The holidays can be very expensive, so we created a list of fun gift ideas that won’t break the bank. You can use them as stocking stuffers for your teen or as suggestions for items your teen can buy their friends or family. Here are our suggestions:
- Ornament
- For girls: lotion / nail polish / bath bomb / makeup / hair accessories
- For boys: hats
- Card game
- Small notebook / journal
- Fancy pens / pencils
- Mug with cocoa mix
- Chapstick and fuzzy socks
- Mousepad
- Cookies or candy
- Adult coloring book
- Stress ball or fidget toy
- Poster
- Book or magazine
- Lottery tickets
- Homemade item
Emphasize to your teen that gift giving is about expressing appreciation and/or love for someone important in their life, not finding the perfect or most expensive gift. Role model generosity and thoughfulness to your teen, and let them know that research has shown that giving to others makes us feel good. Whether it’s spending our money, time, or energy on someone else, studies have proven that acts of altruism increase our happiness and well-being. If your teen can embrace the joy of giving without piling on financial stress, they will be well on their way to enjoying a good holiday!