Gear and Gadgets
It's tricky to buy for teens. They're not of the toy age anymore, but … they still want fun stuff! Our solution? Useful items with quirky twists. Look for funky basics that your kid will hold on to well after they've left the nest. OK … and a grown-up toy or two won't hurt.
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Jewelry
1) Chevron Necklace: Chevron—that jagged line—is big this year. Simple but trendy, this is a wear-with-anything piece. Poketo, $27. 2) Inspirational Sentiment Bangles: Give your teen a way to positively express herself with one of these bracelets, etched with messages like "Be true to yourself" and "Inspire. Evolve. Create. Love. Heal. Cherish." Each is made of pewter and plated with nickel or gold. PBTeen, $45. 3) Which Direction Earrings: Hunger Games fans will go for these arrow-shaped posts studded with rhinestones. Large for a pair of studs, these are a real statement piece. Modcloth, $12. 4) Skull Charm Bracelet: Add a little funk to your kid's jewelry case with this bright and edgy bracelet—a good alternative for teens who don't like metal accessories. Mango, $20.
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Camera iPhone Case
A great way to introduce your teen to classic photography, the Gizmon iCa iPhone Case turns an iPhone into an old-school camera. It even takes different lenses and fits into a tripod. Instagram-obsessed kids will love being able to one-up their friends—and you'll love knowing that they're doing it in retro fashion.
To buy: Urban Outfitters, $65
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Sunglasses
Sunglasses are always a safe bet for a teen … even in the dead of winter. Yes, for an accessory these are a splurge, but they'll last much longer than a cheaper pair and aren't likely to go out of style. Give your kid a chance to take care of something nice! 1. Ray-Ban 4187: Fun colors and gummy rim coatings give these unisex shades a unique look. Ray-Ban, $109. 2. Ray-Ban 4178: With oversized frames and a slight cat-eye look, these women's glasses fit almost any face shape. Ray-Ban, $144
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DIY Kaleidoscope Kit
Crafty kids will go for this unique, inexpensive project—it's fun to put together, and once the work is done it will live on as a cool "grown-up" toy. Instructions are included, so most any teen should be able to handle the construction.
To buy: Urban Outfitters, $16
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Shower Sensations
This moisturizing shower set—perfect for the dry winter months—includes a five-blade Venus razor, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration shampoo and conditioner, and Satin Care shave gel. That's everything you need for a fresh, just-clean feel!
To buy: Target, $10
Burton Wall Mural
Whether your kid's an actual snowboarder or simply dreams of the slopes, this 4×4-foot wall mural—featuring Jussi Oksanen in the back country of Canada—will help them feel a bit of the thrill even in their bedroom. This is a less expensive gift than actual gear, and will last many seasons longer.
To buy: PBTeen, $89
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Wallet
Make finances fun with a cool pocketbook for your teen. 1) Travis Millard Wallet: Designed by a renowned graphic artist, this wallet is made of durable vinyl and has pockets for all the necessities. Once folded, it'll stay that way. Poketo, $20. 2) Glitterball Coin Purse: Budding fashionistas will love this colorful little number. It also comes in black (still sparkly, of course) for the slightly more subdued set. Kate Spade, $50.
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Cardboard Radio
This is the perfect sound device for a green teen—made of recycled cardboard (with more than 25 percent post-consumer waste), it's capable of all the basic functions, like playing AM/FM radio and MP3s. And—score!—batteries are even included.
To buy: CB2, $40
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Designer Sweatshirt
Your kid will be thrilled to own a designer piece of clothing, and you'll be relieved that it only cost you $30. This girls' abstract sweatshirt, by Proezna Schouler for Target + Neiman Marcus's holiday collection, is edgy without being too trendy—meaning, it will last for seasons to come.
To buy: Target, available Dec. 1
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Bluetooth Speaker
Whether they use it in their bedroom to set a studying mood or out at the park with friends, the Philips SoundShooter Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is a gift that will last your teen for years. It streams music from an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. For something so incredibly small and portable, it has surprisingly great sound… and it looks pretty cool, too.
To buy: Apple Store, $50
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Colored Pencils
Any budding artist will appreciate one of these fun colored pencil sets. 1) Color Sheen Pencil Set: Metallics are all the rage right now—so why not use them in a sketchbook? Anthropologie, $10. 2. 50/50 Colored Pencil Set: 12 pencils; 24 great colors. These full-size pencils provide double the colors in half the space. The Spoon Sisters, $13.
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Wood Voice Recorder
This grown-up toy doubles as a cool décor item. The recorder, designed by Richard Upchurch, takes up to around 30 minutes of sound, which can then be played back at varying speeds and pitches by dialing the knob. Juvenile? A little. Fun? Totally.
To buy: MoMA Store, $48
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