Teenagers are perhaps the most unique human breed in the world- complicated and confused! By the time you begin to understand your 14 year old, she turns 15.. and you need a whole new book of strategies! They are at that crazy point when they are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with life. It’s definitely a befuddling period for them, but what’s even more baffling is trying to shop for a teenager! Here’s a common mantra for moms – If u like it, your teen probably won’t.
How Do I Get It Right?
Whether you’re shopping for a gift or just buying basic stuff, it’s pretty difficult to correctly guess what your kid will want. With teenagers it’s very hard to bridge the gap between what’s apt and what’s appropriate. Remember, what was stylish when you were 19 is so far out you can’t even see it on the horizon! Don’t worry my fellow mommies, being cool is complex, but not impossible!
The best way to get them, is to ask. When you take the time to really listen, you’ll be surprised at how much they unknowingly reveal about themselves. Are they into sports or books, or do they have a particular passion like dance or theater? Music is generally a shoo-in with teens and if you buy them stuff related to their favorite band, like a t shirt or a CD , you can’t go wrong. Go one step further and look up the band’s official website, so you can purchase a fan club membership or concert tickets. If you’re really not sure what they like, go for music accessories like stereo headphones, an ipod shuffle or something like a personalized CD book. Other easy ideas in this line are gifts related to their favorite star or movie, video games or sleek new laptop supplements!
Keeping it safe
Shopping for teen clothes may seem harder than climbing a mountain- one wrong choice and it’s all downhill from there! This is where you stay safe- a denim mini, black tights, cream capris etc. Let them top it off with whatever they want to wear, so it’s not a ‘my-mummy-bought-me’ outfit! I would say, the best thing you can do is getting a gift certificate from a quality store. That way you are giving them a free rein in clothing choices, plus you know the money is actually getting spent on their wardrobe!
On many occasions mothers-of-teens feel insignificant and pushed to the background! You can’t impress your kid by bordering on ordinary. Though it seems like a bold choice to decorate their room, your teenager will be mighty thrilled if you actually keep their preferences in mind. They would also love to get something they can use personally, like a funky electric toothbrush, a stylish manicure kit or even a super comfy Lazy-Boy recliner to lounge on!
Remember yourself, Mom
A friend of mine once said “It’s difficult to decide if ‘growing pains’ are something teenagers have- or are”! But remember- it was once you, and then you grew… Hey cool mommas, you have style and personality too, so be confident in your shopping and they will one day admire you for it!
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I have found that the best thing to get for a teenager is a gift card. Visa gift cards are good, but store cards work too. If that seems too impersonal, movie tickets, mani/pedi certificates, or something cool related to his/her hobbies might work.
I always love a money gift! Thos are my faave! You can spend it on whatever you want
Gift cards are good, too!
Cash or gift cards make the best gifts. This way your teens can buy what they want
visa cards are the best option for teenagers . this way develops confidence in teenagers. and make themselves able how to spend money and how to purchase better things.
Give our sons cash or gift cards.
visa gift cards then they can go anywhere and shop!
I dont have any children.
I know my children really well and that is the key to knowing what they want. In many cases, however, gift cards are the way to go and I usually recommend family members just get my girls those.
I too use gift cards for my daughter; I’ve found that she shuns anything that I suggest and rather than argue, it’s better to just let her do her shopping with her friends with the caveat that if I don’t like it, it has to go back (meaning it’s too risque or revealing for school)
#1 tip! Do not going shopping without your teen! If you get something your teen doesnt like, chances are they wont use it….in turn wasting your money. Bring them with you and if need be, set a price limit and let them do their shopping WITH you. Its a bonding exsperiance, and you will get a better idea of their style and who they are becomming.
My advice on shopping for teenagers is DON’T! Buy them a giftcard, because you’ll never get it right
Gift cards! I love them! And my kiddos do also!
My kids are not teenagers yet but io teach teenagers and it all about name brand products with them!
You can never go wrong with electronics, gift cards, of if you know their style CLOTHES
My teens always let me know what they want! I’d make sure to ask your teens what they would like. If you can’t ask ahead of time, gift cards are your best bet. Just make sure it’s for a store they will use! My daughter likes things like Bath and Body Works lotions, jewelry, nail polish. My son usually wants video games.
Gift Cards are my go-to. They have the freedom to choose what they want!
We buy gift cards from plasticjungle.com or cardpool.com for less and find coupons to help save money.
I have found it best to buy electronics or gift cards.
shopping for teenagers is relatively easy as long as you ask them what it is they want first or buy them giftcards
I always look at the most populated stores in our mall. If I see a particular store in the mall that has loads of teenagers in it than I know that this is a store I can find something for my teen daughter in.
I agree with most of the other responses here. I usually either get them a gift card to a store that they like or I give them cash so they can go an get what they like. They usually don’t like what we get for them so a gift card or cash is always best so they can shop for themselves.
I have a hard time trying to find clothes and shoes for my 2 growing boys.
an iTune gc is almost always appreciated!
brich22 at earthlink dot net
I also think gift cards are the best way to go. Its best to let them pick out what they want themselves.
Have fun shopping at thrift stores. Lots to choose from.