RedGage

For Christmas 2010, the hot gift item for ages 8-18, otherwise known as a tween or teen, is anything that helps them connect with their friends. Do the research. Be creative. Shopping for tweens and teens does not have to be a budget-blowing experience. However, if it's a must-have item, consider buying it now to save money and avoid the Christmas madness rush.Laptop ComputerIf he or she does not already own one, a laptop computer with a web cam and wireless connections is an awesome gift choice. Most schools have adapted to the high tech revolution and many students take their laptops to school each day. It's almost impossible to study or do research and write papers for school without a computer. Because of it's portability, having a laptop makes completing projects easier.Laptops are priced as low as $300 or can cost as much as $2000 or more. Try to choose a laptop with only the features needed. A good laptop would have at least 2 GB of memory, a CD/DVD player and writer, 7-in-1 media card reader and at least a 6 cell battery that will last about 4.5 hrs on one charge. A new item to add to that list this year for 2010 is a wireless internet card. These are cards that can be placed in the laptop so that the student can access the internet wherever they are even if the location does not have Wi-Fi. Connected with the phone companies like AT&T, if the cell phone works in that location, the internet will too.Cell Phones Smart Phones & Droid PhonesEven children as young as 8 years old are asking for a cell phone this year. Believe it or not, cell phone companies are catering to this demand from the teens & tweens. T-Mobile has created a program where kids are free. That means with a two year agreement, when the parent signs up for a family plan, three children in the family can receive a free phone line. Beware though, this free offer is only until 2012. After that, if the family has three children with phones, the parents will pay.The hottest phone on the market right now is the new Verizon Wireless Star Wars R2-D2 Droid Phone. The Star Wars geeks are coming out of the woodwork again. With the whole new craze to see every movie in 3-D, the creators of Star Wars have planned to release all the Star Wars movies again this year, but this time in 3-D. This Droid phone is a limited edition Motorola phone and costs an average of about $249 with a two-year agreement.For a cheaper way to make them happy, consider an AT&T Go Phone. There are no contracts and no commitments. Customers walk into an AT&T Store or Service location retail like Wal-Mart or Best Buy and pick out the Go Phone that's just right. Customers can also shop online through the AT&T website and enjoy free shipping. Pick the phone and then pick one of the three Go Phone plans needed. The plans range from a simple calling plan to one that allows unlimited text and messaging.For the parent that wants the child to simply have a phone for calling, with no text or messaging capabilities, it is possible to set a child up with a year's worth of phone service for about $50. Purchase a $9 basic Go Phone and a 1000 minute AT&T Prepaid Phone Card good for one year of service at a cost of $43 on the AT&T website.Gift CardsThere are some that believe that buying gift cards as Christmas presents is just too impersonal. However, in today's day and age, people really do want to shop for themselves. Getting a gift card on Christmas Day is like giving a new driver the keys to the family car. The gift card sends the message of love but practicality. Let them go get what they really want.There is a gift card out there for just about everything in the world: shopping, retail stores, movie theaters, restaurants, pedicures, manicures, gasoline, iTunes, Xbox games and more. Credit card companies also offer gift cards that can be used wherever that credit card is welcome. Beware though of hidden fees and activation fees. Make sure that the gift card chosen can be accepted nationwide, has no expiration date and no activation fees.A Few More Things to ConsiderMake sure to choose age appropriate gifts. People tend to forget that tweens and teens see themselves as young adults.They are caught in the middle between a child and an adult. It can be difficult to choose just the right gift. They love music, games, TV, movies, shopping and hanging out with their friends. Keeping that in mind will make choosing the perfect gift child's play.