As we embark on the journey of homeschooling teenagers, we recognize the importance of fostering creativity in their educational experience. To make the holiday season—or any occasion—extra special, we’ve compiled a list of thoughtful gifts designed to inspire imaginative thinking, innovation, and self-expression in teens.
1. Creating Digital Gifts Unit Study
Dive into a world of creativity with this online unit study on creating digital gifts. Teens can complete it at their own pace, and by the end of the course, they will know how to make a wide variety of gifts, all online. From virtual Christmas cards to online jigsaw puzzles, many teens will enjoy working on these projects and sharing them with friends and family.
2. 3D Pen or Printer
What if teens could imagine an object, and then make it in real life? Well, with a 3D Pen or a 3D printer, they can do just that! Although these things may seem complicated, they are fairly straightforward to use and there are numerous online tutorials to get your teen started!
3. Fiber Arts Kit
Crocheting, knitting, macrame, all of these are fun ways to keep teens creative and crafty. While there is definitely a learning curve, online tutorials can be a huge help. Kits like this one, this one, or this one are great ways to get started!
4. Interactive Science Kits
Combine learning and creativity with hands-on science kits. Whether it’s building a robot or conducting chemistry experiments, these kits turn education into an exciting, creative endeavor.
5. Programming Classes
Unleash their coding talents by gifting a course in programming. Whether it’s Scratch for beginners, or Python for the more advanced, learning to code is a journey in logic and creativity.
6. Outdoor Gear
Outdoor gear can be an excellent gift for creative teens as it encourages them to explore and draw inspiration from the world around them. Items like a durable backpack, compact sketching or painting supplies, or even a portable hammock provide tools for creative expression in natural settings.
7. Canva Graphic Design Class
Encourage a passion for graphic design with a course on how to use Canva, a popular website. Dreaming up and designing their own logos, advertisements, and posters allows teens to express their unique perspective and storytelling abilities.
8. Subscription to a Book Box
Book subscription boxes that include not only a carefully selected book but also related items like artistic bookmarks, exclusive artwork, or creative writing prompts can be delightful for literary-minded teens. LitJoy gives you choices of books and fun accessories, if you or your teen like a little agency in process.
9. Photography Class
Encourage a passion for photography with a photography class. Capturing the world through a lens allows teens to express their unique perspective and storytelling abilities. Choose from either asynchronous or self-paced options.
10. Stop-Motion Animation Kit
Animation software or tools, like a stop-motion animation kit, can be a great way for creative teens to bring their ideas to life in a dynamic and visually engaging way. Containing everything your teen needs to get started, these kits are a great launching point for your amateur animator. It is compatible with Windows or MacOS.
11. Cooking Class
Introduce the world of cooking in the most hands-on way possible: cooking classes! America’s Test Kitchen offers subscriptions to an online video library, and Sur La Table offers individual live Zoom sessions with cooking professionals.
12. Candle-Making Kit
Foster creativity through candle-making with this kit from SoftOwl. Scents, wax, and containers are all included–everything your teen needs to make their own candles! Candle-making kits are especially appropriate holiday gifts, and are a wonderful way to brighten the darkest time of the year!
13. Digital Business Classes
Has your teen ever wanted to open up an Etsy shop or start their own podcast? These classes can set them on the road to success in such ventures! They are an excellent gift for any enterprising young person in your life.
14. SIM Games
A SIM game can be an ideal gift for creative teens as it offers a virtual canvas for them to build, design, and experiment. Games like Cities: Skylines, SIM City, or Stardew Valley provide a platform for creative expression, allowing teens to construct and personalize entire worlds, homes, and characters. Through strategic decision-making and design choices, they can explore their architectural, artistic, and storytelling skills in a dynamic and interactive environment.
15. Art Classes
Fuel your teen’s artistic inclinations with online art classes. Art supplies such as sketchbooks, paints, or a graphic tablet work well in conjunction with class, providing an outlet for self-expression.
In Conclusion…
In gifting these kits and courses, we aim not only to celebrate the present but to sow the seeds for a future where creativity flourishes in every aspect of teens’ lives. Let’s embark on this journey of fostering creativity together, making a truly extraordinary holiday season.
Wishing you and your teen homeschoolers a season filled with creativity and joy!
