Great gifts for teens for around $20

Teens are always dreaming big around the holidays, and see this time of year as the perfect opportunity to put big-ticket electronics or sought-after concert tickets on their wish lists. So, for many parents, holiday shopping for their teens can seem a bit daunting.

How can you give your teens gifts they really want without breaking the bank? Here are a few fun gift or stocking stuffer ideas that are sure to please your teen and your wallet alike.

For the "bottomless pit"
Between school, homework, sports, part-time jobs and friends, teens are always on the go. A busy schedule often leaves little time for regular, balanced meals, and has hungry teens filling up on snacks throughout their day. Instead of chips, candies and cookies, give your teen a high-protein snack that can keep up with their crazy schedules. This year, slide a great-tasting, protein-rich snack, like Matador Beef Jerky, in their stocking. Available in a variety of flavors, these tender snacks require no refrigeration, making them a convenient grab-n-go snack for teens on the move. Here is the 411 on some of this year's trendiest, teen-centric flavors:

The "I Want More": Matador Teriyaki Beef Jerky
The "Flamin'": Matador Flamin' Hot Beef Stick
The "Bold": Matador Peppered Beef Jerky

You can find Matador snacks in your local grocery store, mass retailer, convenience or drug store, nationwide.

For the movie buff
This year, take the guesswork out of which DVD or Blu-ray movie your film lover wants by thinking outside of the DVD box. A Friday night at the local movie theater is often a favorite pastime for teens. Help them celebrate the cinema by stuffing their stocking with a movie gift card. Theaters have made purchasing advanced tickets as easy as picking up the phone. Add a little extra money for popcorn and a soda to make their night complete.

Movie passes and concession stand gift cards can be purchased at most theaters nationwide. Calculate a budget for movie passes and snacks, or purchase a $20 gift card and let your teen decide how to spend their movie money. Visit your local movie theater box office for more information.

For the techy
With a nod to the celebrated and remembered "Einstein of our time," Steve Jobs, make sure the tech-savvy teen on your gift list is well equipped with the latest mobile apps for their smartphone. Smartphone apps make great holiday gifts and cater to an unlimited number of interests and hobbies. For sports fans, choose an app that gives reminders and results for every major sport. Select apps that showcase chemistry tutorials or an astronomy sky map for your science-minded teen. You can gift your favorite apps through any smartphone carrier via a gift card or online vouchers, and your loved one is sure to be entertained all year long.

Apps come at a variety of price points; visit your smartphone's app store online for more information.

For the music-loving fitness junky
Pair your teen's enjoyment for exercise and music with a gift that keeps on giving - lightweight headphones. Studies have shown that listening to music during exercise can act as a motivator and as a distraction, ultimately improving workout results. Whether your teen is a fitness warrior or a casual exerciser, adding headphones to their music-driven workout routine will keep them feeling pumped-up and energized. Available in a variety of colorful styles from earbud or clip-on, to wireless and over-the-ear varieties, the smiles and excitement that come with this gift will be sure to last all year long.

Headphones come in a variety of designs and price points from $10 and up; check with your local or online retail store.