Sep 20, 2001 11:10 PM
3108 Views
As the mother of a teenage daughter my choices for gifts are so different than when she was little. Gone are the days of Barbies and bows. Now it is rock music, some group called Blink 182. (sounds like an airliner to me!)
Instead of cute little outfits with lace and bright colors and Rainbow Brite. Now we are into bell bottoms(sound familiar? We wore them!) and really funky t-shirts.
Instead of going to McDonalds for a Happy Meal she would die if she was seen eating with me in McDonalds! She wants to go with her friends or her brother. I can be in the McDonalds but a table or two away so they can have'girl talk'. Ok so what am I? Chopped liver?
In light of her growing up I realize I need to change too. Gifts need to be useful but practical for her too. How do I think like a 14 year old? Well, one thing is to read the teen magazines. Seems I remember having them when I was younger. Here are my ideas for young teenage girls.
Gift 1: Gift certificates to retailers. These are always good for everyone. Wal-Mart is always good and so is KMart. Mall gift certificates are a wonderful idea to specialty stores if you live close to them. Online gift certificates are a big hit too. Just check out the store before you give the certificate! You may be surprised what you get!
Gift 2: Restaurant Gift Certificates. Give your teen some money of their own in a gift certificate to Western Sizzler or Dennys. McDonalds are good too but remember to give about$10 bucks or more since they will want to take a friend.
Gift 3: Makeup. Always a home run at my house! Funky nail polish or new eye shadow colors. Finger nail files are a good idea also. Emery boards now come in so many designs and colors. Have fun with it!
Gift 4: Books. My daughter loves the Harry Potter series of books. Get your daughter a collector edition if you can. It will be something to keep for always.
Gift 5: Movies. Now I know there are some movies we would not want our children to see no matter how grown they get but at this age decide together. Let her have a choice of two or three movies you have pre-selected. She will know you approve of the movies so the shock value of her choice is eliminated.
Gift 6: Music. Many music stores offer gift certificates or gift cards. If you would feel more comfortable going with your daughter to the store then go and enjoy your time with her. She may surprise you.
Gift7: Your time. I think the greatest gift we can give our children is our time. Turn the television off, invite her to come and cook with you or just to have a coke with you and listen to her. Hear what she is saying. Take time to be interested in her. In the end this means more than any gift money can buy.
I hope you have found some of my suggestions helpful. I welcome any comments as well as more ideas!
