ALT-2 Christmas 2007 Gift Ideas for Creative Teen Girls
If you have a creative teen girl on your Christmas shopping list, the possibilities are endless. The word creative' is rather broad so I will break it down into a few categories. Your teen might be interested in one or more of the following.
ArtArt supplies are always a great idea. If she enjoys painting, find canvas for her at the local art supply store. Look for high quality oil paints or water colors. Find high quality brushes, sponges or other art implements. If drawing is her thing, pick up sketch pads, pencils or chalk. For the sculptor, bring home molding clay and sculpting tools.
Here are a couple of book ideas for the teen artist in your life:
Art History, Revised Second Edition, Volume II by Marilyn StoksadThis book is highly acclaimed and has been given many positive reviews. The book illustrates art through the ages. Your teen will be fascinated to learn about how art has evolved from pre-history to modern times.
Art Class: A complete Guide to Painting by Simon JenningsThis book gives plenty of instruction and tips in an easy to follow format. It is for artists of all levels and includes step-by-step instruction on various painting techniques that will improve your teen's painting.
Hands on Sculpting: From your first trip to the Art Store to a Fun and Relaxing Hobby in a Truly Satisfying Art by Dottie ErdmannFor teens interested in sculpting, this self-taught author gives practical advice that will help her get started or improve her sculpting.
PhotographyIf she enjoys digital photography, consider a new digital camera. They can vary in price depending on quality. If she already has a digital camera, look for new lenses or filters for it.
Software is a must-have for the digital photographer. Adobe Photoshop is a rather pricey program but well worth the money if you can afford it. This program allows the user to not only make corrections to photographs but will also create unique works of art from photos using endless filters, modes and other tools. A graphics tablet allows her more flexibility in editing photographs. They start at around $80 at Best Buy. If you find Photoshop too expensive try Photoshop Elements. It does not have all of the features that the regular program has but it is a good program for photo editing. Some graphics tablets come with a free copy of this program.
Lighting is extremely important in portrait and other types of photography. A diffuser will soften harsh light while reflectors will reduce shadows and move the light where she wants it to go. You will find kits that include diffusion panels and reflectors at your local camera store for around $75.
A new carrying case will protect her equipment and provide a handy storage compartment. Photography stores carry backpacks that are designed to carry and protect cameras and equipment by surrounding them with a spongy foam material fitted to the camera's shape.
MusicDoes your teen live and breathe music? If she doesn't already have one, consider buying her an iPod. Add a gift card for song downloads and you have the perfect gift.
If she plays an instrument or sings, buy her sheet music featuring her favorite composer. A great place to find sheet music is sheetmusicplus.com. They have hundreds of thousands of titles. You could also purchase blank sheet music if she enjoys composing music herself. Purchase picture frames and have some of her early works mounted to decorate her room or any other room in the house.
Writing/PoetryIf your teen enjoys writing, buy her journals and a high quality pen. Also consider buying books or magazines that highlight teen writers. A great book for teen writers is Teen Ink, Our Voices, Our Visions: Today's Teenagers Sharing Thoughts On: Friends, Family, Fitting In, Challenges, Loss, Memories, Love, Heroes by Stephanie Meyer (compiler)This book is a compilation of poems written entirely by teens. Your teen is sure to relate to the many topics covered in the book and perhaps find inspiration.
