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Teens are tricky to buy for, so this list is sorted by interest: photos, sports, phones, gadgets, games, grooming and clothes. Each section has ideas that work for birthdays, graduations, Hanukkah, Christmas, Get Well gifts and Easter baskets.
- Ideas are sorted by interest: photos, sports, phones, gadgets, games, grooming and clothes.
- Start with what your teen already does every day.
- Every idea works for birthdays, graduations, Christmas and Easter baskets.
Start with what your teen does every day, then pick from that section. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Photo Gifts For Teens Who Love Capturing Memories
Teens take hundreds of pictures, but most of them stay buried on a phone. These gifts help them sort, print and show off the best ones.
- Instant camera: gives them a printed photo seconds after they take it.
- The Photo Stick: finds and organizes photos across their devices.
- Photo boxes and albums: a simple home for printed favorites.
- Scrapbook and scrapbook supplies: good for a teen who likes making things.
- Wall photo displays: turn a bare bedroom wall into a collage.
Gifts For Active Teens
Most teens still like to move. Match the gift to the sport or hobby they already enjoy, and they will get far more use out of it.
- Everyday gear: duffel bags and a good water bottle.
- Wheels: scooters, hoverboards and skateboards.
- Balls: soccer, volleyball, basketball, football and more.
- Winter and rink gear: ice skates, rollerblades, ski equipment and hockey equipment.
- Court and course: tennis or golf equipment.
- Backyard fun: flying discs.
If you are buying a hoverboard, look for UL 2272 certification on the box or listing. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has safety information on these products.
For more ideas, see our Sports Gifts for All Sports list.
Phone Accessories And Gift Cards
Teens love their smartphones, so accessories get used daily. Check their exact phone model before you buy a case or lens.
- Personalized phone cover
- Portable phone charger
- Smartphone camera lenses
- Selfie ring light
- Selfie stick for dogs, an easy way to get your dog to look at the camera
Gift certificates are a safe bet when you are not sure what to pick. Good choices include:
- Gas, for teens who drive
- Music
- A favorite restaurant
- The mall
- Pizza
A few small extras also work well: a blank journal with a pen, a magazine subscription, or a key chain with a place for a photo.
Tech And Gadget Gifts
Think about what your teen reaches for most. If they are always on their phone, wireless earbuds or a cool case may be perfect. If they love reading, a Kindle e-reader could be a hit.
- Big-ticket picks: laptop, Kindle e-reader, drone, telescope.
- Audio: wireless earbuds, AirPods, wireless headphones, shower speaker, nightlight with speakers, and a beanie with Bluetooth speakers.
- Just for fun: robots and a karaoke microphone.
Tip most people miss: if your teen already has a phone case, skip it and buy the charger or earbuds instead. Teens are picky about cases and often already own the one they want. A power bank or earbud case is rarely duplicated.
Room Decor, Toys, Games And Kits
Teens spend a lot of time in their rooms, so decor makes a gift they will see every day. A weighted blanket is cozy for studying or sleeping, and a cinema lightbox lets them spell out their own messages.
Games and kits are great for sleepovers or a quiet weekend:
- Construction toys: Lego and K’nex.
- Science fun: a crystal growing hedgehog.
- Yard games: Slammo, a volleyball-like game.
- Card games: Exploding Kittens.
- Builds and drives: remote control cars and model car kits.
For more, browse our lists of Hobby gifts and Special Interest gifts, plus room decor gifts for teens and tweens.
Clothes And Personal Grooming Gifts
Teens usually have strong opinions about what they wear. Before buying, check whether they have a favorite brand or a specific style.
- Sneakers: most teens have a favorite brand, and the Nike Air Force 1 is a popular choice.
- Jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Large hoops are popular right now.
- Sweatshirts and T-shirts: look for favorite characters, sports teams and other logos.
Grooming gifts that fit in a backpack or locker are always handy:
- Hand mirror with magnifier
- Fold-up purse hairbrush
- PopSockets PopMirror
- Magnetic mirror for a locker
See our Bathing and Beauty products list and Clothes Related Gifts for more ideas.
💰 Teen Gifts By Budget
| Budget | Good picks |
|---|---|
| Under $25 | A power bank, a ring light, Exploding Kittens, a journal and pen, a small gift card |
| $25 to $75 | An instant camera, budget wireless earbuds, a weighted blanket, a skateboard, a favorite team sweatshirt |
| $75 and up | A Kindle e-reader, wireless headphones, a beginner drone, sneakers from their favorite brand |
🎟️ Experience Gifts Teens Love
Many teens would rather do something than own something. Concert or game tickets for them and a friend, a class they asked about (cooking, driving, photography), or a day planned around their interests all make great gifts. See more in Gifts For Teens Who Have Everything, or try our free Gift Quiz.
Questions People Ask
How Do I Know What Size To Buy For Clothes?
Check the size charts provided by the retailer or brand. If you are unsure, buy from a store where you can return or exchange the item.
Are There Any Trends In Teen Fashion Right Now?
Large hoops, comfortable yet stylish sneakers and graphic tees are popular. Trends vary, so ask the teen directly or notice what they already wear.
Can I Give A Gift Card For Clothes?
Yes. Many teens like choosing their own clothes. Just make sure the gift card is for a store they like.
Keep Reading: Gifts For Book Lovers Who Read Every Night, Best Gifts For Runners Who Already Have Shoes, Best Tween Gifts For Every Occasion, Terrific Family Gifts.
What Do Teens Actually Want As A Gift?
Things they use every day: phone gear like earbuds or a power bank, room decor, games to play with friends, clothes in their own style, and experiences like concert tickets or a day out.
How Much Should I Spend On A Teen Gift?
Most people spend $25 to $75 on a main gift. Small extras under $25, like a ring light or a card game, make good stocking stuffers or add-ons.
📚 Keep Reading
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