Gifts and Gift Giving: Suggestions for choosing gifts for teens and tweens from a father.

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Gift ideas and the giving of gifts: A father of teens and tweens makes suggestions for choosing gifts for this age.

As a single father raising teens and tweens, I can offer a few suggestions as gifts for this age. Remember that teens want to stay in touch with and look like other teens. And they crave their music and other entertainment.

Cell Phones as Gifts
If they do not already have one, a cell phone is the number one gift desired by teens (well, maybe a car but let's get real). If they do have one, you still have a few options for gifts:

• There are a few accessories that you might check on such as a leather cover. 
• You could offer to pay part of their bill--that is a double gift for the teens and their parents.
• SMS (Short Messaging Service) Messaging (Sending text messages to cell phones). The cost of sending messages depends upon the teens' cellular service plan covering messaging traffic, others charge a fee, usually around 10 cents, for each outgoing message.

Computers as Gifts
Next to a cell phone, teens stay in touch with computers. The computer itself is a welcome gift but in lieu of that gifts can include:

• Software
• Accessories
• Computer games

Digital Cameras as Gifts
A digital camera is also welcomed by teens who do not have one. And for those who do have one, more gadgets and upgrades are excellent gifts.

Music, DVD, and the Like as Gifts
CD Players, DVD Players and the CDs or DVDs to go with them are good teen gifts.

The Latest Style as Gifts
If, and only if, you have a teen-ager to help you choose, go after the latest style in clothing or accessories.  Keep that receipt, though, and don't be surprised if your teen wants to return the gift.

Gifts for Men
Gifts for Women
Gifts for Kids
Family Gifts

Gifts and the giving of gifts.

Other Gifts

• Game consoles 
• Hand-held game systems
• Portable MP3 players

Money as Gifts
Did I say cell phones were the best gifts? Money may be the best gift for some teens. My daughter wants presents to open, though, so be careful if you decide to send money.

If you have suggestions for other gifts for teens and tweens, please send your gift suggestions here. Thank you.

Additional information about gifts and gift giving

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