Shopping with a teenage girl can be a huge headache, but what happens when it’s time to buy a birthday present? Parents dread the process and remember fondly the times buying gifts for their daughter was actually fun.
When it comes to buying gifts for teenage girls, the process can be grueling. Picking out party favors for teen girls as a group is just as difficult. Yes, teens, in general, are notoriously hard to buy for. As kids get older, tastes change dramatically and quickly. Today’s social media-crazed world is constantly on the move. What’s trending on Monday is dead by Friday. Since teens are joined at the hip to their smartphones, they are always up on the latest trends on whatever the hottest social media is lately. So, what is a party-planning parent to do?
How to pick party favors for teens
Party favors have long been the thorn in the side of parents everywhere. Throwing a birthday party for your kiddo is hard enough, but now you have to find cute favors too. Parents also know from their own children that most party favors end up in the trash. So, when buying party favors for teens, you don’t want to go to the added expense and have it wasted.
The key to shopping for party favors for your teen isn’t that far off from creating goodie bags in the younger years. When looking for party favors for teens think usefulness and longevity. Top party favors are the ones teens don’t toss on the kitchen table and leave there. Yes, there are cool party favors that fall into that category and they’re usually not what’s trending on social media. The best party favors for teens are actually keepsakes.
When deciding on party favors for teens, don’t give in to the temptation to put Susie’s Sweet Sixteen on it. Teens will not wear a hoodie that says Paige’s bat mitzvah or Claire’s 17th. Save the money and skip the personalization.
Best party favors for teens
Don’t know what’s trending on social media? Teens do and that’s what makes picking out party favors so hard. No worries though. We’ve got fun party favors for teens that aren’t just cool. These party favors are something they’ll use. Remember what’s trending today is usually out by the end of the week.
LED string lights
String lights have been popping up in dorm rooms across college campuses and are a hot item among teens, as well. LED string lights are considered a must-have decor item and are actually not that pricey. Some styles include photo clips that are considered extra awesome. LED string lights are green and easily hung up. For something even simpler to hang up, look for curtain lights.
Key chain
Learning to drive is something teens really look forward to and are super excited about. While not all of them will get a car for that special I-can-finally-drive birthday, having a key chain of your own just in case is still noteworthy. Take the key chain idea a step further and have it personalized with each party guest’s name, high school, or team. You can even look for key chains featuring school colors.
Water bottle
Whether the teenage guests are all part of the same sports, cheerleading, dance, or gymnastics team, water bottles are a commonly used item and one that always seems to be in demand. Water bottles in team or school colors make for a fun party favor for teens that will get a lot of use. Add names to make the favor more personal, but without is a perfect pick too.
Blank journals
Many teens today use journals to express their feelings, making a stylish bound notebook a treasured party favor. Add in colored gel pens to go with each journal. Even if the party guest doesn’t keep a journal, a blank one may inspire her to start writing. The blank journal can also be used for sketching or, at worst, school.
Slipper socks and sleeping masks
If the party is a sleepover, warm slipper socks are a can’t-miss. Pair the super soft socks with a cozy sleeping mask, and you have a party favor fitting the sleepover theme and one that teenage girls will like.
Personalized pillowcases
Another great party favor for a teen sleepover is a personalized pillowcase. All you need is plain pillowcases, fabric paint, and/or fabric markers. Each guest can design her own pillowcase. Allow the new pillowcases to dry overnight, and the girls have a keepsake favor to use on their beds at home.
Colorful hair ties
Teenage girls and hair ties have a love/hate relationship. Hair ties tend to travel with teens to school, sports, and other activities. They are in and out of the hair a lot. Like socks in the dryer, hair ties seem to have legs, too, and disappear without a trace. So, teenage girls can never really have enough hair ties. A gift bag of colorfully crafted hair ties in school, team, or fun colors and styles makes a gift bag that rocks.
Cozy blanket
Who doesn’t like to cuddle under a snuggly blanket to read, scroll through social media, or watch television? A personalized cozy blanket is a party favor teens will definitely get a lot of use from and is another noteworthy keepsake, especially for a Sweet 16. If you don’t want to personalize, go for a cuddly fleece flannel throw instead.
Beach towel
A colorful or personalized beach towel is a great party favor for teens, too. Just like water bottles, towels are always in demand around the house, and it’s nice to have a go-to towel for the beach or picnic that is yours.
Drawstring bag
Drawstring bags have been a thing for a while, whether it is for school, practice, workouts, sleepovers, camp, or just because. There also never seems to be enough around the house. A drawstring bag in fun styles or colors makes a useful and cute party favor. Personalize with names beforehand or have teens decorate their own at the party using fabric markers and/or fabric paint. An adorable tote is another perfect pick.
Other fun ideas for teen party favors you should consider
- Lip gloss or lip balm
- Emery boards and nail polish
- Lotions, shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries
- Friendship bracelets
- Anklets
- School supplies
- Bath bombs
- Assorted candies
Best places to shop for teen party favors
Picking out cute favors doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank! Here are some stores you might want to consider when looking for good party favors for teen girls.
- Dollar Store
- Five Below
- TJ Maxx
- Marshalls
- HomeGoods
- Target
- Trader Joes
- World Market
- Costco
- Walmart
Creating a fun favor bag for teens
Once you have a fun party favor for teens, it’s time to decide how to present it. The go-to choice is usually a gift bag in bright colors with tissue paper or ribbon accents. Some party favors for teens, like a water bottle, can stand alone. For party favors the teens will be creating, such as a personalized pillowcase, have gift bags on hand with names already on them for the teens to put in them. Area dollar stores are budget-friendly places to get gift bags and tissue paper in bulk. If not, there’s always Amazon, too.
Final thoughts on favors
Sure, teenage girls do have a reputation for being difficult, especially when it comes to gift-buying. Instead of trying to figure out what the latest trend is, stick with party favors that teenagers can use and will stand the test of time. One of these party favors for teens will definitely be a hit at your teenager’s next party. Fun favors are a lot more personal than a gift card, and many, like a personalized key chain or water bottle, will be a keepsake for years, while others like blankets and socks will be a cozy reminder of friendship.
