And here we are! My final major ‘compilation’ gift guide of the season, gathered for – as you can probably tell by the title of this post – teens and their younger counterpart, tweens. But what do teens like for Christmas? Despite being a seasoned gift giver, I do make a point to check out all the crazy amounts of gift guides floating around out there when I stumble upon them. What’s funny to me is that items I’ve often already featured or earmarked in other posts will often be assigned to teens when it comes to what other people write about. So really, apart from the standard video games and systems (which I’ve dutifully avoided featuring), it seems like teens simply like cheaper versions of what adults like – or hopefully, a taste of what they have to look forward to as they grow up. Of course, there is a certain propensity toward teen idols, sparkles, and frivolity – but isn’t that what makes a gift guide like this so fun? Below I’ve highlighted some ideas for boys, girls, and both!
For Her: Rose Mink Pyjamas – $49.95 @ La Vie En Rose
As I mentioned in a previous post, this year La Vie En Rose is all about shaking up what their snuggly soft PJs and sexy lingerie are made from. One of the new entries is their ‘Rose Mink’ finish, which has been brushed to give the material an insanely Chinchilla-esque softness. Having tucked into a pair of cuddly Fair Isle printed Rose Mink PJs myself, I can tell you that falling asleep was pretty much like being in a human cocoon – and it seriously helped to keep the winter chills away during a particularly brisk week in my city. Despite being quite covered up, my husband still couldn’t resist snuggling given how uber-cozy these cute jams were. So to that end, they make a great pick to add to your teen’s wardrobe – she’ll stay warm without sacrificing style or sweetness.
For Him: LED Music Sticker – $50 @ Fancy
If your teenager is old enough to drive, he’s probably already invested some dough in tricking out his wheels to his specifications. This sticker gives his car a particularly cool vibe – it actually mimics a real sound wave and is activated by music. So when he’s cruising down the street, blaring his music of choice, the sticker lights up and moves in time with the beats. A cool choice he’d never think of for himself.
For Both: Cork Board Map – $49.99 @ Animi Causa
Oh the places you’ll go. Young people are more interested in travel at an increasingly younger age these days – blame it on the global access they have via their computers and TV. If you’ve got a young globetrotter on your hands, hook them up with this cool corkboard map so they can paste up their favourite photos (from trips or otherwise), concert tickets, class schedules and other teenage paraphernalia that simply MUST be on display.
For Her: Ultimate Fragrance Fan Vanilla Bean Noel Gift Set – $35.50 @ Bath & Body Works
One of Bath & Body Works most perennially popular scents is their festive take on sweet vanilla, as exemplified with this sweet themed gift set. Lather up with the hand soap, body wash and body lotion and bask in the sugary aroma of warm caramel, whipped cream, sugar cookies and of course, a rich ribbon of vanilla – all of which can be detected with the slightest of sniffs. Packed in a glittery tote she can use to take back library books or bring her lunch to school, this is a fun gift for teens of any age.
For Him: Suck UK Tattoo Notebook – $19.95 @ ROLO
Artistic teens will get a kick out of this unique notebook that features swatches of bare skin your budding artist can ‘tattoo’. Part of the fun actually comes from figuring out what the heck you’re looking at before deciding what piece of permanent art your subject might like to don. It’s a particularly apt gift for teens given their own propensity toward wanting to ink themselves – either give them practice or let them relieve their tattoo itch by scrawling in these pages instead.
For Both: Sphero 2.0 Robotic Ball Toy – $129.99 @ Future Shop
Roughly the size of a tennis ball, Sphero is an interactive toy that’s essentially a primitive robot. It links up with a host of apps on your Smartphone or tablet that allow you to control it or use it to play a number of games. The possibilities as a result, are pretty limitless. Use it to taunt fido or your furry feline, set up an elaborate obstacle course and test your dexterity, play social party games, toss it in the pool, entertain yourself while waiting for the bus, enjoy its light sequence as it pulses to your tunes…and so on. Nifty thing about this particular gizmo? It works for virtually every member of your family. Don’t be surprised if the younger ones snatch it for a self-created game, or if you ‘borrow’ it to interact your new favourite app. Versatile and fun! It’s sold out online, but rest assured – many retailers (including Future Shop) still have it on the shelves.
For Her: Enamel Locket Necklace – $199 @ Mark and Graham
I remember by the time I was a young teenager I began to have a new affinity for jewellery and would go out of my way to request specific items. If your teen is in the same phase, consider hooking them up with their first piece of ‘fine’ jewellery with a custom keepsake locket. Available in five bright shades of enamel plating, there’s just enough space to tuck in a photo of your family, a beloved pet or otherwise, plus you can get it monogrammed so she’ll know it’s exclusively hers.
For Him: Sound Effect Drum Machine Wallet – $27 @ The Fowndry
For the little drummer boy comes this tougher-than-tough Tyvek wallet with a musical twist. Every time you open your wallet to swipe some plastic or fork over some cash, one of five drum beats will sound off. Of course, if you want to keep things on the quiet side, it also comes with a handy on/off strip so he’s not disrupting his class every time he pulls out his wallet to pay back someone that fiver he borrowed between allowances. Did I mention it just kind of looks cool on its own?
For Both: Shared History Arborist Great Lakes Scarf & Toque – $38 & $24
Teach ‘em a lesson – in style, and in geography. These quirky, retro-styled winterwear accessories are just the thing for your budding hipster to don however sardonically at this young age. Draped in navy and sky blue against dreamy white, the classic scarf fringe and pom pom are just this side of nerdy cool, to the point where all of his or her pals will be asking, “Where did you get that?” Meanwhile, you’ll have the smug satisfaction of your kid inevitably ingraining the names of our great lakes for good.
For Her: Color Blocked Heart-Shaped Purse – $35 @ Hudiefly
As she’s developing her signature style, most teenage girls will want to find a way to stand out and blend in simultaneously – something which can easily be achieved with the right accessories. Made from faux leather, this bright purse marries on-trend colour blocking with a unique, almost 3D shape to give her favourite outfit a pop of colour and style. The dangling silver chain and black ‘leather’ take the heart shape from precious to punk, while the petite size will keep her from overloading her bag with unnecessary items (something she’ll soon enough be burdened with – am I right ladies?) So cute!
For Him: Filson Tin Cloth Backpack – $295 @ Alibi Boutique (Montreal), Uncle Otis (Toronto), The Block (Vancouver), and Still Life Boutique (Victoria)
While the ladies have their purses, boys have their trusty backpacks to tote around life’s necessities at this young age. Trade in his nylon number for something a little more sturdy – like this masculine but not too mature water resistant bag – and reap the benefits that come with it. Real leather straps make for a durable carry-all while the quilted back is both comfortable and attractive. A side-zip pocket gives you easy access when the bag is buckled up, and a detachable iPad case ensures that particular investment is well-protected.
For Both: Speakers – $98 each @ Echo Design
Whether your teen is bopping along to One Direction, dancing up a storm to Miley Cyrus or crushing on Hedley, music is a definitive part of nearly every young person’s life. These spectacularly printed speakers from Echo Design sync wirelessly with your favourite Bluetooth-equipped music device (including your smartphone or MP3 player) so you can blast your favourite tunes while hanging out with friends, spending an afternoon at the beach, or traveling on a school trip. Just plug the speaker in to your computer for a long-lasting charge while on the road. Given Echo Design’s propensity to beautifully designed prints, the best part is these speakers can actually be paired with complementary iPhone cases, chargers, wraps and scarves.
For Her: Katy Perry Killer Queen – $59 – $79 @ Sears (+ other drug stores and mass market retailers)
After a few years of kitty-inspired scents, one of the pop music’s reigning queens has embraced her regal roots to release this new, ruby red-bottled fragrance. Rest assured though folks, Katy Perry is as sweet as ever, as this perfume primarily smells of mixed wildberries, sugary praline and earthy patchouli, with touches of juicy plum and rustic cashmeran wood. Obviously musician-endorsed goodies are going to be a hit with the teens, but the good news is you can covertly spritz this scent on yourself and get away with it.
For Him: Moga Ace Power Controller – $99 @ The Apple Store
If your teenager is super hooked on his favourite apps and games, don’t fight it (as long as it’s not cutting into learning time, that is). You’ll be a serious hometown hero if you bequeath your beloved child with this iPhone-compatible gadget that essentially transform your precious smartphone into a portable gaming unit. The gameplay will suddenly feel as familiar and robust as your favourite console, because let’s face it…our fingers, particularly after dipping into a bowl of Cheetos (as teens are wont to do) aren’t always the best styluses when slaying dragons, swapping gems, crushing candy, or whatever journey you’re on.
For Both: Fuji Instax Mini 8 – $99.99 @ London Drugs
If your teen doesn’t remember the days before Instagram but has a penchant for snapping friends anyway, this groovy camera might just be the ticket. Available in three pastel and two neutral shades, it produces instant photos that are about the size of a credit card. While it may not have the magical share capabilities of your teen’s phone, the fact you can instantly adorn your locker with a photo of your high school sweetheart or an impromptu dance party with your pals really kind of makes up for it. Who knows, it may birth an interest in photography beyond instant gratification.
Alright teenage dreamers. I’ve got a fun prize package of a few of the goodies featured in this post – the adorbs Hudiefly Color Blocked Purse, a bottle of Katy Perry’s Killer Queen perfume, and an Echo Design speaker – valued at over $210! Want to win it? Here’s how to enter:
1) Leave me a comment by December 29th telling me which of these teen-oriented goodies you’d most like to gift (or receive). Are you shopping for any teens this holiday season?
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 30th to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entries: I think the three fab folks that put up this prizing deserve a little attention, don’t you? And why not earn some bonus entries while you’re at it?
Hudiefly – Like Hudiefly on Facebook and explain why you simply must have this cute purse! Leave a link back to your comment below (it’s doable, Google it).
Katy Perry Killer Queen - Tweet @katyperry on Twitter about why you’re dying to try her new fragrance with a link back to this post. Leave a link back to your Tweet below…and if you create a compelling enough Tweet that it somehow gets retweeted by @katyperry, consider yourself the earner of 20 bonus entries!
Echo Design - Like Echo Design on Facebook and tell them what you think of their cool speakers & coordinating accessories. Leave a link back to your comment below (it’s doable, Google it).