Best Cool Gifts for Teenagers $20 or Less

Having a multitude of teenagers in my extended family, I am always looking for inexpensive gifts that will please those picky, never happy bunch of teenagers. Through years of practice, I have found a few gift types that satisfy even the pickiest young adult. I now have the reputation of being a fantastic gift giver, without spending a lot of money. For those last minute shoppers, here are a few cheap gift ideas for the picky teenager in your life.

I would be hard pressed to find a teenager today that does not have a cell phone, a computer/netbook or a MP3 player, such as an iPod. Accessories for these items are an excellent, inexpensive purchase. A bit of information is required before purchasing any of the accessories. It is imperative to know the brand and sometimes the model, before buying any accessories.  This information can easily be found out by asking parents, or friends of the person you want to buy for.

Accessory Packages- These are great gifts for teenagers.  Most electronics do not come with all the cool accessories available for the product.  Most accessory kits will include a couple of different covers, earphone headsets, car audio jack and cable, a USB travel charger, a car charger, a connector data cable, and a data sync cable.  

Covers- Covers for cell phones, laptops/netbooks and MP3 players provide a two-fold service. They protect the item, and provide a means for teenagers to express their personality. Covers can range from solid colors, to multiple designs, to clear. When purchasing, make sure they will fit on your special teen's device and that it matches their personality and flair. Please note, especially for laptop covers, often the protection provided is cosmetic.  Under most circumstances, these covers protect the item from scratches and most dents, but will not keep the item safe if dropped or hit.

Mouse pads- Most people do not think about this gift for a teenager. That is what allows this gift to work.  Most kids are stuck using a mouse pad purchased by their parents, usually an ugly one. A cool mouse pad makes their day.

Yes, some teenagers still read. If they did not, Twilight and Harry Potter would have never been made into movie sagas. So keep this in mind when it comes time to buy for that teen. Have you seen him or her with a book in hand or maybe heard them mention they are reading such and such? Finding the best books to buy is as easy as typing in your search engine “teen best seller list”. There will be half dozen websites offering the latest best sellers in teen books. Amazon has a very informative page under teen books. It even shows the most wished for titles.

Another extraordinary, but overlooked gift idea is a magazine subscription. Teen Vogue and Seventeen are very popular magazines for teen girls. Although people do not often think about giving guys a magazine subscription, there are some great “guy” magazines out there. Popular Mechanics, Game Informer or Playstation: The Official Magazine are all in the top ten most read computer and Internet magazines. Be aware this is the 21st century; choose the magazine to fit the person not the gender. I know a couple of great female mechanics who would enjoy Popular Mechanics for themselves.

Gift cards are the best presents for a teenager. They are able to choose their own item, and this takes the pressure off the giver. Gift cards can be purchased for restaurants, clothing stores or online stores and are available in a variety of denominations. A few of the most popular gift cards are for Amazon.com, I-Tunes, and Subway. Amazon.com is an online store that carries a wide variety of items. A unique feature of their gift cards is they can be delivered in person, by email, or by facebook. It also helps that almost any denomination is available.  I-Tunes is another online store that specializes in music downloads. The denominations available are $15, $25, and $50.00. Finally, Subway is a wonderful restaurant, which is highly rated among teenagers. The denominations for a Subway gift card are $15.00 and $25.00. Gift cards are available from almost every store and restaurant. Just a short visit to the establishment or to their website and you will have the perfect gift.

In order to become a great gift giver, it is important to keep the receiver in mind when purchasing the gift.  Purchase an item that will fit their personality and style.  Do not choose a gift that reflects how you want them to be, but that will show you care about them the way they are.  Receiving a gift that is perfectly matched always makes the recipient feel important and special, and that is a gift all teens need.