How’s your holiday shopping going? There are easy people to buy for, and there are hard people to shop for. Gifts for teens can be the trickiest of all. They’re long out of the toys stage (remember how EASY that stage was?) and they can be so picky about everything. Trying to figure out what they’ll like is no simple task.
I consulted my own teen as well as friends with teens of different ages to get the scoop on what this age group actually wants to get. Anything on this list is a safe bet for most teens. I made my teen gift ideas as gender neutral as possible, so these gifts will work whether you’re shopping for gifts for teen boys or gifts for teen girls.
Make sure to check out the other guides I’ve published this year, too. Find The BEST Gifts for Him here and The Best Gifts for Her here.
The Best Gifts for Teens
1. LED Lights
If your teen doesn’t have LED lights in their bedroom yet, or has some empty space to add some more, this is a must-buy. Tik Tok definitely created a LED light craze among teens, but even if your teen isn’t on Tik Tok, he/she will love having these lights which inevitably make their room that much cooler. $24.99
2. Mini Fridge
He’ll keep his beverages and snacks cold in his room, while she’ll keep her skincare cold. I never would have thought of this if my daughter hadn’t asked me for it, but apparently it’s a thing and teens are wanting their own miniature fridges in their bedrooms and bathrooms. $39.99
3. Sunset Lamp
Teens love to spend time in their rooms, so it only makes sense that many of the best gifts for teens are going to be for their bedrooms. This Sunset Lamp projects the look of a sunset onto the wall. It’s an inexpensive way to create a cool atmosphere in the bedroom and teens love that! $19.99
Most teens spend a whole lot of time on their phones. This portable charger will probably become their favorite gift ever because what’s worse for a teen than a dead phone battery?! This has built in cables, so no need to have a cord with them to use it, and it has three different cables, which gives it universal compatibility with all mobile phones. There is also a built-in AC wall plug, so charging it to full power is as simple as plugging it into an electrical outlet. It also charges phones quickly. Yes, I have and love this! $39.99
Unless you get really lucky, you’re probably not going to be able to find the coveted PlayStation 5. It turns out, a friend with some older teens than mine said Nintendo Switch is what all her kids and friends are into now. If the price tag is more than you want to spend, consider the Nintendo Switch Lite instead. $429-$499
6. Blazer Mid ’77 Vintage Sneaker
These vintage-inspired Nikes are super popular with both guy and girl teens. (Find men’s sizing here and women’s sizing here). There are lots of colors to choose from and unlike mom jeans, this is one teenage trend I can get behind. Can I get away with wearing these?!
7. Sherpa Bluetooth® Speaker Lapdesk
Yes, a gift that will inspire and motivate your teen to do their homework! Or at least get their homework done in comfort and style. This lapdesk has a Bluetooth® speaker, Bluetooth® chips, and USB wire, as well as a rechargeable battery. $99-$149
8. Not-So Basic Black Hoodie (His and Hers)
Teens dress for comfort and they can always use a good-quality-wear-with-everything plain black hoodie. The Black Relaxation Pocket Hoodie for her and the Men’s Black Sport Pocket Hoodie for him will be a pleasant surprise for them. These are so soft, with a little stretch, and oh so comfy. Both run true to size. $65-$69
9. Apple Airtag and Leather Loop
If your teen is apt to lose things all the time, this is the best gift for them! They can use the leather loop as their keyring if they’re driving, or connect it to whatever is the top of their most-misplaced list. No more excuses! This is like a gift for both of you! $29-$39
10. Shower Steamer Spray Wake Up Call
This is the little gift your teen had no idea they wanted or needed, but they will LOVE. It’s an all-natural shower spray with uplifting scents to help them wake up in the morning. Is there a teen alive who doesn’t need help with that? I think I want a bottle of this stuff! $22
Help your teen stay hydrated on the go in style with a trendy Hydro Flask Water Bottle. Basically a status symbol (ugh–I know!), but they do a great job of keeping liquids hot or cold and don’t leak. They are also stainless steel, so you’re helping reduce your teen’s plastic exposure, which is a very good thing. $39.99-$44.95
12. Capture the Flag Illuminated
As someone who grew up playing Capture the Flag, this modern, illuminated version had me pretty excited. I always had to come home when the street lights came on, but this game will let them keep playing after dark. If you have a neighborhood full of teens, this would be so fun, and who can argue with a game that encourages them to play in real life without a screen? Winning. $69
I hope this gifts for teens guide is helpful as you try to find the best gift ideas for the teenager in your life. Let me know if you choose something from my curated list that he or she loves!
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This is a great invention for current social networking activities.
Thanks for the great gift ideas!
This has always been a problem for me because I’m not very creative when it comes to choosing gifts!)
Gonna fix it and make our loved ones happy.