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Mom of 3 teenage boys here. I have officially put myself in the Christmas mindset. I refuse to go there until Halloween is over but November is here so bring it on. Anyway, if you are also a parent of teenagers, I feel your anxiety. It seems they change what they like so quickly that I’m afraid what I buy for them now, they won’t like in the month and a half until Christmas. I’m here to tell you that finding gifts that they actually want and that fit within a reasonable budget is possible! I’ve done some personal digging into the teenage trend this holiday season so hopefully some of this may help another like-minded parent out there.
In here I list some of the bigger store options but know there are so many small businesses close to you that are also struggling with affording gifts for their families. Visit your local shops and see what they have to offer.
1. Wireless Earbuds: Quality Sound Without the Price Tag
Earbuds are a must. I have been using these as stocking stuffers for the last couple years. There are budget-friendly options with high-quality sound and features like noise cancellation. (not always ideal for the kid that already has selective hearing) Look for well-rated brands like Anker or JLab, which offer models at a fraction of the price of premium brands. I personally search for the ones that have the tile tracker so they can be linked to our Life 360 app.
Price Range: $20 – $50
Where to Find: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
2. LED Lightstrips for Room Decor
I know my boys love personalizing their rooms and changing things up constantly. LED strip lights are a fun way to add some color to their space. These lights can be super affordable, and some can even be controlled with a smartphone or remote for endless customization. There are also LED lightbulbs that are great options. Seriously, there are so many neat options out there.
Price Range: $15 – $30
Where to Find: Amazon, Target, Home Depot
3. Skincare
Teenagers get to go through the wonderful stage of breakouts. That’s one big part of adulthood that I love, is no longer having this struggle. Beginner-friendly skincare sets could be an excellent gift. Brands like The Ordinary, CeraVe, and Clean & Clear offer affordable, effective products that make a perfect gift for teens starting a skincare routine. I have one right now that is obsessed with natural products so his stocking will be stuffed with his favorite Dr. Squatch soap bars which aren’t the cheapest option, even in bulk but I can’t help but love that he takes such good care of his skin.
Price Range: $15 – $30
Where to Find: Target, Ulta, Amazon
4. Graphic T-Shirts and Hoodies
This right here is tricky. There are so many options and styles out there and I have learned that I am not up on what’s in. For my boys anyway, they currently like almost a street-art style print or logos of their favorite artists. It doesn’t make sense to me at all. Make sure you know your child’s style and likes before going out and spending any kind of money on something that they won’t wear.
Price Range: $15 – $50
Where to Find: Amazon, Target, Redbubble
5. Gaming
If your teen is into gaming, consider getting them affordable gaming accessories. It is very important to know what kind of gaming set your teenager already has because some (most) accessories are created to only be compatible with certain consoles.
Gaming Headsets: Plenty of affordable options with great sound.
Controller Grips or Charging Stations: Essential for console gamers.
Gift Cards for Games or Platforms: Give them credit to spend in their favorite game.
Price Range: $15 – $40
Where to Find: GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy
6. Experience-Based Gifts
Sometimes, the best gift isn’t a physical item but an experience. Look for affordable experiences your teen will enjoy. Maybe season passes to somewhere local.
Movie Passes
Mini-Golf or Bowling Gift Cards
Tickets to a Local Concert or Event
Price Range: $15 – $50
Where to Find: Fandango, Local Event Websites, Groupon
7. Bedding
Every year, I buy new bed sets for my boys. I feel this is a great idea because it’s inexpensive and makes a nice change to their rooms. Plus, who doesn’t love climbing into bed with fresh new bedding? I admit it was a hard transition for me as a mom going from the cartoon characters when they were toddlers to the plain color reversible comforters in the teenage years.
Consider donating any blankets that you are wanting rid of. Animal shelters are always happy to have gently used clean blankets.
Price Range: $15 – $50
Where to Find: Amazon, Kohl’s, WalMart
Final Thoughts
Gift shopping for teens doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little creativity, you can find gifts that they’ll love and actually use without breaking the bank. There’s something here for every interest and personality. Take this list as a guide and let your mind run wild with ideas that speak your child’s language. I never thought I would be the mom that is so behind on the latest fashion but here I am.
Bonus
Ok, here is one of my favorite Christmas traditions I guess. I started this a few years ago when I learned that I don’t always know what they want even though I try so gosh darn hard. Take a day with your teenager, go out shopping and buy the things they want. Go get lunch or supper together somewhere they really want to go. This is so much fun because not only are you getting to spend a day one on one with your child that you may not always get to anymore with hectic lifestyles. This is a win-win. You get to spend time with your kiddo and they get what they really want. The catch and super fun part is, they don’t get anything they picked out when they get home. Wrap it and put it under the tree so they can look at it in anticipation until Christmas day.
Create some memories. That’s what the season is all about
Always,
Kerri
