Do you have teenagers for whom you buy presents? Having a hard time choosing?

[Paper Roses]

Because of their age, kids in their teens are difficult to buy for. Mall shopping is a pain in the butt. Everything looks the same.

Every year I find it more difficult to buy presents for my 2 grandchildren. Now that they are 12 and 14, it is even harder. As they mature and find their own likes and dislikes, I know I will strike out.
OK, so we can buy sox, PJ's and underwear without a problem but what about something they will remember?

This year, with the OK from my daughter who thought this was a good idea, I donated to a regional animal shelter in the name of the 14 year old.
I have been donating to this no-kill shelter for some time but it occurred to me that my limited Christmas dollars would do more good as a help to homeless cats. I will note that dogs need the help too.

I have written a letter to my granddaughter and enclosed with it, the December newsletter from the shelter. It will be wrapped and given with my love and with the hope that she and her sister will continue to follow this shelter's works. They are no-kill, and have very limited funds. What better way to remember the love our animals give us than to send a little something to help cat or dog survive.

If you are from Massachusetts, Please visit this site:

http://animalumbrella.org/index.htm

I know each state has organizations like this and are in dire need of food, litter, volunteers, almost anything that would be of use to an abandoned pet.
Please, if you think your teen gift recipients would be proud to know you and they helped, donate in their name.
We need to remember that these poor rescue animals have no-one to help them but us. Please do what you can..the kids--and you-- will feel better for it.
Happy Holidays to all my DU fellow members.

[Ilsa]

1. A very sweet thing to do. I also do a daily tap

On a website that accumulates visits for ad money donated to no-kill shelters, etc.

Kids at that age can still be a little self-centered, so it is nice that you are broadening their world.

[shraby]

2. I've found green cash is always welcomed. I have a passel of grandkids. Everyone of them

is a happy camper at Christmas...nothing needs returned.

[840high]

4. That's what I do by

their request. They're happy and easier for me than shopping.

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. great present

[mopinko]

5. gonna make some donations to heifer international.

gonna buy chickens for my kids who are pissed at me. just a little, thinking of you, but not gonna dispense the usual cash.

[Psephos]

6. Well-intentioned, awesome cause, but...

...teenagers do not want that kind of gift. In a way, it means they are making the sacrifice, not you. I mean that in very gentle terms, because I know your heart is in the right place.

If you're actually interested in giving them a gift they want, my guess is just asking them would be instructive.

Nothing would prevent you from also donating money to the furries and thereby give yourself the knowledge you were compassionate.

All the best to you....

[LuvNewcastle]

7. I agree.

I can just see the look on the faces of my niece and nephew if I did that. No, I'm sticking with a traditional gift.

[retrogal]

9. I have to agree...

As thoughtful as the gift is she might not be as excited as you are over it. Different types of nail polishes are really big with teens now. A diary is a great gift. A bean bag chair for her room, a bead set to make her own jewelry, and so forth. I raised 4 daughters plus have 3 granddaughters

I do hope she likes and appreciates your gift though. As an adult it is something I would appreciate.

[bigwillq]

8. Next time give cash or gift cards.

You can buy quite a few gifts cards in a CVS or Stop&Shop, so you wouldn't have to go to the mall.

Great cause (and idea) with the animal shelter, but I wouldn't want that as a gift at 14.

[Paper Roses]

10. Hi all, as a comment on my initial post:

I am giving the girls cash too. I just want to have some things under the tree. The idea of the donation came to me as I has totally blanked out in regard to the 14 years old. I have picked up some basic's for both in addition to the cash gift. I know both will be happy with good old greenbacks but this old Granny wants to wrap some stuff too.

[boston bean]

11. She will remember that for sure. The day grandma gave her christmas present to a no kill shelter.

[DrDan]

12. I have a 13-year old granddaughter

We (the two of us) just went shopping this past Saturday, as we have for years. We start with lunch and talk about what "we" will get her Mother, Grandmother, Uncle, etc. The we go about it shopping for hours. I really enjoy the alone time with her - just her and I on a mission.

This year, I also took this opportunity to buy for her. While buying her gifts for others, I took her to some of her favorite stores and let her pick out some clothes for herself . . . for Christmas. Her tastes are developing and she has definite opinions about what she wants so it took a lot longer than I expected. We also talked about what movies she would like on DVD etc. I know what I will be buying later for her.

The good thing . . . she is getting some clothes for Christmas that I know she will wear.

This is one of my favorite little events of the year. It allows her to get her gifts, and gives me a Saturday afternoon alone with her. Getting some of my shopping done for her is a bonus.

[Paper Roses]

13. I would do the same except my family lives too far away.

The day before Christmas I will be driving to their house with my bundles. I wish I could do the same type of shopping that you have enjoyed. Both grandchildren are fun to be with so this would be a great event and a treat for me too.