2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Tweens & Teens

Threadless Ts ($18) and Hoodies ($40)- Threadless features affordable and unique Ts and hoodies for those teens and tweens wanting to express their individuality. Graphic and text designs are submitted and scored by visitors to the Threadless site. Then each Monday, Threadless releases a set of new Ts based on votes and comments that the designs have received. Threadless also offers some of their adult designs in their Kids! shop. Over the past couple of years, I have purchased many Threadless Ts and have always been pleased by their site and the speedy delivery. Please note that popular Ts do sell out. If you are clamoring for a certain design, click on the “reprint” button and enter your e-mail address to be notified when it is back in print. Ts are reprinted based on popularity and I’ve scored favorites through this great feature. All Threadless Ts we own have been self purchased.

The Shred Sled ($89.95- $109.95 from Amazon)- Kids, adults, and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide are getting ‘on board’ The Shred Sled, the next generation caster board that combines the movements of snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding into one unique sport. The Shred Sled is the first 4-wheel inline, dual-deck board that makes it smoother to start carving up the streets. Instead of pushing off the board like a regular skateboard, riders use their hips, legs and arms to move the board, similar to movements used to propel surfboards and snowboards. Riders should always wear a helmet and safety gear when using The Shred Sled. The Shred Sled is available in black, red, or blue.

Avery Customizable Binder from Zazzle– Partway through the year, the binders that are carried back and forth between school and are stuffed with papers start to fall apart. Let your student create their own customized binder for school that will contain their work in style instead of using that ratty old thing that used to resemble a binder. Also create binders to preserve prom memories, commemorate senior year, or just be the epitome of self expresstion. **Win a gift card good for creating your own Avery Customizable Binder courtesy of Zazzle. I was given a gift card to create my own binder courtesy of Zazzle.

39 Clues: Books 1-6 ($12.99 each)- I admit to being completely addicted to the 39 Clues series. Maybe I’m not quite the target demographic for this book but I love following Amy and Dan around the world as they search for clues in a treasure hunt. The series starts right after the death of Grace Cahill, the last matriarch of the Cahills, who changed her will minutes before she died, leaving her descendants an impossible decision: receive a million dollars or a clue. The first Cahill to assemble all 39 clues hidden around the world will discover what makes the family so powerful—a reward beyond measure. It’s Cahill versus Cahill in a race to the finish, with readers hot on the heels of the main characters, Amy and Dan. Ages 7-14 **Scholastic is offering one very lucky Tech Savvy Mama reader a selection of books customized according to their child’s age! I received a set of Scholastic titles for review.

The 39 Clues: Unlock the Secret Chamber Game ($29.95)- Any fan of the 39 Clues series will enjoy bringing series to life! Be the first Cahill team to make it to four different places around the globe and gather enough information to unlock the secret chamber. Up to 4 players can enjoy this dice-rolling, card-reading game. Ages 8+

Hershey’s Yum Drives (aka Hershey’s Miniatures USB Memory Sticks) ($14.99-29.99)- Hershey’s Minatures-inspired memory sticks are the perfect way for your tween/teen to bring documents to and from school as they spend time working on them as homework. With designs in the form of Hershey’s, Krackel, Mr. Goodbar, Twizzlers, and Bubble Yum these 1, 2, or 4 GB memory sticks have a lot more personality than those boring single colored ones that everyone else at school has.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ($14.99) by J.K. Rowling- The thrilling conclusion to the classic series is now available in paperback! Lord Voldemort is preparing for battle and so must Harry. With Ron and Hermione at his side, he’s trying to hunt down Voldemort’s Horcruxes, escape danger at every turn, and find a way to defeat evil once and for all. Find out how it all ends! Ages 9+, $14.99

Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls: Stage Fright ($15.99) by Meg Cabot- A new adventure in the popular Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls series! Mrs. Hunter’s fourth grade class is putting on a play, but Allie’s theatrical hopes are crushed when she doesn’t get cast as the princess, but as the evil queen. A perfect gift for the tween girl in your life. Ages 9-12, $15.99 **Scholastic is offering one very lucky Tech Savvy Mama reader a selection of books customized according to their child’s age! I received a set of Scholastic titles for review.

The Vampire Is Just Not That Into You by Vlad Mezrich ($7.99)- Poking fun at the popular book for singles He’s Just Not That Into You, this book perfect gift for your Twilight devotee this book questions vampire love. Worried that you might not be his (blood) type? Wondering whether that cold stare means he isn’t interested…or if it’s because he’s been dead for three centuries (nothing personal)? Ever tried to coax him out of his crypt with a flash of your neck or a near-death situation that requires him to save you at the very last possible moment? Even though your vampire’s skin is transfixingly translucent, he can still be very hard to read. Sometimes he’s simply holding back his true feelings, resisting the urge to bite you in the chance that one day you will truly love him. And other times…well, he’s just not that into you. How can you tell? Undead dating specialist Vlad Mezrich has all the answers, utilizing quizzes, Top Ten lists, language analysis, real-life (and real-death) testimonials, and fancy charts to show you what you need to do in order to get your vampire and keep him forever.

Catching Fire ($17.99) by Suzanne Collins- If you are a Hunger Games fan but haven’t purchased this book, beware! Spoiler alert! Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion – and the Capitol wants revenge. This sequel to the bestselling book The Hunger Games is a must-own for any teen. Ages 13+ **Scholastic is offering one very lucky Tech Savvy Mama reader a selection of books customized according to their child’s age! I received a set of Scholastic titles for review.

Shiver ($17.99) by Maggie Stiefvater- For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives. In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again. This supernatural romance makes a great gift for teens. Ages 13+ **Scholastic is offering one very lucky Tech Savvy Mama reader a selection of books customized according to their child’s age! I received a set of Scholastic titles for review.

e.l.f Cosmetics ($1 and up)- The affordably priced e.l.f (eyeslipsface) makeup lets every teen explore her inner diva since makeup and professional quality brushes starting at $1. Tweens and teens can spend their babysitting money on luxury gift sets ($5-8) for their BFFs and treat their friends to kits containing super glosses, hypershine lip glosses, and smokey eye shadow kit without breaking the bank. If you have a special babysitter, or treat her to a complete line of 12 brushes ($12) or the Studio Mini Makeup Collection ($15) that contains 9 eyeshadows, 1 cream eyeshadow, 1 blush, 1 bronzer, 10 lip gloss shades, 1 brow powder, 1 eye liner pencil, 1 dual ended eyeshadow applicator and brush, 1 face brush, and 1 lip brush…Enough makeup for her to be her own makeup artist! Free shipping with purchases of $25 or more with the code muah and get a free Mini Makeup Collection ($15) with any purchase with the code LOYAL at checkout. I hosted an e.l.f. Cosmetics party where I got to try their entire line of makeup and received their Master Makeup Collection as a thank you gift.

Good For You Girls 100% Natural Skin Care for Tweens ($13.99 and up)- This line of vegan-approved and cruelty free products is created with only the purest, natural and organic ingredients that are effective and safe for young skin. Free from parabens, petrochemicals, sulfates, synthetics, phthalates, dyes and irritants, The Complete Skin Care Kit ($24.99 for 2 oz sizes of cleanser, toner, and moisturizer) is great for introducing a skin care routine for all tweens, especially those with sensitive skin.

JamJacket Helix from Digital Lifestyle Outfitters ($20.99 from Best Buy)- One of the best things about an iPod Nano is the range of colors it comes in so why would your music lover want to hide it behind a solid protective shell? Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) new custom-molded silicone case shows off the color and design of the iPod Nano, adds a layer of grip and protection in an eye catching pattern and comes in a multi-pack so you can change your shell according to your mood or outfit. **Win a duo pack of JamJacket Helix protective cases courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received an assortment of iPhone/iPod Touch products from DLO for review purposes.

iPod VideoShell from Digital Lifestyle Outfitters ($19.99 from Best Buy)- If your gamer throws their iPod in a backpack filled with books and papers, chances are it needs a protective case. The iPod VideoShell protects the Nano thanks to a tough and transparent polycarbonate case. The crystal-clear case provides built-in screen protection while the built-in desktop stand provides easy viewing.

iPhone/iPod Touch Cozies ($10+ from Etsy)- If your teen goes against the grain and isn’t into the silicone shells for their iPhone or iPod Touch because they crave something a little more edgy, get them a case that is as unique as they are. Meat lovers will appreciate the bacon iPhone case featured on Engadget.com or check out Yummy Pockets’ Etsy Shop for ones that look like old school cassette tapes, televisions with rabbit ears, the classic Etch-a-Sketch or feature super cute cupcakes ($10-23). Thanks to Victoria from The Mummy Chronicles for the tip about Yummy Pockets in her gift guide!

Gift Cards:

• iTunes Gift Card (Starting at $15)- Let your teen, tween, niece, nephew, world’s most dependable babysitter, etc. add more of their favorite movies, music, apps, and television shows to their iPhone or iPod. Free shipping and personalized gift message when ordered from the online Apple Store or send a gift certificate via e-mail for instant gratification.

• Sephora Gift Card (Starting at $25)- This beauty megastore has the best online selection of top name brands of cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, bath & body products, hair care items, tools, natural & organics, and even stuff for the metrosexual guy. The best place for a beauty junkie is even better because they can select 3 free samples that change daily to ship with their order. All orders over $50 ship for free and Sephora offers free returns in stores or by mail. Get a free metallic flower clutch in store or with any $25 order using the promo code CLUTCH4U at checkout.

To enter to win the above giveaways, fill in the form below and leave a comment about what your teen or tween is wishing for this holiday season.

For extra entries, do any of the following:

• Tweet this: @TechSavvyMama’s Teens & Tweens Gift Guide w/ gift suggestions & giveaways: http://tr.im/Frjw. Guides for all ages here: http://tr.im/F776
  

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Fine print: All entries for giveaways will be collected through the form below. E-mails must be valid and addresses must be within the United States. Companies will not ship outside the U.S. nor will they ship to P.O. boxes.

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Please note that there will be one customized selection of books provided by Scholastic and entries from all published gift guides will be used to select the winner.

Winners will be notified between December 11-13. Good luck!

Thanks for entering and good luck! Feel free to browse my other gift guides for other holiday suggestions for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary ages, adults, teachers, CDs & DVDs, and iPhone apps.