OK, here’s the deal — shopping for teens can be tricky and, depending on the teenager, can sometimes seem like a wild goose chase. What do they really want? What will they actually use?
Luckily, the ideal unique gift for teens comes in many forms. Some may adore a Nintendo Switch to get their gaming on, while others may prefer beauty or a shiny trinket from Kendra Scott.
RELATED: The best cozy gifts for Christmas, from pajamas to candles
Not to mention, finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can pose a challenging task (like your wife who has everything and boyfriends who also have everything). Add teenagers to the mix, and it gets even harder.
Are they still interested in that trending TikTok item from last year? What’s “cool” these days anyway? Thankfully, we have you covered.
- Best Tech Gift: Apple iPad Mini
- Best Unique Gift: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler
- Best Cosmetic Set: Kylie Cosmetics 4-Piece Mini Set
- Best Belt Bag: lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
- Best Splurge: Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace
Whether the kid in your life is obsessed with online gaming or can’t stop making dance videos — we’ve got you covered. Below, find the ultimate list of the best gifts your teen will fall in love with, from last-minute selections to planning ahead. Shop from brands like lululemon, Allbirds, Oculus, Revlon, and more.
To shop this article by category, simply click on each link below:
Best gifts for teens overall | Best gifts for teen girls | Best gifts for teen boys
Best gifts for teens overall
Best First-Phone Gift: Tello Mobile Unlimited Phone Plan
Tello Mobile is the perfect gift for a teenager, offering affordable and flexible phone plans that help them stay connected. With plans starting at just $5 per month for talk and text, Tello provides budget-friendly options like 5GB with unlimited talk and text for $14 per month, 10GB for $19 per month, and 15GB for $24 per month. Alternatively, the Unlimited Everything plan features 35GB of data for $25 per month and is ideal for teens who love streaming and social media.
Tello’s service includes reliable 5G/4G LTE nationwide coverage with no contracts or surprise fees, allowing easy plan upgrades or downgrades. This flexibility ensures your teen can always have the right amount of connectivity to suit their lifestyle.
Most Popular Gift Pick: Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie
We recommend Abercrombie’s Essential Popover Hoodie to everyone we know IRL (and, deem it the “perfect cozy unisex sweatshirt”). It’s fairly priced, lusciously soft, and comes in a wealth of colors to choose from. Rest assured the teenager you’re shopping for will live in this 24/7.
Pro tip: pick up the Abercrombie Essential Sweatpant ($70) to pair with it for the coziest athleisure set yet.
Best for Kardashian-Jenner Fans: Kylie Cosmetics 4-Piece Mini Set
Speaking of the Kardashians (or, should we say, Jenners), the Kylie Cosmetics 4-Piece Mini Set is sure to be a bundle the teenager you’re shopping for will love — especially if she’s into skincare. Not to mention, all items are travel-friendly (#score).
Best for anxiety-prone teens: The Chill Pill
The Chill Pill is an innovative handheld device that offers a natural solution for teens struggling with anxiety and sleep issues. This pill-shaped gadget emits gentle electronic pulses that help calm the mind and body, making it an ideal gift for stressed-out teenagers navigating the challenges of school, social life, and personal growth. Unlike medication, the Chill Pill is non-addictive and has zero side effects, providing peace of mind for both teens and parents.
Easy to use and discreet, the Chill Pill can be a teen’s secret weapon against stress and sleepless nights. Its portable design allows them to carry it anywhere, whether it’s to school, extracurricular activities, or social events. With a simple 20-minute session, teens can find relief from anxiety or ease into a restful sleep, helping them perform better academically and socially. The Chill Pill’s one-time purchase also makes it a cost-effective gift compared to ongoing therapy or medication expenses, making it a thoughtful and practical present for any teen in your life.
Best Tech Gift: Apple iPad Mini
This easy-to-use and versatile iPad mini will allow your teen to do their homework, play games, watch movies, create, and more. Choose from space grey or silver.
For more options, check out our guide to the best Amazon tablets.
Best Sunnies: Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic Sunglasses
The ’50s inspire these retro sunglasses and are sure to bring the allure and glamour of the past to the forefront. He’ll be stuntin’ on everyone.
Best Tech: Beamo MagSafe PodZilla Beauty Kit
For the rising TikTok star, there’s no other content creation tool more apt for reels and short-film videos than the Beamo MagSafe PodZilla Beauty Kit. You don’t have to worry about shaky hands any longer with this portable, easy-to-use tripod that doesn’t require an expensive camera for use. Done, and done.
Best Gift for Anti-Social Media Teens: Hasbro Gaming Scrabble Board Game
Go the old-fashioned route and introduce them to Scrabble. This way, everyone in the family can join in and you’ll feel like you’re educating them at the same time. We call that a win-win.
Best Gift for Teens Obsessed with Hair: Bali Secret by Hussell Hair Treatment Serum
If they want to grow out their hair and keep it shiny, this serum is a talcum-free option to keep each lock soft. Makes a great stocking stuffer!
Best Unique Gift: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler
In short, your teenager likely wants the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw (if they don’t already have one, that is). Not only are they super trendy, but they’re a great way to stay hydrated at all times.
Best Skin Brightner: Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C Serum
Teenagers love a brightening serum. If you’re tired of them rifling through your medicine cabinet, perhaps gift them tri-peptide collagen brightening skincare.
Best Stocking Stuffer for Teens: Muddy Bites Waffle Cone Snacks
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for the teens in your life? Muddy Bites Waffle Cone Snacks are a total hit! These bite-sized treats are filled with smooth, premium candy cane chocolate and made with pure cane sugar, so they’re not only delicious but also made with quality ingredients. Whether they enjoy them as a snack, a sweet dessert, or even as an ice cream topping, Muddy Bites is guaranteed to satisfy.
Best for Acne-Free Obsessed: Grace & Stella Pimple Patches
Place the patch over the affected area. It will absorb fluid using hydrocolloid technology to draw out impurities. These patches come in cute shapes, such as hearts, clouds, and flowers, that feel like fun grade-school stickers. Purchase either a pack of 36 or 72 sheets.
If you are not happy with your product within 30 days, the brand will make it right according to its 30-Day Feel-Good Policy. Plus, with Amazon Prime, you can get fast, free shipping.
Best for Teens Who Have Everything: SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds (5-Pack)
Looking for Christmas gifts for teens? You found it. For your loved one who has a sweet tooth, we recommend A 5-pack of SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds. Not only are they delicious, but a teenager will gobble them up.
Best for Teen Moguls: Meixitoy LED Clip-On Phone Ring Light
The Meixitoy LED Clip-On Phone Ring Light is on our wishlist primarily because it allows you to have good lighting at all times. Not to mention, it’s ideal for the teen who loves Instagram.
Best TikTok-Trending Gift: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Cap
This guide would be incomplete without a high-quality reusable water bottle, and the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Cap is one TikTok creators recommend. There has never been a generation more serious about hydrating than the teenagers today.
Namely, its less-than-$50 charm and array of colors to choose from make it a worthy gift for the holidays this year.
Best for Gamers: Paladone Gameboy Heat Changing Coffee Mug
Give them a mug to hold onto their hot chocolate (or something stronger, depending on their country). Who doesn’t love a retro throwback? And to kids these days, that’s fire.
Best for Organizers: Pottery Barn Teen Disc Drop Wall Piggy Bank
Shop one of Pottery Barn Teen’s best-selling items: the Disc Drop Wall Piggy Bank. It’s quite a snazzy way to display some loose change, and it doubles as home decor for their bedroom or dorm.
Best Gift for Chilling Out: Royal Craft Bathtub Caddy Tray
Give them some chill time. Sure, they’re teens, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have all the same stress levels we do. Especially after asking the love of their life out over a DM. They’ll need something to keep them calm while they wait for a response. You know?
The Royal Craft Bathtub Caddy Tray is a gift that pretty much everyone will appreciate. Its organic bamboo design is easy to install. More than 30,000 Amazon shoppers are obsessed with this spa-like accessory. Just be sure they have access to a tub before purchasing.
Best gifts for teen girls
Best for Cozy: Aerie Unreal Sweater
You can’t go wrong with a new sweater. One of our favorite destinations for them is, without a doubt, Aerie. Especially if she’s into the oversized, oh-so-cozy fit (who isn’t?!), this one’s the real deal. Even better, you’ll find plenty of shades available.
Best belt bag: lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
What’s a teen girl gift guide without a mention of the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag? The belt bag is a New York Post Shopping favorite (more on that here) and it comes in a bunch of fun colors to choose from.
Best Haircare Splurge: The Triple Shot Interchangeable Blow-Dryer Brush
Drybar’s The Triple Shot Interchangeable Blow-Dryer Brush has a cult following, and for good reason. It’ll help her look and feel her best.
Best Press-Ons: Glamnetic Wild Card Press-On Nails
Here’s a gift idea for teens who are obsessed with manicures. Skip the salon and give them a short, pointed, almond-shaped manicure that looks just as cute. Plus, the design is sure to make her swoon.
Best for Fitness Queens: Bala Bangles
Spruce up her workouts with these pink wrist and ankle weights. All she needs to do is strap them on and get her exercise on.
Best Splurge: Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace
A delicate stone necklace that can be worn anywhere and everywhere is sure to become a staple in her wardrobe. Choose from two length options and 23 stone choices.
Best Nail Polish: Olive & June The Mani System with 6 Polishes
Gift the teenager you know who’s *obsessed* with manis the Olive & June The Mani System with 6 Polishes. Making a wonderful gift for less than $100, you can pick and choose the polishes with this custom, long-lasting set.
Unique Gifts for Teens: BaubleBar All The Beige Custom iPhone Case
This personalized phone case will make for the ideal Christmas gift. It’s trendy, on-brand, and totally compliment-worthy.
Best Gift for Teens Who Love a Manicure: Livi Gel Manicure System with UV Light
This is perfect for gals who prefer to kick back and relax with their favorite TV show while getting their nails done with their girlfriends. It cuts costs way down and makes beautifully polished nails more accessible.
The DIY home gel manicure kit offers a quick and salon-quality experience. With easy-to-apply pre-cut gel stickers that cure in just 60 seconds, this all-in-one kit ensures glamorous results while protecting nails from damage.
Best Gift for Teens Who Love DIY Spa Days With Their Hair: BoldPlex 3 Hair Mask
Give her a spa day at home to restore her bleached or dried strands so her strands look nourished and loved.
Best Sleepover Bag: Béis The Weekender Overnight Bag
Meet your teenager’s new favorite duffle bag: Béis’ The Weekender Overnight Bag. Available in a slew of shades, this celebrity-owned brand (Shay Mitchell, BTW, if you didn’t know) is one she likely saw on TikTok and currently has on her wishlist.
Best Gift if She Likes Organization: Astrid & Miyu Leather Travel Jewelry Box
If she loves organization, then she’ll love a travel case for her jewels that hold them perfectly into place.
We’re eyeing this pick, in particular, because it’s so versatile. Whether stashed in your luggage for a week-long getaway or your duffle bag for a weekend trip, it’ll ensure your delicate items are stored without need for worry.
This quality storage solution is also available in black leather and — drumroll please — both shade variations can be topped off by a free monogram before checkout, courtesy of the brand.
Best for TikTokers: Hollywood Lights Makeup Mirror
Amp up the ante on your teenager’s makeup vanity with a Hollywood Lights Makeup Mirror. It’s one we personally know and love, and the lighting is second to none. Plus, with a good skincare set, you’re golden.
Best Workout Gear: lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25″
These buttery soft leggings that sit right above the ankle are ideal for yoga and lounging. With 28 various color patterns and 11 different sizes, the teen girl in your life will instantly fall in love with them.
Best Versatile Hair Dryer: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer
This all-in-one dryer, styler and volumizer will be her new best friend. With three temperature settings, innovative airflow vents, tangle-free bristles, and a cool tip, it will become her go-to styling tool.
For more, read our review.
Best Headphones: Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
With next-level sound quality, noise-canceling technology, and up to 30-hour battery life, this will cross off your cool gifts for teens category.
For more options, check out our guide to the best over-ear headphones.
Best Hoops: wowshow1 4k Gold Platted Thick Hoop Earrings
Chunky gold hoops are highly popular gifts for teens. They are always in style and are currently all the rage.
Best Bedroom Mini-Fridge: Cooluli Mini Skincare Fridge
A fridge for skincare products? Yes, please! This beauty fridge will help keep all of her products cool and dry. Trust us, she’ll love it. (And yes, you *have* to pick up this pretty-in-pink shade for the ultimate aesthetic).
Best Tennis Shoe: Nike Air Force 1 Shadow
A girl can never have too many shoes, but we might as well make them comfy! Nike revamps their famous Air Force 1’s with pastel and bright colors. Choose from an assortment of 12 designs.
Best for Disney Fans: CORKCICLE Cinderella Sport Canteen
Take her back to her childhood with this Cinderella sports canteen. The 20-ounce Cinderella water bottle can be tossed in her backpack, used at home, or taken to practice. Best of all, it keeps things cold for 25 hours and hot for 12.
Best for Parisian Aesthetic: Verve Culture Moroccan Shopping Basket Backpack
Many are trying to become more sustainable and earth-friendly. Gift her a beautifully woven backpack basket for her to store all of her groceries in or to carry to the farmers market.
Best Sleepover Game: Never Have I Ever Card Game
Gift her some fun with this card game made just for girls 17 and up. Inside the box are 224 cards, eight custom paddles, and a spinner to create a time of laughs and unforgettable moments.
Best Trendy Hair Tool: Mermade Hair 32mm Pro Waver
Social Media’s favorite hair waver is sure to make her smile as soon as she unwraps it. With an easy-to-use design, 60 second heating time and an auto-shutoff feature, it’s a must-buy.
Best Humidifier: Hey Dewy Cool Mist Humidifier
Help her keep her skin dewy and perfect with this mini humidifier. It’s wireless, rechargeable, and portable.
Best Decorative Piece: Macrame Moon Dream Catcher
Woven by hand and using natural cotton, this detailed dream catcher will create a bohemian dream within her space. Illuminated fairy lights are also included to create warmth.
Best Speaker: JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Available in 12 colors, this JBL FLIP 5 is the perfect gift. With epic sound quality, wireless Bluetooth streaming, and waterproof capabilities, it’s a must-buy.
For more options, check out our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.
Best Accent Lamp: Mind Glowing Store 3D Galaxy Moon Lamp
This lamp is out of this world. Illuminate her space with this dazzling moon lamp designed to bring the universe to her. It will glow her mind.
Best Cross-Stich Kit: 3 Embroidery Starter Kits
Let her creativity flow with these three embroidery starter kits. The kits include everything needed alongside detailed instructions.
Best Journal: Self-Care: A Day and Night Reflection Journal
This 90-day reflection journal will help ground your teen girl by providing intentional self-care. Practices within the journal will help her develop positive thinking, an ability to overcome challenges and successfully curate an overall healthy lifestyle.
Best Turntable Suitcase Set: Crosley Cruiser Plus Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable
Now, she can play tunes her way with this tie-dye turntable. When she’s ready to go, she can simply pack up and be on her way.
Best gifts for teen boys
Best Tech Set: Courant Catch: 3 Essentials
When we tell you this wireless charging and accessory tray will become his go-to tech gift, we mean it. Features include multi-coil, single-device wireless charging technology, designer-quality Belgian Linen and oft-touch ABS for added durability.
Best for Cool Guys: Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
This 100% recycled polyester full zip-up jacket is perfect for all of his outdoor adventures. Available in stonewash and black, you can find his perfect match.
Best Walking Shoes: Allbirds Men’s Wool Runners
Give him the soft and cozy gift that minimizes odor, is machine washable, and flexibly conforms to each of his movements. Trust us, they’ll become his new favorite pair of sneakers.
Best Funny Gift: Happiness Shop ‘I Paused My Game To Be Here Funny T-Shirt’
Give him a laugh with this funny gamer T-shirt. Whether he’s headed to school or a family event, we all know he paused his game to be there.
Best School Bag: CALPAK Luka 15″ Laptop Backpack
For teenage boys, you can never go wrong with a new backpack — especially one that can fit his laptop. Our favorite? The CALPAK Luka 15″ Laptop Backpack. It comes in a sweet array of colors, has multiple interior and exterior pockets and comes with a scratch-resistant, well-made exterior.
Best Toiletry Set: Toiletries The Harvey + Oliver Shower Set
The ultimate shower organizer features multiple compartments to hold toothpaste, razors, shampoo and more. Plus, a fog-resistant and shatterproof mirror is included, which is perfect for shaving in the shower.
Best Tumbler: YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
The YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler is the $35 purchase of the century. It comes in a variety of shades, is the ultimate gift idea for the adventurous teenage boy in your life (or anyone, for that matter), and is dishwasher-safe for extra convenience.
Best Skincare Set: Jack Black Clean & Cool Body Basics
This set comes with everything he’ll need to cleanse, rejuvenate and relax. Send him into a blissful, well-needed scrub down.
Made for Military Fans: Nike Air Force 1 ’07 LE
This limited-edition take on the original Air Force 1’s will give him something fresh this holiday season. With durably stitched overlays, support, and Nike Air cushioning, he will be comfortable and stylish.
Best Cozy: adidas ALL SZN Fleece Tapered Leg Zip Pants
The adidas ALL SZN Fleece Tapered Leg Zip Pants caught our attention, much ado to their comfy, versatile fit and feel. We’ve gifted pairs upon pairs of adidas bottoms and they never disappoint, too.
Best Ultra-Soft Shirt Lovers: Vuori Strato Tech Tee
Let’s be real — a guy can never have too many T-shirts. One of our favorite brands for well-made athleisure is Vuori, and its Strato Tech Tee is tough to beat. You’ll surely want to pick up a few different shades, too.
Best White Elephant: Teen Guy’s Gift Basket
What better and more fitting gift idea to grab than something named the “Teen Guy’s Gift Basket?” Custom-made on Etsy, this all-in-one bundle has everything he needs: a retro arcade game, handy back scratcher, a play football, and more.
Best Projector: KODAK FLIK HD10 Smart Projector
For an elevated tech gift, grab the teen boy in your life the KODAK FLIK HD10 Smart Projector. Not only is it widely available online but it’ll up the ante on at-home movie nights.
For more options, check out our guide to the best outdoor projectors.
Best Headphones: Marshall Motif True Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Meet one of our favorite wireless earbuds that make a phenomenal gift: the Marshall Motif True Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones. Though a splurge, they’re practical, have a handsome design, and boast incredible sound quality. Yes, please.
Best for New Shavers: Meridian The Starter Kit
He is turning into a young man, so treat him to a trimmer plus one replacement blade.
Best Splurge: Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Whether he is studying, relaxing or going for a run, these over-ear headphones are a perfect addition to his favorite products. Choose from six different color options.
Best Tech: Apple AirPods Pro
Apple’s new AirPods Pro feature both a noise-canceling technology and transparency mode to interact with the world around you. Plus, they are water and sweat-resistant and come with three sizes of silicone earbud tips for the perfect fit.
Best for Meme Lovers: What Do You Meme? Card Game
He’s a teen, so obviously he’s in love with memes. Get him the oh-so-fun game that’s sure to get him and his friends laughing out loud. And maybe he can teach you a thing or two about meme culture!
Best for Gamers: Razer Wolverine Ultimate Xbox One Wired Gaming Controller
The most customizable controller yet is here, and your teen boy will be overjoyed to receive it at any time of the year. The controller is compatible with Xbox Series X and Xbox One.
Best Time Waster: Mixi Magnetic Dart Board
A safe take on the classic dartboard comes to life with this double-sided magnet set. The set includes 10 total darts in both red and yellow for double player fun.
Best Next-Level Gamer Gift: Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe
A larger deluxe version of the original Mario Kart racing wheel will create an authentic racing experience unlike any other. So bring his games to life.
Best Gadget Gift: POWERUP 4.0 The Next-Generation Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Kit
Elevate his favorite pastime (making paper airplanes, that is), with the POWERUP 4.0 The Next-Generation Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane Kit. For less than $75, this high-tech activity is worth every penny (and a conversation starter).
Best for Harry Potter Fans: LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Set
Is he a Harry Potter fan? If so, get him a Toy Of The Year award winner present this holiday season. Building a replica of Hogwarts Castle has never been so fun.
For more options, check out our guide to the best adult LEGO sets.
Best Cologne: Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Eau de Toilette 3.4 oz
A cool spiced scent featuring notes of white pepper, vetiver and tonka bean will make this his new favorite scent. After all, he’s on his way to adulthood soon.
Best Bro Bag: adidas Originals Utility Crossbody Bag
The crossbody sports pouch made to carry the essentials features a zip-top and flap closure. Whether it’s his sunglasses and phone or his wallet and some hand sanitizer, it now has a place.
Best for Young Adults: J. Crew Pajama Set In Cotton Poplin
Everyone needs a good pair of pajamas, so gift him the coziest PJs out there. This J.Crew two-piece set will certainly bring a smile to his face. After all, you can’t go wrong with a quality pair of men’s pajamas.
For more options, check out our guide to the best J.Crew gifts.
Best for Hygiene: Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
While toothbrushes don’t always scream “best gifts,” this one does. Not only does it come in three various colors, but it also features smart pressure indicators, setting displays, customizable options and more.
For more options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best electric toothbrushes.
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