Although Halloween hasn't even arrived yet, I already feel it is time to begin my holiday gift recommendations. In addition to individual articles, I've divided by holiday gift guide list posts into so many different categories this year, that if I don't begin now, I'll never get them all in.

The title of this first guide, 5 Useful Teen Gifts for the Holidays, might appeal to parents more than teens, however your teens will enjoy the actual gifts.

1. Livescribe echo smartpen - Livescribe's newest smartpen does everything. You teen will never have to worry about note taking again. When the pen is used with the Livescribe notebooks, any notes taken can be automatically transferred to your computer. However, the best part is that the pen also picks up all the audio while it is on, so that even if you only jot down bits and pieces of a lecture, you can have the complete class recorded and downloaded to your computer and synched with your notes. Can you think of a more useful present for a student?

2. NewYu Connected Fitness Moniter - Unlike pedometers which only count steps, the newyu fitness monitor tracks all physical activity you do, including, biking, elliptical, cooking, cleaning and shopping. You just clip the small lightweight monitor to a waistband, collar of sleeve and leave it on all day. You can then snyc your information to your computer via USB adapter or to an android phone app via bluetooth. Your dashboard will display charts and data to help you set and achieve goals.

3. Cygnett iPad accessories - Although Cygnett sells a variety of electronics and accessories, I am especially impressed with those for the iPad. I originally bought the cover that Apple sells for the iPad2 and then quickly realized that there is nothing covering the bottom of the iPad. Also, the Apple cover easily falls off in a fall. If you've spent the money to get your teen an iPad in the first place, then you want it protected. Cygnett cases come in a variety of styles and colors, allow your iPad to stand, and are very reasonably priced. If you have one iPad for the family and you are going on a driving trip, you can buy Cygnett Car Mount for the iPad. You attach it the the back of the front seat and the back seat passengers can watch videos.

4. Openbucks Gift Cards - I usually don't recommend gift cards as a gift, however Openbucks gift cards are different. You buy a gift card from one of many retailers, including, Subway, CVS and Sports Authority. However, your teenager can use the gift card either at that store or on one of several online websites, many of which which are online games. Some of the websites include Aeria Games, Artix Entertainment, Bigpoint and World Golf Tour. This way your teens can play without the need for a credit card.  (obviously, this is not a gift that I would give a younger teen or tween, but could make a great gift for an older teen or college student).

5. For Beginners Books - This Graphic YA Nonfiction Book Series covers a range of topics in a humorous comic book style. I received a copy of Democracy for Beginners to review, which I am enjoying very much. Some of the many other topics available are Art Theory, Ayn Rand, Global Warming, Linguistics, Malcolm X, Olympics, Philosophy and Zen.  These are great books for teens to read before or in case they don't cover these topics in school.

I hope you found something in here that would make a good gift for your teens. Please come back because I have many more gift recommendations to come.

Full Disclosure: I received a free Cygnett case and car mount to review. I also received a free Livescribe Echo Pen in a gift bag from a completely unrelated event without being asked to review it. I haven't received anything from Openbucks or NewYu. 

See also:   
SensoGlove - Best Golf Gift under $100
Powerbag for Teens, Travelers and Techies
Best Books for Teens for Holiday Gifts 2011
Best Holiday Gift Posts Compilation
Unique Holiday Present for Teens and Tweens - Rockboard Scooter
Nanoblocks for Teenagers and Adults

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