When Trendy Is the Key : Teen-agers can be especially hard to shop for, unless you know what’s in. Ideas include talking gadgets, something flannel or items from ‘70s.
While a 5-year-old’s holiday wish list is bound to be a couple of feet long, a teen-ager often covets only a handful of items--like sports cars, stereo systems or other high-ticket items.
Fortunately, there are always a few trendy must-haves tailor-made for teen-agers, hence much ado has been made over the Beavis and Butt-head phenomenon, suffice it to say that any living being will find an abundance of this merchandise at most local gift stores and T-shirt shops. That said, there are more original gifts to be purchased by using a little imagination.
At Aahs in Sherman Oaks, Gurmeet Awhney says the No. 1 new gadget for the holidays is a talking parrot. This device ($29.95) simply repeats everything you say in your own voice. Another personal-affirmation toy called the Yes Man operates in a similar way, offering ego-boosting quips such as “I couldn’t agree with you more.” For those who prefer to wallow in self-pity there is the Whipping Boy whose “woe is me” comments are sure to throw anyone into a bluesy tailspin. Both sell for $29.95.
At Spencer Gifts in Northridge Fashion Center, teen-agers are showing an interest in the revival of all things from the ‘70s. Black lights, rock band T-shirts and colorful lava lamps are among the items manager Randi Ramos predicts will fly out for the holidays. Prices range from $4.99 to $39.99.
Parents who want to buy more practical yet appealing gifts for their teen-agers might consider clothing. But don’t go in for the preppy sweaters and Sunday best dresses, warns June Rau, fashion coordinator for Nordstrom stores in the Los Angeles area.
“Everything is still pretty casual, almost industrial, as far as style is concerned,” Rau says.
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Plaid flannel shirts make up a large part of that category. Worn unbuttoned as a jacket, the shirts donned by both sexes start at $42.50 at Nordstrom. A backpack, another youth staple, is also a good gift. Canvas, textured leather and woven kilim styles are popular with teens. Leather backpacks, among the most sturdy, start at $86 at Nordstrom.
Teen-age guys are flocking to the Mossimo “bus driver” watch, a timepiece that hangs on a belt and sells for $38. Another unusual accessory, the Mossimo biker wallet, is a money holder that hangs on a chain and is designed to attach to a belt. The wallet portion is worn in the pocket and the chain is exposed. It sells for $24.
Other stocking stuffer suggestions include bandannas and collectible baseball caps, perhaps two of the few areas left in fashion where labels still matter to teen-agers. Stussy, Quicksilver and Mossimo are a few of the must-haves here. Caps such as these start at about $30.
Teen-age girls are going wild for berets in soft chenille, dressy velvet and classic wool. The most popular shades: bordeaux, deep green, brown, gray and black.
Work boots continue in popularity too. The newest boots--more trendy than the black Doc Martens so popular in recent months--are made of natural Nubuck in a soft, chamois color. Eddie Bauer stores stock a variety of hiking and chukka boots ranging in price from $30 to $160.
Gift certificates also make ideal gifts or stocking stuffers for teen-agers, particularly when they are specially geared to their individual interests. Make-overs or days of beauty are available from Glamour Shots as well as from several Valley area beauty salons. Make-overs are excellent gifts for girls who often lack self-esteem at various awkward stages throughout their adolescence.
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Teen-agers who have their own cars might appreciate carwash or car-detailing coupons. At Distinctive Car Improvement in Woodland Hills, gift certificates are available for washes and detailing. At North Hills Car Wash in Granada Hills, a book of 10 carwash tickets costs $56, a $6.50 savings off the regular $6.25 per wash price. Gift certificates to movie theaters are another good idea for teen-agers.
For picky adolescent clothes horses, a gift certificate to their favorite fashion store will help them keep up with their “stylin’ ” peers. Department stores offer gift certificates, of course, but boutiques such as Contempo Casuals, Structure, Express, The Limited, Wet Seal and The Gap are also popular.
Restaurants--particularly fast-food hangouts--and trendier places such as Starbucks or California Pizza Kitchen offer gift certificates as well.
And because buying compact discs or tapes can be confusing, music stores such as Wherehouse and Tower Records also offer gift certificates for parents who don’t know Pearl Jam from grape jelly.
Not all certificates need to reflect a face dollar amount, or even a tangible trinket. Though it may sound trite, the gift of time or a favor means just as much.
A parental offer to a teen promising several evenings out with the family car and a tankful of gas may be appreciated. Dad may offer a certificate good for attending a favorite sports event. Mom might offer a day of lunch and shopping with her daughter or son.
Certificates such as these reflect the spirit of giving on multiple levels, a spirit taught and easily reinforced by example.
