What NOT to get for that teen who thinks everything's crap
Jan 03 '00
This is for everyone who's seen the look on some poor kid's face when they unwrap your gift and you see they fake a smile. I'm going to try to cover the basic essential areas for the teen age group: clothes, music, books, and toys. (Yes we still play with toys).
First of all, don't get someone clothes unless you're absolutely sure
they'd like it. It's not that the clothes are bad, but people have their personal preference in brand and style. If you want to be giving along the clothes idea, try a gift certificate to a store you know they shop at. As for accessories, it may be a little easier. But again, be sure you know you're getting something that they'd like (not just something you'd like to see them wear). However, there's nothing like getting a pair of really cool, wild boxers.
Music, don't simply buy from a genre you know they like. Again, you have to know what they want. For example, I got a Third Eye Blind cd this Christmas. I love alternative rock and all, but I despite 3EB. Look for a CD that you know they've been eyeing but may have been too expensive. Boxed sets/special editions of their absolute favorite band are a safe bet. Expensive rare CDs are good. If you have a DJ in mind, getting them records to mix with is a good idea. But if you don't know about this area, ask for help selecting an record. Also, a good pair of headphones is always appreciated if you know they don't own a pair. If they're active, a pair of sports headphones is nice, and if they're audiophiles, a nice, large enclosed pair is good. Look for a pair that fit comfortably over the ear and aren't too heavy (they will weigh significantly more however). Then check for the cord length. Three meters or roughly nine feet is good. Also look for what's known as the "frequency response range". Have something that covers down as low as 20 hz. If something goes even lower, all the better. Sony makes decent ones. Sennheiser makes amazing ones which cost a pretty penny.
Books. A little bit easier if you know their tastes. For literature lovers, classics are a safe bet. Any of the classic, influential, American 20th century authors are great. Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, Hemmingway, Kerouac, etc. Hobbiests always can enjoy a book which is related to their hobby. However, know their level of proficiency and be sure the book isn't too easy for them. It's better to have a book that's more advanced (to a degree), than a book that's too simplistic.
Toys. Who doesn't like toys? Good gifts include good group board games, dart guns, inflatable things that you can hit people with, good quality balls (Adidas soccer balls, Spalding or Rawlings Basketballs, etc) models for car/airplane lovers.
Misc. gifts that I've gotten and loved include:
Black Lamp (flourescent, don't get a standard bulb), good poster (Edward Much's "The Scream"), really good books, CDs I really wanted, a really good pair of computer speakers, subscription to a cool magazine (Spin and Rolling Stone are good), and tickets to some concert or show they want to see.
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Epinions.com ID:
andrewkao
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Member: Andrew Kao
Location: Gainesville, FL and Williamstown, MA
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Student at Williams College originally from Florida. I love board sports and playing music.
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