Holiday gift guide: Ideas for the teens on your list
Teens can be difficult to shop for. So we asked members of the Eagle’s TeenTalk board for holiday gift ideas.
‘1989’ by Taylor Swift
How much: ($18.98, various retailers)
Why this: With energetic pop melodies and innovative lyrics, this album is a gift that all the teenagers on your list will love – even those who are not Taylor Swift fans. I never used to be a Taylor Swift fan, but the pop melodies of “1989” converted me. I can assure you this same conversion will take place in every young millennial on your list. Highlights on the album include the powerful single “Blank Space” and the heartfelt bonus track “New Romantics.”
Nathan Hostert, Kapaun Mount Carmel High School
Donate livestock with World Vision
How much: $19 and up (worldvision.org)
Why this: Today, many teens living in America have everything they need and more. Instead of giving your loved ones another knickknack to sit on a shelf collecting dust or a video game that will keep them indoors, why not give the gift of change? Through World Vision, you can give somebody you care about the chance to drastically change somebody else’s living situation by giving them livestock that can be used for farming. The livestock is delivered to many countries around the world, and the location can be customized by the giver or based on that countries’ need.
Toni Melhado, the Independent School
Skullcandy 50/50 Earbud Stereo Headphones
Price: $49.99 (various retailers)
Why this: Teens are all about music and getting some time to themselves. These headphones provide noise-canceling, phone-call capabilities and great sound quality for a decent price.
Julie Spangler, Andover High School
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera
How much: $74. 99
Why this: The world as we know it has gone “selfie”-crazed. So, naturally, a camera that can print vintage-looking (dare I say it, Instagram-worthy) pictures on the spot would be the perfect gift. I like it because it removes the fuss of editing and printing, as well as the fear of “Do I look good?” Capturing the perfect moment to hang in your room is just a snap away with this compact camera.
Talah Bakdash, Wichita Collegiate
‘Assassin’s Creed Rogue’
How much: $59.99
Why this: “Assassin’s Creed” has always been a popular game, and this installation is no different. Building off the success of “Black Flag,” this game has everything for fans of the series with the return of the popular naval game play. This is a great starting point for a player new to the franchise or old veterans. For the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3
Jeffrey Birch, Bishop Carroll High School
Naturalizer riding boots
How much: $169.99 (various retailers)
Why this: They’re comfortable (wide calf) and have great support for your feet. Plus they are stylish and look great with any outfit, especially jeans. Any girl would love them.
Kaylee Grant, Andover Central
Amazon.com gift cards
How much: You choose
Why this: There’s nothing worse than buying someone a gift and simply hoping they’ll like it. No one wants to be the person who accidentally buys the wrong book in a series or the wrong style of Ugg boots. Amazon gift cards eliminate the uncertainty of gift-buying. With millions of items to choose from, it’s hard to want something you can’t buy on Amazon. Amazon gift cards are more personal than cash and less likely to be spent thoughtlessly, like on fast food or Starbucks. You can give specific instructions when presenting your Amazon gift card as well, such as “Spend this on a book you’ve really been wanting” or “Buy some nice new clothes for New Years” so the recipient knows it’s still a heartfelt gift while giving them the freedom to shop for themselves.
Autumn Crafton, Derby High School
The TeenTalk board is made up of high school students who write occasional columns and stories for the features sections. Reach the writers c/o aharris@wichitaeagle.com.
This story was originally published December 7, 2014 at 11:38 AM with the headline "Holiday gift guide: Ideas for the teens on your list."