1. Flip Mino Pocket Camcorder
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With the popularity of YouTube, almost every teen fantasizes about making a viral video. The Flip Mino is a fairly inexpensive, easy way to scratch that itch. Sleek enough to fit into any pocket, the Mino is customizable with a variety of looks. For a little more money, you can buy a Mino that shoots in HD and has 4 GB of internal memory instead of 2 GB.
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A digital camera that shoots video may be a better choice for some teens. The Casio Exilim EX-Z85 is a super thin digital camera with a dedicated YouTube mode. That means that your grandchild can shoot video at the proper resolution for YouTube and use special software to upload it directly to the site. It's available in several colors.
2. Urban Decay Show Pony Shadow Box
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When it comes to edgy beauty products for teens, Urban Decay tops the list. Its designers draw on the gritty colors of the urban landscape to create hues that go beyond pink. The Show Pony shadow assortment comes in a cool box designed by Los Angeles artist Kime Buzzelli. Of course, the Urban Decay people never test on animals.
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Smashbox is another line that's popular with teens. Check the web or stores like Ulta for special packages and offers.
3. Apple iPod Touch 8 GB
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Chances are that your grandchildren already have an iPod; if they don't, they'll be thrilled with the iPod Touch. It uses the same touch-screen technology as the iPhone. The 8GB size holds 22 hours worth of material. If that's not enough, it also comes in 16 and 32GB sizes.
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The up-and-coming competitor in the MP3 market is Microsoft's Zune. The problem with the Zune is that it doesn't work with iTunes but has its own library of music, which is about half the size of the iTunes library. A less pricey choice from Apple is the iPod Nano. If you want something less expensive, any teenager who has an iPod would love an iTunes gift card or an accessory like a colorful carrying case. .
4. Footed Pajamas
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My teen-aged granddaughter loves her footie pajamas. If she is feeling tired or down, she wears them around the house. She says it feels as if she never got out of bed! They are available in fleece or flannel in a variety of cool prints. Some even have drop seats!
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Fuzzy slippers are another comfort item that teens love, the more outrageous the better. A super-soft spa robe might be a hit as well. My grandchildren love to steal mine!
5. Johnny Cupcakes Tee
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Cupcakes aren't just for eating. They are also for wearing. This quirky clothing company is riding a wave of popularity. Giving a Johnny Cupcakes tee to a grandchild will definitely up your cool quotient.
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Good places to shop include Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Betsey Johnson and American Apparel. Some hip online stores include Topshop, Plasticland and H & M.
6. The Beatles Rock Band 2
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Video games that allow teenagers to live out their fantasies of being in a rock band are very hot, and The Beatles Rock Band is probably the hottest. In order to fulfill this dream gift for your grandchildren, you'll need to know what kind of gaming system and accessories they have.
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The other major entry in this category is Guitar Hero: World Tour. Video game aficionados are divided as to whether Rock Band or Guitar Hero delivers the best experience. Another entry in the field is Wii Music, which features more instruments and an approach that is geared to having fun rather than to getting the notes right. Teenagers who have already honed their chops on Rock Band or Guitar Hero may find Wii Music less than challenging.
7. Givency Pi Neo for Men
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The name of this men's fragrance is a salute to The Matrix, and it is billed as a futuristic blend. In actuality, the fragrance notes are mandarin, bergamot, myrrh, cedar and patchouli. It's fresh and woodsy at the same time. If you love the original Pi, you should know that this isn't a variation but a whole different scent.
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Diesel Fuel for Life, John Varvatos Vintage and Armani Attitude are up-and-coming scents with manageable price tags. Ed Hardy for Men continues to be popular. For the young man with classic taste, choose Burberry Brit or YSL L'Homme products.
8. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette
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It's fresh and floral, and it comes in a cute bottle. If your granddaughter is a girly girl, she's almost guaranteed to like it. Besides, this fragrance has its own website. How cool is that?
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Happy by Clinique allows you to create a unique gift by putting a photo of your choice right on the bottle. Princess by Vera Wang comes in a sweet heart-shaped bottle. Juicy Couture continues to be popular, and any of the Dolce and Gabbana fragrances are good bets.
9. Flannel Shirts
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Classic flannel shirts are back in style, for both girls and guys. They are perfect for the way teens like to layer, and now they come in styles to suit everyone. If you're thin, look for one in a slim fit.
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Hoodies are demonstrating amazing staying power. Henley shirts are also making a comeback. Beanies in all colors and styles are winter must-haves, while a classic fedora is a good choice for a young man who's really into having fun with clothes.
10. Microsoft Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
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Teenagers love wireless keyboards because they're not tied to their computer monitors. Grandparents will like giving them this model because it's kinder to their arms, hands and wrists. It comes with a wireless ergonomic mouse as well.
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If you want a computer gift that's not so expensive, teenagers can never seem to have enough USB flash drives (also sometimes called jump drives or thumb drives). If your teenagers have friends or family in faraway places, they'd probably love a webcam. If you buy one for them, they might actually use it to talk to their grandparents once in a while!
11. Apple iPhone
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The phone that revolutionized the whole concept of cell phones is still a smoking hot gift. The hefty price tag means that it won't be in many grandparents' budgets. If you can afford it, it's a great help in stay connected with teens.
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The BlackBerry Storm is making a bold effort to capture some of the iPhone market, and the LG Dare is also a popular choice. The Palm Centro from Sprint is a more affordable phone that comes in cool colors like red and pink.
12. Visa Gift Card
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You know how it is with gift cards. Some people love them; some hate them. Teenagers tend to love them. The Visa gift card wins their hearts because it can be used almost anywhere, even when shopping online or by phone. (Does anyone shop by phone any more?)
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Other gift cards that win kudos are Best Buy, Target and Starbucks. And, believe it or not, lots of teens would love a gift card for their neighborhood bookstore, the better to scoop up the latest book in the Twilight series. Or perhaps the latest from Gregory Maguire, although he'll never top Wicked.
