An interesting group of people to buy gifts for are the socially-aware teens in our families. Do you have a teenager that has recently become a vegetarian because she thinks it’s mean to eat meat? Do you have a teenager that is an avid reader and is very socially aware? Chances are the socially-aware teen may not exactly have the largest holiday list, as some socially-aware teens are not that into “things.”
So what do we buy for our socially-aware teen girls, to encourage them to continue thinking independently and increase their awareness of the world around them? Which gifts will not offend their delicate andnew found ideas of social responsibility? Read on to find the top ten gifts for the socially-aware teen.
Top Ten Gifts for the Socially-Aware Teen
1. The Teen’s Vegetarian Cookbook
For the newly vegetarian teen girl, or the that is already a vegetarian but has just started to learn to cook, consider purchasing a copy of The Teen’s Vegetarian Cookbook by Judy Krizmanic and illustrated by Matthew Wawiorka. While it is easy to be a vegetarian, being a healthy vegetarian who knows how to cook tasty hot meals takes a bit of practice. What better gift to give the socially-aware teen girl who isvegetarian, than her own cookbook.
If this particular teen vegetarian isn’t available, consider any other teen-oriented vegetarian cookbook, or a basic vegetarian cookbook with detailed instructions. Or, for the socially-aware teen girl who is vegan, find a vegan cookbook.
When a socially-aware teen girl is debating whether or not to go vegetarian, or is not sure how, purchase her a copy of Judy Krizmanic’s A Teen’s Guide to Going Vegetarian.
2. Canvas Sneakers or Shoes
When purchasing useful school items for the socially-aware teen girl try to stick to canvas or cloth items. When it comes to sneakers, the socially-aware teen girl will not be happy with leather sneakers.
3. Non-Leather Wallet or Purse
The socially-aware teen girl will appreciate any coin purse, wallet, backpack or purse that is not made of leather.
4. Faux Fur
When purchasing a pretty fur-lined coat for the socially-aware teen girl, or other winter wear including sweaters, scarves, hats or gloves, be sure that the “fur” is fake. Be wary winterwear that is lined with any type of rabbit fur, which you may unintentionally pick off the rack. Rabbit fur tends to be softer than faux fur, and usually you can examine the item to see the underlying skin. If you are unsure, skip the item and find clothing without any faux fur for the socially-aware teen girl.
5. Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
Just as the socially-aware teen girl does not want to eat animal products or wear them on her back, she also does not want to use products that harm animals. For the socially-aware teen girl who wears cosmetics, buy her some that do not test on animals. According the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the following cosmetics companies do not test their products on animals:
Almay
Avon
Bonne Bell
Clinique
Physician’s Formula
Note: this is a very small selection of the brands listed. For the purposes of the top ten gifts for the socially-aware teen girl only the most readily-available brands were listed here.
6. Cruelty-Free Personal Care Products
In addition to cruelty-free cosmetics, the socially-aware teen girl may also prefer to use shampoos, soaps, toothpaste and lip balm that are also cruelty-free. Some of the cruelty-free personal care products that make the PETA list include:
Bath & Body Works
Kiss My Face
Paul Mitchell
Tom’s of Maine
Un-Petroleum
7. A Donation to a Social Cause
The socially-aware teen girl may be vocal and knowledgeable about different social causes. The one thing the socially-aware teen girl probably cannnot do, however, is make a cash donation to an advocacy group that supports her cause. As a parent or family member you can support the social views of the socially-aware teen girl, when they are not diametrically opposed to your own views, by making a small donation to a group that advocates for the socially-aware teen girl’s pet cause. Make the donation in her name.
8. What Do You Stand For? For Teens: A Guide To Building Character
This thought-provoking book will be a great read for socially-aware teen girls. What Do You Stand For? For Teens: A Guide To Building Characterby Barbara A. Lewis and Pamela Espeland. Published by Free Spirit Press. Retail price: $18.95.
9. A Really Nice Journal
The socially-aware teen is starting to formulate their own ideas and opinions about the world in which we live. Your socially-aware teen may have kept a journal in the past, and now is no time to stop writing. Encourage your socially-aware teen to continue to explore new ideas and record her thoughts by giving her a journal (not leather-bound).
10. Saving the Planet and Stuff
The socially-aware teen may also care about the environment. For an enjoyable book about environmentalism, try a novle like Saving the Planet and Stuff by Gail Gauthier.
Any of these gifts will certainly please the socially-aware teen girl.
