Picking the right present for teens can be tricky. The objective is finding a Christmas gift that’s a combination of cool, useful, fun, entertaining and stylish. This list features nine companies that offer items in the aforementioned categories, so parents, grandparents, siblings and other gift-givers can get just the right thing. There’s an array of gifts including something that gives instant access to printed photos, playful jewelry, statement messages on clothing and one of this year’s hottest electronics by Nintendo. All items can be ordered online, so the only challenge will be getting to the door or mailbox to keep your gift a secret.
Wear it well. Atlanta artist Fahamu Pecou creates vibrant and provocative work addressing historic and contemporary experiences of Black people, and his collection of all-over printed sweatshirts are works of art. Gift the Round the Way Osun, Protagonist or Things Fall Apart sweatshirt which each features a cotton-feel and a message on the sleeve: Create like a God. Command like a king. Work like a slave. Love like a mother. $69.99-$72, fahamupecouart.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Instant access. Instead of posting pictures, teens can scroll through their phone to find favorite photos, screenshots and more then instantly print it with the Polaroid Hi-Print, a pocket-sized Bluetooth printer that turns images into credit card-sized, self-adhesive prints. Images print in less than a minute, are water-resistant and feature an adhesive back so they be placed on a person, with permission, or thing. $89.99, amazon.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
All ears. For a little extra sparkle, gift her a pair of birthstone earrings from Amelia Rose. Available for each month, the earrings have gold vermeil or silver prongs that cradle the birthstone. It’s an ideal accessory to make any outfit a little more festive on her birthday or any day she feels like celebrating. $65, ameliarosedesign.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
WYD? Check off to-do lists, chores and Zoom calls in a comfy T-shirt that sums up everything in a noun: DOING. Created by Morehouse alumnus Sekou Writes, the soft-cotton unisex tee is versatile enough to wear while safely running errands or going to school, whether that’s from a bedroom or classroom. $25, sekouwrites.com.
Let the games begin. Play games any time (except maybe bedtime) on a Nintendo Switch with neon blue and neon red Joy-Con. The gaming console is versatile enough for use at home in TV or tabletop mode as well as anywhere else since a simple lift of the Switch allows the dock to transform into handheld mode while maintaining the same level of play. The Joy-Cons can be used as standalone controllers with analog sticks, face and shoulder buttons and have motion-sensing technology. $299.99. target.com.
Wear a smile. Brighten her day with a starry-eyed emoji ring from Experimental Jewellery Club. The gold-plated brass ring features sparkly “eyes” and a smile and is adjustable so it can fit on any finger. $39, experimentaljewelleryclub.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
In the bag. For those who are cool in and out of school, an Africa-shaped leather bag by Orijin Culture is the perfect present. For comfort and style, it easily converts from shoulder bag to backpack which makes toting things like a tablet, journal, phone, wallet and keys, convenient. An inner compartment keeps credit cards safe. Because the bag is shaped like a continent, it doubles as a geography lesson. $265-$399, orijinstore.com.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Artful accessory: Amazon offers a kitschy pair of cotton-blend, skid-free socks that read “Do Not Disturb” on one bottom and “I’m Gaming” with a game console on the other, which is great for a teen who likes to play with their feet up. Parents should not take this personally as it could be the only clean pair of socks your teen has available. $8.67, amazon.com.
Be intentional. Jot down objectives or journal in a Goal Getter bundle from Copper and Brass Paper Goods. The notebook features lined paper and a silver wire bound that makes it easy to flip through pages and check personal progress while a large notepad, clipboard and sticky notes allow her to toss ideas around. $30, copperandbrass.net.
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