We have several nieces and nephews with whom we're not very close, and see only a couple times a year. As a result, we don't know their interests very well.(And we don't have the type of relationship with their parents to ask them.) When they were younger, it was fairly easy to get them toys or activities they would enjoy. Now that they're all teens (11-18), I have no clue what to get them. Last year I got away with clothes for the girls, but they're so picky about brand, fit, and style, that I don't want to waste money on things that might never be worn. I was thinking about just getting Visa gift cards for them because they live in a small town with very few retail opportunities and I don't know how often they make the 45 minute drive to the nearest mall. Plus, I hate the thought of those fees. Any ideas? Maybe some of you have teens and can tell me what they're into?
Thanks for the advice! Just to clarify, even though we don't see these kids often, we always get together for the holidays and all the kids get gifts, so it's not really optional. For one niece I found a great cash/license compact at Artistic Treasures, and will also get her some make-up stuff. Not sure yet for the other, but I now have lots of great ideas!
Do they have internet? My two teen boys are on the internet all the time. An idea is a gift certificate from an online store. There are lots of choices out there. You could do clothes, games, music downloads, etc. Good luck!
I am in a similar situation with relatives and I'll tell ya, the teens love cash! They are not offended in any way.
Do they have computers? Gift cards for music downloads. You can find them at Target. What teenager (or almost teenager) isn't into music these days?
I have a 13 yr old girl..and many neices and nephews I have gone thru this with....CASH reigns supreme...for those that drive, gas cards are good....knowing what stores are around will help with any gift card ideas......movie theaters are a great idea (like someone else said...a movie theater pack...or a home one with micro popcorn and a dvd movie and candy)...when I did cash for the nephews, I found web sites with money oragami instructions...the shirt was the easiest for me..so I made the boys a "box of shirts" made from $1 bills and put them in a little jewelry box I had..minit dress shirts! It was a cute and wasy way to present the money.
I am a theme person so I try that angle if I can...girls are easier for me....they love bath stuff, nail stuff, journals,etc....coin purses are a nice way to give money...if you are doing maybe a $15 gift find a $5 coin purse and put some dollars and coins to add up to the rest? Fancy scarves and mittens are nice...cutesy socks.
If you know they have iPods..the iTunes cards are great..highest on my daughters list this year....or any gift cards that can be used online.....
Girls always love bath and body products, lip gloss and nail polish. You could also get them a magazine subscription to a teen magazine.
I have the exact situation. Last year I picked up some craft kits at Michael's and they all LOVED them. There were make your own candle kits, etc. I also picked up some multi-packs of flavored lip glosses at Claire's (they make soda-pop flavored and DQ flavors, etc.) and those were a huge hit too. Tote-bags, canvas bags, overnight bags, etc. of different types are always useful. Pajamas are good for guys too - pajama pants, tee's & sweatshirts, etc. If they have iPods, iTunes gift cards. Board games. That's all I can think of right now. If all else fails, ask their moms. :)
Its funny you even feel obligated to buy gifts for them since you are not close to the kids or the parents! I am sure they would like gift cards for music downloads or any major retail store or amazon etc...they can always order on line. girls always like bath and body stuff too...they have some cool hair and body glitter this year. the visa gift cards kind of suck actually...you have to pay a service fee and they are difficult for the end user. our kids got them last year and they are tricky to use at certain stores.
Is there a theater near them? You could get theater certificates for them to use. If it's a larger name like AMC or soemthing you can buy them near you and they should be good there.
I would venture to guess the kids would love CASH. I'm not sure how much you were planning on spending, but cash would be received VERY well. It would give the kids an opportunity to use it as they wish, one might save it for a bigger purchase, another might save it for college and yet another might spend it right away. I don't know a teen or pre-teen that would not LOVE cash. It would be simple for you and appreciated by them.
The DVD's Santa Claus 3 and Shrek 3 just came out. My 3 boys enjoy these movies a lot. They are ages 12, 16, & 19. You could make a movie bucket w/ popcorn,drink,movies & popcorn bucket or movie candy? Do they have a movie theatre around them? Movie giftcards are also a hit! Any specific games they like? Madgab, Scene It & Catch phrase are some fun games for teens. Do they ice skate? Warm socks to wear with skates, those hand & foot warming packets. How about snowboards, sleds or new hockey sticks. For teen girls, maybe a fun disposable camera & a mini scrapbook? Hope some of these suggestions help! Have a great holiday season!
Do they have cell phones? What about buying them cards to up their minutes. Or music download cards if they have MP3 players or Ipods. If they are driving a gas card is a good idea too.
