Teenagers that don't need anything for Christmas

[Spooklingbrook]

What do you do? They really don't need anything.

Christmas is about spoiling them with things they might want not need

Maybe do them a stocking each and just try and find little nice things that are a bit quirky or different (eg a set of drumstick pencils or those skull rubber bits you put over your door keys).

Then whatever else you would.normally spend.on them give cash?

Would they like a magazine subscription?

DS doesn't need anything but always likes new clothes. This year he wants some money towards a holiday next summer.

Last yeae cineworld did a package for 20 which consisted of x 2 tickets, voucher for popcorn & drinks plus a bag of sweets. I thought that was v good value & I imagine they will repeat it again this year.

Books?

Cineworld boxes are here

Yes, books would be good, I will have to see if there are any they want. The cinema thing sounds great.

I think DS2 wants a driving experience so that may be an idea.

You know when you feel the house is just filling up with 'stuff' and you really don't want to add any more especially not required stuff? DS2 is only 12-I didn't think it would come this soon.

My youngest is 15 ,I've had this problem for the last few years and TBH its quite sad when you are trying to persuade them that they would like a new xbox or a 3d TV .

I know exactly what you mean. Maybe stick to things they can wear, eat or use up (e.g. cinema or Amazon vouchers, cosmetics, cash).

Yes consumables looks like the way to go. Thanks for the link Titsalina

I guess i am a bit wistful. Remember the days when you could buy largeish presents for not much money and their eyes would light up? I think we have passed that stage.

They had a PS4 between them last year-perfect.

People are asking what they want too. To say cash seems so wrong somehow.

Starbucks/costa vouchers? theatre vouchers? concert tickets? iTunes vouchers?

cineworld also used to do a monthly thing that you could go as many times as you liked.

Mmm, we have this every year so .....

A giftcard for the Trafford Centre (we live in the NW) or
a giftcard for a favourite shop - Hollister, Topman, Jack Wills etc.
They do appreciate the odd designer bits - Ralph Lauren / Ted Baker socks, underwear, pyjamas, soapbags.
I was in Fatface today and they had some very nice woollen hats, scarves, gloves etc which my 17yo was admiring (and I secretly got for his birthday next month).
Boardgames - last year I got Ticket to Ride, this year I've got Game of Thrones.
Also, 17yo asked for a Toni & Guy giftcard / products - he likes expensive haircuts but normally can't afford them.
Cash - probably their favourite!

I got my 17 yr old DS Segway tour of titanic quarter in Belfast. He loved it!! Went with a group of friends and they had a great time! Am not sure where you are but there might be something like that available?!

His other fave gift????? A few cans of cider -all beautifully wrapped-from his godmother and a "voucher" for a late night/early morning lift home from the club of his choice for him and 3 friends!!!! (I know, he's underage etc etc-but he looks like he's 25 and he's not boking on street corners-honest!!)

Designer undies!!! How could I forget!!! He does love those too! And appreciates how much they cost!
DD is v "Un" girly. She likes anything marvel superhero! Is Forbidden Planet the shop??!!

Thanks all there are some great suggestions and i really appreciate I am not the only one who has this dilemma.

The Segway tour sounds fun, so will have a look into local experiences, and I think DS1 would love Costa vouchers.

We always get a Christmas board game so will carry on that tradition too.

I know my dd2 is a bit odd as teenagers go but we've agreed her Xmas pressie ( and mine and dhs lol) because she said " I really want us to go to the theatre more As family go to Shakespeare really often, I think I'd like that "!
As the older 2 are at uni theatre tickets for 3 once a month or so is affordable whereas for 5 it wouldn't be!

Fills our plan for " less stuff" ! The big 2 need money as they have a choir tour at new year.

Feel quite sad for the magic of surprises though. We still do stockings- combo of necessaries ( new undies , nice toiletries , stationary , and a couple of silly things - yep penny racers or magic crystal growing trees and sweets!). Everyone agrees to pretend to be excited by a multipack of tights and a huge bag of mini dime bars. It's compulsory - and made extra exciting if as has hapoened "Santa" gets muddled and DS gets the tights lololol!

I have a teen dd who has no interest in clothes. As she says she has some - why would she need more

Oh yes and when they hit 16 stockings can easily be padded out by a wrapped bottle or two of rosey nosey ale or koppaberg.

Some great ideas above!

I know vouchers seem like such an uninspired gift, but when I was a teenager I fucking LOVED vouchers. It meant that I could go off and do my OWN shopping without my mum interfering (cos she's paying, normally, and has the style sense of a duck!) and pick out my own stuff.

The teenage years are all about pretending/practicing you're a grown-up without the responsibility so anything that allowed me to make my own choices was brilliant.

So don't totally discount them if you think the teen in your life would like the freedom they bring! You can't buy freedom!

I guess I have to accept the days of the 'big present' that gets unwrapped and played with all of Christmas Day are gone.

Replaced by envelopes.

You could wrap up something cheap with the voucher stuck to it. My mum did this sometimes...I was secretly happy to have the bear or whatever she'd have holding the voucher.

When I was a teenager I desperately wanted money to go shopping in the sales. My mum was reluctant because she wanted to buy gifts. She ended up giving me £100 but in ten pound notes individually wrapped with a little present. For example, a selection box with £10 inside, a new hairbrush with £10 wrapped around the handle. I loved it!

Aww, Loki that's lovely!

I love that idea too Loki - Must remember it!

What about family day out something christmas like or day out to amusement park even later in year?

DD1 is 19 and at uni. She's just emailed her Christmas list so am posting it in full, in case any of it serves as inspiration to anybody else!

A big, chunky watch (she goes on to say, 'The kind that you would detest, mum')
A rug
Perfume
Benefit stuff
PJs
Undies
Books
Weights (!!!!!)
Nice teabags