Top Gifts for Teenage Girls Under $50

Teenage girls are probably one of the most difficult species to please. To make your shopping a little easier, read the suggestions below for a gift that's sure to go over well.

Books

A book is a really personal gift, and for a girl who loves them, it's sure to provide hours of entertainment. Not only do you get to sneak in a little education with your gift, but she'll always remember you as the one who shared it with her, if she loves it. Try to pick a book that she's not likely to have read -which means, stay away from popular titles like Harry Potter unless she specifically requests them, and don't buy anything that's on the required reading list because she'll be reading it in school. If you have a favorite book from when you were her age, that's also a good idea (as long as it's not too dated as most young adult literature tends to be) because you can always talk about it afterward.

Here's a few suggestions:

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley ($6.99): Set in a fantasy land, this is about a young woman who travels to a foreign country after her parents die. Just as she's starting to adjust to life at the colony, she is kidnapped by a neighboring king to help save his people. There are all sorts of morals in this one: mostly, it's about having the courage to make your own decisions and act on them. Great read for a young woman who likes the fantasy genre. There is nothing inappropriate in this novel, but it's written at an adult level.

The Claidi Collection: Books I-III by Tanith Lee ($18.99): This is actually 3 novels in one (Wolf Tower, Wolf Star, and Wolf Queen). Also set in a fantasy land, these books are stuffed with bravery, quirky and lovable characters, and plenty of adventure. Perfect escapist fantasy, and also extremely well-written with nothing inappropriate. I also recommend Black Unicorn by the same author.