Christmas is here, but do you have gifts for under the tree?
When it comes to gifts, most teens are left with two main options: homemade or store-bought.
For the more crafty teenager, making a homemade gift is easy and often cheaper than buying from a store. Pinterest and many artsy magazines and websites offer helpful tutorials and ideas for gifts to make.
However, less artistic teens may not even imagine putting together a gift by themselves. For such teenagers, gifts are much easier when bought.
Still, a teenager earning minimum wage (or even those without jobs at all) cannot buy a friend the XBox they want. Luckily, affordable and thoughtful gifts are somewhat easy to find for everyone on your list, especially with this gift giving guide, made with the help of Northeastern High School students.
For Mom:
“I’m getting my mom a new purse that she wanted, and also I got a decorative basket from a craft store.” -Katie McGonigal, junior
Stone & Co. Donna Colorblock Leather Tote, $59.40: Purses will be a more expensive gift, but if you plan to buy one, make sure you don’t skimp on quality; your mom will use it often.
Ashland Rush Doggy Chunky Storage Basket, Small, $14.99: Baskets can be filled with a variety of things for your mom – like spa essentials, fruits, chocolates, and so on – or they can be gifted empty for her to fill up right away.
“I’m thinking about getting her a mother’s ring. It’s a ring with the birthstones of her children on it. I’d have to look at them with my dad to actually buy one, though.” -Erica Shearer, sophomore
Color Stone Family Ring, starting at $83.49: This ring can hold up to four birthstones. As you add more customization, the price increases. This would be ideal to collaborate with a parent to buy.
“I got my mom a matching set of a bracelet and earrings from Kohl’s.” -Emily Miller, senior
The Silver Lining Cubic Zirconia Silver Tone S-Link Tennis Bracelet, $19.99 and The Silver Lining Cubic Zirconia Silver Tone Stud Earring Set, $19.99: These two items not only match, but they look nice and are affordable for the average teenager.
“I’m getting stuff off Etsy for my mom.” -Joseph Krueger, sophomore
Etsy.com, prices vary: Etsy is a website of stores run by people who wish to profit from their talents. Many of the products are handmade, vintage, and/or one-of-a-kind.
For Dad:
“I got my dad nice, button-up shirts from Kohl’s.” -Kalie Stroup, junior
Croft & Barrow Denim Casual Button-Down Shirt, Men, $19.99: Depending on different styles and tastes, your dad might prefer a different option. Flannel is a good pick for the winter.
Classic gifts for dads also include tools, car essentials, and sports memorabilia. These gifts are often extremely customized, and can easily be found at hardware and sport stores or by a quick search on the web.
For Friends:
“I’m getting my friends necklaces and decorating each of their bags with candy.” -Katie McGonigal, junior
Best Friends Heart Locket Necklaces, $10.50: Reminiscent of intermediate and middle school years, these lockets will remind friends that friendship spans beyond the years. Make sure that your friend wears jewelry before you buy a gift they won’t use.
“I got my friend a T-shirt and some body washes and perfume from Bath and Body Works.” -Emily Miller, senior
Remember to pick out a T-shirt or outfit that complements your friend’s personality and style. If you know they are into a certain band or fandom, buy a shirt that relates to that. Also, make sure you buy a fragrance you know they will appreciate. If you’re not sure, a Christmas scent will fit the season.
Katie McGonigal said that stores like Five Below are very economical and have gifts for all friends. “You should buy what your friend is into, and be creative,” she suggested.
For Significant Others:
“He is a huge fan of the Walking Dead, so I got him Walking Dead memorabilia.” -Katie McGonigal, junior
Hot Topic, prices vary: Hot Topic is a great place to find pop culture and music-related fashion and merchandise. The store carries a variety of memorabilia, from popular music and movies to heavy metal bands, from Marvel and DC superheroes to Doctor Who, and many more.
“I would get my girlfriend a Pass the Pigs game and would try to get the CADD teacher to let me 3-D print an elephant statuette.” -Joseph Krueger, sophomore
Board games, prices vary: If your boyfriend or girlfriend enjoys to spend most nights in, a board game might appeal to their tastes. However, if they prefer to go out, a board game might not suit them best.
Essentially, the presents you buy for each person on your list should relate to their interests and personality. If science intrigues a friend, buy them a T-shirt with periodic elements or a book about their favorite scientist. If your mom loves penguins and reading, a comfortable pair of penguin pajamas and a new book is the perfect gift.
The easiest way to find out what a person wants is by listening to what they complain about every day. If your boyfriend spills paint on his favorite sports sweatshirt, replace it.
Remember, it’s the thought that counts. So even if you buy a sweater for a friend that they later take back, they will be joyful to know you were thinking of them for the holidays.
