Christmas Gift Guide: For Teenage Boys

Teenagers. Ah teenagers. So angsty. So cool. 

I remember being a teenager so well. And then I cringe. 

But let's not talk about me wearing oversized Keppers and Malcolm X t-shirts. No. Let's press on and talk about my ideas for Christmas gift giving for teenagers. Then we can all celebrate something. Lolz. 

Without further ado. YOLO. 

1. DIY Synth Kit X Technology Will Save Us from Third Drawer Down $45: Make your own electro musical instruments with this cool kit that requires no soldering required. This could keep them busy for hours. 

2. Folding Crate from The SuperCool $5: Available in a whole range of colours, these would make a cool gift to get your teenager to tidy their room (but pretend it's on their terms). You could pop a few goodies in there, and organisation could soon be the new nirvana. Just no one tell Kurt I said that. 

3. Pizza pillowcase from Kip & Co $24.50: As someone that was once a teenager, I can tell you, sleep is pretty good. And so is pizza. So why not combine these two great loves into one dreamy reality?

4. RVCA Chine 5 Panel Cap from Surfstitch $39.95: They'll look cool - and have some sun protection. 

5. Tre table lamp from Freedom $139: Give the gift of good lighting! Whether it's on a desk or a bedside, I really, really love this lamp (so much so that I own two!). It's a really practical task lamp, that oozes style. 

6. Clear Start Trial set from Dermalogica $35: I once gave some of this to my nephews and they really loved it. Remember battling your skin woes when you were a teenager? Well this is the stuff that dreams are made of. 

7. Voice and Accents workshop at the Australian Theatre for Young People $160: Get them mixing with some fresh peeps, give them a boost of confidence and arm them with some new skills to have fun! 

8. Movie Gift Card from Event Cinemas $25: Who doesn't love going to see a movie on the big screen? 

9. Everlast Prime Mantis Boxing Focus Pads from Rebel $80: Encourage them to get fit and get all their frustrations out with some swift manoeuvres and a great energy outlet. 

10. Pineapple lamp from Lark $195: Big ticket item, but heck, it packs a punch (but don't add this to the punch). Gifting pieces for their bedroom can get them in there and tidying up before you can even pour yourself a pina colada. 


Want more ideas? 

What about some daily fragrance - you could make a whole gift pack up! (My sister did this once and the boys LOVED it - complete with a toiletries bag to hold everything.)

Tickets to a game? Sydney Kings are in their high season. Get court side together. 

Vouchers are always good - for music, books, or clothes. You can never fail. 

Dermalogica Clear Start (Sponsored)

When I was a teenager I read Dolly, talked all afternoon the phone to my besties, kept letterbooks with my friends - recalling in excruciating detail everything that had happened each day. I loved fashion (which was totally in conflict with today's teenage uniform of too-short denim shorts, and midriffs), and I memorised all my favourite song lyrics. I'm pretty sure that never came in handy.

My beauty regime consisted of cleansing, moisturising and then go. It was pretty simple. 

Roll on the years - and you can ditch the soapbar - Dermalogica has launched their new Clear Start range for teenagers. Oh man. If only this was around when I was a teen. 

I spoke with Emma Hobson, Education Manager of the International Dermal Institute about the merits of looking after your skin as a teenager. So now us mums just need to help make it a reality! 

Why is it important to look after your skin as a teenager?

EH: Over 85 per cent of teenagers are afflicted with acne breakouts, so taking preventative action can help a great deal in assisting them to navigate this challenging period of their lives. Keeping a handle on teen breakouts is never easy, especially with so many raging hormones to contend with.  However a great deal can be achieved when incorporating a good skin care routine. In order to avert skin problems teens need to use products that are designed for their specific skin concerns, and that are formulated with ingredients that address oiliness, breakouts and congestion. They should look for products that also contain a high volume of anti-inflammatories which  will help  heal the lesions rapidly and reduce the incidence of a pigmented scars.  

What's wrong with just soap and water?

EH: Soap, having an ‘alkaline pH’ strips, irritates and dries the skin (both surface oil and moisture). If the skin is 'stripped’ of its natural oils it responds by producing more oil, resulting in the skin being more oily, not less! The alkaline pH also causes increased skin sensitisation.

Does taking care of your skin earlier effect how your skin is later in life?

EH: For sure. If during puberty you can keep your skin healthy and free of congestion, this means less breakouts which equates to less scarring. There should also be a focus on keeping it protected from the environment (think free radicals and sun damage), which will result in less premature ageing and skin discolouration (not forgetting that it also reduces the chances of contracting skin cancer). If you can do all of the above, you’ll noticeably enjoy the benefits of your investment in good skin care.

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'When I was a teen my top priority was...' Share a photo on Instagram of what you'd love to bring back from your teen years for your chance to win a gift pack valued at $500. Be sure to tag @DermalogicaAus and #ClearStart in your post.

But Thanks For Sharing!

Teenagers! Gather 'round! I've got something to share with you.

I don't need to see your butt cheeks hanging out the bottom of denim cut-offs.

I don't!

I have my own ample derriere to swing around in all manner of clothing, though I tend to cover mine up. But just in case I do feel the urge, I can take a look at my derriere in a g-string, or a boy-leg brief, or even - gasp! - newd!

When I see you walking down the road with half your booty hanging out the back, I feel sad! Buy a size up! If you don't it can also result in camel-toe-itis! Just because clothes are a larger size doesn't mean they cost more - treat yourself. You can thank me later!

Call me prudish, call me PottyMouthMama, whatever you want to call me is ok by me, I just don't want to see the junk in yer trunk.

You might think I'm old, and yes, I am a parent, but I'm not old at 31. Trust me, I remember being a teenager - and I had no urge to hang my butt out for the world to share. In fact I was infatuated with over-sized tees bearing Malcolm X, Arrested Development quotes and Keppers to hide my lanky frame. Gulp.

Let Jessica Simpson set the example here. She bought a size up and her cheeks aren't on the menu. BUY A SIZE UP! I don't want to see the boo in your booty.

And the image above? Front bottom? Junk in her kerplunk? Whatever that look is, she's headed straight to Wrongtown.

Wiggedy Wiggedy Wiggedy Whack!

For you. Just for fun.

When I was a teenager I so wished I was black. I did. I wanted corn braids. Dance better. Sing better. Totally cool. It was so much better than being white. I wore oversized Malcolm X tees, handmade African necklaces, read about black rights and wished. But it never happened. For realz. I am still white.

Anyway, this was one of my favourite albums growing up. Listen up. 'cause some of them never rhyme, 'cause they can't rhyme like this.

EDIT:: This is so humiliating, but in my intoxicated state I typoed the lyrics to one of the greatest songs EVA. It should have read: 'some of them try to rhyme but they can't rhyme like this.'