Thirteen is a starting point; old toys are gone, and things from youth seem like they happened a long time ago. Looking for a gift for this important moment? Anything with color, character, humor, or just plain surprise will do. No longer should you only count on safety. This year is the start of giving stories as gifts – read here to see recent information!
Technology is sure to be a hit. Get a dancing ball, a Bluetooth speaker in the shape of a burger, or anything else crazy. All of a sudden, there is music everywhere. There are LED light strips that go around beds, windows, and bookshelves. Any room can go from dull to exciting with the flip of a switch. For gamers, a joystick that shines like a spaceship’s panel, new controller grips that change color, or keyboard pads that change color are all hot items.
Turn on their artistic side. Use a sketching tablet to discover new worlds, bring comic characters to life, or make new memes. Give them a 3D pen and let them make monsters from their dreams, glow-in-the-dark name tags, or secret items. You like movies and want to start a YouTube channel? There is now a small kit with a tripod, a selfie ring, and clip-on phone lenses that can be used to improve any opening or sketch.
I dislike dull board games. Murder mystery games keep friends together late at night, “exploding kittens” games make things more exciting, and “codenames” games make people think about being competitive.
Style needs to shout. Oversized t-shirts with patterns, socks that are too bright, and bucket hats that never go out of style. Get creative. Blank slip-ons and fabric markers can be used to make crazy “walking” art or a jacket that is covered in pins and patches that you get over the next year.
Keep the party going with new stickers for water bottles, treats that taste like marshmallows from Brazil, or painting tools that arrive every month and are practically begging to be used right now. One box, twelve shocks, and happy callbacks all the time.
make their meeting space bigger. A room can be a place to hide, watch movies, work, or just crash—projector light can add color to the dark, dartboards don’t leave holes, and a big beanbag can be stretched out in the corner.
Adventures make memories. It doesn’t matter if you have over-zipline passes, tickets to an indoor skatepark, or movie night kits complete with all sorts of snacks and sodas. Your birthday will be remembered for a long time.
At age 13, being safe is no longer an option. Now it’s time to have fun and come up with crazy ideas. The best gift is one that makes her laugh, makes him happy, or makes the group argument fun all week. Regularly going away. Do something shocking for their birthday that they would never have picked out themselves.