Teenagers are notoriously hard to buy for. They have their own ideas about what constitutes a good gift, which could be vastly different from your ideas. Music is one area in which you can buy gifts that are almost guaranteed to be a hit with your teen. You don't even have to know your teen's favorite band; just give him ways to play that music, or do a little research and you'll be able to find a gift that he loves.
MP3 Player
MP3 players allow your teen to take music with her on the go. She can download her favorite tracks on the computer and then transfer them to the MP3 player with a USB cord. Some popular brands include the Apple iPod and the Microsoft Zune, both of which have models that play music and video.
iPod Accessories
If your teen already has an iPod, look for accessories to go with that device so that he can get more use out of it. A car adapter so that he can listen while on the way to school is thoughtful, or you can even buy an iPod alarm clock so that he can wake up to his favorite band.
Music Subscription
Music subscriptions or gift cards to websites such as itunes.com or rhapsody.com make it easy for your teen to legally obtain the music that she wants, without resorting to downloading pirated music. Buy a subscription for a year, or give a gift card loaded with enough money for 20 songs.
Instrument
If your teenage boy wants to learn how to play guitar, because he knows teen girls love it, look for an instrument that your teen might be interested in playing. Add a few lessons with the instrument to get him started. If he already plays, upgrade his instrument to something better.
Songbooks
Your teen might be interested in learning how to play a few mainstream songs, once she's gotten her new instrument and has learned how to play it. Look at a music store for songbooks for the piano, guitar or other instrument that have modern songs.
Vintage Records
A teen that loves punk rock may value a collector's item. Listen for cues about favorite bands, or take a look at his collection to see if you can find any bands that you would recognize as a band that would have released songs on vinyl. Check out used record stores for a vintage copy of a favorite song.
Headphones
Headphones are a good way to introduce peace and quiet to your home while your music-loving teen still gets to enjoy her favorite band. Look for high-quality, surround-sound headphones to make the music sound richer. If she is looking for portability, purchase moldable ear buds that will stay put while working out or hanging out with friends.
Magazine Subscription
Nylon, Blender and Rolling Stone are all magazines that are dedicated to the music scene. Keep your teen up to date on all the music news by signing him up for a year' subscription.
Autographed Memorabilia
Sneak into your teen's room and peek through her CD collection or computer music library to find her favorite band. Check an auction site such as ebay.com to see what memorabilia is available. You may be able to find autographed pictures, guitar picks and other items that other fans are selling.
Concert Tickets
If you know that your teen's favorite singer is coming to town, surprise her with a set of concert tickets. Choose good seats and give them to her in a card that tells her she can take anyone she chooses. This is especially thoughtful, because you're giving her an experience she'll always remember.
