Not every teenager wants a football. Not every teenager wants a sweater from Abercrombie & Fitch. Not every teenager wants the trending gift.
For that kind of kid in the Hudson Valley, alternative styles and cultures are alive and well. When purchasing for them, going to a chain store is basically a waste of time and money. They don’t want to look like everyone else. They also might be making a stand against mass-produced items.
If it is your own kid, you might know what they want and might be able confidently to purchase a skull, some dice or a sweatshirt with just the right edgy sentiment. As an aunt, uncle or friend, however, you might not quite get it. It would be easy for you to fail completely in your gift-giving.
I asked such a kid, what would you do? “Go to a vintage store!” was the immediate answer.
Vintage stores are sort of a battle cry for many teenagers. Vintage stores in the area have used clothing rather than contributing to fast fashion. They also often have stuff from unique local crafters and clothing designers who adhere to an alternative style.
I know picking out clothes for a teenager is daring. But I have been instructed not to worry too much. Part of the fun of looking different is creating something completely unique yourself. Equipped with scissors, fabric markers, needle and thread or safety pins, what you buy might not look the same once they get done with it.
If you are intimidated by the act of buying clothes, buy your giftees fabric markers and white t-shirts! You have provided a canvas to start a project on.
Accessories also work. Pop Arts & Crafts makes unique jewelry like anatomical heart, plague doctor, mushroom and eye earrings. They can be found at both Red Owl in Kingston and Curio Cabinet of the Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie. If fashion in general is still too intimidating still stick with vintage stores many will still have options. For example Rewind in Kingston carries vinyl stickers, collage kits, mugs and tote bags all designed by local artists.
Join the family! 
