Straight Talk: Top gifts for young people

DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: I enjoy hitting the mark with holiday gifts. I have three teenage grandchildren and two in their 20s. Please advise as to top gifts. Also, do kids read books anymore? If so, what are some favorites? —Grandma Claus in Vacaville

Carmela, 16, Davis: Yes, kids read books. Some girl favorites: 'Graceling,' 'Fire,' 'Bitterblue' (trilogy) and 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.' For boys: 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' and 'The Maze Runner.' What this 16-year-old girl wants: exchange program in Argentina, books, dance lessons, clothes, punching bag, pretty journal, nice pens, hair scrunchies, computer.

Maddie, 15, Cotati: NO SOCKS! They're a teenager's worst present.

Gregg, 23, Houston, Texas: Socks, LOL! And underwear! Boxers versus briefs? Know your audience! Ditto for socks. I like mid-calf white Nike socks, but consider the recipient. Favorite book: 'The Endurance' (nonfiction). In high school: 'Demian' by Herman Hesse. An Amazon gift card or money supports the constant need of things for college. Clothing for guys: favorite sport team apparel. To gift recipients: Thank-you notes are a must! I write mine in pencil so I can erase, then I rewrite in pen on blank paper. You don't need a card. Keep it short and simple.

Taylor, 17, Santa Rosa: My list — to inspire you. Stereo, clothes (let me pick), UGG boots, Shellac nail polish, makeup gift card, gas card, Amazon card, cash. Books: Just finished 'The Mortal Instruments' (series). It has the perfect balance of demon-fighting teens, mythical characters, romance and mystery. LOVE.

Geoff, Redding: Top 2014 board games: Suburbia: like Sim City, tile-laying, easy-to-grasp strategy, great for non-gamers — but even I love it. Splendor: quick engine-building game, huge favorite. Dixit: super-fun family story game; tops Charades, which many won't play.

Colin, 21, Sacramento: We show love with material gifts — which is fine. Sadly, most gifts today are made by people working in slave-like conditions. Indonesian mothers who work 40-60 hours per week sewing garments and often must choose between feeding themselves or their children. In the Philippines, imported food is made artificially cheap to drive local farmers out of business. These manipulations are deliberate and are termed 'globalization' — but it's actually imperialism. Slavery never ended, it just 'evolved.'

Become knowledgeable. Before shopping, visitgoodguide.com for product ratings on ethics and worker treatment. I also recommend passing out copies of the riveting memoir, 'Confessions of an Economic Hitman.'

Andrew, 24, Cloverdale: In college, we kept the heater off to save money. My best gifts were wool socks, a big warm blanket — oh, and movie passes. Book: 'Gentlemen of the Road', high-jinx adventure circa AD 950.

Hannah, 23, Auburn: My grandparents give me gift cards, usually for gas (practical), Trader Joe's (practical), and Nordstrom (fun). It just works.

DEAR GRANDMA CLAUS: I hope this is helpful and thought-provoking. Everything Colin says is true. I also urge shoppers to preserve childhood by avoiding laptops, TVs, video games, smart phones, and other addictive technologies for kids under 18 (smart phones being the world's tiniest slot machines). Best bet for a great gift: Ask for a list or take them shopping. —Lauren

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