Gifts cards are great, but be wary of getting the normal ones here in the US. You could go online and get gift certificates for Amazon.ca (which is different than Amazon in the US). A good sports store up there is SportsChek. Otherwise, find out if they use IOS or Android phones and get gift cards for either iTunes or the Google Play store.

What kind of price range are you looking for?

I just got some really need "tech decals" for a teen gift exchange - mustaches, viking hats, shades - but just $10.

Do they have a basic kindle yet? If they read it is nice to have for trips since the battery last longer than ipads and most libraries you can borrow kindle books. And it is small and light for packing. they have their phones for games, the kindle is good for books. My DS wasn't too thrilled with his last year, but he loves it. (we were desperate for a gift, and since we don't always get to the library, it's nice to download the books at night when he runs out).

I might get the bag for both my older girl and the cousin -- since they both swim. Maybe add some training fins and goggles.

Are there any book series or video games?

I find that the older kids like gift cards to sporting goods or clothing stores so they can pick out their own stuff. Take them out shopping one day or drop them at the mall for a couple of hours.

Not a "wow" gift but really useful for swimming:
http://www.planetwiseinc.com/images/WetStuff/Sport/500/Sport_GrayHoundstooth.jpg

All, my 14 and 16-year old nephews are spending Christmas with us. Up until now, they were treated like little kids, and it worked well (my children are much younger, at 9 and 6). This year, the 16-year old has grown into a young man, and his younger brother wants to be one as well.

What are some good ideas for presents, for boys right at this transition point? They like some sports -- swimming for the younger one, tennis for the older, they like the snow and skate but don;t ski (usually live in Toronto, with no ski areas close by), have good grades in school, and both seem to like good clothes (or is it their mom?). They are good readers and enjoy reading for fun, but they also like to play video games.

So... normal, good kids. What are some popular things this age group enjoys?