ALT-2 Christmas 2007 Gift Ideas for Teen Girls Aged 16 18
Sixteen to eighteen year olds can be a tricky age to shop for, because they are hovering at that age when they are no longer kids (and definitely don't consider themselves as such), but they are not quite adults either (18... legally maybe, but we all know they still have some growing up to do!) They are also still at that age when coolness is everything and materialism is, unfortunately in. Here are some helpful ideas when shopping for that hard-to-figure out 16, 17, or 18-year old.
1. TV & Movie TrendsShe is probably a big television and movie buff, like many of her peers. One gift most girls this age would love to have is The Hills Complete Season DVD set (retail about $30, available at MTV.com). This hit reality TV show is tops among teens and twenty-somethings. If you want to pick out some other flicks for her, consider popular movies like Hairspray, Who's Your Caddy?, I Know Who Killed Me, Oceans 13, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and License to Wed. If you are more high-dollar and can afford DVD equipment for her (and she wants a DVD player), a good option is the OPPO DV-970HD. This model is a great standard DVD player for the money, and if she has HDTV, it will make standard DVDs play with higher HD resolutions (meaning better picture).
2. The Music SceneMost of us know that MP3s and I-Pods are the in thing when it comes to the teenage music scene, and she probably has most of the gear that comes with it. Still, she probably uses her MP3 or I-Pod quite a lot, so there are several related gifts you can get for her. One idea is a pair of nicer headphones that may be a little more pricey than what she'd buy herself, but that will last a long time. Also consider getting her a CD Restorer Kit, so she can mend and restore her old CDs that may not be in such great shape (and thus be able to upload them onto her computer of songs). Apple Store offers the new Nike Hatphones - a toboggan-style hat with built in earphones that she can plug her I-Pod in to and wear during cold weather. You can also get her speakers for her I-Pod, or "docks", or even an alarm clock that her I-Pod can plug into that will both wake her up to her favorite tunes plus charge the I-Pod. Another great idea is an I-Tunes gift card, since she's spending $1 per song anyway to upload her favorite music from I-Tunes.
3. The College SceneNo... she's not quite into the college scene yet! But most girls this age are either college-bound, or have a favorite team. Get her her favorite college gear! By visiting college store websites you can get all kinds of college logo merchandise... great ideas for girls this age include t-shirts/sweatshirts, socks, blankets, umbrellas, duffel/tote/small string backpacks, charm bracelets/earrings/rings/toe rings, and fleece pants or pajama pants.
4. The Computer AgeWhile you may not be investing in a computer for her, there are many related items you can get for your teenager's computer and computer needs. The Mobile Edge WiFi Signal Locator actually can track any nearby WiFi signals for her laptop, and it's just a small device on a keychain. If she is college bound, also think about memory sticks, a spindle of CDs so she can burn her favorite music on to them, a laptop desk (such as LAPWORKS Lightweight and Sturdy Laptop Desk), the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet for jotting notes, or a nice new laptop carrying bag that is still cool, such as the North Face Laptop Backpack Mentor.A good stocking stuffer is a Compucessory Canned Air Power Dusters, which will clean out her keyboard.
5. Fashion and AccessoriesMost girls this age clamor for the latest fashion and accessories, and unless you are up on the trends, it may be hard for you to pick out clothes for her. If you want to give her the gift of fashion, you can of course get a gift card. Great stores for this age girl include American Eagle, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Delia's, Target, and bebe. If you want to pick out accessories or house/room decor for her, any of these stores offer trendy items and it's hard to go wrong there. Bangles, sparkles, big beads, large acrylic bracelets, fun and funky scarves and hats, bags/handbags/wallets, cosmetics cases, and "retro" anything are all in. One neat item in particular is the City Survival Tool from Urban Outfitters.
A last great option is the i-locate. This device is basically a personal GPS. It's wearable, waterproof, and flexible, and can be worn on the outside of the body or discreetly underneath clothing.
When shopping for the 16-18, remember to keep your receipts! If possible, give her a gift receipt with her gift so she can return the item if she needs to... and happy shopping!
