Teens Under The Tree
I’ve never done a gift guide post specifically for teens…mostly because I feel like a lot of my gift ideas for guys and gals can actually function as gifts for these mini-adults, who from the ages of 14 and up will have pretty specific tastes and interests you could cater to. That being said, I recognize that sometimes you may want to get your favourite teen – whether a friend, niece or nephew, grandchild, or one of your own – something a little more interesting than say, another video game. So today I picked out five gifts for the boys, five gifts for the girls, and five gifts to suit them both, all geared toward a slightly younger demo. That’s not to say you couldn’t snap one of these up for your twenty-something sister or young-at-heart dad, but know that they were chosen with teens in mind, at least for today.
For The Boys
Tarantino XX Collection on Blu-Ray – $74.99 @ Amazon.ca
I think it’s safe to say Quentin Tarantino is one of the most celebrated arthouse action directors and storytellers out there today – so much so that you could say he pioneered the genre of campy-yet-quality schlockfests. Believe it or not, the celebrated auteur has released only eight (remarkable) films over the last twenty years, which have been packaged together for the first time in this gory-yet-great box set. Fair warning: it’s a little graphic for the younger set. But if your son has been clamouring for a samurai sword since watchingThe Bride kick ass and take names in Kill Bill 1 & 2, it’s time he engage with Tarantino’s full film collection, alongside hours of amazing behind-the-scenes footage.
Where’s Waldo Five-Panel Hat – $24 @ Urban Outfitters
If the boy you’re shopping for has a grain of fashion sense in him – and credit where it’s due, a lot of young ‘uns today do – then he’ll get a kick out of this nu-retro printed hat featuring Where’s Waldo, he of the striped turtleneck and mystical ability to hide in oft-busy scenes. The multi-hued pattern means it’ll work with just about any outfit, and quickly become his signature item. Best of all, it also works as a conversation starter with that girl he’s been dying to talk to in math class.
Mimobot USB Flash Drives – $19.99+ each @ Mimoco
Allow him to keep his homework close with one of these playful flash drives from Mimoco. With four sizes starting at a respectable 8 GB and dozens of pop culture designs featuring your favourite movie, comic, and TV heroes, it’s a cool way to keep tabs on your important docs, and a must-have for any industrious’ teens backpack.
Snowbeard Ski Mask – $27.99 @ Beardo
Did you know December is actually known as ‘Beardcember’, as the follow up that dreadful occasion known as Movember? If your young chap can’t quite grow a full shag yet, he might dig one of Canadian brand Beardo’s beanie caps, with an attached beard-styled face mask to keep his cheeks and chin snuggly warm against subzero temperatures. Alternatively, if he’s something of a snow bunny, go for this beanie-free option that can be worn alone or with ski goggles for some tongue-in-cheek protection against whipping winds when he hits the slopes.
Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt – $29.99 @ ThinkGeek
Believe it or not, this seemingly ordinary tee is actually a working guitar with its own portable amp. You read that right. Each button on the neck of your wearable axe is actually a major chord, making it majorly easy to rock out to your favourite songs, and giving new meaning to the idea of ‘air guitar’. The included mini-amp tucks into your jeans or waistband and can be cranked all the way up to 11 for the ability to give off impromptu concerts in the hallway. And never fear parents – the shirt is easily disassembled for washing out that pesky ‘boy’ smell after a wear or two.
For The Girls
LAQA & Co Polishes – $12.50 each
Everyone’s favourite nail polish pen brand is back with their signature shades packed into regular ol’ fashioned bottles – with the same twist that existed before. Each bottle of pretty paint comes housed in a graphic designer-created patterned box, with a portion of the proceeds going back to said designers, making each gift a miniature piece of art. Some of the shades are old favourites if you’ve already snagged a polish pen or two, but others are fresh new additions to this fun, youthful line.
Sequin Front Tanks – $19.94 each @ Old Navy
Consider this a safe bet: sequin tanks to layer and shine for the holiday season and beyond. Old Navy has literally a dozen styles of sparkly tops on offer this year, in surprisingly punchy shades like teal and yellow, as well as the sparkly classics like silver, red, and black. You can also snap them up in a striped style for a preppy take on glam. No matter her age, she’ll feel extra special when she slips one of these modest tanks on. Whether paired with a cardigan for a dreamy first date or tucked into a cute skirt for Christmas dinner, this top at this price is a total winner!
Pür Minerals 5-Piece Start Now Kit – $39
I am such a huge advocate of Pür Minerals for all ages (I use it!) on a number of levels. For one, as the name would indicate, it’s rich with skin-nourishing minerals, and free from parabens, harsh chemicals, and other generally not-good things you wouldn’t want resting on your skin all day long. For another, it seriously cuts down on time while creating a perfect polished finish; their famed 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation takes one minute to apply, includes SPF 15, concealer, powder, and of course foundation, and gives you a gorgeous, matched-to-your-skin look. Teens don’t need a ton of makeup, nor should they buy brands that can cause them breakout. This starter kit gives them all the basics to enhance their natural beauty – including a 4-in-1 Foundation, sheer layer-friendly bronzer (that avoids Oompa Loompa skin), a chisel brush for application, a lightweight primer, and a multi-functioning mascara. Check out their website to see all the rave reviews, but know that you can also purchase the brand at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada.
Hello Kitty Wild Thing Bag – $35 @ Sephora
Hook her up with her first-ever makeup case, with a touch of childhood whimsy. This Hello Kitty case is big enough to store all of the teen-friendly essentials for school trips or weekends away, with a rock star-inspired metallic gold cheetah print and Hello Kitty’s signature puffy bow on the outside for some fun flavour. The nifty thing about Hello Kitty is she’s got street cred with gals of all ages – meaning you can still preserve her childhood a bit, while making her feel cool at the same time.
Dancers Among Us by Jordan Matter – $20.95 (List)
If you haven’t heard of Jordan Matter’s stunning ongoing photography project ‘Dancers Among Us’, let me introduce you. For years, Matter has been taking (staged) shots of dancers in unexpected-yet-everyday scenarios. The resulting images have been circulated around the globe, displayed in gallery exhibits, and generally caused shock and awe: your jaw will drop at some of the mind-bending movement that’s been preserved in a single snap. This book is the first-ever collection of Matter’s photos, organized around general themes of ‘love’ or ‘joy’, and taken around the globe. It’s an absolutely breathtaking book, the type of thing that would make pre-teen wannabe-prima ballerinas squeal with delight as much as a newbie high school grad that’s either pursuing a career in dance, or even studying photography.
For Them Both
Herschel ‘Elliot’ iPad Cases – $30 each @ Little Burgundy Shoes
I want to make some really lame pun here about how these are all ‘back to cool’, with the classic pencil case-inspired tartan panel. But for real, Herschel, if you’re unfamiliar, is a very hip Canadian brand, based in Vancouver. Little Burgundy Shoes, where these iPad cases are sold, is a very hip footwear and accessories store across the nation. And the cases themselves? Have a bit of old school charm that makes them a kitschy fit for any teen’s favourite tablet (incidentally they sell a slightly larger model for $40 that fits non-iPads as well).
Giant Gummy Bear – $39.95 @ LOLcandy
Get your sweet fix with a nibble on the world’s largest gummy bear. Clocking in at an insane 5 lbs, this is a treat they’ll be apt to share with their buddies (or the family!) upon opening its personal carrying case. Available in eight different flavours from the typical lemon and grape to the off-the-beaten-path pineapple or cola, this makes a particularly fun gift if your teen is the host of an upcoming New Year’s or birthday fete.
GelaSkins iPhone 5 HardCases – $34.95 each
Can I just offer you a fair warning before you click on the link above? GelaSkins is painfully addictive. And time-consuming. And therefore, awesome. This digital device skin & case shop offers designer-made and photographer-shot styles for pretty much any device you can dream up, including one of the ‘must list’ items for any teen: the covetable iPhone 5. In the last year, GelaSkins has recently launched a new product, HardCase, which offers extra protection for your precious mobile, in an extremely pretty, scratch-resistant case: I should know – I’ve had my case for almost a year and it looks as good as the day I bought it. As an added bonus, GelaSkins also offers free downloadable wallpapers to match your chosen case, for a cohesive, custom look. The styles are extremely varied and can be selected to match your teen’s interests (like this vinyl case if they love music), favourite colours (like this pretty pink one if she’s a girly girl), or just their personal style. You can even custom design your own from scratch, if say, he designed a really cool piece of graphic art this term, or she’d love a snap of her and her friends. Browse through and pick one to accompany their holiday gift – whether an iPhone 5 or otherwise – or scoop up a gift cert so they can select their own. I really can’t say enough good things about this company and how fun it is to browse their ever-expanding collection!
The Sims 3 Seasons – $39.99 @ Future Shop
It’s no coincidence that the eighth expansion pack in EA Games’ blockbuster Sims series is themed to the seasons. With four distinct times of year and the associated weather effects – from snowdrifts to hailstorms to rainbows to suntans – any Sim gamer will be geared up for the winter season in particular, where you can decorate your Sim’s home with Christmas lights, host a ‘gift-giving party’, and participate in a bounty of outdoor activities including snowboarding, ice skating, igloo making and more! The Sims’ magic lies in the fact it’s universally adored – by teens and adults, boys and girls, but I thought it was a worthy choice for any teen on your shopping list (note: the base The Sims 3 game is required to play).
Urbanears Plattan Headphones – $60
Young folks are all about their ear candy – it explains the rise in popularity of old school DJ-style headphones in an array of finishes and colours, best demonstrated perhaps by none other than Swedish brand, Urbanears. They’ve got tons of rainbow-bright styles and a distinct look, given that every piece of each set of headphones is 100% colour-coded: from the wires to the straps to the foam to the hardware. My personal favourite style of the bunch is Plattan (pictured above). The foam padding makes for ultra-comfy listening, while the foldability makes it totally transportable for stashing in your backpack between classes or on the bus. It also has a unique feature called ‘ZoundPlug’ that allows a pal with their own headphones to plug into yours for joint listening pleasure.
Phew! First things first, let me say, if you’re coveting some of this stuff and you’re not a teen – that’s totally okay. I HAVE some of this stuff, WANT lots of it, and LOVE all of it. Secondly, let me tell you, I’ve got two great prize packages to give away to two lucky winners. Each winner will score a $25 GelaSkins gift certificate + an ‘I Want Candy’ gift set from LAQA & Co (valued at $53.95) which includes two nail pens, a lip pencil, and remover pads! If you want to get in touch with your inner teen, here’s how to enter:
1) Leave a comment by December 21st with your favourite teen gift featured in this post!
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 22nd to select the winner, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry #1: Like LAQA & Co on Facebook, and leave them a comment to say hello!
5) Bonus Entry #2: Like GelaSkins on Facebook, and be equally friendly / say hello!
Canadian Gift Guide 
I like the fun Mimobot USB Flash Drives
My favorite item has to be the headphones or the Where’s Waldo hat!! Cute!!!
muddernewf79 at gmail dot com
I liked LAQA & Co. and left a comment https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=511931085492189&id=135488046469830
I already like Gelaskins left a comment https://www.facebook.com/GelaSkins/posts/122960921196630?comment_id=146089&offset=0&total_comments=1
mocha
Gela Skins!
Wow! Excellent choices I wouldn’t know what to get first. Love the guitar shirt and the Mimobot USB Flash Drives also who doesn’t need a giant gummy bear?
Liked and left comments on both on facebook. Thank you!!!!
My favourite is the LAQA & Co Polishes!
Posted on Gelaskin’s Facebook http://www.facebook.com/GelaSkins/posts/10151282059774316
Commented on LAQA’s facebook: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=511983355486962&id=135488046469830
For some reason I am particularly attracted to that giant gummy bear.
LAQA and co looks colorful.. Where do u find such beautiful gift ideas 🙂
I love the Keep Calm and Carry On phone case.
I think the giant gummy bear is hilarious! Love it!
Left a message at LAQA FB!
Left a FB message on Gelaskins! Erin W
usb flash drivers
As the mother of 5 boys, 2 of whom are teenagers, I would have to say the giant gummy bear is my favourite.
I already like LAQA & Co. on FB but I left a comment saying hi (andrea amy)
LIKED gelaskins on FB and left a comment (andrea amy)
My daughter first mentioned the giant gummy bear years ago; said it was only available in the States at that time. She still would like to have it.
Liked LAQA & Co on Facebook, and left them a comment.
Like GelaSkins on Facebook and also left them a comment.
I like the 5 panel hat
The giant gummy bear! That’s my fav!! (its insane!!)
Giant Gummy Bear – $39.95 @ LOLcandy
Flashdrives for me
I like the iPad cases because I have two grandkids who could use them now.
My teen is soon to be 14 and she would love all of it 🙂
If I had to choose just one, I would say the Pur Minerals 5 piece set.
Love the headphones!
The Women’s Sequin-Front Jersey Tanks are my favourite
Left a comment on both Facebook walls as Margaret Imecs
I love the sequin front tanks
Tough choice I have 3 teenagers and they would all love something different lol the makeup for my daughter and the mimbots for my sons but they would all love the guitar tshirt so I will say that is my favorite
I liked Gelaskins left a comment
I liked and Commented on LAQA’s facebook
I like Urbanears Plattan Headphones
Liked LAQA & Co on Facebook and left them a comment
Liked GelaSkins on Facebook and left a comment
Tarantino XX Collection on Blu-Ray
flash drives from Mimoco
Tarantino XX Collection on Blu-Ray – $74.99 @ Amazon.ca
LAQA & Co Polishes
My favourite teen gift is Urbanears Plattan Headphones .. my daughter would LOVE the purple ones !
liked and posted comment on both facebook pages !
My favorite out of all these are LAQA & Co Polishes, You should be a professional shopper, are you? You always have great ideas I have never seen before, everyone on your list must get such unique gifts =)
Thanks for the kind words Cheryl! Hopefully some of the people on *your* list benefit from these unique ideas this year!
The sequin tanks are very neat and cute for a teen girl…a little glittter…they love.
The Urbanears Plattan Headphones are very cool!
ty
Like LAQA & Co on Facebook
Anne Taylor
Like GelaSkins on Facebook,
Anne Taylor
My favorite is the Urbanears Plattan Headphones ..my son would love these!
I like the Herschel ‘Elliot” ipad cases – very classy.
plattan headphones
My favourite is the Herschel ipad cases!
the tarantino xx collection on blu ray!
I like the Pür Minerals starter kit. My daughter would love it.
Liked and shared @ GelaSkins FB
My 14 year old would LOVE the Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt 😀
My daughter would love the sequinned t-shirts.
I live the I pad cases!!
The iphone cases!
the sequinned tanks are awesome. ty
Love the gelaskins iPhone cases. Wife and I each have 1, they’re awesome.
I really like the Pür Minerals 5-Piece Start Now Kit
My favourite teen gift is the giant 5lb gummy bear 😀
I liked LAQA and Co. on fb and commented on their wall
Sarah perry
I liked Gelaskins on facebook and commented on their wall
Sarah perry
The Sims 3 Seasons
My fave gift is the Pur Minerals 5 piece start now kit
Urbanears Plattan Headphones – or the where’s waldo hat
My favourite teen gift is Herschel ‘Elliot’ iPad Cases!
Liked Gelaskin and commented (Victoria Ess)
Liked Laqa and commented (Victoria Ess)
I like the Mimobot USB Flashdrive and the Hello Kitty Wild Thing Bag
hello kitty wild thing bag
I liked laqa and commented
I like gelaskin and commented
LAQA & Co Polishes
I like Tarantino!
I likedI liked the Gelaskins.
I like Laqa and Co Polishes.
I get a real kick out of the giant gummy bear!!
Love it all but would really like to win the GelaSkins iPhone 5 HardCases!
I really love the little leopard skin bag (faux) from Sephora
The Urbanears Plattan Headphones would make my teen very happy
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like LAQA & Co. on facebook as belinda m and commented
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like GelaSkins on facebook as belinda m and commented
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
tarantino all the way, i like the mimobots, a tad small though
They are all so amazing! The pur minerals starter kit!
The headphones would be a great teen gift.
I like the Electronic Rock Guitar shirt.
The pur minerals five piece starter kit!
My favorite is the Mimobot USB Flash Drives
Liked LAQA & Co. on facebook (Theresa Miller) and said hello.
Liked GelaSkins on facebook and said hello.
I love Sephora’s Hello Kitty Wild Thing bag!
My favourite teen gift featured in this post would be the “Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt – $29.99 @ ThinkGeek” for guys (totally cool & geeky), the “GelaSkins iPhone 5 HardCases – $34.95 each” for gals (a touch of individualism) & the “Pür Minerals 5-Piece Start Now Kit – $39″ for me, the teenager at heart (‘cos I still need help putting on makeup!) … heehee couldn’t resist stating just one. They were all so unique & interesting.
Bonus Entry #1: Liked LAQA & Co on Facebook and left them a comment https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=310625539046257&id=135488046469830
Bonus Entry #2: Liked GelaSkins on Facebook and left them a comment https://www.facebook.com/GelaSkins/posts/412581218810052
Thank you.
I like the Dancers Among Us collection.
I like the sequin front Old Navy tank tops!
My favourite is the LAQA & Co nail polish.
I have liked and commented on both pages on Facebook.
The Where’s Waldo 5 panel Hat is the Best!!! My oldest grew up when Waldo was really popular. This is a must on his Christmas list for me to buy!! Thanks for the great idea!!!
would love to win the gelaskins giftcard
I love the ipad cases.
I really like the Hello Kitty Wild Thing Bag. It’s a cute bag to carry makeup around in!
Giant Gummy Bear or Gummy Worm!
Urbanears Plattan Headphones in pink
my favourite gift would be the LAQA & Co Polishes
FB-leanne vandorpel
My favourite teen gift is the Pür Minerals 5-Piece Start Now Kit.
Mimobot flash drive
My son would love the Where’s Waldo 5-Panel Hat.
The snowbeard ski mask is the best.
The gelaskins iPhone 5 hard cases are my favourite!
The headphones are on all the lists this year.
I like the GelaSkins iPhone 5 HardCases.
Liked LAQA & Co on Facebook as Angela Mitchell and commented.
Liked and commented on GelaSkins on Facebook as Angela Mitchell.
They are all amazing ideas but if I had to pick one, it would be the mimobot USB drives. Super cute!
I must be a teen at heart because I like all these gifts but I like the Tarantino XX Collection on Blu-Ray the most if i had to pick
I LOVE the Giant Gummy Bear!!! I want one lol
i think the Urbanears Plattan Headphones would be a hit
i wanna take a bite out of the giant gummi bear!
I like Dancers Among Us. I think it looks awesome and would be very inspiring!!!
I liked LAQA & Co. on Facebook and said hello!!!
candiblumenthal rickymeade
I liked GelaSkins on Facebook and said hello!!!
candiblumenthal rickymeade