Holiday Gift for Tweens & Teens

Let's talk holidays. Now, I'm not the kind of gal who pops a plastic Santa in my front yard the day after Halloween. I must admit, however, that I will put up the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving. So whether your polishing your Menorah, stringing up the lights or prepping your Nativity set, it's a guarantee your thinking about gifts for your loved ones. One of the hardest groups to shop for is your tween or teen.

The young generation has grown with technology and are experts at all things gaming, computers and photography. Yup, all teens I've ever encountered love to snap pictures with their phone or point-and-shoot. They post the images on Flikr, Facebook or even their blog. With that understanding, can I make a holiday purchase recommendation?

How about putting together a low-cost camera kit? I've put a little something together for all of you to consider....

Nikon J1 is a great new camera by Nikon that's compact, portable and highly responsive auto focus with super fast shooting speed. This camera snaps photos while recording movies.

Why not throw in a fashionable bag to carry that fun camera around. I suggest the trendy Manfrotto Veloce Backpack that comfortably fits all your camera gear and tripod either inside or outside the bag as well as up to a 15.4” laptop(17” Apple).

There are a few accessories for under $25 that you can throw in as stocking stuffers such as the Manfrotto Small Pocket Support, Monopod, Quick Release Camera Strap and a LensCoat BodyBag.

I hope my holiday ideas are helpful. The above takes care of the gadgets, but how about throwing in a Charleston Center for Photography gift card for a one-day workshop or six-week class? Now you're looking at the best holiday for your teen ever!

I must go now. I have to deck the halls!