2023 Teen Christmas Gift Guide | Ep. 135

2023 Teen Christmas Gift Guide | Ep. 135

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Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens and Teachers

The holiday season is upon us, and finding the perfect gift can be fun, but time-consuming.

Whether it’s for a middle schooler, a high school student, or a cherished teacher, there’s always something special that speaks to their interests and passions.

Join us for a curated list of gift ideas that will save you time so you can focus on enjoying the holidays.

Middle School Gift Ideas

1. Light-Up Keyboard: Elevate Gaming Sessions

For the avid gamers, a light-up keyboard can transform their gaming experience. The colorful illumination adds flair and functionality, making every keystroke a mesmerizing adventure.

2. Rechargeable Batteries/Battery Pack for Controllers: Sustained Gaming Fun

Never let the fun stop with a reliable source of power. Rechargeable batteries or a battery pack ensures uninterrupted gameplay, a perfect addition to any gaming arsenal.

3. Video Games: Endless Entertainment

From the nostalgic journey of “Super Mario RPG” to the anticipation of “Hogwarts Legacy” coming to the Switch, video games promise hours of immersive entertainment.

4. Lego Sets: Creative Construction

Fuel their imagination and encourage problem-solving skills with Lego sets that transport them to different worlds and scenarios. Let them build, innovate, and create their own adventures brick by brick.

5. Pop-A-Shot Basketball Game: Indoor Fun Galore

For those who love sports, a Pop-A-Shot basketball game brings the excitement of the court indoors, allowing for endless rounds of friendly competition.

6. Tie-Dye Kit: Unleash Creativity

Encourage artistic expression with a tie-dye kit, fostering creativity while providing a fun and hands-on crafting experience.

7. Kindle: Portal to Diverse Worlds

For the bookworms, a Kindle opens the doors to an expansive library, letting them carry countless stories wherever they go.

8. Games: Family Fun Nights

“Throw Throw Burrito” and “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza” are uproarious games perfect for family gatherings or game nights with friends.

High School Gift Ideas

1. Auto Face Tracking Phone Holder: Content Creation Made Easy

Ideal for TikTok enthusiasts or aspiring content creators, this gadget ensures smooth, hands-free filming for captivating videos.

2. Portable Bluetooth Speaker: On-the-Go Tunes

A portable speaker allows them to take their favorite tunes wherever they roam, turning any place into a lively party.

3. Vinyl Records: Retro Vibes

For music aficionados, vinyl records of iconic albums like Taylor Swift’s “1989” or Creed’s “Human Clay” offer a vintage auditory experience.

4. Subscriptions: Access to Entertainment

Gift them access to their favorite music with subscriptions to Apple Music or Spotify Premium, or level up their gaming with Xbox Live or Game Pass.

5. Headphones: Quality Sound

Whether it’s AirPods for convenience or Bose for premium sound quality, a good pair of headphones is a must-have for any high schooler.

6. Graphic Tees: Personal Style

Websites like Homage offer a variety of stylish graphic tees, allowing them to flaunt their interests and individuality.

7. World Series Gear or Favorite Sports Team Merchandise: Show Team Spirit

Support their love for sports with gear from the World Series or their favorite sports team, a perfect way to showcase team pride.

8. Shows: Merchandise from Streamers/YouTubers

Many content creators have merchandise stores where fans can grab items related to their favorite shows, a thoughtful gift for devoted fans.

Teacher Gift Ideas

1. Gift Cards: Thoughtful Flexibility

A gift card to their favorite restaurant, Amazon, Target, or the local movie theater ensures they get something they truly appreciate.

2. Food: Sweet Treats or Savory Delights

Consider their preferences and gift them a delicious treat, but avoid generic gifts like mugs or teacher-themed items unless you’re sure it’s their style.

3. Don’t Give: Classroom Stuff or Starbucks (if they don’t like coffee)

While well-intentioned, avoid gifting classroom-related items or Starbucks if they aren’t coffee drinkers.

Finding the right gift involves considering the recipient’s interests and preferences. With these ideas, you can spread joy and show your appreciation for the special people in your life, making this holiday season truly memorable.

We want to take the stress out of holiday shopping so check out our complete list on Amazon! (There are no affiliate links and we earn no money.)

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources on Christmas shopping for teens.

Have a question?

If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below.  We would love to hear from you!

About Us

Karlie Duke
Karlie Duke

Communications Director

Tobin Hodges
Tobin Hodges

Program Director

Caleb Hatchett
Caleb Hatchett

Podcast Host

More Resources You Might Like

Episode 36: Christmas Traditions
picture of gingerbread house and title: De-Stressing Traditions and why they matter
Happy multi-ethnic family at the beach smiling at the camera

Ep. 84: 2022 Christmas Gift Guide

Ep. 84: 2022 Christmas Gift Guide

 Listen & Subscribe

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Still looking for the perfect gift for your teenager?

You’ll love these great picks that your favorite teen is sure to appreciate. This is a special Christmas episode you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we mentioned or used the following resources:

2022 Gift Guide for Teen Girls

Gift Guide For Teen Girls:

2022 Gift Guide for Teen Boys

Gift Guide for Guys:

Gifts of Experience:

  • Taylor Swift Tickets – good luck!
  • Tickets to see their favorite sports team
  • Guitar or Piano lessons
  • Spotify Subscription
  • Small Road Trip
  • Spa Day

Have a question?

If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below.  We would love to hear from you!

About Us:

Karlie Duke
Karlie Duke

Communications Director

Chris Robey
Chris Robey

Former CEO

2021 Christmas Gift Guide

2021 Christmas Gift Guide

 Listen & Subscribe

 

Summary:
Still looking for the perfect gift for your teenager? We’ve got it covered with some great picks that even the hardest to shop for teen is sure to love. Listen along as Karlie and Chris talk through gift ideas by personality type and trend. This is a special Christmas episode you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

Have a question? If you have a question about something you heard or just want to give us some feedback, please leave us a comment below.  We would love to hear from you!
About Us:
Chris Robey

Chris Robey

CEO

Chris has worked with teens from a variety of backgrounds for over a decade. He has a desire to help teenagers make good choices while also giving their families tools to communicate more effectively as choices are made.
Karlie Duke

Karlie Duke

Director of Communications

Karlie was in one of Teen Life’s original support groups and now is passionate about encouraging students to live better stories. She has gained experience working with teenagers through work, volunteer, and personal opportunities.

Follow Us

What Teens Want for Christmas in 2021

What Teens Want for Christmas in 2021

Buying gifts for teens can seem impossible, especially since they probably aren’t writing letters to Santa anymore. We’re here to help you build stronger connections with the teens in your life, so we’ve put together a list of gift ideas that are cool enough to impress without breaking your budget.

Make sure to scroll all the way to the trending gifts where you’ll find links too! We don’t receive any kind of compensation from your purchase.

Gift Ideas by Personality:

 

The Perfectionist
  • A laptop/tablet or fancy planner
  • Jewelry organizer or grooming kit
  • Self-Improvement lessons – voice lessons, golf lessons, photography webinar etc.
  • Organize their room/closet/car or create a space for them to stay organized at home.
 

The Encourager

  • Candles, decor, a backpack purse
  • A splurge item that they would like but wouldn’t ever buy themselves
  • A spa gift card so they can take care of themselves
  • A family cookbook or recipe box
 

The High Achiever

  • Clothes (think something nice that will help them stand out – a jacket, fancy shoes, etc.); Birchbox Subscription
  • A nice wallet or custom jewelry
  • A shopping spree
  • A day helping them accomplish a goal – training for a 5K, washing/cleaning out their car, etc.
 

the individualist

  • Unique graphic tee or tote bag with a fun saying
  • Record player and a few of their favorite albums or a Spotify subscription
  • Tickets to a concert or an art museum
  • A book of letters and memories from loved ones
 

The Researcher

  • Kindle or audiobook subscription
  • AirPods or a video game console
  • Movie tickets or a planned trip to tour something they are interested in (national parks, Hall of Fame, Presidential Library)
  • Spend a day learning about something they love. Let them educate you for once!

 

The Loyalist

  • Weighted or super cozy blanket
  • Clothing that supports their favorite team or interest
  • Take them to a new restaurant or coffee shop that they would love but might never pick themselves.
  • Write them a letter that mentions all the ways you see and appreciate them.
 

  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera
  • Weekender bag or fun luggage
  • A fun weekend away! Try an Airbnb gift card to give them a budget.
  • Surprise them with some quality time! Let them skip a day of school and just be together.
 

  • Nice watch or Fitness tracker
  • Something that they have mentioned that would be helpful or a gift card to their favorite store
  • Tickets to a concert or show that they would enjoy
  • Quality time – plan a day just for them. Be intentional about telling them how much you respect and appreciate them.

 

The Peacemaker

 

  • A coffee maker and a travel mug, a t-shirt quilt of their favorite old shirts
  • Something that supports their favorite habit (guitar, tools, nail polish, etc.)
  • A new book and gift card to their favorite coffee shop so they can go spend the day by themselves
  • Is there a project they have put off? Dedicate a weekend and help them finish anything they started but didn’t get around to completing.
Karlie Duke

Karlie Duke

Marketing & Development Director

Karlie was in one of Teen Life’s original support groups and now is passionate about encouraging students to live better stories. She has gained experience working with teenagers through work, volunteer, and personal opportunities.