36 Best Gifts for Teens
Feeling stumped when faced with selecting holiday, birthday or graduation gifts for the teens in your life? It can be hard to find fun and cool gifts that they will love, but don't already have.
You could always stuff some money into an envelope and call it a day (it does go over well!), but if you're looking for something a little more thoughtful and personal, we're rounding up ideas from parents who know what teenage kids want.
Discover the best gifts for teens & add your recommendations below!
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Bombas Socks
Alexandra F.: My teen adores his Bombas. I splurged on them once as a gift, and now he specifically requests them any time he needs new socks. He likes how comfortable they are, and I like that they last him waaaaaay longer than any other socks (which he typically destroys in a matter of months). But, since they are so pricey, that means he only gets them for special occasions!
Cadbury Great British Treats Gift Box
Vanessa M.: Teens will get a kick out of trying British candy bars, delivered to them directly from the UK! The Cadbury Great British Treats Gift Box offers a selection of 10 full sized candy bars in Britain's favorite varieties. With fun names like Wispa, Curly Wurly, and Double Decker, this box makes a yummy gift teens would be thrilled to receive.
Grid Wire Photo Hanger
Kristy Pepping: This product we purchased for our two older children. They wanted to display photos of friends and art projects they have created. The nice part about the hanger is a child can easily add or remove photos or other treasures often. We bought some clothespins to use as hangers off these boards.
Spikeball
Vanessa M.: Have you seen teens and young adults playing Spikeball at the park lately? I have! It looks like a lot of fun! Spikeball is a 4 player game with rules similar to volleyball. Great for playing outside, inside, at the beach, wherever!
Shashibo Cube Magnet Fidget Toy
Age 8+
Alexandra F.: This combination fidget toy and puzzle cube is addicting for all ages, and would be an awesome gift for teens or older kids who love puzzles and brainteasers. Be aware that it's made out of 36 rare-earth magnets, and as with all magnets, should be kept away from children who might put them in their mouths.
Knit Bluetooth Beanie Hat
Vanessa M.: This stylish winter hat will do more than keep teen's ears warm; it also incorporates the latest Bluetooth technology so they can listen to music with the built in wireless speakers! It's perfect for waiting at the bus stop, jogging in the cold, or being out and about. The built in Bluetooth microphone allows users to make phone calls as well. Unisex hat is washable (just remove the speakers first).
Apples to Apples
Age 12+ (4-8 players)
Tim Ponisciak: This is a great board game for teens to play with their friends. The object of the game is make the best match between an adjective card and a noun card. Depending on the friends you are playing with the game will either be taken very seriously, or will make everyone laugh out loud!
SoundBot Waterproof Shower Speaker
Carly Follett: This wireless speaker is multi-functional and super versatile. It is bluetooth-enabled and compatible with any smart device. The speaker offers a handsfree talk feature and remote for long distance use and can be used in the shower, pool, on the beach, in the car and basically anywhere!
Meta Quest 3 Mixed Reality Headset
Tracy Snyder Molina: My teen and tween boys pooled their money together to purchase the new Oculus Quest 2. It's an amazing VR headset that truly immerses you in the VR experience or game you've chosen. I was a bit of a skeptic but after trying it out for myself I have to admit that the technology is pretty amazing and really makes you feel like you are truly part of the action instead of just standing in your living room. Who couldn't use a bit of that with all the time we are spending at home these days? It does require creating a Facebook account, but my 14-year-old was able to do that with minimal information required.
Crayola Color Escapes Colored Pencils
Age 16+
These premium colored pencils are sleek and color nicely for the teen who appreciates the art of coloring. Don't forget to pair with a nice adult coloring book for a relaxing activity you can never really outgrow!
Personalized Starbucks Cups
Vanessa M.: Teens love Starbucks! Give the teen in your life a personalized, reusable Starbucks cup with his or her name and favorite drink on it. Maybe tuck a Starbucks gift card inside, and you have a great gift any teen would love.
SYMA Remote Control Helicopter
Age 14+
Gina I.: Easy to fly and great for beginners, this helicopter flies in 3 directions for smooth, stable hovering. It's small and lightweight for indoor use only.
LED Bike Wheel Lights
Vanessa M.: Bike Wheel Lights look cool, and also help bike riders stay safe at night. Each battery powered string of LED lights is made of waterproof tubing, and comes in a variety of colors.
Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch
Vanessa M.: The Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch is perfect for a teen's bedroom or hangout and comes in a variety of fun colors and prints. It also floats on water so it makes a great pool accessory! Teens can bring it camping, to festivals, backyard bbq's, or just keep it in their room as a place to chill with friends.
Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer
Alexandra F.: Make it easy for your teen to print pictures straight from their phone with this mobile photo mini printer.
Primary photo: Mae Mu on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.