Teenage girls may be one of the most difficult groups for whom to buy gifts, unless, of course, you’re also a teen-aged girl. During the teen years, girls become very opinionated on things like clothes and shoes. If you’re a Mom or an Aunt, you’re naturally clueless. Nothing you pick will be very cool.
There’s also a distinction to be made between teen girls in middle and high school and those of college age. Girls barely into their teens may not yet be so interested in nails and makeup, but lean more towards tech gadgetry, music, DVDS and video games. A high school girl is still experimenting with the cool looks and hair styles, while a college girl may need help with textbooks or furnishing a dorm room or apartment. Buying more practical gifts for teen girls, still in high school, isn’t nearly as much fun as a bunch of makeup, skin care and hair styling products. So consider the age and circumstances before you decide to make a purchase.
Teen-aged girls are always pleased with fashion items, costume jewelry and any sort of cosmetic beauty product. The trick lies in knowing which ones you can pick out and those that are best left to her discretion in choosing. For example, an assortment of nail polishes, a manicure set, fingernail art and hair accessories are items you can safely choose and feel assured your teen girl will enjoy them. If you know of a particular magazine she buys every month, a subscription makes a thoughtful gift.
However, for items of personal style and taste, such as clothing gifts for teenage girls, you’re better off finding out which clothing shop is her favorite and buying a gift certificate, good for merchandise at that store. If she’s into retro clothing, show your support and common sense with a prepaid credit card.
Selecting gifts for teen girls of college age becomes a bit less frivolous. If she’s living on her own and has one frying pan and a spatula, a few kitchen items will be appreciated. If she’s all set on the home front, what about concert tickets, a new cell phone or an iPod? If you’re Mom or Dad, offer to pay her car insurance for six months. If she’s the type, a day at the spa for a facial is a nice luxury.
No matter what age your young woman is, she’s not yet ready to spring for a ski weekend all by herself. Chaperoned church and youth groups often have retreats that are a good first trip away from home. Although we’re getting pricier, this type of gift for teen girls is universally appreciated. Whether her passion is reading, writing, acting or cooking, you can put together a gift that will be remembered for years to come. Workshops and seminars, covering various interests, are found in abundance online.
Buying gifts for teen girls does require some sensitivity on your part. If you see a sweater you think is ultra cool, don’t buy it. Cover the cost with a gift certificate or prepaid credit card. For the more frivolous stuff that giggly sleepovers are made of, the more the merrier. Toss it all in a beribboned basket and slip that gift certificate inside. You’ll be known as the only adult who knows just how to buy the coolest gifts for teen girls in your family!