Gifts for the teen who hates everything

Teens are…difficult to shop for on a good day. But having been one ourselves, we know there’s a particular type of teen that’s just a ‘teensy’ bit more difficult to find fun gifts for. Since it’s a busy enough time of year as it is, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the research for you and find a couple of options we’re sure that grumpy cat kid can’t say no to.

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Gifts for the teen who hates everything

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  Smartphone Projector

  There are plenty of ways to transfer the tiny image on your smartphone screen to a big TV, but none that feel as retro as this. Skip the cords and mirroring and set up a make-shift drive-in wherever you want with this portable projection box.
  $25 at Smartphone Projector.smartphoneprojector.co

• Monocle

  No, not the eyepiece that last had its heday in the early 1800's but a similarly shaped speaker, speakerphone and microphone that connects to any smartphone or tablet. Not only does it come in a number of bright colours (always a plus) but they can link up to create a louder listening experience. Which is what every parent wants, right?
  $45 at Native Union.nativeunion.com

• Build-On Brick Mug

  This plastic distraction is compatible with Lego, PixelBlocks, Mega Bloks, KRE-O and K'NEX Bricks, which means it's bound to go with that collection of stackable pieces still hanging around. Perfect for hot winter drinks and avoiding homework.
  $10 at ThinkGeek.thinkgeek.com

• Cell phone camera lens

  There's no need for a bulky DSLR with these clip-able lenses that will turn a camera phone or tablet from a decent camera into a professional one—and for a way better price.
  $70+ at Olloclip.blog.olloclip.com

• Fridge prose

  Salute the coming winter like Ned Stark or wax poetic about Timey-Wimey with these show-themed word magnet sets that come packed with all your teen will need to post their favourite quotes. What other kit is going to give you an "Exterminate"?
  $14 at Etsy.etsy.com

• Keyboard decals

  Know a teen who's got everything they could possibly need, tech-wise? Then it's time to start decorating. These nifty decals for the Mac keyboard add a touch of personality with the added benefit of protecting the surface.
  $14 at Etsy.etsy.com

• Pizza Cushion

  Who doesn't like pizza? Exactly. And now your teen can snuggle up with what will be the only reliable love of their life for the next five years or so. This realistic cushion comes in an equally deceptive pizza box, offering up plenty of prank potential too.
  $22 at Curiosite.mytoys.de

• Meh Mug

  Express their inner dissatisfaction with the world through this sleek mug.
  $3 at ThinkGeek. thinkgeek.com

• Socks

  Run-of-the-mill socks probably won't fly with a teen (but by the time they hit university these will be the best gift ever). Stance socks aren't your everyday foot cover. Subtly padded in all the right spots and nice and thick for those winter months, they also wick sweat off feet—an extra bonus for those snowboarding weekends.
  $14 at Stance.stance.com

• Bacon bandages

  Bacon's been riding a wave of popularity and bacon-lovers are finally free to express their love in any way they can. Given its near-ubiquitous popularity, there's an excellent chance the teen in your life is also a fan—and nothing makes a paper cut sting less than bacon (bandages).
  $3 at Emazing Lights.emazinglights.com

• Sriracha Candy Canes

  Nothing says 'Happy Holidays!' like the fire of a thousand burning taste buds. Move on from the mint and tempt your teen's inner foodie with these spicy snacks.
  $8 at ThinkGeek.thinkgeek.com

• T-Rex planter

  Too old for the delights of a Chia pet? Too young to really take gardening seriously? It's the Goldilocks of teen planters because who's really going to turn down a Jurassic herb garden. No one, that's who. Assorted beasts available.
  $17 at Etsy.etsy.com