With the Christmas season just starting up everyone is starting to form their own ideas and wish lists with their favorite items. It might surprise you to find that many people are beginning to value homemade, cheaper, more meaningful gifts rather than more expensive but less meaningful gifts.
For example, according to the Good News Network, when a group of people were asked whether they preferred a gift that came with meaning or an expensive but pointless gift, 66 percent of respondents chose the more heartfelt gift. This shows that emotional connection can be more important than cost.
Why is that? According to Market 99, handmade gifts are crafted with care and love, showing the recipient that you truly care for them and took the time to make them something special in contrast to an expensive gift that you both have no emotional connection with. Overall, the majority of people seem to prefer and thoughtful handmade gifts, so make sure to keep that in mind when you are shopping for your loved ones.
On the other hand, if you’re not the best crafter, there are some gifts that are on every highschoolers list. According to a variety of resources here is what on average a teen may want in America, put into groups based on interests:
For teens that like to play video games, various gaming accessories such as a new gaming controller, headset, or gift card for a new game might be a good idea. 85% of Americas teens play video games according to Pew Research Center; therefore, these items may be good gifts for a variety of teens in your life. If you have a larger budget, a new PlayStation or Xbox counsel may be more appropriate.
For teens that are more into sports, there is a very wide variety of items to purchase for them. Athletic clothing from stores like Nike, Under Armor, Adidas, and Lululemon are highly rated and in big demand for teens. Girls tend to lean towards new leggings, quarter zips, and define jackets from lululemon. Meanwhile, boys lean towards Nike techs, sweatshirts, and shoes from these stores. If clothing isn’t the way to go, equipment such as a new ball, racket, bat, or club could be a nice gift for any loved ones. New shoes, no matter what sport, are also widely appreciated.
Social media consumes today’s teens. 95% of teens are active on social media according to a study done in 2024 by Ruth K. This causes kids to want what they see online. Girls tend to follow more influencers’ opinions on products and what’s trending. On average a digital camera, water bottles like Owalas, perfumes like Sol di Janeiro, speakers, and jewelry from Every Jewel or Kendra Scott are on every girl’s wish list. Boys, however, tend to prefer a new mini fridge, cologne, shoes from Uggs or Birkenstocks, quarter zips, or a new set of air pods.
All in all, homemade or not, gifts can show a person how much you truly care for them. A thoughtful gift is worth more than just an expensive one. Ultimately, what matters most is the thought behind it and the effort put into getting it.
