At some point in life, we all cross an “adulting” line where we truly appreciate practical and useful gifts. Teens and young adults might straddle that line for several years, and it’s always a challenge for parents to strike a good balance with fun versus useful gifts. What’s great about modern practical gifts is that so many of them are hi-tech or attractive enough to be popular among the younger crowd.
A lot of our clients at Smyrl Insurance either have older teens at home, or are launching young adults into college or independence. We enjoy helping both parents and their kids navigate this phase of life from an insurance and safety perspective.
So, in the holiday spirit of helping everyone out there who is trying to shop for teens and young adults this season, we’re sharing a handy gift guide of useful, practical, and hopefully cool ideas.
Emergency Kit
Create a personalized emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, an emergency blanket, a multi-tool, a whistle, and some non-perishable food items. These kits are useful for keeping in the car, a new apartment, or for travel. If your kit is specifically for the car, make sure to add jumper cables, an air compressor with a tire pressure gauge, and a few extra tools. Make sure they know how to safely use everything in the kit before they stow it!
Self-defense Items
Just the awareness of having personal self-defense items will enhance your teen or young adult’s vigilance when out at night or in unfamiliar places. Include things like a personal alarm, pepper spray, or a self-defense keychain. Always make sure your child knows how to use these tools and is aware of any laws associated with their use.
Portable Power Sources
A portable phone charger or power bank will allow your teen to charge their phone when they don’t have access to power. Larger portable battery sources will power a laptop, lamp, TV, or other small gadgets on camping trips or when the electricity at home goes out. These products run on rechargeable batteries, so they do not carry the emissions risks associated with generators. Think about how your young adult is most likely to use a tool like this so that you can get the right size for the necessary output.
Safety and Weather Gear
Whether your teen is simply spending more independent time out and about, or you have an adventurous spirit launching from home, a full supply of safety and weather gear will prepare them for the elements. Tailor their gear to their specific preferences and favorite activities. Some things you might include are a high-quality bike helmet, reflective jacket or backpack, headlamp, raincoat or poncho, sturdy umbrella, heated jacket, duck boots, hand and feet warmers, and touch screen friendly gloves.
CPR/First Aid Course
Someone who knows how to remain calm and in control of a situation is an asset to their friends and their community. Enroll your teen or college student in a CPR/First Aid course so that they are empowered to help others in an emergency. Consider pairing this with a survival camp, outdoor adventures course, rock climbing excursion, or something similar to increase the fun.
Safe Driving Course
Even if your teen or young adult already has their license, a safe driving course will greatly improve their skills. These courses teach defensive driving in a way that most parents just aren’t trained to do. Since this one may not seem like much of a gift to the receiver, consider raising the cool factor by tying it in with a performance driving course where they will also get to experience driving on a racetrack.
Winter Prep Kit
If your young adult is embarking on their first independent winter, make sure they have the necessities like a snow shovel, pet-friendly ice melt, an ice scraper, snow pants, warm boots, and heavy gloves. Far too many young adults live in denial that they will be impacted by snow until they are stuck without the tools they need.
Gifts that Show You Care
While this may not be the most glamorous set of gift ideas for this holiday season, your teen will hopefully appreciate your support of their growing independence. Plus, as much as they may deny it, teens and young adults usually do appreciate the thoughtfulness behind practical, useful, and safe gifts.
One gift that you may be purposely pushing out of your mind is the gift of life insurance. This is not something that parents like to think about for their kids of any age, but it’s a practical necessity. Contact us to talk about an affordable life insurance policy for your child, teen, or young adult. Most policies can be transferred to their ownership, and it guarantees their coverage even if they encounter a disqualifying medical issue later. We understand exactly how difficult this conversation is, which is why we educate, nurture, and empower you to make the best decisions for your family. We serve clients at every phase of life for every insurance need in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville, and throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.