Gift Ideas for Teenagers to Make Memories

My little cousins, twin girls, turned 14 this month. And seriously, Jr. High aged kids are the WORST to shop for! They are too old for toys and they think they are independent. I don’t know about your teens, but if they have their cell phones they have everything they need. So what do you get a 14 year old of their birthday?! Well, after months of trying to pry information out of them by texting them to avoid the need for face to face interaction, we decided on a mini-vacay to California! It is close, we have family, and I need to wedding dress shop. It is a win-win for everyone.

Last year for their 13th birthday we took them to a concert. VIP and everything! They loved it and I learned that they will always love activities more than items. Throughout these 2 years, I learned a lot about early teenagers and what they like. I have compiled a list of options that I hope will help you too!

Give them Activities Not Items

Concerts

We obviously chose the concert option! What better way to get your teenager out of the house with you to enjoy a night out? Teenagers always have and always will love music.

Also, check out

Escape Rooms

My cousins love these! They have gone for birthday parties a few times and come home raving about it every single time. Teens have a blast and parents enjoy it as well! Want more information this is? Check out Jordyn’s post, What is an Escape Room?

Amusement Park 

Amusement parks are always a good time for adults and kids alike. Grab your teens and a couple of their friends and get ready for a day of cotton candy and roller coasters!

Camping Trip

Of course we go camping as a family every year, but those trips aren’t always about the teens. So for their birthday gather up their friends and head into the wilderness and let them decide the activities!

Road Trip

Teenagers love road trips as long as they are entertaining and have a fantastic destination. So pack the car full of entertainment and get out of your town to see something new and exciting!

Juice & Paint Night

A little play on the adult wine night, create an environment where your teens can sip on fancy apple cider and paint something cool! I promise you they will enjoy a girls night that involves more than sitting on a couch together watching separate Youtube videos.

If you need some items…

Okay, I know that it won’t always work out to take your teen on an adventure. But there are still some awesome things to get them aside from the standard clothes and video games, or whatever the heck you buy teenagers. (I really don’t know!) Here are five things my 14 year old cousins said they would have also enjoyed. All of which I told them had to be under $50. Keep in mind, this is straight from the mouths of the teenagers!

Tortilla Blanket

Seriously, teens are obsessed with this blanket. I promise they will love you.

Hydro Flask

Yep, teens love hydro flasks! And so do I, TBH!

Checkered Vans

Apparently, Vans never go out of style.

Bath Bombs

According to my 14 year old cousin, “EVERYONE bath bombs, boys and girls and adults.”

Gift Card / Money

This was honestly the only thing hey wanted. So it had to make the list!