68 Gifts for Teens That Are Actually Cool
Updated: Jun. 08, 2022Whether you're shopping for gifts for teen girls or boys, our guide has you covered.
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The best gifts for teens
Teenagers are notoriously hard to shop for. Sure, you might be a master of buying gifts for toddlers, gifts for Harry Potter fans, and gifts for tween boys, but gifts for teens pose a totally different challenge. Teenagers are connoisseurs of the cool, and as an adult you’re probably automatically out of touch.
If you’re hunting for the perfect gift ideas for kids in their teens, you’re in luck. We consulted picky teenagers to uncover the most-wanted presents for birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah, and everything in between. The budget starts at ten bucks and climbs (you didn’t think Converse platform sneakers came cheap, did you?). Speaking of budget, check out these cheap Christmas gifts that won’t break the bank.
This guide to the best gifts for teens includes a mix of the new, the edgy, the yummy, the original, and the totally comforting. Whether you’re shopping for gifts for boys, gifts for girls, or unisex Christmas toys, you’ll find something for every teen here.
Dippin’ Daisys Scout Top
Best for: matching loungewear sets
Matchy-matchy is the trend wave to ride this season, and this Scout top makes it easy to snuggle up in style. The Scout long sleeve crop top henley has a loose fit, comes in four lovable colors on waffle crochet fabric, and is offered in an extended size range of XS through 3X. Plus, it’s American-made and matches the also-gorgeous cozy comfort shorts.
Peta and Jain Molly Sunglasses
Best for: vintage style lovers
These fun, retro-style sunglasses ooze cool kid vibes thanks to their round shape and metal frame. Choose from a black frame with smoke lenses or a gold frame with green lenses. Either way, you’ll transport the teen on your list to a cooler, carefree era. Here are more affordable sunglasses that look expensive.
The Motley Merino Wool Mittens
Best for: colder climates
Cheeky brand SH*T THAT I KNIT will have texting teens rejoicing with these super-soft merino wool mittens that feature sneaky built-in holes for the index finger and thumb, so hands stay toasty even as they Snapchat. The chic mittens—teen-tested and approved, are handmade by women artisans in Lima, Peru, who knit from home, taking care of their families while they earn a living. Now that’s a gift that gives back!
Terra Ties Hair Ties
Best for: Earth-friendly hair
Tell her to forget her old landfill-clogging hair ties and switch to these fully biodegradable elastics that offer all the strength and hold of classic ponytail holders. They’re plastic-free and come with 27 easy-to-love black hair ties in one affordable package that makes an excellent stocking stuffer or item for a best friend gift exchange.
Etica Marie Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt
Best for: elevated comfort
Strong shoulders and volume-accented sleeves make this feminine take on the classic sweatshirt a surefire win. Each piece is made with a blend of recycled and native cotton that benefits the Better Cotton Initiative, and that’s a gift that gives back.
Hat Attack Cashmere Slouchy Beanie
Best for: teens living in chilly climates
Your teen wear this timeless winter accessory for years to come thanks to the universally-appealing color, incredibly soft cashmere, and cozy style that is a perennial favorite. Whether it’s worn cuffed or uncuffed, it’s a style statement they’ll thank you for endlessly—and you’ll feel good about them actually wearing a hat for a change. Now if you could just get them to wear a winter coat…
Made by Mary Hoop Earrings
Best for: ’90s style lovers
Available in both gold and silver-tone metal that won’t irritate delicate skin, these classic hoops are the go-to accessories she’ll reach for every day. This ’90s throwback works well with her best jeans and classic dresses, and adds just the right amount of fun to a casual leggings-and-tee look.
Evolvh Curls Discovery Kit
Best for: righteous natural hair that doesn’t quit
The best curly hair products help her embrace her natural hair texture and make the most of her gorgeous waves, coils, and ringlets with this all-she-needs set that includes hydration, shine, and maintenance essentials. She’ll use it daily as her favorite hair products.
Tini Lux Mini Trendsetter Hoops
Best for: wearing on repeat
She’ll wear these oval infinity hoops every single day and wonder how she ever styled her favorite outfits without them. They’re safe for sensitive ears thanks to biocompatible titanium and come in either gold or silvertone metal. They also won’t tarnish, and that’s a major win for affordable jewelry.
The Hair Edit French Twist Clip
Best for: the one who always rocks an up-do
This simple-yet-sophisticated clip latches on easily to all hair types and helps create effortless updo hairstyles she’ll be proud to show off. Plus, it’s an under-$10 item that is easy to add onto a larger gift or throw in a stocking without breaking the bank.
Amateras Everyday Hoodie
Best for: the one who shares her clothes
This rich brown hoodie feels smoother than a hot chocolate on a cold day and is designed as a unisex piece that can be passed around the family (or friends group) with ease. It comes in sizes small through XL and is best worn slightly oversized.
OnePlus Buds Pro Wireless Earbuds
Best for: the tech-obsessed teen
If they’re constantly glued to a little screen, chances are they’ll love receiving a set of OnePlus Buds Pro wireless earbuds. They offer smart, adaptive noise cancellation, easy carrying, Bluetooth connectivity, and thousands of positive Amazon reviews that will make you feel good about adding this tech gift to your cart.
Wet n Wild Cotton Candy Clouds Palette
Best for: The beauty influencer
With adorable packaging featuring Sanrio’s Little Twin Stars, your teen will look just as good applying her makeup as wearing it. The palette features 15 wearable hues that are a beautiful collection of mattes, shimmers, and glittery hues that can be layered to create looks as unique as she is.
Retrospec Comstock Ski & Snowboard Helmet
Best for: Snow bunnies
They’ll be the most stylish skier or snowboarder on the slopes with this all-in-one helmet. It’s insulated and breathable, so they’ll never get cold or sweaty, plus it converts to a skateboard or cycling helmet. You’ll love that it has an protective ABS exterior to protect their noggin. It’s available in a choice of nine colors.
Unicorn Pillow Cub
Best for: Side sleepers
One of the best pillows for side sleepers, Pillow Cube introduced these adorable creature-shaped pillows for the younger set. The pillow folds in half, which makes it great for road trips—but don’t worry, there’s a no-fold middle that keeps it flat once it’s unfolded for a better night’s sleep.
It’s a Skin Giant Moon Over the Ocean Yeti Rambler Tumbler Decal
Best for: Environmentally conscious teens
If your teens tote a giant Yeti tumbler wherever they go (a great way to cut down on waste from plastic water bottles), they’ll appreciate this vinyl decal. It’s the perfect gift for coffee lovers. They can stick one on their cup when the mood strikes. It’s a Skin makes skins for other products, too, including Hydro Flasks, smartphones, laptops, and more.
Converse Canvas Platform Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers
Best for: Traditionalists who love a trendy twist
The classic Chuck Taylor gets some height, which gives jeans an edgier look. This hot seller will give your kid street cred and school style. These kicks are a great gift for a girlfriend too.
Dylan’s Candy Bar Bash Cake
Best for: Chocoholics
Childhood piñatas have nothing on this chocolate treat. It holds eight ounces of mini milk-chocolate-covered pretzels and comes with a little mallet to break up the treasure. It’s also a fun best friend gift.
Kodak Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector
Best for: Screen junkies
Give your Netflix bingers something to really stare at with this mini projector, which connects to an Apple or Android phone. It features a built-in, rechargeable battery and speaker. Bonus: It’s compatible with most devices and gaming consoles. Looking for gifts for a brother instead? This is just the thing to have him calling you the best sibling ever.
Beats by Dr. Dre Solo Pro Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Best for: The teen who keeps asking for privacy
Teens retreat when they can, and these tune out the world. This tech gift comes in three colors and offers the option of listening without noise cancelling.
Domino’s Pizza Gift Card
Best for: The teen who’s always hungry
Sometimes the smartest gifts for teens are those that let teens gift themselves. If you have big eaters on your hands, give them a card that’ll let them order their faves whenever they want. It’s fairly inexpensive—the perfect secret Santa gift idea.
Rowan Female Symbol Studs
Best for: The feminist
Go for an understated sort of girl power with these earrings. Rowan’s hypoallergenic posts may be small, but they make a big statement. They make great gifts for sisters-in-law who are proud of their femininity.
JBL Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best for: Shower singers
This portable, clip-on speaker is one of the best gifts for teens who like to belt it out in the shower. It also amps up music playlists on road trips, at parties, or at the pool or beach. It’s the sort of white elephant gift anyone would love, and so will your teen.
Squishmallow Plush Anya the Caticorn Mermaid
Best for: The teen who refuses to give up stuffed animals
Teenagers are still softies, and they need a good cuddle from time to time. If you know a teen who’s still into stuffed animals, this is an adorable pick. It doubles as a fantastic cat lover gift!
Lovful Tie-Dye Socks
Best for: Young hippies
The teen years are for tie-dye. These socks—sold in a pack of five—go with sneakers or boots. They’re fun gifts for a sister too.
HP Sprocket Select Portable Instant Photo Printer
Best for: Photographers
On the hunt for gifts for teens who photograph every moment of their lives? This compact printer spews out 2.3-by-3.4-inch pictures on sticky-backed paper—right from an Apple or Android device. This small gift will have a huge following.
Pura Vida Bitty Opal Choker
Best for: Socially conscious fashionistas
This dainty brass necklace features rose gold plating and a small opal. When it comes to gifts that give back, this is a top option. Founded in Costa Rica, Pura Vida provides jobs for artisans worldwide and protects the environment. Plus, products are packaged in biodegradable bags.
Bluma Project Alys Bracelet
Best for: The accessory lover with a conscience
Hand-beaded by artisans in Guatemala, this bracelet extends to fit from teen to adult years (making it a great gift for Grandma as well). Based in Brooklyn, the Bluma Project honors age-old crafting traditions.
Shein Soft Solid Flannel Lounge Set
Best for: Trendsetters
Gifts for teens don’t have to cost a ton to be trendy. Shein has the latest trends for less, so you can stick to a strict budget. This thick crop tank with pants is a clean retreat after a stressful day.
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Best for: The young and the restless—and experimental
Teens want to express themselves, and this temporary hair dye will help them express their identity without committing to a permanent change. This bleach-free, vegan, and cruelty-free dye is available in 19 shades. In the market for a gifts for your wife as well? This hair dye is a surprising and fun pick.
Meloway Your Way Mascara
Best for: Makeup mavens
This volumizing vegan mascara is made with all-the-rage argan oil and comes in young colors: Cherry Cola (deep burgundy) and Mint Crème (bright mint green). It’s teen tested and approved.
Sterling Forever When Stars Align Constellation Necklace
Best for: Astrology followers
Astrology gifts are always a win. The adjustable (16- to 18-inch) zodiac necklace is available in gold- or silver-plated brass, each with cubic zirconia stones representing your teen’s zodiac sign. An added bonus: It comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint
Best for: Beauty addicts
This just-bitten pink stain was formulated to look good on every skin tone. It’s lightweight and sheer—just enough and never too much. It’s a luxe stocking stuffer for women of all ages.
Alex and Ani Rose Gold Paw Prints of Love Gemstone Charm Bangle Bracelet
Best for: Dog and cat owners
Iconic brand Alex and Ani have created a bangle that looks both carefree and stylish. If you’re shopping gifts for dog lovers, this one can’t be beat.
Oreo Limited Edition NBA Dynasty Sandwich Cookies
Best for: Basketball fans
Celebrate hoop legends with these cookies, stamped with the logo of one of six teams. (Designs vary per pack.) It’s a cute stocking stuffer for teens who live for the game.
Lululemon Cool Racerback Short Tank Top
Best for: Yogis
Sold in 18 different colors so you can find the one that best fits your teen’s aesthetic, this racerback tank is a great gift for the yoga enthusiast or athlete in your house. Buy multiples and give one as a gift for Mom.
Vineyard Vines Whale Logo Long-Sleeve Harbor Performance Tee
Best for: The outdoorsman
This long-sleeved shirt isn’t just comfy—though it is comfy, thanks to prewashing that makes it feel worn in. It’s also a UPF 30+ sun blocker. It’s a great gift for teens who hike, bike, or otherwise spend time outdoors.
KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer
Best for: Bakers in the making
This small but strong model can easily whip fresh cream to top hot cocoa, beat meringue for snowy Baked Alaska (a festive dessert kids love), and handle most any cake batter. The product’s claim to fame: It can make 200 cookies on a 10-hour charge. You might be tempted to give this as a hostess gift, but grab the youthful Blue Velvet shade for your favorite teen baker in training.
Drybar The Baby Brush Crush Mini Heated Straightening Brush
Best for: Teens with bangs and short hair
This sunny yellow tool is a straightening iron and paddle brush in one. It helps reduce frizz and makes hair look smoother and shinier.
Oakley Gascan Cobalt Frame Polarized Sunglasses
Best for: Young Tom Cruise types
Who is the cool kid without a pair of killer shades? These offer a black frame with black lenses. They make good gifts for husbands too.
Lapac Green Leaf Laptop Sleeve Bag
Best for: Students who commute with their laptops
Neoprene (used to make surfers’ wet suits) is the very best for protecting expensive laptops. While this sleeve comes in more than 20 designs, we love this soothing leaf pattern. (The honeycomb design is another favorite.)
The Mindfulness Journal for Teens
Best for: Teens with anxiety
With breathing exercises, writing prompts, and simple meditations, this journal helps teens manage stress and stay in the moment. Know a teen who needs to relax and reduce anxiety? This is the gift for her or him.
Adidas Ultraboost 4.0 DNA Shoes
Best for: Runners
Remember how it felt to lace up and fly down the street? This is the best new footwear for that goal. Adidas makes a version of the shoe for men and women, making this a suitable gift for a boyfriend, girlfriend, and of course, the teen in your life.
Hollister Oversized Hoodie
Best for: Guys who live in sweats
The hoodie from teen-favorite brand Hollister is a super-soft option for days when sweats reign. It comes in a range of colors.
A La Mode Ice Cream Kid at Heart Bundle
Best for: Nut-free kids who dig ice cream
The ice cream paradise on Manhattan’s Upper East Side may be out of reach for most teens, but thankfully, there’s online ordering. The flavors are divine, and teens with nut allergies will rejoice: The ice cream is nut free. We like the Kid at Heart bundle, which includes pints, cups, and bars. Side note: This is also a stellar gift for fathers-in-law or anyone else whose idea of a perfect present is food.
Spotify Gift Card
Best for: Wannabe rock stars
Spotify is like having access to the biggest record store in the world. Give your music-loving teen access to a year’s worth of Spotify Premium (read: no ads) with this gift card.
Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit
Best for: Crafty teens
If your teen has been feeling particularly groovy (or crafty) this year, a tie-dye kit is a great stocking stuffer idea. This one includes purple, fuchsia, turquoise, lime, and yellow dyes—though other colors are available—that are permanent and color-fast, so they won’t fade in the wash. It comes with protective gloves, 40 rubber bands, and an instruction guide.
National Audubon Society Gift Membership
Best for: Nature lovers
A walk outdoors, long or short, stops life’s constant clock, lifts the spirit, and clears the mind. This gift holds the promise of exploring peaceful trails solo or with family. Twenty-three state programs, 41 centers, more than 450 local chapters, and tons of hikes and events offer your teen a chance to see turtles, foxes, muskrats, bunnies, frogs, ocean life, and, naturally, birds.
Popcornopolis Gourmet Popcorn Snacks Variety Pack
Best for: Board gamers
Set up the Monopoly board and bring on the gourmet popcorn. This is a snack fit for fans of classic board games. The snack pack Includes 12 kinds of popcorn, including flavors like cheddar cheese, caramel, and kettle corn.
Noodle & Boo Lavender Essential Gift Set
Best for: Beauty queens
It’s no secret that teen girls have long loved using baby products to pamper their skin and leave it smelling fresh. This brand is a fave with celebs and will gently moisturize with a soft scent.
Havaianas Disney Slim Villains Flip-Flops
Best for: Beach-bound Disney fans
Anyone who has ever worn this brand knows its flip-flops are springy, comfortable, and flattering to the feet. This bold pair, featuring a princess and her nemesis, is one of the best Disney gifts around.
XQXA Laptop Backpack
Best for: Hikers who love tech
Teens are always tethered to technology, which is why this multitasking backpack is such a great gift. It’s suitable for school—it has a laptop compartment and built-in USB port and headphone jack—but works well for hiking and travel too.
Jars by Dani Fudge Brownie Jars
Best for: Teens who like to treat themselves
Jars by Dani ships its Instagram-famous hand-layered cake jars nationwide. The brownie jars are filled with chocolate mousse, fudge brownie, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Each jar serves one to two people and weighs about eight ounces. If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of gift-giver, consider these brownie jars your inspiration. They make great DIY Christmas gifts from the home baker.
Ugg Fluff Yeah Genuine Shearling Slingback Sandal
Best for: Creature comfort seekers
Uggs still rule, but these cushy slippers offer a modern update on the classic boot. They come in a rainbow of colors, including Ribbon Red, Charcoal, Chestnut, and Violet Night Marble. These will walk away fast, so snag ’em now.
Subway Gift Card Pack
Best for: Kids with an appetite.
Hungry teens like Subway—the toasted bread, the custom veggie toppings, the grilled chicken, the special dressings… You’re on a roll when you give a teen this multipack.
UnHide Marshmallow Blanket
Best for: Comfort seekers
This super-soft, queen-size blanket is the deluxe new cuddle for chilly nights. Not only is it an eco-friendly gift—it’s made from 90 percent recycled materials—but each purchase of the faux fur Marshmallow helps the Humane Society with its mission to stop animal cruelty. Your teen probably won’t ask, but we’ll answer anyway: It’s machine washable.
Strap-Its Bra with Metallic Shimmer Straps
Best for: Bra-shinistas
If her bra straps are going to show (and let’s be honest: they will), they should be stylish. This perfect holiday accessory comes in a variety of styles and gives you the choice between two one-size-fits-all bras: regular or plus-sized. There’s an option with interchangeable straps if your teen likes to experiment.
Smeg Dolce & Gabbana Blender
Best for: The future chef
If you’ve got cash to spend and a teen with expensive taste, this is a strikingly beautiful kitchen appliance for a budding chef. It features a Sicilian design from the famous fashion designer. Can’t reason spending that much on a teenager? This is makes for a thoughtful gift for dads and moms who whip up a healthy shake every morning.
Diptyque Eau des Sens Hair Mist
Best for: Beauty seekers
The holidays are the time to splurge on luxurious gifts for teens—the sort of items they wouldn’t (or couldn’t) buy for themselves. Since practically forever, teen girls have wanted their hair to smell delicious. This secret weapon, made by a legendary French brand, does the trick.
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Puffer Jacket
Best for: Chilly teens looking to bundle up
The North Face brought back the classic 1996-version Nuptse jacket. It’s ultra warm, with a packable hood, water-repellent nylon, and down fill in a boxy silhouette. In the mood for more shopping? Browse these last-minute Christmas gifts.
Farm Rio Striped Scarf Crocheted Shorts
Best for: Playful teens who think outside the box
Granny square crocheted ponchos from the ’70s are back. These crocheted shorts are a fun twist on the trend, with bold colors, a drawstring waist, and tassel pulls. They’re a great statement piece for sleep or summer wear.
Smoko Pearl Boba Tea Limited Edition Plush Slides
Best for: The slumber party host
Ditch the gag gifts they’ll never use. Instead, focus on gifts for teens that earn laughs while filling a need—like these adorable and practical slippers. A pampering little luxury, these slippers are a big hit with teens. They run small, so half sizes should round up to the next size.
Return to Tiffany Blue Double Heart Tag Pendant
Best for: The jewelry collector
Nothing surprises quite like a Tiffany box. Any teen would love this pendant with two heart tags, one of which is the iconic Tiffany blue. The necklace is sterling silver, and the chain is 17.5 inches long.
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