Homemade Gifts for Teenagers

Homemade gifts for teenagers can be designed specifically for a teen boy or girl, making it a unique item that no one else will have. While some adults may think teenagers only want the latest gadgets or fashions, teens can be surprisingly open to gifts that come from the heart. Whether you make handcrafted gifts to save money or just to express your creativity, giving homemade gifts often brings joy to the giver and to the recipient.

You don't have to be a great tailor or knitter to create handmade gifts. There are plenty of other ways to make your own presents besides knowing how to sew or knit. When choosing what type of gift to give, think about the teen's particular likes and hobbies and try to design an item that fits their personality. It shows that real thought went into whatever you made.

People who are into designing jewelry can make bracelets, necklaces, earrings and pins for teens who love these accessories. Jewelry can be as simple or elaborate as you like.

Bake your teen's favorite desserts and package them in tins, Chinese takeout-boxes or cellophane paper. Add a big bow and this delicious treat is perfect for gift-giving. Ideas for food presents include:

• Cookies
• Brownies
• Cupcakes

If you're crafty with knitting needles, a crochet hook or a sewing machine, you can make unique clothing and accessories for your favorite teen. Don't feel that you have to spend hours and hours making a sweater. Teen boys and girls will appreciate other gifts such as:

• Bags: You can knit, crochet or sew a purse, laptop or messenger bag in a weekend.
• Ski hat: In a few hours' time, you can knit a close-fitting hat that any gamer or skateboarder will wear.
• iPod cozy: For a truly unique cover for an iPod, knit or crochet a cozy. Choose funky colors and embellish it with animal faces or other designs.
• Cell phone cozy: What teenager doesn't have a cell phone? Knit or crochet a little cozy for it. Like an iPod cozy, this is an easy project that can be done at the last minute if you need to whip up something quickly. With the wide availability of patterns (many of them free on the Internet), you can find something that will fit any teen's personality perfectly.

A teen boy or girl will remember exactly who took the time to make them a special blanket or quilt. Blankets can be knitted, crocheted or sewn. These are large items that can take a long time to create (especially when knitted), but you can quickly sew a fleece blanket together. Use scraps from a teen's childhood to create a quilt. He may remember a favorite pair of jeans or a shirt when bits are used in a loving handmade quilt for his bed.

Anyone can make a coupon booklet, so if you feel like you have no crafty skills, you can still make homemade gifts for teenagers. Think about what your teen would most like. Use stock paper or construction paper to put a coupon book together. Ideas for various coupons include:

• Family night: Let your teen have her choice of what the family will do
• Talk time: Give your teen 30 minutes, an hour or more of your time where he can talk about whatever is on his mind; giving your undivided attention during this time is important
• A day out: Take your teen out for lunch, a special dinner, to a ball game, to the spa or any place of his or her choosing

Decorate your coupon book with colored paper or glitter to make it attractive and special.

A handmade gift can range in price from inexpensive to pricey, so there are items that anyone can design no matter what their budget. It doesn't matter what you spend when making a gift with your hands. Just put all the love you can into it and watch how much it's appreciated when you give it.

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