What to Buy a Teen Girl on a Budget: 7 Great Gift Ideas
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Buying gifts for teen girls can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re trying to stay sensible with spending. Trends change all the time, tastes can be different, and add to that the challenge of trying to balance that line between them still being a child but wanting to be more grown up. My daughter started high school last year and it’s already hard to keep up with what are the acceptable colours for backpacks and coats (black), when you are allowed to wear a hat (never) and which words are appropriate for a parent to say (as little as possible – and never in front of a friend).
The good news is that thoughtful, meaningful gifts don’t have to cost a lot at all. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas, or just a little treat, here are some great budget-friendly ideas, including some lovely necklaces for girls that make affordable but special presents.
1. Jewellery
Jewellery is one of those presents that can feel far more expensive than it actually needs to be. Plus, there are so many different styles so you can find something for everyone, whether they like cute, quirky or more elegant and simple. Whether that’s rainbow sloth earrings or a gold pendant, jewellery is always a good gift idea. And because jewellery lasts, it’s a great value option because it can be worn all the time. If you’ve chosen something specifically to suit your teen’s taste or interest, it can be a more personalised and meaningful gift too.
2. DIY Self-Care Kits
If your teen is into pampering, a great budget-friendly option is to put together a lovely self-care kit. Think face masks, mini skincare samples, a bath bomb, nail polish, a cosy pair of fluffy socks. Buying mini sizes or mixing in a couple of homemade items (like a sugar scrub) keeps it affordable while still feeling like a treat, especially if you bring it all together in a cute little basket or package.
3. Notebooks, Journals & Stationery
If you have a teen girl anything like my daughter, the stationery obsession is real and they can never have too much!
Stationery is a brilliant choice because it’s practical, personal, and always useful. Cute notebooks, pens, journals, sticky notes, planners etc all make lovely small gifts.
4. Arts & Crafts
On a similar note, if the teen you’re buying for is creative, you can put together a small craft bundle without spending too much. New sketchbooks, drawing pencils, watercolours, embroidery kits, bead sets, crochet, diamond art – there are so many options.
5. Books
Books can make brilliant gifts, and there are some amazing YA books that you could even consider gifting as a collection. The Hunger Games are the current favourite in our house, but there are loads of good reads out there.
6. Tech Accessories
You don’t need to buy expensive gadgets for a teen to be excited about a tech-themed gift. Affordable accessories like phone stands, cute pop sockets, earbud cases, light-up charging cables, or mini ring lights are fun, practical, and inexpensive. They can make great stocking fillers too.
7. Experience Gifts
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things at all. Experience gifts can be incredibly meaningful while costing very little. Why not try something like:
- A homemade movie night voucher
- A pamper evening
- A baking afternoon
- A ‘yes’ day (if you’re feeling especially brave)
Experiences tend to be remembered far longer than physical gifts, and they’re perfect when money is tight.
With a bit of creativity you can put together something meaningful and personal, that keeps within your budget. Whether it’s a nice necklace, a cosy DIY pamper kit, or a simple experience you can share together, finding a great gift doesn’t need to break the bank.
