60 Gifts for Teens That They'll Actually Like
Some people say that teens are difficult to shop for, but we beg to differ. Grab any one of these gifts, and we guarantee you'll get plenty of smiles and "thank-yous" from your kid.
Observable fact: Teens today actually have great taste. They enjoy campy TV shows like Riverdale as much as classic throwbacks like The Office and Golden Girls, they love self-empowerment anthems from Selena Gomez and Doja Cat, and they dress so well that the Internet often wonders if they even go through an awkward phase anymore. (The jury's still out on that one.)
Needless to say, we think they're pretty fun to shop for. If you've been searching high and low for a present that will please your teen, breathe a sigh of relief because we have 60. Keep reading to see our best gift ideas for teens in 2024.
If you're wondering what teens are reading these days, it's the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. This sweet coming-of-age story — told over the course of four graphic novels — follows shy Charlie Spring who befriends rugby player Nick Nelson, only to discover that he might want something more. You can add to the warm and fuzzy feelings with our other favorite gifts for book lovers down below.
Shop More Bookish Gifts for Teens
While 2023 was all about the Stanley Quencher, 2024 has introduced everyone's favorite new water bottle, the Owala FreeSip. Help them stay hydrated throughout the day (in style, of course) with this triple-insulated water bottle. We're obsessed with Owala's color-blocking patterns, and your teen will be, too. Find even more color options of this trendy bottle on Amazon and at Target.
If they're still talking about the Super Mario Bros. Movie, then there's a good chance that your teen would like this Piranha Plant table lamp. The light is the perfect size for their desk, dresser or nightstand, and it emits a warm glow once plugged in.
The Eras Tour isn't over yet! If they have plans to watch the movie (again) or were lucky enough to get tickets for the final leg, then your Taylor Swift-loving teenager could definitely use a friendship bracelet kit. Our advice? Snag this one off Amazon; it has plenty of letter beads and 24 colors to fully capture each Era.
Nothing — we repeat — nothing will make your teen laugh like this retro-style concert tee featuring the family dog. Made from quality cotton, this shirt is as comfortable as it looks and takes on a perfectly aged aesthetic the more you wash it. It's the perfect gift for the dog's biggest fan.
They'll have no problem keeping track of their AirPods when their case looks like their favorite snack. Snag one of these hilarious options, which rivals real bags of Skittles and Takis, and slip it into their stocking. The cases are made from waterproof, dustproof and shockproof silicone and are compatible with AirPods 1 and 2. Choose from 26 different snack-themed cases to best fit your teen.
Shop More Stocking Stuffers for Teens
We don't totally get it, but teenagers are obsessed with this dinosaur-shaped chicken nugget pillow. Choose from a few different designs, like the stegosaurus or the T-rex, and watch them gleefully cuddle with their new pillow like a little kid.
It's no secret that Instax Mini film can be expensive. Keep your teen's camera full for the next month or so with this 40-count variety pack. Inside the box, they'll find four pre-loaded cartridges of classic white, rainbow, pink lemonade and monochrome film.
Show your K-pop-loving teen that you've been paying attention and present them with Beyond The Story: 10-Year Record of BTS. Inside the hefty book, they'll discover unreleased photos, hundreds of QR codes to exclusive videos, special interviews, etc., and learn even more about one of their favorite iconic musical groups.
Picture how much sweeter doing their homework and studying for tests will be with this personal candy dispenser in arm's reach. You can fill the pint-sized vending machine with jelly beans, M&Ms and more and easily clean and reload the unit as needed. It comes in five fun colors, too.
If they're a serious sneakerhead, then surprise them with a light-up shelf to display their collection. The sleek unit mounts right onto the wall, and it comes with a remote control so they can switch between seven colors. Need other ideas? Try a sneaker-themed book, poster or cleaning kit for their precious kicks.
Shop More Sneaker Gifts for Teens
Move over, bean bag chairs. Human dog beds are the new hang-out spot. The Plufl Human Dog Bed is an ultra-cozy safe space for your teen to sit back and relax. The memory foam will keep them comfortable for hours, while the machine-washable cover will ensure it never gets too gross.
Trust us: Your teen wants a bucket hat for Christmas. Slip this checkerboard-printed one into their stocking for instant smiles and endless selfies. You can choose from 40 trendy patterns, like daisies and butterflies, and rest assured that your teen will actually stay warm this winter.
What's old is new again, which means that your kid would probably, not-so-secretly like a record player. Take the hint and start them off with this Victrola Eastwood turntable. The tan trim makes the piece look vintage, but it actually boasts Bluetooth compatibility and custom-tuned stereo speakers. Be sure to pair the gift with one (or a few) of their favorite albums.
Shop More Music Gifts for Teens
The only thing better than cozy slippers? Cozy slippers that speak to the early 2000s, of course. Put your teen in a positive Y2K kind of mood with these smiley face slides from Amazon. They'll love the ultra-soft lining and bouclé finish almost as much as the punchy graphic.
For the guy with a pretty minimal skincare routine, we suggest The Winter Survival Tube Gift Set. This canister has everything he needs to beat the bitter-cold months, including Standard Issue Face Lotion and Bloody Knuckles Hand Repair Balm.
Every teen could use some space to process their thoughts and feelings. Give your kid the perfect outlet with this personalizable "Thoughts, Notes & Ideas" notebook. Or, if they'd prefer something with guided prompts, opt for the Internet-famous "Burn After Writing" journal, a five-minute gratitude journal, or even a travel journal.
Shop More Journal Gifts for Teens
For the teen who can't help but fidget (or is too smart for their own good), try this cool, shape-shifting puzzle box. The cube will fit right in the palm of their hand and give them something to do for hours on end. It's available in 18 different patterns.
Keep your teen warm, whether he's in the classroom or hanging out with friends, by gifting him this faux shearling-lined trucker jacket. The stylish design has a casual, oversized fit and is available in an array of sizes. He can pair it with a range of tees and button-downs.
If your teen is officially a college student, then they could probably use a personal coffeemaker for their dorm room. We recommend the Keurig K-Mini, which is compact enough to sit on their desk and makes a fresh cup in seconds. It also comes in six brilliant hues, like Oasis and Evergreen.
Claw hair clips are back and more popular than ever. (Thanks, TikTok.) Help your teen accessorize for school or trips to the mall with this six-piece set from Amazon. The soft, neutral hues will complement any 'fit they put together. Need more ideas? Try any of these other gift ideas trending on TikTok.
Shop More Trendy TikTok Gifts for Teens
What's better than a hammock, you ask? An inflatable lounger that your teen can use literally anywhere — no air pump required. But here's what really separates the Wekapo from the rest: It comes with a pillow-shaped headrest and it's available in 20 unique colors.
Sure, they might have LED strip lights in their bedroom, but do they have their own personal sunset? If not, swoop in with this trendy tabletop light. The warm projector rotates a full 180 degrees and creates one vibey setting. You could also choose a marquee letter, photo clip string lights or a mushroom lamp for their space.
Shop More Lighting Gifts for Teens
ICYMI: Cozy is cool these days. Treat your teen to the ultimate lounging experience at home with this oversized fleece hoodie blanket. The body is crafted from cloud-like sherpa and comes in 19 different colors. It's so comfortable, they'll probably want to wear it to school, too.
Win over the avid gamer on your list with a copy of College Football 25. The ultra-realistic video game allows players to immerse themselves in iconic college football stadiums, complete with decibel-shaking soundscape, while playing their squad's biggest rivals. Needless to say, it'll hold their attention for hours. And if you need more ideas? Try any of the accessories down below.
Shop More Gaming Gifts for Teens
There's just something about Hello Kitty that transcends time. Give your teen one adorable way to protect their tech with this Hello Kitty-themed laptop sleeve. The puffy case is made from recycled materials and boasts a hoop-and-look closure.
If you're a parent or guardian with a really good sense of humor, then surprise your teen with a set of temporary tattoo markers. This eight-pack is completely skin-safe and will allow your teenager to express themselves (and wash their creations off afterward).
Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? If they flew through the second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty and are dying to know what's up next for Belly and the boys, then surprise your teen with the books by Jenny Han. The bestselling series will keep them on their toes and might just change how they see the Fisher brothers!
If they don't have a Nintendo Switch yet, chances are it's on their wish list. The Switch Lite is a new version of the Nintendo Switch system that's optimized for personal, handheld play. With a built-in +Control Pad and a sleek, unibody design, it's amazing for on-the-go gaming. And, given that the device will keep them busy for hours on end, we insist that it's worth the price tag.
Heatless curls? Glazed doughnut nails? Yes, please. If your teen is on top of the latest beauty trends, then they'd probably (read: definitely) love to receive a Glossier Beauty Bag. The pink cosmetic case is large enough to fit their entire collection, and it's padded to prevent items from breaking.
Turn any drive into a quick game of Carpool Karaoke with this wireless microphone. The device includes a built-in phone holder so passengers can select a song (HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan, anyone?) and belt the lyrics on their way to and from school.
Now, this is what we call a one-of-a-kind gift. Your teen is pretty much guaranteed to laugh (okay, cringe) when they open these custom face socks. For maximum embarrassment, choose an old yearbook photo or decorate the socks with pictures of their adoring parents.
Pause the usual scrolling and promote some parent-teen bonding with this football bean bag toss game. The base is crafted from a Dibond ACM panel, and it comes with mounting hardware and six polyester bean bags. Best of all? They can take it with them to college.