If you’re asking the question, “what are teens even into these days?” fear not! We did our research and have you covered with plenty of gift ideas for the illusive teenager. From the hottest new tech, to on-trend home decor and fashion finds, to gifts focused on their hobbies and interests (and even some TikTok-famous items), you can trust that these picks will earn you the coveted teen stamp of approval. Keep scrolling for our favorite gifts for teenagers and tweens.
Did you check your list twice and realize you still have more people to shop for? We’ve got you covered! Check out our entire holiday gift guide for even more ideas.
Etsy | Neon Sign Kingdom
Made to look like a vintage neon sign, this custom wall art puts your teen's name in lights and brightens their room.
Target
Whether your teen is a future photographer or just loves to snap pics with friends, this mini film camera (bundled with fun accessories) is a great gift.
Target
The Nintendo Switch continues to be a popular choice among current gaming systems, so if your family doesn't have one yet, now might be the time.
Etsy | Calhoun & Co.
This adorable retro-inspired blanket is handmade and will add excellent vibes to any teen bedroom.
SMALL BUSINESS
WOMEN-OWNED
Flipstik
Seen on Shark Tank, the Flipstik 2.0 adheres to the back of a phone, serving as a kick-stand. But even better, it also has a reusable adhesive, meaning you can stick it anywhere (like the back of a plane seat) to watch videos or act as a tripod.
Target | Owala
The new "it" water bottle, the Owala FreeSip features a bespoke spout, making it possible to drink two different ways: sip as a straw and swig with the wide-mouth opening. Plus, it comes in a lot of fun colorways.
Target | Beats
On-ear headphones are having a serious moment in 2022, so if you have a teen that is looking to swap their AirPods, these Beats are a great choice.
L.L.Bean
What could be cozier than a sherpa throw blanket with a hood? We just know your teen will be living in this.
Golde
Do you know a teen who is always running to Starbucks for a matcha latte? Allow them to make their own at home with this cute set.
BIPOC-OWNED
SMALL BUSINESS
WOMEN-OWNED
Amazon
These TikTok-famous LED light strips are completely customizable and can be controlled with the remote control or an app.
Amazon
Turn their room into a movie theater with this under-$100, highly-rated mini projector.
Etsy | New Joy Studio
These custom AirPods cases come in a ton of color combinations and styles, so you can personalize one perfectly to your teen. Plus, this solves the problem of mixed-up AirPods among the family and at school.
SMALL BUSINESS
WOMEN-OWNED
Uncommon Goods
Crocheting is making a comeback among Gen Z (yes, you heard that right). Give the gift of learning with three, 60-minute virtual classes that focus on how to crochet a "granny square" headband.
BIPOC-OWNED
SMALL BUSINESS
WOMEN-OWNED
Target | Polaroid
This portable photo printer will instantly put photos on sticky-backed paper, perfect for capturing memories off their phones.
Baboon to the Moon
This long-lasting and high-quality fanny pack fits all of the essentials, making it the perfect adventure companion.
Amazon
These funky-fun mushroom lamps have been all over social media this year, so we know your teen would love to add it to their bedroom.
Etsy | Rose Gold Rebel
These on-trend pouches are customizable with chenille patches and come in different sizes, meaning they are can serve as anything from a pencil pouch to a makeup bag.
SMALL BUSINESS
WOMEN-OWNED
Amazon | Retrospec
If your teen is looking to get into skateboarding, this affordable option from a highly-rated brand is a great way to get them started.
Amazon
Make sure you grab the headphones with this set so you'll only hear a light tapping as kids jam out!
Etsy | Meow 3D Store
Not only is this headphone stand functional, it also serves as an awesome personalized piece of bedroom decor.
Pleasing
Have a Harry Styles-obsessed teen in your life? They'll "Adore You" for gifting a set from his genderless and eco-friendly nail polish brand, Pleasing.
Amazon | Areaware
These gradient puzzles are known for being beautiful when complete, but also hard to figure out. Give the gift of an entertaining challenge with this choice.
Amazon
This station can charge three Apple devices at once: an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Not only is that convenient, but hopefully it also means less missing devices.
Etsy | The Southern Thistle
This useful everyday tote bag can be customized with your teen's name in an adorable, retro-inspired font.
SMALL BUSINESS
WOMEN-OWNED
Nike
You truly can't go wrong with any Nike product for a teen, and we especially love this classic hoodie that they'll wear on repeat.
Amazon | Razor
Level up their classic Razor scooter with this electric version that they'll love to ride around the neighborhood.
Baggu
Another up-and-coming and Tiktok-favorite brand, Baggu makes trendy products using 100% recycled nylon from pre-consumer waste—meaning it's saving materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
The Everygirl x Day Designer
If your teen is a little bit disorganized (or just loves to write things down), a cute planner is a great gift that will help them organize their school assignments.
UGG
Not only are these slippers on-trend, they're also made with plant-based materials as part of UGG's Regenerative collection. Plus, they come in three cute colors.
Target | JBL
This bluetooth speaker is both small and waterproof (but also packed with JBL's high sound quality), making it a perfect choice for on-the-go teens. Three colors available.
Amazon | Calloway Creative, Inc.
Inspired by Hip Hop, this rhyming game is fun for kids—or the whole family.
BIPOC-OWNED
SMALL BUSINESS
WOMEN-OWNED
Amazon | Wildflower
Created by two sisters and Instagram It Girls, Wildflower phone cases are a staple among teens. With over 40 designs, you're sure to find one your teen will love.
SMALL BUSINESS
WOMEN-OWNED
Converse
Many of our editors own and love these sneakers, so we can assure you that they'll be a hit. They're made to be much lighter than classic Converse, making them comfier than ever.
Amazon | Razer
Maybe, just maybe, this highly-rated headset with a high-quality microphone will encourage your kid to lower their voice when they play.
Target
For parents who aren't quite ready to give their tween or teen a cellphone, an Apple Watch has (most of) the key capabilities kids care about.
Amazon
Not only does this mini fridge hold skincare, but the door serves as a lighted makeup mirror. It also comes with a set of makeup sponges!
Glamnetic
This TikTok-favorite brand creates eco-friendly press-on nails that are made to be durable and reusable. Plus, any teen will love these funky designs.
BIPOC-OWNED
ECO-FRIENDLY
WOMEN-OWNED
Amazon | LITTIL
Any teen who loves making videos will appreciate this one: a mini ring light that clips right on to a phone, making it portable and easy to use.
Tower 28 Beauty
Tower 28 is a relatively new but beloved (and editor-approved) beauty brand that focuses on cruelty-free, vegan products that are safe for sensitive skin—with a healthy dose of fun branding in the mix.
Crocs
Add Crocs to the list of things making a comeback with Gen Z. This pair comes with a pack of baseball-themed Jibbitz.