Anyone who has spent time around teen girls has seen these trendy fashion items, though grandmas and divorced fathers may not have a clue. Unfortunately, the really good Christmas or birthday presents are not cheap.
Well, remember that a girl is only in high school for a brief time and clothes make all the difference in the world. Grandparents in search of presents for their tween or teen granddaughters may want to check out the following gift ideas. These are some of the very best Christmas presents for teenage girls.
Juicy Couture Tracksuit
Why has this velour sweat suit been so popular for the last few years? Well, it looks good on almost every teenage girl. The velour is richly colored in trendy hues, and the fabric is beautifully thick but not bulky. For a tracksuit, it’s the tops.
But why is this ridiculously expensive tracksuit worth its crazy price?
It stretches, so it fits a girl even if her body changes a bit. It’s warm, but not too warm for class. It’s comfy and feels like jammies, though it doesn’t look too casual because the details are all there. Also, the monotone head-to-toe color makes girls look taller and thinner. On the other hand, the great fabric looks good on Skinny Minnies because it hangs right.
While wearing a Juicy Couture Tracksuit, a high school (or middle school or college) girl can cram all night, fall asleep in bed for an hour or two, and run to make her 8am exam. And still, this magical jogging suit will look good. So, really, it’s practical.
The tracksuit styles include:
- Original Velour Hoodie and matching pants in regal: This dark blue is cute and practical. The Juicy snowflake design can only be worn in winter, so get a style that can be worn year round.
- Velour Tracksuit: The Ornately Stacked Hoodie (or any scroll or crest design) and the plain (no-ornamentation) hoodie are the best designs because they never go out of style. Your girl will be happiest with a dark color that doesn't show dirt.
- Extra Juicy (Plus sizes)
- Tracksuits with rhinestones or sequins: Sequins are big in California. Check with family members to see if tomboys and shy gals will wear these sparkly styles or if they prefer a more classic look.
- Chain Trimmed Velour Hoodie and Pants: If your girl is a fashionista or a punk rocker, she will adore this. I love this look, but ask someone before getting it for your girl. The jacket could be worn with regular black Juicy pants.
- No monogram unless a child or grandchild asks for this.
Because these outfits are so expensive, it’s probably best to go with a darker color. Black is cute on many girls, and the rosy, purple, and blue hues look good on young skin colors. Most of the time, there are tracksuits on sale, so look around online, though girls in ritzy, competitive neighborhoods and schools are better off with current styles.
Coach Purses
A purse is a big deal to some girls, while others would rather just stuff everything into a backpack. These Coach handbags seem to go with everything, though grandmas should check with family members to see what kind of purse, if any, would be a good gift.
Shopping Online
One of the cool things about shopping online is that a mom and a grandma (or a girl and her mom) can explore styles and prices while talking from two different cities. After all, picking out a gift only takes two phones, two computers, half an hour, and a credit card.
Here are some possible Coach purses that a teenage girl might like:
- Coach Tartan Glam Tote
- Poppy Signature Sateen Rocker
- The Signature Coach C print fabric is what most girls like.
Different body types and sizes need different handbag shapes and sizes. Some girls like to carry their small shoulder bags closely under their armpits. Other girls like bigger, longer shoulder bags into which they can stuff all their girlie junk.
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Most of Marc is too expensive for teenagers. However, Marc by Marc Jacobs is really hot for younger gals in LA. And, of course, anything by Marc is always gorgeous. Places like ShopBop.com have his tee shirts.
It's terribly expensive, but I like the Marc Jacobs Bobble Sweater Scarf. Scarves are everywhere in Europe, as always, so consider a cool scarf.
Forever 21
A good place for tees, tops, hats, and other stuff is Forever21.com. And, their tees, though not as blisteringly beautiful as the things from Marc Jacobs, are priced according to reality. Some possibilities are:
- Satin Woven Tunic Top: Most women look better in hunter green. Gold is good for redheads, women with spring/autumn coloring, and women with dark or tan skin. Gold is also good (on everyone) for nighttime clubbing.
- One Shoulder Spangle Top: Very disco. Very "in."
- Sequined Loose Fit Top in cream.
- Belted Lace Trim Tunic in grey or black: Just a touch of lace for updating. Lace is hot.
- Striped French Terry Athletic Top in navy/teal or purple/blue. (Stripes are drifting over from Europe.)
- Knit Striped Top in grey/turquoise.
- Pearlescent Ruffle Top in teal: Girly but edgy.
- Button Tab Woven Shirt in teal: See this over black leggings and black booties.
- Studded Vee Neck Top in charcoal.
- (Note return policy at Forever21.com)
Nordstrom - Great Christmas Presents for Teenage Girls
Another good place for tees is, of course, Nordies. See their BP Printed Tank in "Monique Bottle" or their Lush Bow Tank in black, grape or grey.
Remember that it's really difficult to know what a teen girl is going to love. So keep the receipt and make sure the gift can be returned or exchanged for another size. Every area of the country, well, every middle school and every high school has its own "dress code". Use these ideas as a starting point and ask family members, or the teen herself, what the coveted fashion items are.
Gift certificates are nice, but what's wrong with a good old-fashioned wrapped present, along with a gift receipt? It's so retro.
More Info:
Hottest Women's Boots for Winter 2011
Cute Bookbags for College, Middle, High School Girls
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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