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Gifts for teens that aren't cringe

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Quick answer

Teens know what they want — and what they don't.

Teenagers are often the hardest audience for gifts. The trick is to listen to signals and take their wish list seriously.

Check the wish list first

Teenagers often fill in lists themselves. An item with a high Happiness score is almost always the safe choice.

Concert tickets, climbing, or a photography workshop appeal when they ask for them themselves.

A T-shirt with a joke you find funny? Risky.

Choose something more neutral or ask a parent to validate.

For teenagers a card to their favorite shop is sometimes the perfect gift — it gives autonomy.

Trust their list and do not be disappointed if it is 'just' a gift card. Autonomy is the most beautiful gift at that age.