What to get a teenager who says they don't care
Finding a physical present feels impossible when they claim indifference or already have everything. Gifting a big experience like a family vacation is a tempting alternative, but the trip is often scheduled for several months later. Handing them a promise for a trip in nine months makes for an awkward and empty-handed exchange on the actual holiday.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
What to get a teenager who says they don't care
- 1Buying perfume, a shopping trip to Sephora, or a gift card to her favorite store.Did this help you?
- 2Giving consumables like trendy makeup, lip balms, skincare products, or snacks.Did this help you?
- 3Gifting immediate local experiences like escape rooms, theatre tickets, or slime-making workshops.Did this help you?
- 4Buying upgraded versions of daily necessities they already need, like high-quality jackets, sneakers, or overnight bags.Did this help you?
- 5Funding a 'mall day' with a set budget so they can pick out their own items.Did this help you?
- 6Gifting room makeover items like new bedding, fluffy blankets, or makeup mirrors.Did this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“What are you getting your preteen girls that literally have everything? One is 12.5 and the other is 10. I was thinking some kind of experience but I really want to take them on vacation next year (it would be end of summer, so it seems so far to make it their gift.) Help a girl out lol”source ↗
“I totally agree. I thought about it for a split second then imagined being like...Merry Christmas! We're going on vacation in 9 months 🤣”source ↗
“I have no idea what to get her. I asked her what she wants and said that she doesn't care, please help!”source ↗
Where this came up
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