Holiday Teen Gift Giving on a Budget!

Kids suddenly become more difficult to shop for when they reach that all-too familiar age: The Teenager. What they want might suddenly change on a day to day basis. Here are some creative suggestions to make gift shopping a little easier on your patience (and your wallet):

Ikea.com. Cost: $ to $$$

One of the main points of becoming a teenager is outgrowing your child and pre-teen "stuff," including clothes, books, games, and of course, their bedroom! Teens want to express themselves, and one way to do it is by redecorating, hanging posters, etc. If you want to give your teen a more grown-up room makeover (or a bigger desk for studying!), check out Ikea. With over 37 stores nationwide, you can make a trip, check out the website, or order their massive catalogue free of charge! The funky, inexpensive furniture, accessories and posters are coupled with ingeniously inexpensive organizational pieces to help your teen enjoy their room through their college years. Whether picking out some wall hangings for $29.99, or giving in to their desire for a queen-sized bed, compared to other furniture stores, you can't beat Ikea's prices! Side tables in bright color can be found for as low as $7.99, to framed posters, plants, build-your-own lamps and more! Ikea.com

50 Foot Snowball Launcher. Cost: $29.99

Have a rowdy bunch on your hands and looking for something to pass the time this white Christmas? Try Hammacher Schlemmer's 50 Foot Snowball Launcher. Only $29.99, it will upgrade any kiddie snowball fight into a teen war! It launches softball sized snowballs up to 50 feet, using a slightshot mechanism. Made of cold-resistant plastic, it includes targets for shooting practice. Made by a company that has produced quality gifts for 161 years. Hammacher.com

Etsy.com. Cost: $5 and Up

If you're shopping for a creative spirit, Etsy.com is a great place to try. Etsy is the place to find all things handmade online sold directly by the artists and designer themselves! You can find handmade printed bags for $5 and up, handmade hats and fingerless gloves for $18 and up. Descriptions and photos are posted by the artists themselves, so you can get a first-hand experience! Most include washing/cleaning instructions as well. All items on the site are individually hand crafted, and a guarantee that your teen will not receive one like it this holiday season! Etsy.com

Radio Control Beverage Buggy. Cost: $49.99

Do you teens have a habit of watching sports or playing video games all day? Are you tired of getting them sodas from the fridge? Pick this up and keep them laughing! This Radio Controlled Beverage Buggy is available on homewetbar.com. This pint-sized remote controlled car fits two soda cans, cups, or bottles in the driver and passenger seats! Find a willing accomplice to load and send it off to your friends on the couch! Great for at home sporting events (football, baseball games). Remote takes one 9 Volt Battery, Car takes four AA batteries. How cool!

Simon Visa Gift Card. Cost: $20-$500

Completely clueless about a gift? A Simon Gift Card would be appropriate for any teen. With approx 387 properties across the US, including Malls and Outlets, it is good at any Simon Mall location, as well as anywhere Visa is accepted. There are 28 Simon Malls in New York alone! You can pick out your own design and message to be printed on the card (or choose from ready-made), and even mail it to the recipient if they're out of state (Downside: This option costs $5.95). But this all includes a design-your-own eCard as well, that gets emailed to the teen on the day of your choice to let me know a gift card is on its way! (A bonus if your gift may be a bit belated!) Check it out at Simon.com

Simon.com

Ikea.com

Etsy.com

Hammacher.com

Homewetbar.com