• Teenagers enjoy presents they find fun or entertaining.gift image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
  
  A birthday present for a teenage friend should be something that demonstrates your knowledge of his interests or personality. Not only does this increase the odds that he will use and enjoy the gift, but it also shows that you pay attention to his likes and dislikes.
  
  

Technology

• Most teenagers love getting new gadgets as gifts. Ideas to consider include a cell phone, stereo system, satellite radio, MP3 player, laptop, video game console, hand-held video game, DVD player, Blu-ray player, bedroom-sized TV and electronic book reader. If your friend already has most of the items listed here, or if you are looking for something that is less costly, consider buying an accessory for a piece he already owns. Examples include a cell phone or MP3 player case, laptop carrying bag, speakers or headphones, computer software, video game, DVD set and CD.
  
  

Hobbies

• If your friend plays sports, scrapbooks, sews her own clothes, collects action figures, paints or bakes, think of something you could buy that would go well with this hobby. For example, someone who loves to sing would probably be thrilled to get a karaoke machine. Someone who makes jewelry would appreciate a box designed to organize beads, clasps and all the other items related to this craft. Someone who likes to camp would enjoy receiving a new tent, sleeping bag or other camping accessory. Buying something related to someone's hobby shows that you pay attention to her interests.
  
  

Games

• If your teenage friend enjoys playing games with his friends, consider buying a table hockey game, board game, poker set, deck of cards, game that uses a DVD player, glass chess set or basketball net. Someone who enjoys games might also appreciate a book of puzzles, such as Sudoku or crosswords.
  
  

Clothes and Accessories

• If your teenage friend enjoys fashion, consider buying a trendy jacket, T-shirt, tank top, sweater, skirt, dress, pair of pants or bathing suit. Or think accessories, such as a wallet, purse, backpack, jewelry, bathing suit cover-up, hair clips, clip-in hair strands in fun colors, sunglasses, shoes, stockings, hats and scarves.
  
  

Gift Certificate

• If you're unsure of what your friend already owns then a gift certificate is a safe bet. To make this gift a little more personal, think of a store that she really likes or a place that offers products or services that she enjoys. Examples include a gift certificate for a store that sell books, craft supplies, pet supplies, media, novelty items, candy or bedroom decor. Other ideas include a gift certificate for a nail or tanning salon, spa, restaurant, amusement park, sporting event, movie theatre or go-kart track.