![\"hard](\"https:\/\/cupofjo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/teenagers-never-have-i-ever.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div>\nReaders have been asking for another hard-to-shop-for guide \u2014\u00a0think: teenagers, in-laws, and teachers \u2014 so we were happy to put one together. Here are tons of ideas, most of which are under $30\u2026<\/p>\n TEENS AND TWEENS:<\/strong><\/p>\n Preteen and teens are notoriously hard to shop for, so a few ideas: First off, a crushed ice tray<\/a> for those who would give their left arm for a cold can of Dr. Pepper. The Believer\u2019s special sports issue<\/a> \u2014\u00a0including a close read of Steph Curry\u2019s legendary Olympics performance and an interview with open-water swimmer Amy Appelhans Gubser \u2014\u00a0would be fun to pore over together, and gift cards to Zara or local caf\u00e9s are always a hit. Cord earbuds<\/a> are back in style (who knew?), and Anton and I just started Jason Reynolds\u2019s track book series \u2014\u00a0omg, his books<\/a> are such page turners! Twelve-year-old Anton also asked for a Bop It Extreme<\/a>\/my personal hell; and getting to choose between 10 mini cereal boxes<\/a> is one of my core childhood memories (you, too???).<\/p>\n TEACHERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n Teachers make the world go \u2019round, so how can we express our gratitude? Warm socks are always nice \u2014\u00a0\u201cI was introduced to Le Bon Shoppe socks<\/a> by a student\u2019s family years back,\u201d says a reader named Kristina \u2014\u00a0as are gift cards to local caf\u00e9s, lunch spots, or department stores. Share specific reasons you adore them, says Kristyn: \u201cI pin thank-you notes behind my desk to cheer me on tough days.\u201d And \u201cemailing our bosses to share an anecdote about something we did is THE BEST,\u201d adds Whitney. Keep in mind, \u201cteachers have allllll the mugs,\u201d says Katie, but kids themselves can do no wrong, says Sarah: \u201cA leaf your child found will bring me to tears every time.\u201d<\/p>\n IN-LAWS\/GRANDPARENTS:<\/p>\n For the in-laws or grandparents, make them feel seen with a book about their passions \u2014 say, travel<\/a>, painting<\/a>, or quilting<\/a>. For breakfast lovers, you could give a photo mug<\/a> of the grandkids or a handy cooker<\/a> for making the perfect jammy eggs. Send wintery beers from Athletic Brewing<\/a> \u2014 no alcohol, all delicious; and ensure they have a cozy winter with taper candles<\/a> and pretty matches<\/a>.<\/p>\n Thoughts? What would you add? Who are the stumpers in your life?<\/strong><\/p>\n P.S. Last year\u2019s hard-to-shop-for guide<\/a>, and the complete<\/em> 2025 Cup of Jo gift guide<\/a>!<\/p>\n Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission or have a sponsored relationship with the brand, at no cost to you. We recommend only products we genuinely like. Thank you so much.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n