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Unique Gifts for Teens

By Patti Chadwick

Tired of giving the same gifts year after year? Looking for something unique to give your teens? Check these out!

Clothes in a Bottle
A great way to wrap a clothing item for your teen is to roll it up and put it inside a mason jar. Decorate the flat part of the lid by gluing holiday fabric to it and tie with a matching ribbon. If you want to conceal the clothing, cut a large square of fabric and place it in the jar, then add the gift and lid.

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Hackey-Sacks
Cut 2 pieces of fabric in the shape of an 8 without the holes in the center. The top of one eight should fit along the middle of the 2nd 8. Hand stitch the 8s right sides together, following the curves, leaving a small opening. Turn right side out and fill with black-eyed peas or rice. Close opening.

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Movie Theater Tickets
You can usually buy presale movies certificates in a book at a discount price. I find this is a favorite among my teens.

Key Chain with Car Keys
Give your older teen their own set of keys to the family car along with a house key on a teen-friendly key chain. They will love this.

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Gasoline Certificates
Most gas stations now cell pre-paid gas cards. Get some of these for your driving teens..

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Clothing Gift Cards
Instead of giving clothes that you pick out, why not give your teens gift cards from their favorite clothing store?

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Video/Music Gift Cards
Give gift cards to their favorite video or music store.

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Magazine Subscriptions
Buy your teens subscriptions to their favorite magazines. Girls usually like fashion or teen magazines (why not try Focus on the Family's Brio magazine). Boys usually like sports or video game magazines (why not try Focus on the Family's Breakaway magazine.)

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Good Books
Buy your teen a book from their favorite genre.

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Backpacks
Buy your teen a new backpack, purse, or make up bag.

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Computer Software
Give your teen some new software for the computer - either educational software or a fun computer game.

Wallet
Give your teen a genuine leather wallet.

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Roller Blades or Ice Skates
For your sports-minded teen, why not get a new set of roller blades or ice skates? While you are at it, how about a season's pass for the local ice rink.

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Privileges
Most kids love getting privileges. Give out certificates good for Extending curfew for one evening. Driving the favorite family car on a date Having control of the TV or computer one evening Take a date out for steaks on the house Receive a double allowance for one week

Toiletries
Fill that Christmas stocking with much needed soaps, shampoos, hair gels & other hair products, deodorants, and acne creams.

Candy
What teen doesn't like candy? It's something you just never seem to outgrow. I'm not a big fan of chocolate, but I feel special occasions deserve good chocolate! The week before Christmas you will find great sales on candy EVERYWHERE. Also, if you like to make your own, you will find candy-making supplies at specialty stores and most local grocery stores. For those who don't like chocolate or are allergic, try making carob candy - check out your local health food store for supplies and details.

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School Supplies
Another great stocking stuffer is school supplies. About this time of year, school supplies have either run out, been lost, or are worn out. Fill that Christmas stocking with new pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, and notebook paper

These gift ideas were taken from the new book HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH TEENS written by Patti Chadwick, available in both ebook and print formats at www.parentsandteens.com. Stop by Parents & Teens and pick up a copy today.

© Patti Chadwick, 2001-
Patti Chadwick is the creator of familytymes.org, an online magazine offering encouragement to today's busy family. She is also the creator of historyswomen.com, an online magazine highlighting the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history.

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Unique Gifts for Teens