Trends come and go faster than you can say “Justin Bieber, who?” but there are some gifts that will please even the pickiest teens. Here’s your can’t-miss shopping list to practically guarantee reduced eye-rolling.
PlayStation 4: The latest PlayStation console video game system is the most advanced yet, leaving competing systems in the dust and placing gamers at the forefront of immersive gaming worlds. With more than 180 games in development, this will never be obsolete…not even when PlayStation 5 debuts. $400 for the bundle, including the system in Glacier White or Jet Black, a wireless controller, HDMI cable and mono headset.
Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones: There are lots of excellent choices in the audiophile headphones market – Bose QuietComfort25 noise-canceling headphones , V-Moda Crossfade M-100 for DJs, Sony MDR1R for deep bass, the $300 Monster DNA or the new 24K for street-style and cable clarity. However there’s nothing more popular than the Beats by Dr. Dre line of high-end, over-ear headphones. Choose the Mixr model ($250) for its lighter weight and a rainbow of colors; the Solo2 Wireless ($270) or Studio Wireless ($380) for the ultimate in freedom; Pro ($360) for studio-grade sound; or the latest Studio ($270) for the iconic original.
Andiamo Luggage & Vera Bradley Duffle Bags: When they’ve grown out of their Little Mermaid and Toy Story sleepover cases, it’s time for real luggage. For day trips that means something like Vera Bradley’s 22” Rolling Duffle ($220) in the cool Moondrops pattern, or Andiamo’s all-black Avanti Convertible Metro Pack ($345), a tough-as-nails, ballistic nylon backpack with compartments that open up to make one large packing space. For spring break and college scouting trips, Avanti’s Pantera spinner hardcases –20” and 28” models in black or lava red ($545 and $645) — are hard to beat for durability and up-to-the-nanosecond style (Fubu’s brilliant founder Daymond John is behind the line), plus the eight 360-degree wheels practically roll themselves.
Furla Oro Light & Candy Crossbodys: Get a fashion-forward jump on the summer of 2015 with gems from the Furla Metropolis range of high-style purses. The petite Oro Light ($198) has all the bells-and-whistles of a teen-approved winner: designer cache, chic styling, and metallic shine in a goes-with-anything shade, with a must-have crossbody chain strap. For girly girls, there’s also the Crossbody Acacia ($295) in pale pink with a fuchsia blossom print, and the Crossbody Multicolor Furla Candy ($248) in of-the-moment rainbow PVC with adorbs flower adornments.
Devonne by Demi: Every teen needs a good skincare system that’s designed for their skin, not their mother’s. Demi Lovato’s brand new line stars the 3-Piece Essentials Kit ($30), which includes a Deep Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Radiance Mist, and a 3-in-1 Moisturizing Primer. All three are serious skincare components that are as effective as they are safe, thanks to ingredients like rosemary and sunflower oils, and natural extracts including hydrating apple, licorice root, seaweed, lavender and cucumber. And Demi’s doing a doubly good deed by contributing a portion of the proceeds to charity. www.devonnebydemi.com .
Braun Prestige Digital Watch: This masculine, matte black digital module watch is stealth enough to make James Bond proud. The German-made BN 10 range ($650 – $800) features cutting edge design, LC display backlit by LED, EasySkroll V2.0 operating system, energy-saving motion detector, updatable software, chronograph & countdown and 100-year perpetual calendar with day in five languages. Made of black-plated stainless steel with a rubber strap, it’s water and scratch resistant, built to survive super-villains and even the average teen boy.
Ingersoll Minnie Mouse Watch: An oldie but a goodie has been updated with just the right amount of bling to bring it back into style for a new generation, even if they’re used to checking the time on their smartphones. The Disney Classic Time Minnie Mouse watch ($89) has been redesigned by Ingersoll and Disney with a Diamante dial, Disney ‘D’ on the crown, Japanese quartz movement and a red, white, yellow or silver band. And the gift box? An irresistible Mickey Mouse tin with ears.
Gift Cards: There’s just no pleasing some teens, many of whom don’t even know what they really want. So you can always let them figure it out with gift cards. To avoid “boring” shops that have fallen off their radar, the latest polls point to some reliable options: Urban Outfitters, H&M, Nike, Victoria’s Secret, Top Shop, Zara, and bargain basement Forever 21 for apparel, even if they carry Prada backpacks; Best Buy for electronics; GameStop for video games and accessories; iTunes for music downloads and apps; Starbucks for drinks and snacks; and for absolutely anything and everything, Amazon.com or Visa and MasterCard gift cards will do the trick.
