Hitting thirteen is like obtaining backstage passes to the enigmatic concert of adolescence. The need to choose an oh-so-perfect 13th birthday gifts? It is true. You are on a seesaw; too young and you will receive that famed eye-roll; too adult and it may just accumulate dust.

Usually, electronics appear to find the ideal balance more often than not. Everywhere are wireless earbuds, and they make sense. They liberate hands, untangle backpacks, and churn out songs with little drama. Any room may become a party with a little Bluetooth speaker; a basic smartwatch tracks steps (perhaps including some secret texts to friends). Given your boldness, consider a drone. A little bold, assured to wow, and a proven approach to get neighbors peering over the fence.

Supplies that inspire creativity—think of thick sketchbooks or rainbow-colored markers that can turn a dull afternoon into a masterwork—are much loved by art aficionados. Have a future in cooking or food appreciation? Look for a baking package including cupcake molds and wild sprinkles or a sushi-making kit. Alternatively they might be drawn into the realm of music, plucking a once-forbidden ukulele or combining tracks on a portable keyboard.

Perhaps adventure, real or virtual, strikes the point. Gift cards to try axe throwing, tickets to a nearby trampoline park, or a virtual reality gaming experience will surprise them. Strategy board games like Coup or Exploding Kittens enthrall homebodies. Add buddies and munchies to have great fun right now.

Books are not lame at thirteen. Manga, fantasy series, novels about the strange turns life offers—help people escape or inspire intense late-night ideas. Want to keep the shocks fresh? Monthly fresh thrill from subscription boxes comes in knitting projects, worldwide delicacies, intriguing science equipment.

Not forget the small pleasures: graphic tees, vintage socks, or a lava lamp to liven their castle of solitude. A passionate “thanks” can come from even a warm sweater with internal jokes.

Excellent ancient money If you choose that path, create a memorable balloon filled with confetti or a locked puzzle box. Half the entertainment value comes from seeing them attempt to break the code.

Actually, though, showing you listen and care counts most. Find out what thrills them—movies, animals, magic tricks, comic books, basketball? Have a little chat and you might realize their dream present is time with you preparing homemade pizza or thrifting for vintage items.

Thirteen is a crazy, fantastic season. Show up with something picked with spirit, and it will be a birthday to treasure.