Birthday gift idea for teen

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Second in a series

A gift fit for a teen

A car or cash is OK, but there are many ways to stuff the stockings

By KATHY FLANIGAN kflanigan@journalsentinel.com, Journal Sentinel

Monday, December 8, 2003

In a perfect world, you would get them maid service for their room for a year.

But who would that gift really be about?

From the other perspective, most teenagers' idea of the perfect gift would require a set of keys, a tank of gas and an extremely large ribbon.

Andy Cimple, for instance. The 17-year-old Wauwatosa resident would love to see a Honda Element attached to a gift tag with his name on it.

"I really think they're really kind of cool," he said.

He would settle for a big-screen television. Or the keys to the Disney store. But Andy knows none of that is likely.

As he has in years past, Andy gave his mom the requisite list of shopping ideas. This year he has requested a variety of DVDs -- 23 titles, mostly comedies -- that he would like. Andy believes Christmas is the time for gifts that are whimsical.

"I try to stay away from clothing," Andy said. "My theory is that Christmas is when you get the fun stuff. A birthday is when you get the stuff you need."

Getting a list makes Christmas gift-giving reasonable. Logical. Mistake-proof. Of course, if the teen you're buying for this year won't give up his or her list, Irma Zandl can help. She heads a think- tank/trend teen consumer firm in Manhattan.

Zandl, whose company has been researching teens since 1986, offers a list of gift possibilities. In touch with the heartland through relatives in Mayville, Wis., Zandl has been doing this line of work long enough to know that even if a teen isn't 16 or doesn't have a driver's license, a car tops his or her wish list.

But she also recommends:

Seasonably cold, hard cash

Not to worry. They'll know how to spend it.

On that order, give a gift card with a preset amount from the store they shop at frequently. Most offer gift cards -- for instance, Torrid and Hot Topic at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa issue cards with themes ranging from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" to Care Bears -- and they never expire. In general, always ask about an expiration date or other card fees based on use.

When no hot-ticket gift item for the season reveals itself by the end of October, analysts expect a 15% to 25% increase in gift card sales for the year, according to CNNMoney.com. The report also suggests that a gift card could easily double in worth since it won't be used until the after-Christmas sales. And gift cards mean no standing in line to return unwanted clothing.

Movie theaters, bookstores and coffee shops such as Starbucks also offer gift cards. They are pure holiday genius.

The gift of beauty

Zandl found that teen girls craved spa services such as hair and makeup sessions, pedicures and manicures. Skip the massages and seaweed wraps -- eeew!

However, consider the gift of hair -- straightening. Internet message boards are filled with local teens who wanted information on Japanese hair-straightening treatment, Zandl said.

Vici Capilli at Brookfield Square offers Bio Ionics, a Japanese method that gets wavy or otherwise wrinkled hair straight. Prices start at $400, and the process should last four or five months, said manager Cathy Parker. Less expensive straightening treatments begin at $50.

Holiday notes

Help them organize their music with an iPod (other versions are available; for instance, Dell offers one called the Jukebox).

iPods, less than an inch thick, can be used with a Mac or a PC. It can hold as many as 10,000 songs and organize tunes with a record of how many times specific songs are played, said Dan Dolney at Mayfair Mall's Apple store. iPods start at $299. Music is available online from the iTunes Music Store.

Discounts are available for students and educators, Dolney said.

A great view

Who doesn't want a flat-screen or plasma television? Zandl recommends either a personal television for the teen or, for the family, adding a television and PlayStation to the family van.

Gifts for a song

A karaoke machine. Ashley Dorszynski, 16, of Milwaukee, received one last year for Christmas. "I use it all the time," she said.

Getting your kids to sing the hits can be had for $59.99 to $89.99, according to Target.com.

Another option for starting stars is the American Idol Audition Kit. Songs are uploaded online and voted on by America. Top vocalists receive an invitation to future "American Idol" auditions.

The kit comes with software and a microphone, essentially turning the computer into a karaoke machine. There are mixing effects, two free downloads and hits from Britney Spears to Idol Ruben Studdard. It retails for $29.99 and can be found only at Target and Best Buy stores.

Put it in the bag

Zandl recommends designer handbags like those available from Coach. Since a signature embossed Coach clutch bag can cost nearly $228, don't break the bank.

However, a Coach wristlet (a skinny clutch bag that hangs from the wrist) can be had for $48 and up. A Coach coin purse can cost $68, according to Coach.com.

Spyware

Now that you can keep the same phone number, think about a cell phone with a camera. Not only can your teen check in when necessary, but with the camera function, a parent can be sure they are where they say they are.

Digital cameras have improved in quality and gone down in price since last year. And they can come in handy. When a high school teacher forgot to bring a camera for a recent school exercise, a student pulled a small Nikon Cool Pix out of her backpack. Problem solved.

Car-go

Auto accessories for the teen who already has a car. Zandl recommends Euro lights, rims and spinners to trick out the car -- essentially, anything that will make a vehicle look like it came from the set of "The Fast and the Furious." Other recommendations include dice to hang off the rearview mirror (honest), a portable CD player and undercar light kits.

But be warned: Fuzzy dice or anything else that could obstruct the driver's view that are technically illegal; and while undercar lights are not illegal, they can't be on when you're driving. The lights are for show only.

Stocking stuffers

Here's where you're going to have to go trendy. Clare Ott, 17, of Milwaukee, and her friends exchange pets as gifts. Nothing as big as dogs and cats. Only small pets such as hamsters, gerbils and fish -- anything under $20 -- are well-received, Ott said.

Zandl also recommends Von Dutch caps, which are funky truckers hats you'll see featured on celebrity heads -- most recently on the monied skulls of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie in "The Simple Life." They're not cheap. Expect to pay $42.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?

Don't despair. You really can find a gift your teens will love.

Give the gift of gift cards. It puts the decision in their hands - - and limits time in return lines.

Spa services are always welcome. Because who doesn't, like, want straight hair?

Anything that makes music mobile. Think iPods, portable CD players, iPods . . .

If they already have a car, shift your focus to car accessories. Fuzzy dice are always nice.

WEEKLY GIFT GUIDES IN CUE

Dec. 1: Personal shoppers share their expertise

Today: Buying for teens

Dec. 15: The art of "re-gifting"

Dec. 22: Last-minute gifts

To read past gift guides, visit www.onwisconsin.com/holidays

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