Finding that perfect gift for your teen can be tough, but gift cards aren’t your only option. We guarantee one of these fresh ideas will connect with even the hardest-to-please teenager.
1. SamsSimpleDecor Prints: Your teen will love the prints available at this Chicago Etsy shop. They can show their local pride with a Chicago typography map (also available for Boston, Manhattan and Milwaukee) or stay motivated with a favorite quote. $15-60
2. Vintage Marquee Lights: Light up your teen’s bedroom with their initial or favorite symbol, or even spell out a word. Each sign (12”, 24” or 36”) comes with a hanging bracket to make wall installation easy. $159-329
3. Monkey Lights: Keep your bike-riding teen safe while also showcasing their personal style. Monkey Lights strap to a bike’s spokes and display brightly colored LEDs as you go for a spin. Plus, there are up to 42 themes and 16 colors to choose from. $40, REI, 888 Willow Road, Northbrook, 847-480-1938
4. Bandolier: Your teen wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without her phone, but she doesn’t want to be weighed down. This phone case comes with a strap and slots for a driver’s license and credit card. Choose from a variety of colors and materials, including faux snakeskin and leather. $40-125, Valentina, 227 E. Westminster Ave., Lake Forest, 847-535-9600; 566 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847- 446-5480
5. Guinness World Records 2015: This book has been printed for 60 years, and the newest edition will showcase how much has changed in that time. Your teen will love flipping through photo-filled pages with new categories like 3D printing, alien hunting and social media records. $29, The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-446-8880
6. Made with Love Bracelets: Give back by purchasing these flexible bracelets made with recycled rubber by women in Djenné, Mali. When you purchase six bracelets, you’ll give a child one day’s care at the “L’Empire des Enfants,” a center for homeless children in Dakar, Senegal. $28, Juniper Boutique, 1346 Shermer Road, Northbrook, 224-326-2412
7. iFLY Indoor Skydiving: Give your teen the gift of skydiving without actually jumping out of a plane. Packages include two or four flights, training session and flight instructor, flight suit/helmet/goggles rental, and a personalized flight certificate. $70-141, iFLY Chicago (Rosemont), 5520 Park Place, Rosemont, 779-368-4359; iFLY Chicago (Naperville), 1752 Freedom Drive, Naperville, 779-456-4359
8. Faux Fur Neck Warmer: This super-soft scarf, which also doubles as a hood, is the perfect gift for the teen looking to stay warm without sacrificing style. $48
9. Sbyke: This skateboard-scooter combo provides a cardio workout with balance and muscle-toning benefits, but is still a fun way to get from one destination to the next. $149-249, Brookstone, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
