When They Turn Into A Teen! What to buy a 13 year old!

We all know the old saying, kids… they grow up too fast! One minute it’s Disney princesses and play dates, the next it’s Tik Tok and Sleepovers. When your little one becomes a Teen, it’s not only the fresh batch of daily hormones we have to contend with, but also the idea that what they used to like, they don’t any more, and what was a cool and fun day out, is no longer cool and fun. It’s kind of soul destroying as a parent… just when you are figuring this parenting lark out, they go and grow up! Even so, I guess we wouldn’t have them any other way!

When soft plays no longer cut the mustard as they hit their teens, we must look at cooler and trendier options. So, the question is, what experiences would my teenager like to do?

Essentially, there is no right answer, but if you can find an experience that keeps them entertained, gives them trendy points with their friends AND is worthy of sharing on their socials – You are onto a winner! (Trendy?... I think I am officially old!)

From a parental point of view, we want to take our newly independent teens OFF their phones for a few hours! Furthermore, we can still give them a bunch of “firsts” as they grow into adulthood. Maybe the first time they have been to a real theatre show, or the first time they get behind the wheel of a car!

Turning 13 is a Big Deal!

Turning 13 is a big deal and is rightfully celebrated alongside other significant milestones like turning 18 or 21. It is important to remember that becoming a teen makes them feel properly grown up. You must remember what it was like. At 10 you wanted to be 13, and then at 13 you wanted to be 16 and so on. Those of us over 35 know this feeling does not last forever of course! But at 13 they are grown up enough to appreciate and want more grown-up experiences. One such experience that comes to mind when celebrating hitting 13 would be something really unique like a flight of some kind. You could look at taking them on a hot air balloon ride, but that might be a little on the tranquil side for some, maybe something a bit more adrenaline fuelled? So, a helicopter ride is something I would suggest. You can pick up Helicopter Experiences from as little as £44 per person so not only is this something that would create long lasting memories and of course be worthy of the all-important social media brag; it doesn’t break the bank either! Winning!

Of course, one thing to consider is that many 13 year olds have an ever expanding network of friends, so would potentially want to do something that they can invite their friends along to. Something like an escape room experience would always be a great choice, it’s totally immersive and allows them to problem solve their way out of a themed room of choice. Having done these myself, I can attest to their appeal and again you are onto a winner as it’s a pretty unique gift for your new teen and defo worthy of some brownie points for you as a parent. Another option for something that can be done in groups would be something a bit more outdoorsy, maybe a Segway Rally experience. They will embark on a thrilling ride around a designated rally course, creating laughs along the way and plenty of all important selfie opportunities. Furthermore, Mum and Dad could join in too and they can see how us oldun’s manage the twist and turns of the Rally Course.

Real Value For Money

Unfortunately, some teens invariably hit that point where they want to do “their own thing” for their birthday. As cutting as this might be for a parent, they simply want to do something they can do with their friends and not be embarrassed by having parents in tow. I don’t remember the exact moment I stopped being cool and was officially classified as “old” but I am now regularly reminded of this fact by my 13 year old. Never with any malice, always with a smile but still factual despite my ever-growing denial. A gifting idea for your teenager if they fit into the above category already is something that can allow them to embrace a little bit of independence. What is more lit than a trip with their BFF to the Cinema? (ok, yes I am definitely old).

In all seriousness, they will undoubtedly already love going to the cinema with their friends, but it’s not a cheap afternoon out anymore. What would be better than gifting them a Cinema Pass which gives them access to the newest and sickest films (okay, I will stop with the slang) for a whole year! This gift not only has an instant impact when you present the gift but can be taken advantage of all the year through! Real value for money right here!

Lastly, I would like to recommend what is likely going to be a “first” for your 13 year old, and that is the chance to experience the thrill of a supercar experience. You can get them an experience which allows them to get behind the wheel of a supercar and drive at speed around a racetrack. Now, thinking about my lads doing this puts my palms at sweat, but fear not. The car is specifically designed with their safety in mind with either dual control or emergency cut out features, plus they are accompanied by an experienced co-driver who will guide them around getting the best out of their thrill ride! Social Worthy, Yes! Supercool Gift, 100%! Something they will never forget, almost certainly.

These gifting ideas for your 13-year-old will undoubtedly make you a cool parent, that’s for sure. Will it stop your Teen and their modern slang from making you feel old, unlikely! But when you’re making them super happy with your awesome gifting ideas, who cares!