Expressing Individuality

• Ask teenagers questions before buying a gift for them. Focus on activities they enjoy, movies they might like or other interests. Questions like these can help you gauge what the teenager personally likes and would have fun using. Maybe they're interested in classic rock and they just got a record player. Buy them a Led Zeppelin LP. If they're into the outdoors, then buying them a hiking guide and a Swiss Army knife is a perfect gift. Finding out what they love to do is the secret to finding something that will be really fun for them. If you have time, make them a personalized necklace or a charm bracelet representing some of their favorite activities and things.
  
  

Fun Gadgets

• Most teenagers are incredibly technologically savvy. They feel comfortable using many of the emerging technology sites, not to mention social network sites and enjoy sharing experiences with their friends over the Internet. Well-designed point-and-shoot digital cameras are reasonably inexpensive and provide a way for teenagers to record good times shared with friends. Any teenager who runs or is active will appreciate having their music on the go. An iPod allows a teenager to listen to around 240 of his favorite songs anywhere and everywhere. The miniature mp3 player can clip onto a pocket, belt or shirt sleeve, which makes it convenient for activities like jogging.
  
  

Helping Others

• Although many teenagers might want you to donate to their own personal bank account, there are a large number of teenagers that care about social causes and would rather you give that money to someone in need. Make a donation to their favorite aid organization in their name. Oxfam America Unwrapped (see Resources) will let you buy necessary supplies for communities in need from $12 to over $500. Plant 50 trees, provide for HIV testing and educational resources or buy a community a dozen chicks. The Oxfam program gives communities sustainable environmental and social solutions, and can be a fun way to peak a teenager's interest in fair trade and other social causes. They'll be given a gift card and an Oxfam magnet upon your purchase. For a trendy and sustainable gift, buy a bag, bracelet, cute tote or wallet from Original Good (see Resources). Men and women in developing countries make the Original Good products from recyclable materials as a way to make an independent living, empower and reduce poverty in their community. Proceeds go towards educating local artisans on how to develop their craft and use it towards helping themselves, their families and their neighborhood.