From a Teen’s Perspective: Five gift ideas for broke teens
Happy belated Mother’s Day to all the incredible, loving, hard-working moms out there who woke up last Sunday to find a two-sentence card and a $10 gift from the children they’ve poured their hearts and souls into raising.
When it comes to celebrating moms, us kids — and our society in general — has plenty of room for improvement. As a self-proclaimed teen ambassador, I’d like to let all the under-appreciated moms know that on the inside, we love you more than anything in the whole wide world!
However, with forgetful brains and tiny budgets, we don’t always show how much we love you. So, in an attempt to bridge the gap between our feelings and our demonstration of those feelings, here are five considerate, low-cost gift ideas that teens can give to anyone who needs more appreciation.
1. Coupon books: You might have made these as a little kid, but with some aged-up adjustments, they can be just as valued and meaningful. Compile some cards with thoughtful IOU’s like “pick up groceries for the week” or “clean the house.” Lending a helping hand costs nothing but clearly shows your loved one how grateful you are to have them in your life!
2. Long walks: One of the best (and cheapest) ways to show someone you care is to spend time with them. Whether you go on a hike or a neighborhood stroll, really engage in the activity and focus on building connection with the person you’re celebrating. Getting fresh air and chatting with one of your favorite people — what’s not to love?
3. Photo albums: C’mon, who’s not a sucker for a trip down memory lane? Put together a digital or physical album full of pictures from the past highlighting your relationship with your loved one. Bonus points if you add extra decoration beyond the photos, as well — scrapbooks and slideshows are easy ways to spice up an album!
4. Memory Boxes: These are like photo albums but a bit more eclectic. Instead of using pictures, memory boxes hold mementos that have special significance for the giver and receiver of the gift. Maybe it’s a magnet you got on a fun vacation with them, or a printed Spotify code to a song you both like. Whatever the items, this personalized gift illustrates an admirable attention to detail that your loved one will cherish.
5. Home-baked goodies: There’s nothing like homemade food (especially for someone who typically does all the cooking). Plus, putting time and effort into crafting a delicious treat or meal can be rewarding for you as well as the recipient, too.
There are many more examples of low-cost, high-impact gifts perfect for broke yet loving teens to give. I hope you can use these items as a jumping off point to create presents that display your appreciation for loved ones without breaking the bank.
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Dylan Lanier is a senior at Menlo-Atherton High School; his column appears weekly.
Image by Gray StudioPro on Freepik
