What gifts to bring to China for teenagers? [ Edited ]

[#1]

As the eldest of all my cousins, I feel obligated to bring some awesome things back (especially since I haven't been back in 5 yrs, and didn't bring anything last time when they jumped on me, expecting me to dote on them the same way when they were babies...it's so much easier to look like the cool awesome big sis in a toddler's eye *sigh*). However, I'm not sure what's popular with Chinese teens nowadays. The girls don't wear make up, and the boys...well, are naughty boys. But, they are into cutesy and trendy things. I was thinking of bringing some Hello Kitty and Tokidoki trinkets for the girls at least, but I don't want to bring something might be out of fashion for like 5 years already or can be gotten for like $0.50 assuming they don't care about fakes?

Any ideas? of things teens in China would find cool that I don't have to break the bank to bring?

[#2]

Thanks guys! I forgot nails. We aren't big on make up, but nail polishes they like so I might get a couple magnetic ones and a Hello Kitty mirror (if they don't want it, I'll just take it back). Oh boys and their video games. Hmm, they play too much video games, and I just remembered they prob are learning English in class at this age. I think I will go for books and logoed goods.

[#3]

Bring them back iPads. Problem solved. I'm kidding. But really iPads in the U.S. are cheaper than in China. Just sayin'. Anyway, I would make a basket of stuff for them, like personalize it for each of them, but make sure you have options. There's nothing worse than giving someone a fragrant lotion set, which feels like there was no personal thought put into it. If your female cousins are into fashion, try getting them magazines that could be hard to find in China. If they're not into make-up, get them skincare items that even tomboys could use like, Korres Lip Butters. If you want, you can even try to research what China's Sephoras have and don't have, so you don't purchase items they can find there. If you live near a Sally's Beauty Supply, they have a lot of tiny, good-quality nail polishes for 99 cents each. As for the boys, I would go for tech/car magazines and pair them with iconic recent movie posters featuring superheroes, like Spider-Man, Batman, or The Avengers. Or, you can pair them with video game posters. You can also try giving them Lakers/Dodgers/etc. jerseys for the boys. Overall, you can even buy them board games/card games and teach them how to play. I hope this helps and good luck!

[#4]

I agree with what's already been said .

Tokidoki and Hello Kitty are GREAT options. There are a number of different goodies that the lines both offer that aren't just makeup. Nail stickers,compact mirrors, cosmetics pouches (which work well for holding toiletries, pencils, craft items, etc). If they're really into doing their nails you could also bring over a few polishes that may not be available within China, like our Sephora by OPI Betsey Johnson polishes!

[#5]

Not a makeup item, but my nieces and nephew always like iTunes cards. That way they can get the latest Chinese music and think of you every time they listen.

Magnetic nail polish is always cool, and you can get some now in drugstore brands that aren't quite as expensive as the higher end kinds. They don't seem to last as long, but kids change up their polish often anyways.

[#6]

Try and see if there are any Chinese teen/fashion/beauty magazines (or websites of said magazines).  Search around on YouTube as well. There should be a few ideas from those. 

Look for items that are not necessarily widely distributed there yet follow guidelines.  As for what items, think of things that they like and enjoy.  If they are not beauty/makeup people, go for something else.  Remember, it is the thought that counts. 

[#7]

Hi beautytester!

As we don't allow resellers on our site who buy tons of items and re-sell them (VERY often in China and the Phillipines) I can say that Clinique and Hello Kitty are super popular.  They always seem to be in such high demand as they are re-sold to be shipped there SO often from us.

I don't think you can go wrong with some cool little gift sets, and even the Tokidoki items should be fun to use! Just my two cents, so I hope this helps you pick a few items to take along to your cousins.