Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for a Teenage Girl

If there's one thing I learned as the big sister to a 16 year-old, it's what's cool and whats not (hey thanks, sis!) The tricky part about shopping for a teenager is finding that balance between what's trendy right now, and what she'll love for years to come because they're classic.

I hope this list gives you some inspiration for what to get the teen girl in your family.

Oh and if you're looking for gifts to buy for that Lifestyle Editor on your list, check out slide 12. Did you catch that, Santa?

MORE: Don't forget to check out all our editor's gift guides! Maura (pregnancy/newborn), Esther (baby, toddler), Andie (baby, big kid), Laura (toddler, big kid), Cerentha (tween girl and boy), April (big kid boy and girl), Madeline (big kid, tween and teen), Angelica (mom), Anne Marie (big kids), and Jen (dad)

My sister would love a dainty necklace she can wear everyday as her signature piece.

Helpful gift tip: if you don't know someone's favorite metal, try all three.

To buy: Dogeared, $52

I'm so happy the sneaker trend is here to stay, because my favorite brands keep coming out with awesome new styles and textures that my sister will love. Vans high-top sneakers are a classic, and this faded star pair has an old-school Americana vibe I love.

Superga's lace up sneakers are a teen favorite, too. Their pony hair slip-on style is totally on trend and won't hurt your feet after a long day of school and after-school extracurriculars.

To buy: 1. Vans, $75 2. Superga, $155

My sister and I both love the color pink. This blanket is irresistibly soft (almost unbelievably so). The baby pink hue is perfect to throw over her bed, and for snuggling up to watch classic movies on Christmas morning. That is, if I don't steal it first.

To buy: Little Giraffe, $188

Every year growing up, we would receive a new set of pajamas to wear on Christmas morning. A teen would love this red and white striped set: a great pattern, no cartoon characters, and it's the softest fabric you could imagine.

To buy: JCrew, $78

Jewelry is a great way to add a personal touch to an everyday school outfit without breaking any dress code policies. The jacket design is so unexpected and cool.

To buy: BaubleBar, $28

The social calendar of a teen is full of Sweet Sixteen parties. She needs an awesome bag to carry her essentials. This cross body style keeps her hands free to dance and is an awesome shade of (what else?) hot pink.

To buy: Hobo Bags, $97

My sister loves to bake, and there's no better time to make a delicious batch of cookies (or two or three) than the holidays. This 18 piece Cookie Cutter Set allows for endless options of shapes.

Momofuku Milk Bar is a famed stop in New York to get one-of-a-kind desserts. Williams Sonoma brings the mix to their stores, and now you can make their Corn Cookies at home. They taste just like that sweet cornflake cereal of your childhood.

To buy: 1. Wilton, $9 2. Williams Sonoma, $17

Winter means cold, but cold-weather accessories that keep you warm and stylish aren't always easy to come by.

A slouchy navy beanie adds instant edge to your outfit, and toasty at the same time.

Socks can be the perfect accessory for ankle boots. Pull them up and scrunch them down so they peek out over the top: awesome for jazzing up plain black leggings or jeans.

An infinity knit scarf in rich maroon is guaranteed to keep your neck warm, and the chunky texture is totally cool.

To buy:

1. Brandy Melville, $16

2. Madewell, $11

3. Nordstrom, $24

My sister just got her license (eek!) so her gift options now include accessories for a new driver.

A cellphone case that protects your phone and stashes your shiny new driver's license? Genius.

My sister loves emojis and cats, so this keychain from Stoney Clover Lane is ideal. Her shiny new keys deserve a special charm, and the hot pink color won't get lost in her backpack.

To buy:

1. Speck, $27

2. Stoney Clover Lane, $25

Winters in California often bring rain. A good pair of rain boots is a wardrobe staple, but what style to choose? Classic Welly boots get the job done, and these Hunters are timeless.

Brighten up a dreary day with this darling umbrella. It's simple black exterior will go with any outfit, but the inside is a perfect blue sky with fluffy clouds so you can have a little bit of sunshine.

To buy:

1. Hunter, $145

2. MoMA Store, $40

1. Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle- Luxury candles are my favorite indulgence. Yes, $60 on a candle definitely is an indulgence.But this firewood scented candle takes you straight to Christmas time, lasts forever, and is the only one that doesn’t give me a headache.

To buy: Diptyque, $60

2. BaubleBar Tortoise Americana Drops Earrings

Statement earrings work overtime for me in my wardrobe. When I’m wearing a simple black dress, they instantly dress up an outfit. I’m also always throwing my hair up in a bun, and these would make me feel polished and sparkly!

To buy: BaubleBar, $38

3.Ingugu Slouchy Beanie

Etsy is one of my favorite places to buy gifts online: they feel so personal, and I love getting to support small businesses. This shop, Ingugu, is one of our Top 50 Favorite Etsy moms. The alpaca wool is so warm, but it breathes and doesn’t cause allergies.

To buy: Etsy, $42

4. Ben Medansky Mug

My day doesn’t feel complete without coffee, and this incredible mug will make my daily cup of joe a bit more special. These mugs are all slightly different, and hand-designed and created in Los Angeles.

To buy: Ben Medansky, $40

5. California Cutting Board

I love throwing dinner parties with my friends, and nothing starts a great night like a charcuterie plate with great cheese. I would love to display this bamboo board with my favorite snacks. I’m totally a California girl, but they have any state you could want.

To buy: AHeirloom, $48