes 18 truth blocks, 18 dare blocks, and 18 blank blocks for writing your own (or leaving blank). The Jenga Truth or Dare Game is recommended for ages 12 and up, retails for $19.99, and can be found online and at most major retail stores.
Next on the list is a movie pass to your local movie theater. Teens love to go to movies and be “free” for a while without their parents (even if means sitting 10 rows ahead of them so no one knows they’re with you). You can find out what local movie theaters are in the area by going to http://movies.aol.com/, clicking on the Showtimes and Tix button, and clicking on your state and city. You will then see a list of the local theaters in the area and some offer the ability to purchase movie or gift passes online. If they don’t offer an online purchase, just visit the movie theater during business hours and inform them that you would like to purchase one. Each theater has its own rules and regulations on usage of movie and gift passes so be sure to know what you’re buying (for instance, some theaters will let you use a gift pass at the concession bar and some will not). It is especially important for you to know if a movie or gift pass can be used towards opening releases so they do not show up for one and are unable to use it.
Prepaid cell phones and refill cards are a big hit with teenagers right now because they can control and pay for them by themselves. If you are not a parent or guardian of the teen you should always run the idea by them first to make sure they are in agreement with it. Prepaid cell phones have no contract, no monthly bill, and no credit check. There are slues of carriers that offer prepaid cell phones and you can get more information on prepaid cell phones and which carriers service your area by visiting http://www.prepaidcellphoneguide.com.
MP3 players are the new CD player for this generation and every teen has to have one. There are several other choices than the extremely expensive ones you’ve seen showcased on televisions and retail store ads. Apple has an iPod shuffle for $69.99 or you can go with a dual MP3 player and CD player from Philips for $39.99. There are lot of options and price ranges out there so if you’re unsure of what you’re looking for talk to a qualified sales associate at an electronics store. Just make sure they do not try and convince you that an extremely expensive MP3 player is the only way to go. Be straight forward and tell them, “I am looking for an MP3 player for my (fill in age) year old daughter and it needs to be under (fill in price).” Stick to your guns and if you have trouble ask to talk to another associate.
Items for her room are another great gift idea. Teens love making their room as personal as possible. This is where they spend most of their time and they really love to make it an expression of themselves. Cool gifts that enhance their room are gifts that never get old or go out of style. You can get her a new full length mirror, posters for her walls, a photo board for her pictures, or a trendy new comforter to name a few. One thing every teenage girl loves is Papasan chairs. They are ultra comfy, long lasting, and completely stylish. They are a little expensive (normally around 100 dollars for the chair and the cushions) but now you can get similar chairs (like the saucer chairs) at your local department stores for under fifty dollars.
Last on the list are gift certificates. Although they are less personal, you have no better way of ensuring that they like their present because they get to pick it out themselves. Try to purchase one at places teens frequent such as clothing stores, beauty salons, or your best bet- the mall (they are sure to find a store they like there!).
After all this reading you are sure to have a greater understanding of what the teenage girl on your list wants so have fun and rest assured that they wont be this way forever!
