Shopping for teens is hard. They're so up to date with the latest trends — while most adults, on the other hand, can't keep up with the speed and spread of the internet. Just a few years ago, teens were loving Adidas Superstars, Kylie Lip Kits, and Snapchat. Now, Crocs are every 16-year-old's choice of sneakers, while matte lipsticks have been swapped for lip oils. And then there's TikTok: The app has the most cyclical trends, from beauty favorites including the Laneige lip mask to home gadgets such as the Ruk vegetable chopper. No wonder most can't keep up.
Videos by Wide Open Country
It's understandably frustrating, but there is an easy solution that doesn't require you to give your teen a gift card for the umpteenth time. See, we decided to do the heavy searching for you and round up the 30 best gifts for teens, complete with products for everyone no matter their interest. We're talking makeup and skin care essentials, tech gadgets (an AirPods Max makes a great present, in our humble opinion), customizable gifts such as an astrology candle, and practical items including a multi-compartment backpack. Some of these products went viral on TikTok and, thus, are Gen Z-approved gifts — a guarantee your teen will be satisfied.
If you're ready to start shopping for the holiday season, scroll down to find the best gifts for teens, ranging from home sentimental gifts to must-need home accessories and everything in between.
For the Gaming Teen: The Nintendo Switch Lite
The sister to the Nintendo Switch, this gaming-on-the-go console is an optimal choice for teens. It has all the features of the original console except it is lightweight and compact enough for traveling. The built-in control pad and controls make playing seamless and easy, and the kicker is that it's compatible with the original Switch games.
For the Aspiring Photographer: Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Camera + Film Pack
Amazon
If there's one thing Gen Z loves, it's nostalgia — and this instant camera from Amazon gives early-2000s vibes. Over 9,000 shoppers love this mini camera for its high-quality closeups and four-color filter lens. The camera comes with five color options, a photo album, an attachable selfie mirror, and an adjustable strap for convenience and comfort.
For the Teen Who Lives for Accessories: SHALAC Large Hair Claw Clips
Amazon
Claw clips have made a comeback. And this four-pack of clips is a go-to gift for your teen who loves accessorizing their hair. Its non-slip grip prevents tangles and knots, while its durability ensures it can clip all hair types.
For the Podcast Addict: Apple AirPods Max
Amazon
You can't ever go wrong with tech, especially from Apple. The AirPods Max has been a staple among the young crowd for its dynamic sound, lightweight feel and noise-canceling effect. The different color options, ranging from mint green to classic black, only add to its appeal. The long-term shelf life is the true selling point, as its 20-hour battery life allows you to listen to music or watch movies without interruption.
For the Hair Chameleon: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
Amazon
For the teen who's obsessed with trying new hairstyles, gift them this multifunctional Revlon hair dryer, which can style their locks and add volume. It has three different heating and speed settings plus a cooling option for heat control, and its boar bristles allow for easy styling on all hair textures.
For the Chronically Online Teen: The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler
Nordstrom
The Stanley Tumbler is TikTok's favorite water bottle, making it a great gift for your chronically online teenager. Made out of stainless steel, this double-insulated bottle can hold both cool and hot liquids for long periods. The rotating cover lid allows for easy sipping and prevents any splashes, while its ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip.
For the Trendy Bag Lover: Fjallraven Kånken Backpack
Amazon
This Scandinavian-made laptop bag is a favorite among Gen Zers for its lightweight feel and optimal size. It features exterior and interior pockets large enough to fit most standard laptops, school work essentials, and more. The bag is also extremely durable thanks to its water-resistant Vinylon fabric.
My Cinema Lightbox Mini Cinema Lightbox Sign
Amazon
Found: the perfect desktop accessory for your teen. Nearly 2,000 shoppers love this customizable lightbox sign. You can write a new message each day with over 105 symbols and letters available to choose from.
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 Small Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Amazon
There's not a more teen-friendly speaker than the Wonderboom. It's so durable that it can survive water and dust. It boasts 14 hours of battery life, and it's portable thanks to a handle that clips to almost anything — bag, tote, purse, etc.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials
Birkenstock
Who doesn't love these ultra-comfy sandals? They work for almost any occasion and any outfit. Plus, they're available in a number of colors. Gift your teen a pair of Birks, and we promise they'll love you forever.
Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack
Starface
Acne is cool now. Or, at least it is when wearing one of these star zit patches. It's cute and totally on-brand for your teenager.
Topcee Weighted Blanket
Amazon
Want a gift that'll last forever? This weighted blanket from Amazon is the answer. It's made for all seasons, cooling in the hotter months and warming during the cold. And, it has microfiber fabric that's designed to mold itself to your body and provide optimal comfort.
For the Bookworm: Book of the Month Subscription
Book of the Month
Got a bookworm on your hands? Gift your teen a book subscription that swaps out books every month. Many genres and authors are available to choose, from including BookTok-recommend novels to indie authors. Your teen can reread their favorites or discover something new entirely.
Frigidaire Portable Retro Mini Fridge
Amazon
The most classic of teen gifts is this retro mini fridge. It's pint-size, so it can be tucked away in the smallest of corners, but it's still large enough to fit six Diet Coke cans, a few one-liter bottles and some snacks. The best part is it's portable. You can plug it into your car adapter and bring it along on a road trip.
For the Makeup-Addicted Teen: Flymiro Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror
Amazon
This tri-fold LED vanity mirror makes applying skin care and makeup on the go seamless. It's perfect for at-home application, too, as it can sit upright on your desk, plugged in by either batteries or a USB cord. It's cute for mirror selfies and pictures as well — an appeal to your ever-picture-ready teen.
Satin Heatless Curling Set
Amazon
Gift your teen this satin heatless curling set, which will give their locks the most voluminous curls overnight. It's easy to use, we promise. Just wrap each lock around the curling before securing it with a scrunchie (which is provided), and ta-da! No frizz either, because its material is satin. Curling hair has never been easier or more convenient.
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Amazon
Nearly 50,000 shoppers on Amazon love this body cream for its moisturizing effect, smooth feel and vanilla scent. And since its popularity is partly owed to TikTok, we know this beauty must-have is on your teen's radar, making it a perfect gift from you to them.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers
Nike
Just like the Apple AirPods Max, these Air Forces are a staple among the Gen Z crowd. They're cute and comfortable, easy to style, and can work for any season. The only downside is that getting them dirty is inevitable, but it's nothing some laundry detergent and a scrub can't fix.
For the Star Student: Amazon Kindle E-Reader
Amazon
Your teen will have no excuses not to complete their required reading material with this Amazon Kindle. It has twice the amount of storage as previous versions, plus an extended battery and a glare-free, paper-like display. It's pocket-size, so you can carry it anywhere and everywhere. And comes with both light and dark modes to make reading easier on the eyes.
For the Teen Who Loves to Lounge: Yogibo Max Bean Bag Chair
Amazon
What we (and your teen will) love about this bean bag chair is how it triples as a chair, recliner and couch. It's quite large, yes, but its size allows for a body-modular design that molds itself to fit your shape, keeping you comfy and relaxed. It's machine-washable and comes in more than a dozen colors.
Hyodream 3D Moon Lamp
Amazon
Teens can spruce up their room with this lamp that mimics a 3D effect of the moon. It's remote-controlled and comes with a wooden stand, so it can be placed on a nightstand or desk. Opt for a dark-purple light that'll make a beautiful night light, or choose a more-colorful effect; options are endless, with seven colors and 16 power modes to choose from.
For the Teen Who Hates to Leave Their Bed: HUANUO Lap Desk
Amazon
We found the perfect gift for the teen who never wants to leave their bed. This lap desk comes with space-saving compartments that can hold a laptop, tablet and phone. It has dual bolster cushions that allow the desk to rest comfortably, plus a mouse pad to prevent slippage.
For the Writer: Perixx Periduo-713 Mini Keyboard and Mouse
Amazon
This mini keyboard and mouse set will add some style to your teen's desk. It comes with an ergonomic round mouse designed to prevent muscle cramping, and a USBC adapter to connect to tablets and smartphones. Its vintage look and typewriter-inspired keys only add to its charm.
For the Astrology Teen: Birthdate Co. Birthdate Candle
Amazon
This gift is for our astrology lovers. It's a customizable candle that includes information about one's sign, personality and zodiac traits, all based on their birthday. That's not even the best part! Perfumers craft each candle's scent with a fragrance that perfectly aligns with their astrology sign.
For the Teen on the Go: Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
Lululemon
As the name says, this Lululemon bag was designed for everyday use anywhere. You can keep your essentials — wallet, keys, phone and more — safely tucked in its many interior and exterior pockets. The bag sits snugly on your waist (thank you, adjustable straps), and its water-repellent fabric ensures all belongings are safe and dry.
For the Boho Teen: JW PEI Women's Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag
Amazon
Ever since style extraordinaire Hailey Bieber wore this vegan leather handbag, it's become the must-have purse among the Gen Z crowd. It's reminiscent of the minimalistic '90s, with a croissant-shape design and vegan leather material. It's chic but practical, too, with a magnetic closure and interior pockets designed to hold your lipsticks, keys, phone and more.
For the Music Lover: Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Amazon
Not every teen wants an AirPod Max. Some prefer Beats because of its built-in 40-hour listening time, spatial audio, adjustable fit and quick charging time. Just a five-minute charge provides three hours of playback. Oh, and the foldable design and included case allow for easy travel.
For the Creative: Uncommon Goods' Create Your Own Video Game Set
Uncommon Goods
Your teen can create their own 8-bit video game in this handy game set from Uncommon Goods. And they don't have to be a techie to use this handheld either — easy-to-follow instructions will introduce your teen to coding and help them build their personal game. What's also great is that it doubles as a smartwatch with multiple functions.
For the Casual Teen: Colorfulkoala Buttery High-Waist Leggings
Amazon
There's nothing better than a good pair of leggings, and these Amazon favorites are the best, according to the 36,000 shoppers who rated this pick five stars. You can wear them for both casual errands or workouts. Side pockets will hold all of your belongings, and the spandex material allows for nonrestrictive movements.
For the Instagram Scroller: iWALK Small USB C Portable Charger
Amazon
We all know that teen who's always on their phone. Gift them this portable charger, which is compatible with nearly all smartphones. Its wide, bulky case makes it easier to charge their phone while in use, and the built-in plug is convenient because it simply slides in at the bottom. The pass-through feature allows you to charge the portable charger and your phone simultaneously.
