London Drugs, Jack FM Radio and 660 News Partner to Collect Gifts for Forgotten 10 to 17-year-olds in Calgary
Every year, many parents or guardians struggle to afford gifts for their children during the holidays. While toy drives are making a big difference in the lives of many of these children, the amount of gifts donated for tweens and teens falls short of the demand.
London Drugs has partnered with Jack FM Radio Calgary and 660 News Calgary to support donations of gifts for young people between the ages of 10 and 17 for the seventh annual Toys 4 Teens holiday campaign. The campaign is part of the Salvation Army’s Family Christmas Assistance Program, which aims to put Christmas gifts in the hands of those less fortunate throughout Calgary.
One of the reasons that there are fewer gifts donated for tweens and teens is that they can be a tricky group to shop for unless you are buying high tech tablets and smartphones. Whether you’re shopping for your own child, or a child in need, here are some great inexpensive gift ideas for hard-to-buy-for youth.
11 Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens
Photography is trending for teens, and apps like Instagram have turned amateurs into artists. The Konstruktor Camera Kit ($35.99) is a unique gift for tweens and teens and a welcomed break from smartphones and other digital tech toys. The kit lets them build their very own fully-working 35mm plastic SLR camera from scratch and allows them to take analogue photography using real film.
There is a whole new generation listening to vinyl. For the vintage loving teenager, the Sylvania Mini Turntable Player with USB to PC Encoding Function ($29.99) is at the top of the list. Teens can convert the music from old vinyl records to MP3 format so their music goes where they go. This is the practical and stylish way to listen to the classics.
A challenging game of Bop It – Tetris ($29.99) is hours of fun for tweens, teenagers and adults alike. This electronic game has puzzles that demand for speed, agility and multitasking! It’s a perfect party game.
iHome Bluetooth Mini Cube speaker ($29.99) streams wireless digital audio from any Bluetooth enabled device. The built-in rechargeable battery gives the speakers lots of power and a sound that surpasses its size.
Teens can create curly hairstyles and looks from their favourite celebrities without the fuss and hazard of the hot, exposed curling iron using the Infiniti Curl Secret ($89.99). It has near instant heating and the added feature of beeping once the hair is curled to perfection.
Logiix MySelfie Bluetooth Remote ($24.99) takes the perfect selfie. It is an easy-to-use, subtle device that is complimentary to any smartphone. With a handy keychain remote control, teens can place their phone at a distance and take videos and pictures from further away than arm’s length.
NYX The Smokey Eye Makeup Collection & Make-up Kits ($5.99-$50.00) The NYX Smokey Eye Makeup kit has everything in it to get the best smokey eyes to match all styles, moods and outfits. There are loads of makeup gift sets to choose from to meet any budget.
Cobra Remote Control Special Edition Helicopter ($39.99) is small and seriously stealthy. This RC helicopter has gyro technology provide stability and precision speed control and infrared technology to give maximum control.
The Avengers Super 3-D Dartboard ($9.99) is a modern twist on a classic game with safe, magnetic darts. The 3D dartboard adds an extra challenge. Avengers and other popular Marvel DVDs and Blue-rays also make great gifts for teens.
The Sunbeam Donut Hole & Cake Pop Maker ($29.99) will inspire culinary creativity. It can bake seven delicious donut holes or cake pops in under four minutes so it’s perfect for sharing an afterschool treat with friends. It’s very simple to use and clean. Warm-up and Ready lights indicate when it is time to bake.
Tweens can get crafty with the Threads Make a Purse Kit ($12.99). It comes with yarn, a weaving loom, needle and instructions for creating a fashionable, handmade bag similar to popular styles found on Etsy.
Other teen and tween-friendly gifts include:
- Gift Cards: London Drugs, iTunes, Cineplex, restaurants, malls
- Electronics: phone and camera accessories, video games, computer games, mp3 players, speakers, cameras
- Beauty Products: nail kits, hair straighteners, hair accessories, jewelry, make-up kits, bath & body sets, cosmetic bags, make-up brushes
- Home decor: posters, lamps, vanity mirrors, blankets, sports memorabilia
- Music: keyboards, guitars, karaoke
- Sports Equipment: hockey sticks & gear, soccer balls, footballs, basketballs, sports jerseys
Unwrapped gift donations can be dropped off at any Calgary and Airdrie London Drugs location up until December 21st. All donations go the Salvation Army Family Christmas Assistance Program.
