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Before you can even begin shopping for a "funky" gift for the teenage girl on your list, you must first understand the meaning of the term. As an English teacher, I decided I'd better look the word up in a dictionary beforehand. I found two major definitions: "having an unpleasant, unwashed odor," and " unusual, light-hearted, fun, moddish." I decided that no teenage girl would want a gift fitting the first description.

Shopping for funky gifts is fun, and the possibilities are endless. Just think bright neon colors, animal prints, rhinestones, bizarre patterns, fringe, and feathers - anything reminiscent of the psychedelic era of the late sixties and early seventies. You can find these items just about anywhere. Try Spencer's, trendy boutiques, the internet, and even stores like Walmart, Target, and Kmart. A few ideas to get you started:

* Items with zebra print, preferably trimmed out in a bright color like hot pink or purple, including purses, book bags, overnight bags, comforters, and throw pillows.

* Cool cell phone cases with wild patterns and colors or rhinestones.

* A selection of pens that are jeweled, hot pink, neon green, or include animal prints or feathered tops. Buy a matching funky notebook to make it a set.

* Picture frames and mirrors with funky trim like hot pink marabou feathers.

* Platform shoes.

* Shrugs (you know, those short sweaters that look like they shrunk in the dryer) or vests with fringe, feathers, or any other funky criteria (see above).

* Distressed or retro low-rise bell bottom jeans. If you want to really impress your funky teen, sew or iron on one of those hippy patches like a peace sign. You can find them online.

* Throw rugs for their bedroom. You can even find zebra print rugs shaped like an actual animal hide. This would be a "way cool" addition to a funky bedroom, and you can find one at Walmart!

* Small accent lamps in leopard, cheetah, zebra, or neon colors, with beaded fringe.

* Costume jewelry: big hoop earrings in wild colors, clunky bracelets, toe rings, and ear cuffs.

* iPods in wild colors. Check out the new iPod Shuffles.

* A black light and poster.

* Retro tee shirts depicting rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull, or the Rolling Stones. This is a hot new trend sure to please your funky gift recipient. If you can't find one, go to a tee shirt shop and have them apply one of their rock band decals to it. Take it home and distress it yourself by soaking it in bleach water and sanding and crinkling the decal - the ultimate in cool!

If your teenage girl is into "funk," be glad - it makes shopping for her fun and easy. These items are virtually everywhere. She'll be impressed that you "get" her, and you'll get extra points for being "too cool!"

Learn more about this author, Holle Abee.
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