2020 gifts for teens.

Every year, I enjoy compiling lists of gift ideas for different members of the family. For whatever reason, the gifts for teens is the most difficult to put together, and I think it’s because teens are so opinionated…and they want what they want.

I can tell you, without hesitation, that my teenage daughter will be getting some new slippers, a weekender tote bag that I featured a week or two ago (see it here), some shoes she has requested, some jewelry she has requested, and some clothes she has requested. But she is very specific about which ones she wants. She made my shopping easy, but I know all teens don’t want the exact same things.

If you need to purchase for a teen this year, I’m going to give you a list, but it’s not one I have compiled. I found it on Merrick’s Art, and it’s a good one. You can see it here. When I say there are lots of good ideas, I mean it. But like I said about teens….they’re picky, so ask some questions before purchasing.

I’ve looked through the Merrick’s list, and I can tell you what my own 17-yr-old daughter would like from the list. She has the LED light strips and loves them…got them for Christmas last year. If your teenage daughter doesn’t have them, you can order through the link on the Merrick’s list or get from Amazon here. They will definitely be a big hit with almost any teen girl.

Throw blanket? Polaroid camera? Yes! They will likely be big hits with almost any teen. My daughter, on the other hand, would look at me like I’m crazy if I give her a karaoke microphone. If you have a teen on your list who enjoys singing (or trying to sing), it might be a great gift. A bluetooth speaker is a pretty safe bet for any teen…boy or girl, but it doesn’t have to be a “mini” one as suggested on the list. My daughter has a big bluetooth speaker that she uses out by the pool all the time. Other things on the Merrick’s list that would definitely appeal to her? Gift cards to almost anywhere, but especially local favorite clothing boutiques and Ulta or Sephora.

I see Merrick’s has listed shearling boots. I looked at the ones they recommend, and they’re great. As for shearling, my daughter also loves her Ugg slippers, that are actually meant to be worn in the house, I think, but I often see her getting into her car wearing them. Our daughter loves the Scuffette II, and at $90, they’re not cheap, but they’re tough. You can find those here. As for the Nike Air Force I shoes they have listed, I say a resounding “yes.” It seems all teenagers love them.

Merrick’s also has listed fanny packs/bags, but check with your teen before getting that. Yes, they’re popular, but you don’t want to get the wrong one that will never be used.

As for blue light glasses, as suggested on the Merrick’s site, my daughter loves hers. She has several pairs that she purchased from Amazon. As much time as they spend staring at screens, they need these glasses to cut down on eye strain.

Roller skates? Maybe…depends on the teen. All the teens I know would say a big “no” to that, but that doesn’t mean others wouldn’t like them.

Those are the highlights and lowlights of the list, but it’s a great, comprehensive list that covers teens with lots of different personalities.

One thing I would add for teen girls is “repurposed” hoodies. They are very popular this year. Basically, they are vintage hoodies or t-shirts that have been bedazzled or reworked in some way to make them stand out. One store that offers them online is LF Stores. Click here to see their selection of sale items. It’s a pricey store, but they have great sales.

Teens are a fickle bunch, but we want them to have happy holidays too…and we don’t want to waste money on gifts they won’t use.

Happy shopping!