Gifts for Teens
Teens are picky, but they're easy to please with gifts tied to what they already do: music, gaming, friends and their room. Tech accessories and games are safe bets.
How to pick
- Accessories for things they already own, like a controller or earbuds, rarely miss.
- Games they can play with friends get more use than solo gifts.
- When in doubt, choose a neutral color. Teens care about how things look.
44 gift ideas
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Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler, 40 oz
The hugely popular insulated tumbler with a handle and straw. Keeps drinks cold all day.
- Best for
- People who sip water all day at a desk or in the car
- Skip if
- They want a bottle that won't leak in a bag, since the straw lid isn't leakproof
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler, 40 oz (opens in a new tab) -
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch
The racing game the whole family can play together, for ages 6 and up.
- Best for
- Families and friends with a Nintendo Switch
- Skip if
- They don't have a Switch
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch (opens in a new tab) -
Squishmallows 12-Inch Ilene the Unicorn
A super soft, squishy unicorn plush that's perfect for hugging and collecting.
- Best for
- Kids and teens who collect plush or want a cuddle buddy
- Skip if
- They want a toy that does something
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Squishmallows 12-Inch Ilene the Unicorn (opens in a new tab) -
UNO Card Game
The classic family card game for 2 to 10 players. Cheap, quick and always a hit.
- Best for
- Families and friends who want a quick game anyone can learn
- Skip if
- They already own a deck, as most families do
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for UNO Card Game (opens in a new tab) -
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
The cult-favorite overnight lip treatment. She wakes up with soft, smooth lips.
- Best for
- Anyone with dry lips, especially in winter
- Skip if
- They prefer unscented skincare
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask (opens in a new tab) -
Kindle Paperwhite
A glare-free e-reader with weeks of battery, for the reader who has everything else.
- Best for
- Readers who travel or read in bed at night
- Skip if
- They love the feel of paper books
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for Kindle Paperwhite (opens in a new tab) -
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
The classic warm work beanie. Fits almost everyone and lasts for years.
- Best for
- Anyone who works or plays outside in the cold
- Skip if
- They want a fashion-forward hat
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie (opens in a new tab) -
Anker Zolo 20,000mAh Power Bank
A portable charger with a built-in cable that can charge a phone several times.
- Best for
- Travelers and heavy phone users who run out of battery
- Skip if
- They want something that fits in a pocket
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Anker Zolo 20,000mAh Power Bank (opens in a new tab) -
Wilson NFL Super Grip Football
A grippy, durable football for backyard games.
- Best for
- Backyard and park games of catch
- Skip if
- They already have a good football
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Wilson NFL Super Grip Football (opens in a new tab) -
JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker
A loud, waterproof speaker that goes from the pool to the backyard.
- Best for
- Pool days, beach trips and backyard music
- Skip if
- They want room-filling sound for a big party
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker (opens in a new tab) -
Gaiam Thick Yoga Mat
A cushioned, non-slip mat for yoga, stretching and home workouts.
- Best for
- Beginners and anyone who wants extra cushion for the knees
- Skip if
- They do lots of balance poses, where a thinner mat is steadier
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Gaiam Thick Yoga Mat (opens in a new tab) -
Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Kit
Snap-together parts build more than 100 working gadgets, from alarms to a flying saucer.
- Best for
- Curious kids who like to know how things work
- Skip if
- The child is too young to follow a diagram
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Kit (opens in a new tab) -
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
Prints credit-card-size photos in seconds, with automatic exposure so shots come out right.
- Best for
- Teens and party-goers who love printed photos
- Skip if
- You'd rather not keep buying film, since each print costs money
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera (opens in a new tab) -
Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle
A leak-proof bottle that lets you sip through the straw or swig from the spout.
- Best for
- People who want both a straw and a swig spout, and a lid that seals
- Skip if
- They want a bottle for hot drinks
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle (opens in a new tab) -
Rubik's Cube
The original 3x3 puzzle that keeps hands busy and minds working.
- Best for
- Puzzle lovers who like a challenge
- Skip if
- They get frustrated easily
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Rubik's Cube (opens in a new tab) -
Exploding Kittens Card Game
A fast, silly card game that's easy to learn and loud to play.
- Best for
- Families and friends who like silly, fast card games
- Skip if
- They prefer longer strategy games
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Exploding Kittens Card Game (opens in a new tab) -
Ticket to Ride Board Game
Collect train cards and claim routes across the country in this family favorite.
- Best for
- Families who want a strategy game that's easy to learn
- Skip if
- They want a quick game, since a round takes about an hour
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Ticket to Ride Board Game (opens in a new tab) -
Codenames
A team word-guessing game that's quick to set up and great for groups.
- Best for
- Parties and groups of four or more
- Skip if
- They usually play with just two people
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Codenames (opens in a new tab) -
JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds
Light, colorful wireless earbuds with a pocket-size charging case.
- Best for
- Kids, teens and the gym, at a low price
- Skip if
- They want noise canceling or top sound
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds (opens in a new tab) -
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
A tiny waffle iron that makes one crispy waffle in minutes, in fun colors.
- Best for
- Quick breakfasts and college dorms
- Skip if
- They're feeding a crowd, since it makes one small waffle at a time
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Dash Mini Waffle Maker (opens in a new tab) -
Govee Smart LED Strip Lights
Color-changing lights for a bedroom that sync to music and run from a phone app.
- Best for
- Teens and gamers who want colorful room lighting
- Skip if
- They rent and can't use the sticky backing on walls
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Govee Smart LED Strip Lights (opens in a new tab) -
Apple AirPods 4
Apple's open-fit earbuds with easy iPhone pairing and a USB-C case.
- Best for
- iPhone users who want easy, comfortable earbuds
- Skip if
- They use Android, or want sealed-in noise blocking
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for Apple AirPods 4 (opens in a new tab) -
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
Dries and styles in one pass for a smooth, salon-style blowout at home.
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a salon-style blowout at home
- Skip if
- They have very short hair
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer (opens in a new tab) -
PAVOI 14K Gold Plated Huggie Earrings
Small hoop earrings that go with everything and look far pricier than they are.
- Best for
- Everyday earrings that go with everything
- Skip if
- They only wear solid gold
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for PAVOI 14K Gold Plated Huggie Earrings (opens in a new tab) -
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
A rich body cream with a warm pistachio and caramel scent people ask about.
- Best for
- Anyone who loves a sweet, beachy scent
- Skip if
- They prefer light or unscented lotions
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (opens in a new tab) -
Timex Weekender 38mm Watch
A clean, easy-to-read everyday watch with a strap that's easy to swap.
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a simple, classic watch
- Skip if
- They want smartwatch features
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Timex Weekender 38mm Watch (opens in a new tab) -
Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball
A durable rubber ball made for driveway and park courts.
- Best for
- Driveway and park courts
- Skip if
- They mostly play indoors
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball (opens in a new tab) -
Xbox Wireless Controller
The official controller for Xbox and PC, with textured grips.
- Best for
- Xbox and PC gamers
- Skip if
- They play on PlayStation or Switch
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for Xbox Wireless Controller (opens in a new tab) -
PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller
Sony's controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
- Best for
- PlayStation 5 gamers who need a second controller
- Skip if
- They play on Xbox or Switch
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller (opens in a new tab) -
HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
A comfortable gaming headset with clear sound and a detachable mic.
- Best for
- Gamers who chat with friends while they play
- Skip if
- They want wireless, since this headset plugs in
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) -
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360
Trims, edges and shaves with one tool, wet or dry.
- Best for
- Guys who trim, edge and shave stubble
- Skip if
- They want a very close razor shave
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 (opens in a new tab) -
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
A compact smart speaker for music, timers and questions answered by voice.
- Best for
- Music, timers and smart home control by voice
- Skip if
- They'd rather not have a voice assistant in the house
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) (opens in a new tab) -
Moleskine Classic Hardcover Notebook
A sturdy notebook with an elastic closure for lists, ideas and sketches.
- Best for
- Writers, planners and list makers
- Skip if
- They use fountain pens, which can show through the pages
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Moleskine Classic Hardcover Notebook (opens in a new tab) -
Sharpie S-Gel Pens
Smooth gel pens that make jotting notes feel good again.
- Best for
- Anyone who writes a lot by hand
- Skip if
- They're left-handed and smudge gel ink
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Sharpie S-Gel Pens (opens in a new tab) -
OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Two pocket warmers that heat up fast and double as small power banks.
- Best for
- Cold commutes, games and winter walks
- Skip if
- They need all-day heat, since a charge lasts a few hours
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmers (opens in a new tab) -
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Turntable
A fully automatic record player that's easy to set up and plays right away.
- Best for
- New record collectors who want easy setup
- Skip if
- They don't have speakers, since it needs its own
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Turntable (opens in a new tab) -
Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Starter Kit
A soprano ukulele with a tuner, a bag and online lessons to get started.
- Best for
- Beginners who want to learn an instrument
- Skip if
- They already play and want a better instrument
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Starter Kit (opens in a new tab) -
Cricut Joy Cutting Machine
A compact machine that cuts vinyl, labels and cards for quick DIY projects.
- Best for
- Crafters who make cards, labels and decals
- Skip if
- They want to cut big projects, since it's a small machine
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for Cricut Joy Cutting Machine (opens in a new tab) -
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pocket Set
A palm-size set of quality watercolors and a brush for painting anywhere.
- Best for
- Beginner painters, travel sketching and journals
- Skip if
- They want big tubes for large paintings
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pocket Set (opens in a new tab) -
Mario Badescu Facial Spray Trio
Three refreshing face mists with rose, cucumber and lavender.
- Best for
- A refreshing skincare treat at a low price
- Skip if
- They prefer fragrance-free skincare
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Mario Badescu Facial Spray Trio (opens in a new tab) -
Bose SoundLink Flex Speaker (2nd Gen)
A rugged, waterproof speaker with surprisingly full sound for its size.
- Best for
- Hikes, beach days and the bathroom shower
- Skip if
- They want big bass to fill a room
Typical price: $100+
Check price on Amazon for Bose SoundLink Flex Speaker (2nd Gen) (opens in a new tab) -
Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth Bottle
Keeps water cold all day, with a flexible cap that's easy to carry.
- Best for
- Hikers and people who drink a lot of water
- Skip if
- They need it to fit in a car cup holder
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth Bottle (opens in a new tab) -
CATAN Board Game
The trading and building strategy game families play for years.
- Best for
- Game nights with three or four players who like strategy
- Skip if
- They usually play with two, or want a short game
Typical price: $25 to $50
Check price on Amazon for CATAN Board Game (opens in a new tab) -
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Board-game-style party fun for up to four players on Nintendo Switch.
- Best for
- Switch owners who host family game nights
- Skip if
- They don't have a Nintendo Switch
Typical price: $50 to $100
Check price on Amazon for Super Mario Party Jamboree (opens in a new tab)