Shopping for teenagers means unearthing the right gift for a consumer hyperaware of the trends—and someone with a lot of strong opinions and likely very little money to spend on themselves. In order to spare you the search and the eye rolls, we reached out to teen experts, including the editor-in-chief of , and interviewed a number of teenagers over the last year, including our own, to put together this list of the absolute best gifts for teens. The best gifts for teens pay attention to their passions and individual styles.
Some general rules on where to start? “TikTok is a great source for gift ideas for teens,” says Kristin Koch Kennedy, editor-in-chief of magazine. “That’s where they’re finding what’s hot, whether it’s something they’re seeing one of their favorite influencers wear or a cool product that’s trending. ” Another tip: Everything old is new again, and vintage and nostalgia rule.
Personalization earns points, as do items from their favorite celebrities’ brands. After speaking to a number of teenagers and those in the know, such as Kennedy, as well as scouring this season’s trends, we put together the ultimate list of the best gifts for teens in 2023—for birthdays, the holidays and just because. We’ve scouted the best gifts for teenage girls, teen boys and gender neutral picks.
Shopping for others? Check out some of our favorite , including top picks for or tweens like . The Best Gifts For Teens At A Glance Best Gifts For Teens: $20 And Under Costa Rican brand Pura Vida makes wax coated waterproof bracelets that are easy to adjust and also raise awareness for certain charities. These simple, chic bracelets look cool stacked and make great stocking stuffers.
They’re also available as multiples. For an inexpensive, high impact gift for your teen, try these LED string lights. They have mini clothespins to clip photos and postcards, as well as mementos like concert ticket stubs and notes.
Teenagers embrace self-care especially when it comes to their skin, and ice rollers are ideal for minimizing the appearance of pores and depuffing around the eyes after late-night study sessions. This inexpensive roller is also a great stocking stuffer option. Snag a jersey, t-shirt, backpack or a cozy new beanie in their team colors.
They’re probably all about repping their team wherever they go and letting folks know where their loyalties like, so indulge their passion with some new gear. While have been tween and teen favorites for a couple of years, this super popular alternative takes cuddly to the next level. It contains a microwaveable pouch—filled with soothing lavender and flax seed—that you can put in the microwave for one minute when you need some extra coziness, which makes them perfect for studying, lounging or before bed.
Lots of teens love experimenting with makeup, but brush sets are often pricey. This affordable set—from popular California-based brand e. l.
f. Cosmetics—comes with an eyeshadow brush, concealer brush, angled brush, stippled brush, eyebrow duo brush and blending brush, so they’ll have all they need to execute their favorite makeup looks. As evidenced by all the teen-favorite sneakers in our gift guide, it’s clear that shoes are statement-making fashion pieces in middle school and high school.
These individually wrapped wipes keep their kicks scuff- and stain-free and hopefully extend the life of trendy, expensive sneakers. The teen years are fraught with emotion, and many teenagers might appreciate a bit of positive affirmation and inspiration. These little notes are perfect for sticking on a mirror, laptop or just to boost your teen up while they’re studying for a big test.
These star-shaped patches shrink pimples overnight while you sleep—and they even come in a refillable compact. Made with hydrocolloid, they absorb fluid and decrease inflammation, so teens can wake up breakout-free, no filter needed. For cool body art without the long-term commitment, gift these adorable plant-based temporary tattoos.
Choose from among dozens of tiny designs, including butterflies, animals, plants, sayings and more. The mini tattoos are perfect for fingers or inside the wrist—and parents will love that they gradually fade after one to two weeks. While tech is typically a parent’s nightmare, in some cases it’s a vehicle for good.
“Thanks to #BookTok, YA/romance reads will be bigger this year, and they’re a great option parents will love too,” says Koch Kennedy. This newer release, by bestselling author Talia Hibbert, has been on many YA lists this season. While aired live from 1994 to 2004, teens have been bingeing the show on Netflix of late, according to Koch Kennedy.
This top-rated sock set, celebrating some of the most iconic lines from the show, is sure to make them (and you) smile, maybe especially this year in the wake of the tragic and sudden passing of Matthew Perry who played the quick-witted Chandler Bing. Think of this as a gift for you as much as for your teen, because it may just inspire your child to help with some of the cooking. It features Tik Tok-famous recipes that taste good, are easy to follow and, of course, are fun to share on social media.
have thankfully evolved a whole lot since the mid-90s, and they now come in endless colors and flirty prints. Chillhouse is a teen brand favorite for its fun, on-trend nail art and the fact that it’s a quick and inexpensive way to transform your look. Best Gifts For Teens: $40 And Under They’ll be happy to hang around or snuggle into these soft, cotton pajama pants from American Eagle, especially as temperatures drop.
We all know it can be hard to get teens out of their pajamas, but these are an affordable set to treat them to casual days at home on the couch. To their credit, teenagers try to steer clear of single-use plastic bottles in favor of more environmentally friendly options that show off their personality. Stanley mugs are double-wall vacuum insulated to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, and the lid can be used in three different positions, with or without the straw.
This dishwasher-safe travel mug comes in five sizes and more than 20 colors, so you’ll be sure to find one that makes your teen happy. The cult-favorite Revlon One-Step boosts volume and shine to create the perfect hair for everything from selfies to school pics. This affordable tool is a master multitasker: It has three temperatures, two speed settings and it can be used as a brush, blow dryer, hair straightener or hair curler.
For teens who like to always have their favorite bands on repeat, this top-rated wireless mobile speaker can be clipped onto a backpack for everything from outdoor workouts to lounging at the beach. It’s totally waterproof, so it can also be played in the shower to stream podcasts, audiobooks or music. Its rechargeable battery offers up to 10 hours of playtime, and it comes in 11 colors.
With teenagers, the latest leggings can quickly phase in and out of popularity, but these cult favorite pants have secured their place as a go-everywhere staple. They’re made from an ultra-light fabric with a chic crossover waistband and a flattering-on-everyone flare, so gifting this pair will be sure to earn you teen credibility. They’re available in eight colors.
For a high-value item that’ll earn you major points, gift this cruelty-free set. It comes with the beloved-by-teens Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream, as well as a fragrance mist and shower gel, all packed into a petite travel pack. Nothing says teenage independence like a personal, in-bedroom mini fridge where they can store their seltzers, sodas or even beauty items like sheet masks and eye creams.
This Frigidaire comes in four cool colors: mint, pink, red and white. Gift them an AirTag to help them keep track of that item that’s always going missing, whether that’s their keys or their backpack. An Apple AirTag happens to be the perfect stocking stuffer too.
While clip-on selfie lights have been a thing for awhile, teen girls are telling us they now want vanity mirrors with lights so they can perfect their makeup at home. This metal-framed desktop mirror—with overall dimensions of 1o x 12 inches—has three color lighting modes, with cold light, natural light and warm light. It also features a 10x magnifying feature, dimmer and 360-degree swivel.
It’s kind of hard to put into words how much Taylor Swift has seemingly taken over the world this year. But even the most dedicated Swifties are unlikely to have this merch, which includes the lyrics from “Karma” off of Taylor’s Midnights album and an image of her beloved cat, Olivia Benson. It’s available in eight colors.
Launched in 2017, KatieJnyc quickly became popular with discerning tweens and young teens because of the brand’s on-trend, wearable pieces. Case in point: Its ribbed tanks are a staple that go with everything from oversize sweats to high-waisted jeans. This is one fashion item they’ll get so much mileage out of that it may never end up in a crumpled pile on the floor.
There are lots of great beauty options for tweens and teens, but clean skincare brand Drunk Elephant is frequently at the top of many teens’ lists. This cleanser is rich in antioxidants and it dissolves makeup, sunscreen and other oils without overdrying skin. When they’re not in cleats or high tops, teen boys embrace the socks-and-slides look.
The cushy, dual-layer foam footbed and plush strap on these shoes make them the perfect sports-to-streetwear transitional piece. “No matter what sport you play or if you just want a pair of shoes to wear around the house, these slides are the best,” says 17-year-old Oliver S. from Connecticut.
They come in six bro-friendly colors. Who wouldn’t love these insanely soft fleece slippers that have racked up more than 30,000 reviews on Amazon? The stylish cross-band design is a notch above your everyday slides, and these also have a memory-foam sole that’s anti-slip and waterproof so you can wear them out of the house, too. They come in seven colors and patterns.
K-beauty brand Glow Recipe offers soothing, botanical-based formulas that are great for balancing younger, sensitive complexions—no harsh ingredients here. This kit of six bestsellers includes fruity favorites like the Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser, Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops and Strawberry Smooth BHA and AHA Salicylic Serum. Best Gifts For Teens: $60 And Under Teen favorite jewelry brand Gorjana was founded in 2004 and still maintains its California cool vibe.
While its chain link necklaces are particularly popular among this age group, this gold-plated huggie style of earring is also sought after and timeless. You May Also Like Crocs’ Y2K-inspired Mega Crush Clogs are a statement-making twist on the brand’s signature clogs. Available in vibrant pink, black, white or bone colorways, they feature 2.
4-inch platforms, a rubber outsole with textured detailing and a leveled-up tread. Plus, you can personalize the shoes with to add everything from your teen’s initials to their favorite animals or pop culture characters to their look. And while you’re shopping Crocs’ entire collection, take an additional $15 off your purchase of $75 or more with code or $20 off your purchase of $100 or more with code —now through the end of the year.
You’ll be a hero for gifting this teen-fave complexion booster—if you can get your hands on it, that is, because it frequently sells out. “TikTok beauty products that influencers have been using all year like the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and —and their lower-priced dupes—will likely continue to dominate gift wish lists,” says Koch Kennedy. These lightweight shoes are beloved by teen boys for their laid back, slip-on style.
They have elastic bungee laces—no need expending any effort actually tying them—plus, they’re notoriously comfortable and machine washable. This bestselling hoodie from Under Armour—the athletic brand of choice among many tweens and teens—keeps you warm but is also lightweight and has subtle stretch to ensure a super comfy fit, making it a staple that will be worn over and over again. Its fleece lining makes it super soft against the skin too.
Teens love tech and anything that makes their lives easier, so they’ll be obsessed with this cute smart speaker with Alexa for everything from setting timers to listening to the news. “You can check the weather first thing, and I use it as my alarm clock and to play music while I’m doing my homework,” says 14-year-old Emma P. from Connecticut.
Keep in mind that Amazon devices like the Echo often enjoy steep discounts during sale holidays, such as Prime Days and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so you may want to wait for the sale on this one. This acrylic-blend beanie with a playful faux fur pom is a go-to teen style for the colder months. They’ll love the textured knit and hem band that make it the perfect blend of structured and slouchy.
It comes in black, meadowsweet pink, storm teal or natural ivory. Think of this as the teen version of a statement necklace but for everyday wear. Designed by Austin, Texas-based Kendra Scott, this popular pendant features a horizontally oriented stone set in either 14k plated gold or rhodium.
There are 58 stone and metal combinations to choose from—from vibrant jewel tones to serene neutrals. Originally released in 1977, Vans Old Skool sneakers are as popular as ever and were mentioned by pretty much every teen we spoke with for this story. This iconic side stripe shoe comes in nearly 100 colors and patterns.
LPs have made a huge comeback in the past year or two, and this portable, three-speed turntable offers premium sound for records old and new. It can stream audio from your smartphone through built-in Bluetooth speakers, connect to external speakers and it accommodates headphones. It’s also available in 37 colors to ensure they get the look they’re looking for.
If your teen doesn’t already have one of these, they probably should. “I love the coziness of this blanket-hoodie for the upcoming holidays and for cold weather,” says 16-year-old Sophia B. from Michigan.
“It’s perfect for getting comfy on the couch and enjoying a good movie over the break. ” It’s also machine washable and comes in different colors and patterns in microfiber or sherpa. Gen Z loves to throw around the word “aesthetic” (oftentimes in the wrong context), but it just means that they really like to categorize stuff and appreciate things that look good.
This mini table lamp fits the “chill aesthetic” vibe. Available in six colors, it kicks off a warm ambient glow, perfect as a bedside table or mini desk accessory. Choose from among an LED or plug-in version.
Cult favorite, Insta-famous brand Boy Smells is known for candles that combine traditionally feminine and traditionally masculine scent profiles. This set is made from an all-natural coconut and beeswax blend and comes with three popular scents—Hinoki Fantome, Cameo and LES—all perfect for creating ambiance in a teen room. We all know that the ’90s fashion is experiencing a trendaissance, and at this stage, a hoodie can feel kind of basic.
But a hoodie from Brandy Melville is anything but. The teen favorite brand offers oversize sweatshirts in a variety of styles—whether pullover or zip-up—so you can find a style your teen will love. Best Gifts For Teens: $100 And Under Because teens and tweens are obsessive collectors of beauty supplies, they’ll love this roomy case for bringing their skincare collection on the road.
The double-sided tote has a smaller and larger compartment for everything from serums to brushes, and it’s made from polyurethane, making it easy to wipe down if there are any unexpected spills. Teens love personalization—and they love their phones. This personalized cell phone case features raised acrylic letters that give a 3D effect, and it comes in nine color combinations.
They’ll be far less likely to misplace their phone, and the case will get lots of mileage in mirror selfies. For an upgraded version of his standby already grass-stained sweats, he’ll love these supremely soft joggers. Made from recycled performance 4-way stretch fabric, they have lots of give for squats, lunges and lazy days on the couch, but they’re also pulled together enough for wearing around town.
They come in nine colors and in sizes XS to XXL. For a special, personalized present, gift this light—created from flexible LED—which gives off a beautiful glow. It’s available in custom sizing, from 16 inches to 59 inches wide, and you can choose from 12 colors and 20 fonts.
It arrives backed in acrylic with a mounting and hanging kit. Weighted blankets have proven to be beneficial for easing stress and anxiety and improving sleep. Whether your teen is studying, watching a movie or getting much-needed shuteye, they’ll love this cocoon-like, 50 x 60 inch throw.
When we spoke with teenagers, five different girls from ages 13 to 16 mentioned that Triangl bikinis are high on their holiday wish lists. This sparkly lurex scoop style has adjustable shoulder straps and comes in two bottom shape options. Retro backpack brand Herschel was founded in 2009 and has earned its place as a teen favorite because of these backpacks’ timeless silhouettes and understated functionality.
Parents love them, because they’re made of durable ripstop nylon and can take a beating. The brand offers classic solid colors and frequently release new color schemes. They’ll channel relaxing spa vibes with this compact room diffuser.
It has a soft, glowing light and 4-hour and 8-hour settings, so your teen can scent their room with essential oils (sold separately) while studying or hanging with friends. While teens today may not have lived through the early ’90s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” era, they certainly embrace retro cool and nostalgia band paraphernalia. “My Nirvana tee is so cute,” says Chicago 14-year-old Wynne B.
“It goes well with any outfit, from sweatpants to jeans. ” Once reserved for fitness-focused adults, Lululemon shorts and leggings have taken on cult status among tweens and younger teens. “I like all Lululemon apparel, because it’s comfortable, lightweight and can be worn for more than just exercising,” says Tasia B.
If you can’t get your hands on the beloved-by-teens because they continually sell out, gift a pair of these popular leggings now that temperatures are dropping. They’re available in sizes 0-20 and come in four different lengths. They’re equally prone to selling out.
While Nike Air Force 1s and custom Vans are still frequently requested shoes, these twist-on-a-classic Chuck Taylors are everywhere right now, according to Koch Kennedy. And in the words of 17-year-old Daisy H. from Denver, “they’re dope AF.
” Translation: You can’t go wrong. They’re available in 13 colors. While friendship bracelets will never get old, flat tile bracelets—like these made with enamel beads and vermeil—give off a more sophisticated vibe.
“They pair with all my other bracelets and you barely feel them on your wrist,” says Emma P. These lightweight, lined swim trunks caught the eye of at least one teen we know. “Every guy can use a new pair of swim shorts and these are my favorite,” says 15-year-old Will S.
“All the colors are great and you don’t look like you’re trying too hard, but they’re pretty cool. ” These are available in nine colors and patterns. They’ll never turn you down on this set of deliciously adorable sweets sent directly from New York City’s famed Dylan’s Candy Bar.
This treat tower is filled with all their favorite gummy candies, already gift wrapped into four chic boxes. Best Gifts For Teens ($200 And Under) Nike Jordans might never go out of style, but Nike Dunks are another trendy teen option right now. They originated in 1985 as a college basketball sneaker and have gradually evolved into a highly collectible street style shoe, coveted in pretty much every colorway you can imagine.
They’re available in high, mid and low models as well as the SB version, which is a skateboard style. There are available on the Nike site to truly thrill them. Many teen boys (and girls) enjoy gaming to wind down or to build a sense of community with friends.
This top-rated, wireless gaming headset features a comfortable design, immersive sound quality and amazing voice pickup. Your teen will love it whether he’s into or . Teenagers love to reinvent their rooms, and this floor-to-ceiling mural wallpaper is an easy way to make a big change without a major commitment or huge financial investment.
It’s also available in a variety of prints, florals, nature scenes and more. To note: Double-check dimensions to be sure they work for your needs before purchasing. Luggage may not seem like the most exciting gift, but teenagers love using this rugged, weather-resistant bag for everything from family trips to carrying sports equipment.
It can be used as a duffle or worn as a backpack, it comes in 40L, 70L and 100L sizes, and it’s offered in a variety of colors, from classic neutrals to punchier brights, depending on the size. Originally released in 1993, Longchamp’s Le Pliage nylon canvas tote has officially transitioned from a mom bag to a teen favorite. It’s notoriously lightweight, spacious and durable, and it comes in a whole bunch of colors, from bold brights to classic neutrals.
While the medium and large sizes are most popular, it is also available in a mini . The first Dr. Martens 1460s were introduced in 1960, and while they had a punk subculture moment in the ’80s, they’re now back in a big way again, according to Koch Kennedy.
With their signature yellow stitching and lug sole, they’re worn with everything from minis to wide leg pants. While basic black is the most popular, they come in nine other colors, including the white, which is on sale. Tip: If your teen can still squeeze into smaller shoe sizes, you’ll save nearly $100 with the .
“Film and disposable cameras have been huge for Gen Z, as everything old is new again,” says Koch Kennedy. This point-and-shoot analog instant camera has auto-focus, an accurate flash and a self-timer, so it offers the cool aesthetic of vintage Polaroids with upgraded features from the original camera. It’s available in four teen-friendly colors.
Don’t forget to buy the film. Ugg boots were initially created in 1978, and they achieved icon status in the early aughts—and now they’re back in a big way as go-to teen footwear. .
. . These easy-to-pull-on booties check the box on both warmth and comfort.
While chestnut is the most popular color, they also come in a variety of brights and other neutrals as well as additional styles. Puffer jackets remain hugely popular for teens, says Koch Kennedy, and the , and Alo Yoga Gold Rush Puffer have all reached cult status—and then some. This cute, cropped Alo style features hidden interior and side entry pockets, a cinchable waist and durable water-repellant ripstop fabric.
It’s available in bestselling black and five limited edition colors. Venice Beach-founded Aviator Nation creates athleisure wear with a retro ’70s vibe inspired by surf culture and endless summer days. All of its pieces are handmade in California, where each item is distressed, creating a one-of-a-kind look.
Nike Air Max 270s debuted in 2018 and have been popular lifestyle shoes ever since, but they’ve skyrocketed in popularity with teenagers in the last couple years. “My Nike Air Max 270s are amazing, because I can get them in so many different colors, and they are so comfortable,” says Wynne B. Best Gifts For Teens: $500 And Under This made-for-teens (and adults) scooter is powered by a rechargeable 24V battery system.
It reaches speeds up to 15 miles per hour and provides 40 minutes of action on one charge. It has a durable frame and 9-inch tires make for a smooth ride. It can accommodate riders up to 220 pounds and is made for those ages 13 and up.
This may just be the splurge of all splurge gifts, but it’s a definite win when shopping for teen girls or boys. These meticulously engineered, noise-canceling headphones from Apple are designed for a precise fit and incredible sound, whether your teenager is into Drake or Zach Bryan or plays Taylor Swift on repeat. They come in five shades—space gray, sky blue, green, pink and silver.
Founded in 2018 to make luxury footwear at an accessible price, Oliver Cabell shoes have become a high school boy favorite. These low-key cool, low-top sneakers come in a variety of calfskin and suede colorways and can be dressed up or down. Portable and petite, this smart projector offers amazing image quality for movie nights, gaming or any time you want to watch something on a large scale.
Teens can browse streaming services, mirror content from iOS or Android, plug into gaming consoles or connect with a laptop. Speakers are built into the projector, and all you need is an outlet and Wi-Fi connection. Lounging is an art form for teenagers, so a comfy place for homework, music listening or texting with friends is key.
This vegan leather style is a more refined take on a bean bag chair, perfect for styling with their favorite and . Ubiquitous sunglass brand Oakley was founded in California in 1975 (fun fact: the brand was named after the owner’s dog), and it has been a go-to for its wraparound styles and anti-glare technology ever since. “Oakleys are the best sunglasses for sports,” says Oliver S.
“They’re pricey but so worth it. ” If your teen loves video games and you want something that’s both portable and won’t have a big footprint in your house, Nintento’s versatile gaming system can be used in TV mode, tabletop mode or portable mode. This Switch model features a 7-inch screen, an adjustable stand, 64GB of storage and amped-up audio.
Plus, the company’s steady release of new video games keeps teens from getting bored. Snag this Razor hoverboard that Forbes declared the as a splurge gift for the teen in your life. It is designed for kids and teens and can hold up to 176 pounds.
Speeds tops out at 8 mph, so no need to freak out too much, mom, but we do recommend helmets and adhering to all safety instructions. At Forbes Vetted our writers and editors monitor trends and extensively research and test products to be sure they meet expectations and are worth the financial investment. When it comes to , we know the products we buy for children, including teens, must withstand not only our high expectations but their discerning—and unabashedly honest—opinions as well.
We have covered everything from to to the . The writer for this story, Forbes Vetted contributor Molly Calhoun, has written for magazines for nearly 20 years, covering entertainment, health, beauty, fashion and parenting. She has two kids, including one tween who has expensive tastes, strong opinions and no money.
She also interviewed more than a dozen teens and the editor-in-chief of for this story to solicit their teen gift picks. Forbes senior kids and baby gear editor edited this story. For two decades she has written and edited for a variety of well-respected print and digital outlets, and she has covered parenting for 10 years.
She also has an opinionated tween at home and two younger children. We continue to update this list as items sell out or fall from teendom favor. It was last revised and updated in December 2023.
How We Chose The Best Gifts For Teens We researched trends, this year’s bestsellers in many categories and interviewed a number of teens across the country and teen tastemakers to discover the best gifts for teens. We also spoke to other parents and leaned on the Forbes Vetted expertise in a number of categories, including parenting, tech, and . Next we read deep into the reviews (and TikTok) to pull together the top 2023 contenders.
More Kid Gift And Toy Stories To Shop.
From: forbes
URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-gifts-for-teens/
