Anonymous wrote:My DD is 12. Here are some of things she is giving and has received:

Phone case
Hershey kisses (favorite candy of a friend)
Picture frame
Key chain
Bath bombs
Face masks
Nail polish
Starbucks card
Travel cup
Pop socket
Fuzzy socks
Fuzzy blanket
Pillow (she makes them)

She has also made some bath bombs and baked and decorated cookies for friends.

I saw someone mentioned slime. IME they are pretty much over slime by this point, though it’s a great gift for younger kids.

Fantastic list, thanks!!

OP here, these are fantastic ideas--thanks!

This is new to me, so I just wanted to ask for ideas from parents and teens who have been through it before. I have no idea why some are saying that I need to reset my values or not worry about it. My daughter is sensitive to these nuances of gift giving so I just wanted to ask for ideas.

Again, thanks!

I would do homemade gourmet chocolate covered pretzels. Add a variety of toppings and wrap in a cute package.

Amazon has great selection of fuzzy socks, some come in sets with multiple pairs. My DDs have done these, tied with a ribbon and a candy cane.

Anonymous wrote:Np: It’s only embarrassing if you expect a quid pro quo when giving gifts. I don’t, so don’t care if I receive a gift in return - I have always felt this way, even as a teenager.

You're major award is in the mail.

Those fuzzy socks from Old Navy are fun, and usually buy one get one free (or buy two get two free or something like that). Then, she can personalize a little by picking colors or an animal/design she thinks the person would like. It's not a big deal and you can get them all in one place.

Other than that, Lush bath bombs are a big hit. It's sweet of her to want to give something. I might ask my DD is she wants to do the same.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Np: It’s only embarrassing if you expect a quid pro quo when giving gifts. I don’t, so don’t care if I receive a gift in return - I have always felt this way, even as a teenager.

Right, and that's YOU giving a gift--you as the gift giver, which is not the situation. OP is not worried about the gift giver (her kid). OP, and her kid, is worried about making the recipient feel awkward. Many people DO feel awkward if they get a gift and don't have one to give back.

OP, I've got 15 and 17 y.o. DDs. Something from BeautyCounter (charcoal mask or lipstick), Lush soap is always good, Sephora, Starbucks card.

PP: no, that never made me feel awkward because, as I said, I don’t think of gifts that way. I never feel obligated to give someone a gift if they, unexpectedly or otherwise, gave me one and I’ve never awkwardly accepted one - I may be surprised, but never awkward.

Bath and Body Works is having a sale on all their hand size lotions, shower gels, etc. for $1.95 each today. Regularyly $5.50, limit 15. Great day to go in and stock up. You could put two together for under $5.

https://view.e2.bathandbodyworks.com/?qs=0a631fa2ecf51def2f7bfe0cd79c62c254cb9101682e0599e04ecf96c2b8d8808fae09ae002f2e962caf48b7878de37484c38806eae2552baec457e0966841e89281cad6b216c0a3daf965024907d01c

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would anyone be embarrassed? You need to reset your thinking on that.

I don't understand what this means.

Do you have any ideas? for gifts to share?

I mean that a small gift should never cause awkwardness, even if unexpected. This is why you keep the gift small intentionally.
If you or your child are agonizing over this, you need to reset your thoughts.

As PPs said, a little fun stationery item for their pencil case, or a lip gloss would be ideal.

I feel like homemade gifts could avoid embarrassment b/c then it's like - my family always does homemade cookies or whatever. So homemade bath bombs, homemade lip gloss, or cookies?

DD is 11 and has been exchanging with her two besties for two Xmas now. I usually go to TJMaxx etc and get two different body washes from philosophy or the body shop and a poof for them.

Does she like to bake or would she be able to make any type of cookies? She could make some and hand them out in cute containers. Something to give but not embarrassing if no one gives something back. If not, what about bath bombs or lip balm.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Np: It’s only embarrassing if you expect a quid pro quo when giving gifts. I don’t, so don’t care if I receive a gift in return - I have always felt this way, even as a teenager.

Right, and that's YOU giving a gift--you as the gift giver, which is not the situation. OP is not worried about the gift giver (her kid). OP, and her kid, is worried about making the recipient feel awkward. Many people DO feel awkward if they get a gift and don't have one to give back.

OP, I've got 15 and 17 y.o. DDs. Something from BeautyCounter (charcoal mask or lipstick), Lush soap is always good, Sephora, Starbucks card.

NP. Beautycounter charcoal mask is great but...costs $49, lipsticks run around $35 each. Bit steep for a teen's budget.

OP, have DD go to CVS, the grocery store or Bed, Bath and Beyond instead.
-Lip balms like EOS brand or Burt's Bees
-Small hand lotions (unscented is often best, since people can have very different taste in the scents they like)
-small holiday-themed candy like Lindt chocolate snowmen/Santas/etc.
-cocoa packets (Land O Lakes makes tasty cocoas in flavors like classic, vanilla, raspberry etc., sold individually at Giant and nice to give--give a variety to each friend.

She could roll up colorful, fuzzy socks (at drugstores or Bed, Bath) to look like a cupcake -- search online to find images and templates to cut out a paper "cupcake wrapper." Very easy. DD did this for friends a few years ago and the "cupcakes" were a hit.

Fancy chocolates (like Lindt) or Eos chap stick

My DD is 12. Here are some of things she is giving and has received:

Phone case
Hershey kisses (favorite candy of a friend)
Picture frame
Key chain
Bath bombs
Face masks
Nail polish
Starbucks card
Travel cup
Pop socket
Fuzzy socks
Fuzzy blanket
Pillow (she makes them)

She has also made some bath bombs and baked and decorated cookies for friends.

I saw someone mentioned slime. IME they are pretty much over slime by this point, though it’s a great gift for younger kids.