Holiday Gift Guide for Parents of Teens

I speak with high school students every day. As we work to develop college lists and effective applications, my students share details of their lives and I get to know them well. Based on these conversations, here is The College Spy’s list of what your teen really wants (and needs) for the holidays.

Upgrade their technology.

Many parents buy their high school senior a new laptop as a graduation gift so they are prepared for college. Don’t wait until graduation. I frequently hear from my students how frustrated they are with their current computer being slow and not charging well. Help them finish senior year strong with new technology.

Give the gift of learning to invest.

Provide a small (can be very small) sum of money for investment in stocks or cryptocurrency. The students I work with are interested in investing and don’t know how to get started. Parents can set up an account with an online brokerage or trading platform and work together to choose the first investments.

Teens have stress. Reduce it.

A weighted blanket while watching TV or studying on the couch can alleviate stress. So can a bathrobe, slippers or new sweats. Noise canceling headphones can help them tune out distractions. The gift you choose is not as important as the message it sends–that you recognize life can be stressful at times and you care.

Make a new memory.

Do something together. It can be small or large, from buying a new game to play as a family or attending a sporting event or concert. The holidays will be different when your teen goes to college. Make the most of this time together.

Cultivate a new hobby they can take to college.

Your teen will have access to new extracurricular activities in college. Some colleges offer 400+ student groups and organizations. Spend time with your teen reviewing the list of clubs and organizations offered at the colleges they are interested in. These lists are located on each colleges’ website, usually under the “student life” tab. Does your teen want to learn to code, rock climb, sing acapella, etc.? Get their confidence up with lessons and experiences so they are ready to join a new club in college.

Driving Lessons.

Unlike previous generations, some GenZ teens are reluctant to start driving. Uber and public transportation are great, but for their own safety and convenience, make sure your teen knows how to drive.

Support a cause your teen cares about.

Make a donation in your teen’s name to an organization they support and value. This will show them that you recognize and respect their interests and viewpoints and reinforce the importance of giving. Keep an open mind, as your teen might care about something you don’t.

Something they have always wanted and you have postponed purchasing.

You know what this is. Don’t put it off. Soon enough, they will be young adults away at college.

Happy Holidays from The College Spy!

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