This winter season, The Panther Press spread holiday cheer by picking out gift recommendations at Target for specific profiles. We all know how hard it is to find gifts for the uncles you see once a year, the mom that insists she “does not need anything,” and the siblings you hold so dear. But do not be afraid, this article has extensive gift recommendations ranging from a 4-year-old boy to a Lana Del Rey loving grandpa! On that note, let’s dive into the holiday spirit.
Sixteen-year-old girl who loves beauty products and Taylor Swift
As a 16-year-old girl who loves Taylor Swift, I was super excited by this challenge.
Gift #1
I first found myself in the jewelry section. After much careful consideration, I decided on a necklace with someone’s first initial on it to replicate Taylor Swift’s iconic lyric “I want to wear his initials on a chain ’round my neck” from the song “Call It What You Want.” This was $20, so to complete the gift, I decided to include another Taylor Swift themed item. I found a “1989” CD for $14 to accompany the necklace.
Gift #2
My next gift was easy. As I was walking past the Stanley water bottles, I felt my inner, basic 16-year-old self yearning for the super trendy water bottles. And lucky me, it was exactly $35. I chose the coral color because I thought it was timeless.
Gift #3
For the third and final gift, I picked up some nail polish. I found a festive collection that fit the holiday spirit perfectly for only $10. To match the holiday theme, I added what every teenager needs more of: socks. Polar bear socks, Santa socks, reindeer socks, oh my! And you can get about six pairs of these socks while staying on budget. Happy holidays to all the 16-year-old girls like me.
Teenage boy who loves video games, sports and is allergic to peanuts.
Hey, you! Have you ever pulled that one teenage boy in Secret Santa for whom you have no idea what to get? Maybe he’s a random kid in your class, a distant cousin or perhaps he’s your brother; either way the panic is real. Well, never fear, because you have me, who has hand-picked the best gifts from Target, all under $35, for a teenage boy meeting these requirements: loves video games, sports and (plot twist) is allergic to peanuts.
If you are deciding whether or not to trust my gift advice, let me ease your worries. Out of sheer luck, this is my 15-year-old brother’s exact description; therefore, through the trial and error of 15 Christmas and birthday gifts, I have curated the perfect list (with teenage boy approval)!
So, let me help you cross his gift off your list so you can enjoy your (much needed) break and start watching “Elf,” sipping hot cocoa and listening to Christmas Carols!
Gift #1: “Gatorade Squeeze 32 oz Plastic Water Bottle.” The water bottle comes in green, the cheapest option, for $5.99, grey for $14.99, or (if you want to break the bank) black for $19.59. With a variety of colors and prices, this water bottle is the perfect gift for athletes and, as my brother described, is “an essential.” You can not go wrong with the easy-to-squeeze design, ensuring simple access to water between plays or quarters in a game. The 32 oz size and durable plastic material makes it convenient; it is not too big or heavy to fit in your backpack, but it can also contain enough water to keep you hydrated. The Gatorade Squeeze is a simple yet ideal gift for a teenage athlete, supporting them in their goals.
Gift #2: Video games!! Target has a large selection of games under $35, perfect for the gamer on your list. “Hell Divers 2” on a PlayStation 5 immerses you into a co-op mission to save the galaxy. What better way to spend your Christmas than blasting alien invaders with your friends? “Minecraft” on PlayStation 4 is a classic but never gets old. It is the ultimate building and creativity game, proving there is no limit to what you can imagine. Minecraft is a perfect gift for all ages but especially teens new to PlayStations. Lastly, Target offers “Dead Space” on a PlayStation 5 for anyone hoping to swap the holiday spirit for Halloween terror. Its thrilling horror puts players on an abandoned spaceship, battling realistic and graphic images of alien creatures. All these games are great quality and offer stellar entertainment!
Gift #3: “Optimum Nutrition Creatine Sports Nutrition Supplement Powder – 300g” for $21.99 is a game-changer for any athlete! Creatine is a thoroughly studied supplement for athletes to increase muscle strength, enhance endurance and speed recovery time. Put one scoop into your water every day, and the tasteless and dissolvable powder, along with a sweaty workout, will eventually strengthen your muscles. My whole family takes creatine, but my brother especially notices the results because he plays three sports year round. Whether you’re lifting, running, or tackling a New Year’s resolution, this supplement is the perfect present for the teenage athlete in your life!
One of these three items, along with some (nut-free) candy, would be a thoughtful — and budget friendly — gift for a video game loving, sport enthusiast teenage boy. Instead of stressing that your gift will bring down the holiday cheer, run to your local Target to give him something he will hold dear!
Middle-aged dad who likes fishing, obsesses over history and loves football.
When it comes to choosing a gift for the typical American dad, the task can feel stressful. Whether he is on the lake with a rod in his hand at ALL times, diving deep into a book about the past or if he is the 49ers number-one- fan, there are an abundance of ideas for the parent who seems to have everything. So how do you capture all of his passions into one present? Do not panic because I have compiled a list of thoughtful, unique gifts to make any dad feel appreciated.
Gift #1: “Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody 8qt Cooler.” For a dad who cannot get enough of fishing, having the right gear can make a difference between a good day and a great one. Think about it — staying refreshed with cold drinks and keeping his catch fresh is a priority. That is where a high-quality, portable cooler for $29.99 comes in! It is a gift that enhances his time on the water by making his trips more enjoyable and comfortable.
Gift #2: “Oversized Outdoor Portable Mesh Camp Chair Green – Embark™.” Whether he is watching the local team’s big game or pulling a fish out of the water, comfort plays a huge role in making those long days delightful. A durable chair allows you to sit back and enjoy the experience with full relaxation. And … there is a plus! It has features like cup holders where he can put his drinks from the cooler, and it is super light, so your middle aged dad can carry it everywhere. Score!
Gift #3: “Crazy Dog T-Shirts Reel Cool Dad Mug Funny Fathers Day Fishing Coffee Cup- 11 oz.” is a perfect blend of fun and thoughtfulness! This mug offers a nod to your dad’s passion while making him feel fully appreciated. It is perfect for drinking good coffee on an early morning, right before his next adventure. What dad does not love to enjoy his hobbies while remembering how his children take him into account every time they see something related to fishing?
Four-year-old boy who loves legos and dinosaurs
So, you’re on a mission to find a great gift for a 4-year-old boy. Maybe this 4-year-old boy is your brother, close cousin or random child that shows up to your holiday parties and eats all the cake. You know, however, he’s likely obsessed with two things; dinosaurs and legos. This guide will teach you exactly how to get this boy the greatest gift possible.
Gift #1: Legos
I mean, who doesn’t love to build their own empire? Although legos may turn your living room into a minefield, it’s worth it. Coming in at just $29, this “Star Wars” lego set will create a galaxy of imagination! Legos are a classic, so why not gift a box that will last for generations. This gift will encourage creativity and imagination, introduce problem solving skills, teach patience and combine fun and patience. This gift isn’t just for young children; it will fulfill the inner child in all of us!
Gift #2: Jurassic Park dinosaur blanket
A Dinosaur is the one creature I bet every child has had dreams of befriending. This “Jurassic Park” dinosaur is comfy, warm and appeals greatly to 4-year-old interests. Not to mention, it is marked at the reasonable price of $22. What’s better than a nice, snuggly, long-lasting, multi-functional dinosaur blanket? You would love to stroll around the house in it too.
Gift #3: Green Hulk Hands
We all know that every 4-year-old wants to feel as mighty and strong as possible. So, what better way to do so than giving him Hulk hands! These green Hulk hands encourage active, physical play, excitement, and imagination. What’s more important than those qualities? The affordable price ensures that you get what you pay for. I’m sure the 4-year-old boy will be very happy to have the power to smash things (softly).
There you have it! This 4 year-old will be astronomically content whether he’s building spaceships, pretending to be a dinosaur, or smashing villains with Hulk hands.
Grandpa who loves Lana Del Rey and cooking
When the present is for your grandpa who loves cooking and Lana Del Rey, finding a Christmas gift that is both affordable and meaningful can be difficult. This criteria is definitely unique but not impossible — so here are a few ideas under $35 to help.
Gift #1: “30pc Kitchen Utensil Set”
Starting off, I browsed through the cooking utensils section to find a 30-piece kitchen utensil set with all of the meal prepping necessities: spatulas, measuring spoons, tongs, graders, whisks, knives and a cutting board, all for only $20.99. This is perfect for a cooking-loving grandpa, and it is especially useful during the holiday season for whipping up festive meals and trying new recipes.
Gift #2: “Lana Del Rey – Born To Die”
Moving on, I found myself in the music section, where countless vinyls caught my eye. Lana Del Rey’s “Born To Die” vinyl for $32.99 is an excellent gift for this grandpa, as music encourages the holiday spirit and it’s by his favorite artist. Vinyl records are also a great choice as many grandpas are familiar with using them, adding a touch of nostalgia to the gift.
Gift #3: “16oz Stoneware Cherries Mug”
This $5 mug is a two-for-one gift. It fulfills this grandpa’s interest in cooking and takes into account Lana Del Rey’s iconic song “Cherry” on the “Lust For Life” album, making this mug the perfect present.
Lululemon Range Rover Mom with a Golden Retriever
The “Lululemon Range Rover Mom with a Golden Retriever” is someone many of you might be struggling to find a gift for this holiday season. Coming from one last minute gift-giver to another, here are three ideas.
Gift #1:
For gift #1, I decided to go with this 14 oz Stanley Cup. These cups are very popular right now, so if you’re considering this gift, I would advise rushing to Target to assure they’re in stock. This miniature cup is perfect for anyone who is on the go, and it will fit perfectly in a Range Rover’s cup holders. At only $20, and with many color options to choose from, this gift is guaranteed to please almost anyone.
Gift #2:
Next, I found something your mom can give to her beloved Golden Retriever. I picked out this adorable Penguin Dog Toy, perfect for the dog to play fetch with on those weekend family hikes. You can never go wrong with a gift to the family dog.
Gift #3:
The final item I selected was this Cozy Knit Sweater. Perfect for the holidays, this sweater pairs well with almost anything. Whether this mom is dressing up for a festive gathering or just lounging at home, this sweater will keep her warm and comfortable as the weather gets colder.
conclusion: There are many ways of being in the spirit of giving without spending money, like a hike with a friend or offering to babysit for your aunt. The holidays are more than what you can wrap with paper; however, if you wish to buy a gift, these ideas are a perfect place to start!
