Thank You Gift Idea for Teenage Girl

do something nice for her like take her to lunch or to the movies, maybe let her invite a friend along, and tell her, I just wanted to do something nice for you b/c I've noticed some of the nice things you've done for others. It lets her know that her actions are noted, and yes, there are rewards for being nice and helpful.

I like to give consumable gifts, especially since I don't want my girls to learn to hoard items that may one day end up as "clutter" or be outgrown. It sounds as though you want to give her something rather than take her somewhere (my 16 year old loves to be taken out for tea or a nice lunch); if that's the case, I'd suggest either homemade treats, wrapped up with a ribbon and a card, or a kit for making her own treats - if she likes making cookies with the kids she babysits for, maybe a favorite cookie recipe, the ingredients and some cookie cutters.

Another, less "feminine" idea is to put together an emergency kit in a rubbermaid bin - something portable, with flashlight, batteries, whistle, pad and paper, small first-aid kit, etc. to be kept with her when she's babysitting (or in the car if she's driving). You could add a note praising her helpfulness and hoping that this helps her be even more prepared/helpful, etc.

What about a diary with a pretty nice pen? Or if she is not TOO old, a calligraphy set? (I know young teens -- 12-14 yrs or so) like that sort of thing..

How about a necklace? They range from frilly girl to rock n roll diva...or

floweres
a tote bag/purse
gas card- if she has to drive to help out
cookie bouquet
ipod gift card if she has one
Nice keychain
book
Pool float
cute beach towel

Just naming some of the things my girls like. They are 16 and 13. Good Luck! K.

Why don't you use your own profession to inspire a gift? Perhaps a small picture frame, with acrylic paints and beads to embellish it for her own style. Or maybe a kit to make her own scrunchies. My daughter loves being crafty and having her own original jewelry, hair accessories, etc.

I don't want to repeat anything said before, but I was thinking that there must be something she enjoys doing that you could get passes for her and a friend or two, like the movies, one of the museums or parks in the area. If she is babysitting she may be old enough.

Does she like things like taking pictures? You could set her up with a school memory book.

Maybe she would like to treat her family or friends to a lunch or dinner, although that would involve a gift certificate, which was not your preference.

How about a small electronic gadget? Digital photo keychain, bluetooth, something along those lines? They have been on sale for around $25. Most everyone loves those little gadget items.

My last idea is an item of jewelry, such as something sterling silver or a neat, fun type watch. Oh, or maybe cool sunglasses. Hmmm, ok, so that wasn't my last. Maybe a cool school or beach tote bag? Gift are fun!

Hey Tammi,
I know you said NO GIFT CERTIFICATE, but I have a teenage daughter and she did some babysitting for a friend of mine who called and said what can we get her to say thank you for helping us out. I had to think about it a little, but she LOVES Starbucks and it was a perfect idea.
That's just my idea...because I have a teenage daughter.

Have a great day!

V.

What about a manicure/pedicure. Every girl and woman like to be pampered!

I think your right, a gift cert for either a facial depending on how her skin looks or manicure with pedicure is a good thing for that age. They all love to be pampered.
If you would like me to recommend you a salon let me know and I will be happy too.

How about a lovely note card in which you explain how you have observed her fine quality of being able to help others and how much you appreciate that virtue in her. That written appreciation may be a keepsake for her. She might like a journal to write in over the summer along with your note.

I have a 14 yr old daughter and although she LOVES gift cards to her favorite clothing stores, Aero, American Eagle, Buckle, etc, she also LOVES spending time with her friends. Once I told her if she wanted, I would drive her and a friend to the movies. When she got there, I gave her a card that said thank you for all your help lately and I included a gift card for the movies with enough for popcorn and a drink, $10 for the food court and a gift card for a pedicure at the nail place in the mall. Her and her friend had a great afternoon window shopping, eating and gigling while they got their first pedicures. Even tom-boys want to feel clean and nice looking in flip flops.

Starbucks money is always nice, too. Even my little boys like to get a frappacino when we go to Target. It feels nice to know that you can go get an expensive fancy drink while mom shops. Magazine subscriptions are nice, too. There are some decent ones out there. If she is a Christian, there is a good one, I can't remember what it's called, but if you are interested, let me know and I'll find out.

What about a kitten? I have 8!! J/k...had to throw that one out there ;-)

Good morning, Tammi~ Have you gone to a "nick-nack" shop that has a wide variety of gifts? I know there are a lot of cute plaques and hand painted things that say sweet messages and she could hang it on her wall for her to always see. One thing I always like to do is make gift baskets because you can tailor it to the person/purpose. Maybe ask her mom or her friends what she's into and go from there. It's really sweet of you to do this and I'm sure whatever you give her will be appreciated.

Em

I suggest a gift of your time. Perhaps share a hobby with her - sewing lessons, crosstich lessons, knitting, crochet. Or invite her over the make cookies or brownies, then send them home with her.

anything she can decorate herself........T-shirt, Book bag, etc Provide a pack of glitter pens or fabric paints/markers.
5 pairs of cool funky socks, cool pair of pajamas, latest CD or DVD with a box of microwave popcorn.

It's hard to suggest a gift idea for someone I don't know anything about. It would help to know what sort of things she's interested in to tailor that gift to her and make it feel special.
Picture frames, candles are always nice. Packaging can be just as nice if you do it right.
There are online places that you can order some fancy cupcakes and flowers.
If she's crafty or emotional, you can get her a card making kit or a journal that she can write in with a really nice pen.
Stampin' Up! sells card making kits with everything needed to make them. Paper, ink, stamps, ribbon, adhesives, etc. They're really cute and it's a great hobby to get involved in. I'm not a demonstrator, but I can give you the contact information for one if that something interesting. It does come with instructions.
Really just figure out what it is she likes and go with that.
I really liked puzzles when I was a teenager. So a nice puzzle with one of the roll up matts may be something different.

A journal, Write a message on the inside cover of encourgement ,,,or give her Your TIME, involve her in an activity with your family or if she's really into the babysitting thing help design a business card for her (teenage oriented) it also depends if she's a young teen or an older teen...you could also mail her a letter telling her how proud you are of her and that her and list her qualities...it's always nice to see that in writing and getting mail (actual mail not email) is great.
Well that's my 2 cents worth.

I was thinking a gift card to the movie theater. If she drives a gas card. Does she have a hobby or speacial interest? like horses/ maybe a session at the riding stables. Do you live near a water park/amusement park? get her tickets.

I ran into this same problem with a niece. Here's what I did for her. I went to Walmart and purchased a clear candy jar. It ran me about $5.99. Then I put some of her favorite candy inside, and attached a bow with a note that said," Sweets for the sweetest person I know!" She loved it! Now from time to time I may find different candy she may not have tried and I pick it up for her with a card. She is always happy, and her sweet jar is always full. Now I find it's a bound I've created between us. Just our own little thing!

Tammi,

Find out what she's into! If you can't do that - what about recognition in the local paper? Put a pic and a note of thanks in the ad, have someone in her family "find it". Most newspapers will take that page and laminate it for you on a white board so she can keep it.

I know some one who does Facials, let me know

Tammi,
How about sending her flowers? Most teenagers have never been sent flowers.
Movie passes and treats.
If she has an intrest in say cake decorating or scrapbooking...pay for a class at the local craft store. It will give her a new skill and something to do over the summer break.
If she is a driving teen...a gas card? With gas prices these days, she will feel the pinch too. I am sure her rates haven't gone up, nor her allowance :)
If you are looking for something that will stay with her, a necklace? Or a charm braclet and have some of the kids pick out a charm?
Good Luck!

Hi Tammi
I don't know where you live, but in the town I live in, (DeLand), there's a cute shop downtown that has neat stuff from all around the world and I can always find something in that store. A book would be another nice gift. One Book is called Community of Kindness and Random Acts of Kindness - small paperback - "The World is changing at lightning speed and meaningful connections are increasingly elusive. The Community of Kindness encourages us to create new ways of building community by honoring the lessons of the past, and reminds us of that through the practice of kindness, we become most fully connected, alive and integrated" SMall book - fits in a purse. I think I got this one at Barnes & Nobles. Good luck. T.

Does she like to read? Maybe a couple of books, or a book with a Starbucks certificate, or a subscription to a teen-friendly magazine. Maybe ask her mother for an idea of something she has been eying (the must have shirt, or sunglasses, or cell phone cover). Perhaps a nice journal with pen? She sounds mature for her age, so maybe she is a reflective type also and would enjoy journaling. If she is religious, maybe a nice teen girl Bible or Bible study? There are really cute ones these days.

It's nice of you to let her know that someone sees her generosity and is willing to pay it forward. So, a pat on the back for you as well.