Teens are notoriously hard to buy for. The assumption is that a CD with a $20 bill taped to the front cuts it– or, on the other end of the spectrum, that you’ll be shelling out thousands of dollars for a new car. How about we keep that purposeful mindset and think, instead, on lasting things: relationships and memories. You don’t have to go into debt to celebrate Jesus with your teenager! (And you don’t have to buy them another gadget, either!)
Experiences Now’s the time to pull out all the stops. You’ve only got this kid under your roof for a few more years, right? Let’s make it memorable. Take them to a concert. Travel somewhere locally you’ve never been before. Find a zip line in your area. Sign up to race cars at a nearby track. Look into zoo programs that let you show up early and help feed the animals. Do something different. Something real. Something together.
Classes Not British Lit … unless that’s what lights a fire under your high schooler. Try an exotic cooking class together. Give throwing pottery a go. Your local community college likely has a glut of “adult education classes,” as will local art studios, museums, you name it. Do a little sleuthing and surprise your teen with a learning experience that they’ll enjoy for a lifetime.
Photo book credits This works especially well for teen girls, but many guys will enjoy it as well. An online credit for a photo book they assemble themselves through snapfish, shutterfly, blurb, etc., gives them the freedom to capture some of their own memories in a permanent format. Alternatively, you can put together a book yourself … but trust me, half the fun is getting to do it yourself!
Movie Pass Book Head down to your favorite theater, and ask if they offer discounts on packs of tickets— say, 10 or more. Many chains have books available, and others will cut you a deal if you are buying in bulk up front. (Note: Some theaters have rules that state that opening nights are not accessible via passes, so be sure to check in advance.) Presenting your kiddo a stack of movie tickets and not placing any caveats on them (“these are just for you and I! No going out with your friends!”) is a gift your teen will remember.
My teens want tools for their chosen hobbies. Sketch pads and spiffy paints, guitar strings, new work gloves, etc. But I LOVE the movie ticket idea. I’ll be stealing that one!