12 Gifts for Teens that don’t come from Amazon
Uncommon Goods isn’t exactly a small business, but I love their focus on Made in US, ethical and unusual gifts. Handmade in Georgia, this Bubble Tea Kit will definitely be under our Christmas tree this year.
Since they are already going to be on their phones, why not be on their phones together playing Game of Phones.
Psych is the favorite in our house. We binge watched the show with our boys years ago and have watched it again and again since. So giving our “Reader” a copy of a signed Psych Script was a huge hit. Not a fan of Psych? Grab Hamilton or Harry Potter or Black Panther (and so many more).
I’m such a fan of Maryellen Rooney’s Maine-based shop, Maine Melon. Have a new driver in the family? Maine Melon’s Rope Keychain is the perfect gift. Be sure to check out all of the coastal inspired beauties like The Shackled Bangles (my fave!), and the Captain’s Clutch.
My husband came across The Quest for the Antidote in Downeast magazine. Created by a first time game designer from Maine, Tom Deschenes, this game has been a staple in our house.
Sweatpants, but make it sweatshop-free and ethically made. My boys live in sweatpants (I don’t blame them), but hate the thought of slow fashion. From all that I’ve learned about manufacturing with Bevy, especially through my time with Factory45, I try to seek out ethical practices, fair wages for workers and transparency. Everlane is the best at this, and great style as well.
We recently decorated one of my sons’ rooms to make it fit for the teen years, so decor items are fresh on my mind. Out of Newport Beach, Slightly Choppy features hand crafted and custom flags that would be perfect anywhere. They remind me of the Burgee Bar at Coveside, where my boys have been bellying up to the bar ordering Shirley Temples since they were six. And I always love to support an artist.
Speaking of artists, I spent the quarantine taking Aaron Draplin’s Skillshare courses. The best and the worst part about him is he makes design look so easy. He is so talented with fonts and lines and colors that he makes you think you can do the same. But nope. He injects his humor into everything he does: like a Michigan torso cover, an Ass Pocket Handkerchief (which is printed with a long list of uses like bandit mask), a comb that is a Hair Organizer or a poster of your favorite city.
By chance, I was next to No Wake at a Holiday Marketplace last year and had to buy a (softest I’ve ever felt) sweatshirt for my son. Always support a Massachusetts designing mom who has launched an incredible brand! Their shop is filled with hats, apparel and masks – something for everyone in the family.
On a quest to visit every ballpark? A fan of rap or reading or soccer? Pop Charts has something for every interest: Grand Taxonomy of Rap Names, Football Clubs of Europe and scratch off posters like 100 Essential Novels and Major League Ballparks.
Sugarfoot Apparel is a family owned and operated small business, filled with apparel and prints. Loving their Upstate hoodie, Rochacha sweatshirt, and this Art Tee. And be sure to check out their Print Shop.
In a year of finding creative ways to safely see friends and family outdoors, yard games are the perfect gift for 2020. I had never heard of Kubb, but apparently vikings used to play, so that’s good enough for me. Yard Games is a family-focused and family-run business.
