Holiday Gift Ideas for Teens

If you need holiday gift ideas for teens, check out these suggestions for books and technology.

Books:

Our friends at Wellesley Books offer suggestions in a range of genres:

The Three-Year Swim Club by Julie Checkoway.

If you enjoyed Boys in the Boat, you will like The Three Year Swim Club.  A revolutionary teacher turns swim coach and trains generations of Hawaiian sharecroppers’ children into world class swimming champions. In addition to the swimmers’ success stories, the history of the modern Olympic games, the Japanese arena during World War II and the evolution of the sport of swim racing makes for a fascinating read. For Sports Lovers and History Buffs.

Slade House by David Mitchell.

David Mitchell treats us to another entrancing adventure to the dark side of the occult with his newest novel, Slade House. Every nine years a portal to Slade House appears and can only be opened by an engifted person who possesses very specific qualities and who is never seen again.  However, each engifted manages to pass along information to the following victim. Mitchell’s brilliant writing not only creates amazingly well drawn characters and settings but also will also keep you reading through the night to find out if good triumphs over evil in the end! For Fantasy Fanatics.

Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dimitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad by MT Anderson.

The fascinating story of Russian composer Shostakovich and the siege of Leningrad is not only a well researched history, but also a lesson in music appreciation and an exploration of life under totalitarian regimes. The evolution of Shostakovich’s music and the meaning of his symphonies truly reflect the political turbulence surrounding him as well as his own development with artistic expression. You will want to listen to the Leningrad Symphony and more after you complete this interesting and well written book. For Musicians and Politicians.

We Never Asked for Wings by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

The author of The Language of Flowers has written another very original story about important social issues.  This novel brings to life the all too elusive “American Dream” for immigrants who are marginalized in our society starting with unequal access to safe and productive educational environments for all children.  As unique, well drawn characters attempt to improve their situations, they inevitably make one bad decision after another yet somehow persevere. This captivating and realistic novel is all about hope, survival and the resilience of family within the larger context of poverty, class and opportunity. For all those fighting for Social Justice.

A Step Toward Falling by Cammie McGovern.

A wonderful story about breaking down stereotypes and moving beyond labels, A Step Toward Falling demonstrates the power and bravery of individual actions. A nerd, a jock and a group of special needs students rally together to help each other do the right thing and understand the true meaning of friendship. McGovern’s characters are forced to look beyond the group think that pervades the typical high school social scene and learn about and accept individuals for who they truly are. For Everyone with a Heart.

Contact Wellesley Books for more book suggestions and a collection of unique gifts.

Technology:

Fujifilm Instax Mini8 Instant Camera. A modern version of the beloved Polaroid instant camera and the film isn’t quite as pricey…great for an artsy, photo-loving teen.

Caeden Linea No2 Earbuds. Made of soft silicone that fits comfortably in your ears with braided wires that are far more durable.  Chic look appeals to fashion-minded teens.

Titan iPhone Cable. An indestructible cable/charger that defies puppy chewing and careless teens.

Hoverboard by Powerboard. For the teen who has everything, the Hoverboard is part toy, part transportation device.  Family members will want to hop on as well!

Bose Soundlink II Wireless Headphones. Simply the best-sounding wireless headphones you’ll find anywhere.  Seamless switching between 2 Bluetooth devices.

To find more recommendations check here.