Give the kids what they want

By: Heather V

            Holiday shopping can be a stressful time. Fighting crowds, trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, and not going broke in the process can be a challenge. It can be an especially stressful time when you have a picky teenager and no clue what to get them. Well, here is some help.

            Electronics make great gifts; MP3 players, game systems, DVD’s, and CD’s, are all great ideas. The Apple IPod has been a popular gift since its appearance in the technology world, and is still just as popular now. The IPod ranges in price from $40 to $400, depending on the style of IPod, and the amount of storage space. There are also tons of accessories for the IPod. One is the IHome which is a docking station for your IPod. It can play the music through stereo speakers, and the IHome also includes a clock and radio.

            Another popular gift this holiday season is a video game system. There are many popular makes and models of game systems, the three most popular being the Wii, Playstation 3, and the XBox. (The Wii and the Playstation 3 start at $400, and the Xbox starts at $300.) All three of these game systems have numerous accessories and games you can buy to use on the systems, and will bring hours of enjoyment for your teen. Plus, a game system can be enjoyed by the whole family, not just your teen.

            For those of you who have seniors in high school, thinking ahead to the future could provide great gift ideas as well. Room décor, furniture, and college supplies make ideal Christmas gifts. Your senior will be grateful when they don’t have to spend that money next fall when they are heading off to college.

            Buying clothes can be a great gift idea as well, although you run the risk of the clothes not fitting or your teen not liking what you picked out. If your teen wants new clothes, try giving them a gift card to his/her favorite store. Gift cards have been a popular gift the last few years and you can’t really go wrong with them. Whoever you buy it for can pick out exactly what they want, and there’s no questioning whether or not they like it. Gift cards are less personal than going out and personally picking something out for someone, but you are guaranteed they will get something they like.

            If you are still stuck on what gift to give, find something that the receiver is interested in and work with that. For instance, if your teen is interested in reading, get them that series of books they’ve been bugging you for all year. If they enjoy scrapbooking, buy them scrapbooking supplies. They’re guaranteed to enjoy a gift that fits into their hobbies or interests.

            Holiday shopping can be a stressful time, but with a few ideas and a little help, it will also be an enjoyable time.