Teenagers and designer handbags—it’s a topic that sparks strong opinions, both from the teens themselves and their parents.
Luxury brands have always had a certain appeal for young people, but today’s teens, often referred to as “millennials” born between the late 1980s and mid-90s, seem more brand-conscious than ever. Thanks to constant exposure from social media, music, movies, and magazines, they grow up recognizing high-end labels like Prada and Ralph Lauren from an early age.
But here’s the real question: does a 13-year-old really need a Louis Vuitton bag?
It’s not surprising that teens want designer labels—I remember desperately wanting a pair of Girbaud jeans and working hard to afford a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt. What concerns me, though, is the sense of entitlement some teens have when it comes to luxury brands, and the reluctance of parents to simply say no.
Teenagers will always push boundaries, but it’s a parent’s job to set limits. Yet, when it comes to designer goods, many parents seem to struggle with saying no. One parent in a Wall Street Journal article even justified it by saying, “If they keep their grades up, it’s hard to say no.”
I was a straight-A student, earned a full academic scholarship, and my parents had no problem denying my unreasonable requests. In fact, I think they enjoyed coming up with creative ways to say no.
Why does a 13-year-old—or even a 20, 30, or 40-year-old—need a $700 handbag or a luxury car before they even understand the responsibility that comes with it? Constantly rewarding good behavior with expensive gifts doesn’t teach a valuable lesson. In life, you don’t always get a prize for doing the right thing, and that’s an important reality for teens to understand.
There are plenty of other ways to reward kids for good grades—like a nice family dinner or a fun outdoor activity. Not every celebration needs to involve shopping. Encouraging this mindset only creates a generation of consumers with unrealistic expectations.
Anyone who has seen MTV’s *Sweet Sixteen* knows what I mean. A $50,000 party and a brand-new Jaguar for a teenager? What’s left to look forward to after that? If a bar or bat mitzvah costs a million dollars, does that mean the wedding has to be twice as extravagant? Where does it end? When everything comes so easily, the rest of life can feel like a letdown.
Designer items are a luxury, not a necessity. I love a good handbag as much as anyone, but I also have a job to pay for it.
If you’re looking for a stylish yet reasonable handbag for a teen, there are better options than a $300+ logo-covered bag. The challenge is finding something that balances affordability with social acceptance—because, let’s be honest, kids can be harsh critics.
Super-cheap fast-fashion bags from Walmart or Target might not cut it, but high-end designer “bridge lines” like Lauren by Ralph Lauren or Armani Exchange aren’t the best choice either. If your teen has a unique sense of style, brands like Betsey Johnson or Fiorucci could be a fun and more affordable alternative. Shopping sales might keep the cost around $70.
Another option is to check discount retailers that carry designer brands at lower prices. Shopping secondhand on platforms like TheRealReal or Poshmark can also be a smart move—if you’re upfront about it. If you’re not comfortable telling your teen that a $300+ bag isn’t an option, a gift card might be a better solution. The savvy ones will save up and buy what they really want.