Cool Christmas Gifts for Tweens and Teens

The tween and teen crowd can be a hard one to shop for, especially if they aren't completely clear of the things that they want. These are the top five gifts for tweens and teens during this holiday season.

Great Gift #1: Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga.

You may have heard of this wildly popular movie, but it all started from an excellent read. This group of books includes that titles Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. The story follows outcast Bella Swan as she moves to a new town and eventually falls in love with a vampire by the name of Edward Cullen. These books look at the supernatural, the feelings of first love and finding ways to deal with being a teenager. Although these books are hugely popular with the girls, they have also fared well with the boys in this age bracket as well. These books can be purchased as a set or individually and are for sale in most book stores. They can also be found online on major retail websites and on Ebay and Amazon as well. The price seems to vary from site to site, especially since many retailers are offering discounts and free shipping.

Great Gift #2: Cell Phones

Tweens and teens tend to be social and want to be kept up to date on all the happenings, whether they are involved or not. In this age of technology, it is easy for them to do so and isn't quite as expensive as it used to be. Cell phones are great ways for your tweens and teens to keep up with their friends and also, for you to keep in touch with them. Since a majority of adults have cell phones, it would be quite simple to add your child onto your cell plan. All of the major cell phone companies offer an add a line feature and tons of great phones. From texting, to calling, to video messaging and taking photos, your tween or teen will be in heaven. Add a line for carriers such as Verizon start at approximately $9.99, but this does depend on the phone and the plan. Some phones with internet and email access require additional media packages to be purchased. Information on phones and packages can be found online at www.att.com (AT&T), www.verizonwireless.com (Verizon Wireless) and www.Alltel.com (Alltel). If you want them to have unlimited access to minutes and text you can always check out www.mycricket.com (Cricket). Please be aware that not all companies have coverage in all areas.

Great Gift #3: Computers

Computers may be pricey, but they are worth the money in the long run. Our tweens and teens are now expected to garner much of their information from the internet when it comes to school and homework. Also, with the invention of sites such as Facebook and MySpace, they need computers to stay in touch with their friends and family. Computers are one of the most diverse gifts that you can give your tween and teens because they can be the most basic technology or they can be made to your specifications. Companies such as Dell (www.Dell.com) make your computer only after you have spoken with someone and told them how the computer will be used, whether it needs enhanced graphics or more memory, etc. The least expensive on their site is currently $399.00 but the prices can get much higher depending on what is added to the system and any upgrades that you may want. At Apple.com (www.apple.com) you can look at information regarding the ever popular Mac. You are given information on all of the models available and prices that go along with each model. If you are looking for a basic computer, you can shop any of your local office supply stores. Target and Walmart have computers for sale as well and often times they are priced more competitively. It is important to decide how your tween or teen will use the computer and then look at what is offered.

Great Gift #4: Digital Camera

Parties and graduation and Spring Break OH MY! In a world where our tweens and teens are constantly on the move and experiencing new things, digital cameras are great gifts that will help to preserve their memories for years to come. There are many digital cameras on the market, and again, the best one is of course the one that is suited for your particular recipient. If you are buying for a tween that likes to hang out with friends, you may want to purchase your basic digital camera with minimal settings and accessories. However, if you are buying for a teen who is passionate about photography you may want to purchase a higher end digital camera with lenses, tripods and carrying cases. Because of the wide array of cameras available, prices will vary as well. Sony, Canon, Kodak, Nikon and many more companies are well aware of the demand for digital cameras and their websites offer more information than is needed most times. You can check these sites out to get an idea of what you may or may not be looking for as well as to compare prices when it comes to accessories and upgrades (www.sony.com, www.canon.com, www.kodak.com, www.nikonusa.com)

Great Gift #5: DVD's, CD's, MP3's

Although this is a list of gifts as opposed to one particular gift, they are gifts that any tween or teen will enjoy. DVD's are for your movie buff, CD's are for your music buff and MP3's are for that tween or teen that is always seen walking around with their iPod. DVD's and CD's can be bought in most places these days, with the best deals being found on eBay and Amazon. With eBay, there are many auctions for DVD's and CD's that start at 1 cent and with Amazon you can choose the lowest price available. MP3's are usually purchased through sites such as Apple.com (iTunes) or as iTunes gift cards in retail stores. However, iTunes gift cards will only work if you have an iPod. There are other sites available to download MP3's, but it is very important that you check out the site, as many are not legitimate.

Overall, shopping for your tween or teen (or both!) may seem like a daunting task, but it does not have to be. With these five gifts you are sure to see a smile on Christmas and maybe even during a few additional times of the year. Good luck and happy shopping!