My good friend, blogger and author Sophie Hudson (also known as BooMama) has written a great gift guide for teenage girls, with whom she gets to regularly interact through her teaching job. Some fantastic and insightful gift ideas here—I’ve already decided on at least three of them for my own girls. Thank you, BooMama! –Ree
By BooMama.
One of the best parts of every week is when I get to hang out with some teenage girls that I just love to pieces. Our time together is all kinds of awesome for several reasons. The first reason is that teenage girls are hilarious. They tell great stories and make sure to give me the side-eye if I accidentally use some of their slang. Furthermore, they can be brutally honest, and I enjoy that in people. They also have big emotions and equally big hearts – so even when I think I want to hold up a sign that says, “I HAVE REACHED MY DRAMA QUOTIENT FOR THE DAY,” I consider it such a privilege to have even the tiniest part in their lives.
Another great part of being around teenagers is that I am consistently aware of the trends. That doesn’t mean that I follow the trends because, well, MAMAW, but I get such a kick out of listening to the girls talk about the stuff they’re “obsessed” with (top-o-the-list: Blake Lively). And I try to keep a running list of whatever they like because it helps me when it comes time to buy Christmas presents.
And hopefully it’ll help you, too.
So. Here are 20 gifts that the teenage girls in your life might enjoy. It’s not exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination, but hopefully it’s a good place to start.
1. Bang Buster Reversible Headband
Most women have had a moment in their lives where they think, I have to get these bangs off of my face RIGHT THIS MINUTE. In fact, I had one of those moments about 4:30 yesterday afternoon, and I wish I’d had one of these cute headbands to make it happen. They’re functional, stylish, and some are even reversible; plus, they come in all sorts of great colors. And I totally just ordered one for my almost-17 year-old niece, but please don’t tell her.
2. Junk Gypsies Born to Roam Compass Tank
Girls love to layer, and this tank would be so cute with so many of the bohemian-style cardigans and ponchos that are in style right now. The fact that it comes from Junk Gypsy makes it extra special, and I really like that it’s such a practical item of clothing.
I adore Rifle Paper Co., and this calendar, which features illustrations of female rulers from around the world, is darlin’. Not to mention that teenage girls love a real calendar because they’re generally big fans of their handwriting and a desk calendar provides them with an opportunity to use cute pens. Winner.
4. Game Day Tailgate Cross-body Bag
This is just the cutest little bag (and there are other patterns, too). It can be a wristlet, but it also has a hidden strap that converts it to a cross body bag. It’s just big enough for a phone, a debit card, and some lip gloss – and I think the blue and gold design is super versatile. Right now these are on sale for $19.99, but I have no idea how long the sale price will last.
If there were an official candle scent of teenage girls, Capri Blue would be it. If you ever happen to be in Anthropologie, stand near the Capri Blue candles for a little bit – because without fail the girls who walk in the store will pick up one, inhale deeply, and then say, “OHMYGAHILOVETHISCANDLESOMUCH.” Or, you know, something like that. I think these votives are great because girls can use them in containers they already have (the votives are only available online).
6. Work of Worth Grecian Goddess Necklace
This necklace is gorgeous. It’s also only $20. And here’s the best part. When you buy something from Work of Worth, you’re doing a lot more than just buying a Christmas present. WoW connects businesses in the developing world to the global market, and when people in the developing world can earn a fair wage, that’s good news all the way around. Can’t say enough good things about WoW’s mission and their products.
I think that Annie Downs is a fantastic writer, as do lots of teenage girls. Annie is relatable, she’s funny, and she’s writing about the issues that many girls care about. Sharing one of Annie’s books is a great way to bless and encourage girls who are really trying to figure out how to walk out their faith. As an added bonus, they’ll laugh themselves silly as they read.
8. Made by Trina hair ties and stacking bracelets
Hair ties have been all the rage for the last couple of years (they can even double as fun bracelets), and Trina’s are extra cute, in my opinion (plus they’re only $6). She also has some adorable stacking bracelets for $5, and you get free shipping with orders over $25. Great stocking stuffers for the stylish girls in your life!
9. Work of Worth Grecian Goddess Earrings
I absolutely adore a good hoop. And these hoops are FANTASTIC (just FYI: the matching bracelet is only $10). This is another great product from Work of Worth, so in addition to giving a gift to someone you care about, you’re also supporting a business in India that operates ethically and creates fair trade merchandise. It’s a win-win.
10. Pentel Felt Tip Sign Pen, Set of 12 Assorted Colors
If you know a girl who likes to draw or doodle or practice hand lettering, these pens will BLESS HER HEART. I mean, I recognize that there are approximately 24 teenage girls scattered across the country who don’t enjoy writing their names over and over, so obviously these pens wouldn’t be the best gift for them – but for the rest of the population? Golden.
11. Super-Wide Angle Phone Camera Lens
Because sometimes you need to be able to get a lot of people in a selfie, y’all.
12. Lipstick-Sized Portable External Battery Charger
I have a feeling you already know this, but teenage girls use their phones a lot. And because they use their phones a lot, they don’t always have a charged phone when they’re out late at night or really need to be able to call someone. So, if it were up to me, I’d give one of these to every single teenage girl I know. And then I’d get one for myself because should I ever find myself in an unforeseen camping situation, I would certainly like to be able to charge my phone.
It used to be that girls wore hats because they were having a bad hair day. Now, however, girls wear cute hats – or in this case, a beanie – like they would any other great accessory. This beanie is super soft, cute, and versatile; it can be practical and stylish at the same time. By the way, one of the saddest parts of my life is that I’ve never been able to pull off wearing a hat of any sort. I am convinced that this is because my head is enormous.
14. OPI Nordic Nail Lacquer in How Great Is Your Dane? and My Voice Is A Little Norse
OPI colors are awesome, and since this polish is only $9.50 a bottle, you can get two for less than $20 (well, really you’ll get three – because Ulta has buy 2, get the 3rd free right now). Most teenage girls love to change / layer / mix it up with their nail color, and with these two (or three!) bottles of polish, you’re giving them all sorts of nail options. Never underestimate the versatility of some OPI glitter polish, my friends.
15. Wedding Flowers Custom Journal
This journal is sure to spread some cheer. In addition to being customizable (and there are lots of different designs), it has plenty of room for writing, drawing, or doodling. As an added bonus, the journal lays flat when you open it. What’s not to love?
16. “hope” print from Naptime Diaries
I don’t think we’ll ever waste an encouraging word on the generation behind us, and a Naptime Diaries print is the perfect way to offer some encouragement all year long. This “hope” print is 8×10, so it would be easy to find an inexpensive frame and create a keepsake that could stay with a girl through high school, move with her to college, and then help furnish her first post-college apartment. The Naptime Diaries shop has a wide variety of prints – many of them scripture – so there are plenty of options to choose from.
17. All Access Glam Gold and Silver Eye and Face Pallette
Listen. If I’d received this make-up pallette as a gift when I was a teenager, I would’ve spent the majority of Christmas day doing my best to replicate Molly Ringwald’s eye shadow in the prom scene of Pretty in Pink (she rocked the smoky eye long before the smoky eye was even a thing). If you know someone who likes to get creative with her make-up – or who enjoys trying different looks – this is a near-perfect gift.
18. Tortoise Shell Monogram Acrylic Keychain
You know why a keychain is a great gift for a teenage girl? Because it holds keys. Which are necessary to drive a car. And that whole driving-a-car thing is a mighty big deal when you’re 16. So basically this keychain is a first-class ticket to freedom.
19. CamelBak eddy Water Bottle
I’m a little fascinated by how conscious today’s teenagers are about their water intake. And because they’re so committed to drinking water (or their favorite sports drink, or whatever), they need a couple of really good water bottles to get them through the week – especially considering that they tend to take their water bottles with them wherever they go. This CamelBak bottle is well-insulated, durable, and should fit perfectly in the side of a backpack.
20. Sherpa Holiday Argyle Plush Throw
During the months that end with -er and -ary, most teenage girls are cold. We know this because they envelop themselves in fuzzy sweaters and hold their Starbucks between their hands as if their very lives depend on absorbing the heat from their venti peppermint mochas. That’s why a soft, cuddly throw is a gift that keeps on giving. I happen to love a good holiday throw and have no objection to using it year ’round, but if you’d like something that’s a little more neutral, then this one is a beautiful option.
I hope these gift ideas help! And if you’ve read this whole list and find yourself fighting the urge to listen to Taylor Swift and watch all of Channing Tatum’s movies while you compulsively check your Blake Lively pregnancy tracker app (that’s not really a thing, but it could be), just know that it’s totally normal. Just listen to “Shake It Off” 17 times before you go to bed tonight, and you’ll be good as new tomorrow.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, y’all!