Help with a gift for a difficult 15 year old girl

[AnOtHeRdIsNeYfReAk]

OK. I'm am almost done with my Christmas shopping. My 15 year old cousin is the only person I have left. (and she was the first one I started looking for) I'm really having a hard time with her. I don't like to give gift cards or clothes so that's out. She does not have an MP3 player and oddly enough does not want one. She reads a lot and I usually give her books, but because the library is within walking distance and she volunteers there, books are pretty much out. (She comes home with a small stack every week) She also likes to write and is a huge Johnny Depp fan.

So far I picked up a journal and a small calligraphy set and I don't think she has the Johnny Depp movie, Benny and Joon so I'm probably going to look for that. I wanted to give her something else but I'm really not sure what. Any ideas??

 

[kristina87]

maybe a neat bookmark since she likes to read? i've seen a ton of johnny depp ones, or maybe one with her initial or a clip on light to read at night. my two favorite JD movies are sweeney todd and finding neverland, if she doesn't have those they would be a good choice!

also, going along with the reading theme, maybe a "winter day" reading kit, you could get a fleece blanket in her favorite color, a mug with something she likes on it, some hot cocoa mixes and a bookmark?

hope that helps!

 

[crazyme5kids]

How about a nice messenger bag to carry her books in.

 

[swanmom]

My DD loves to bundle up in her Snuggi when she reads! That might be a welcome addition to what you've described.

 

[hucifer]

How about a subscription to Teen Ink magazine? It's a monthly magazine that is written completely by teens: fiction, poetry, movie reviews, personal struggles, you name it. It's completely from the teen perspective. Teens send in their writings and the editors select which ones they publish each month. Could make a great stocking stuffer.

http://www.teenink.com/

 

[Rora]

maybe a neat bookmark since she likes to read? i've seen a ton of johnny depp ones, or maybe one with her initial or a clip on light to read at night. my two favorite JD movies are sweeney todd and finding neverland, if she doesn't have those they would be a good choice!

also, going along with the reading theme, maybe a "winter day" reading kit, you could get a fleece blanket in her favorite color, a mug with something she likes on it, some hot cocoa mixes and a bookmark?

hope that helps!

Love this idea!!

Good luck!

 

[golfgal]

My DD15 wants a Snuggie (zebra print) so that is a good idea, especially if she lives in a warm weather climate. As for giving clothing, I don't buy DD anything unless she is along because she likes different things than I do. Teenagers all love getting gift cards, not sure why you are so opposed to that when they really do like getting them. We usually do an assortment of cards either wrapped in fun ways or in their stockings. For DD she usually gets some for the movie theater, Starbucks and Subway.

Another idea, depending on your budget, would be a Nook. She can check out library books on her Nook and not have to lug them around.

 

[minniebeth]

Along the idea of reading and writing, my kids have the lap desks, the soft pillow bottom with a writing board on top, for sitting in bed, or on the couch or even in the car to use for writing, drawing, etc.

Also, they attach a book light to it, before going to bed, they like to read and write but not have a big light on in their room and the book light gives them the little extra light that they neeed.

If she likes to read, Barnes and Noble has specific book journals to list all the books you've read in and a place to jot notes in about them.

The gifts you have for her already sound nice! I hope you find some ideas you like to add to it~

 

[minkydog]

My DD15 wants a Snuggie (zebra print) so that is a good idea, especially if she lives in a warm weather climate. As for giving clothing, I don't buy DD anything unless she is along because she likes different things than I do. Teenagers all love getting gift cards, not sure why you are so opposed to that when they really do like getting them. We usually do an assortment of cards either wrapped in fun ways or in their stockings. For DD she usually gets some for the movie theater, Starbucks and Subway.

.

I agree. DD17 got a leopard print Snuggie last Christmas. She pooh-poohed this "uncool" gift for about an hour, until she found out how warm they are. Now she takes it to school with her.

I agree with the gift cards. DD17 & DS24 love to get them. Their favorites are Starbucks, Burger King, gas cards, pedicure(DD), and the local sushi place. I would think your 15yo cousin might like a Borders or B&N GC--there's lots in there besides books. I love the hot-cocoa-and-coffee-mug idea. Does she have a reading light, you know, the ones you clip on your book so you can read it at night?

 

[shortbun]

I think it's really commendable that you do not give gift cards or money. But- as the mother of a 15yo who has needs but no job; it's nice for them to have pocket money. Perhaps you could stick a $10 or $20 in a book as a bookmark. Teens really do like to shop, even if it's at Half Priced Books.

 

[Kitzka]

I send you a PM about a gift idea that would be original but hard to find by most-an advanced reader copy of her favorite author's next book.

They don't widely make these available to the public as they are intended for reviewers and booksellers but I happen to work at one of the top 3 publisher's in the country and if i can help with a particular author, i am happy to. they cost nothing and i think it would be something she would really like!

Lara

 

[kristina87]

Love this idea!!

Good luck!

thanks! i was just thinking how I would actually love that gift

I send you a PM about a gift idea that would be original but hard to find by most-an advanced reader copy of her favorite author's next book.

They don't widely make these available to the public as they are intended for reviewers and booksellers but I happen to work at one of the top 3 publisher's in the country and if i can help with a particular author, i am happy to. they cost nothing and i think it would be something she would really like!

Lara

wow thats an awesome job! i'd love to have the opportunity to read advanced copies! so cool

 

[Robinrs]

I think it's really commendable that you do not give gift cards or money. But- as the mother of a 15yo who has needs but no job; it's nice for them to have pocket money. Perhaps you could stick a $10 or $20 in a book as a bookmark. Teens really do like to shop, even if it's at Half Priced Books.

Agreed. I was THRILLED when my aunt STOPPED buying me gifts and started giving me money. It was my favorite gift every year!