by AnnMarie

Created on: July 31, 2008

I have found that many young girls and teens are very creative. The best gifts to purchase are gifts where they can use their imaginations. Go to any large craft store and explore the various craft kits or painting kits and you will find something appropriate for their age.

I have two young neices that love to create beaded jewelry, home made cards, and never seem to have enough colored pencils, markers, and sketch books. Most of the time I just load up a gift bag with various stickers, paint sets, new markers and such. Since, both of their birthdays are in the winter these creative projects get them away from the T.V. and video games.

When my daughter was a teen I was having a very difficult time deciding on her birthday gift. Aside from the usual clothing, C.D's and movies I wanted to give her something special that she could create herself and enjoy for years to come. I went to my local craft store and bought her a scrapbook, some colorful paper, stickers, and cardboard photo frames. She slowly put together a family and friends album based on all the happy events we've shared. She dedicated her pages to vacations we've taken, outings with friends, birthday celebrations and holidays. At twenty-two she is still adding in photos, and working on her scrapbook that I am sure she plans to treasure for the rest of her life...as it is her life all in one book. So, for your blossoming teen head to the craft store and look around.

If you know of an older child or teen who has an interest in art and loves to draw you might want to consider buying them a set of acrylic paints, a few paint brushes and a medium sized canvas. Depending on their age there are many how to books in the paint aisle. Acrylic is easy to work with, paintbrushes clean off with water, and it's fun to experiment with mixing color. The paint dries very quickly so if the child is not satisfied with their work they can paint right over it. But, if this idea gives you visions of paint on the floor and the walls then you might want to consider starting them with a paint by number set. There are kits appropriate for all age levels. It's definitely a great project for cold winter days.

Another great idea is a jigsaw puzzle...and believe it or not there are some really nice ones out there that once completed can be glued to a piece of sturdy cardboard and hung on their bedroom wall. I also found that a large piece of cardboard can also be used to lay the puzzle pieces on, so the work in progress won't be disturbed.

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