Whether you’re trying to find gifts for 13-year-olds or for 17-year-olds, shopping for teenagers can be tricky. If you’re lucky, they’ll share their wish lists, or you could check out viral TikTok gift trends for a clue.
That said, teens are notoriously hard to impress, which means it’s important to be thoughtful about your selections when it comes to unique gifts for teenage girls and guys. Yes, gift cards are always an easy way out, but why not show how savvy you are by opting for one of these great gifts instead?
From the best stocking stuffers for teens to games, tech and editor-approved beauty and grooming picks, we know you’ll find a winner in this list of not-so-boring stuff — it’s made just for them! There’s no doubt you’ll slay the gifting season with these best gifts for teens.
Best tech gifts for teens
If you know a teen who is always losing their belongings, gift them an AirTag to help them keep track of their keys, phone and other essentials they have a bad habit of losing.
Associate editor Kamari Stewart is “hooked” on her Apple AirTags. “I have three — one on the keys to my apartment, one on the keys to my mom’s house and one in my suitcase for travel. I’m afraid of losing those things, so I love to be able to double check and make sure they are where I think they are, especially when I’m traveling. If I ever were to actually lose any of my AirTags, I’d be ordering replacements immediately.”
Good lighting is crucial for your teen’s next virtual hangout — and for their upcoming selfie sesh. This ring light features a tripod, adjustable color temperature and LED-quality brightness.
Sometimes even their gaming controllers need an update. This wireless model features an advanced design, perfect for the gamer in your life.
You may think your teen’s video game is on silent, but really you’re just experiencing the blessing of this gaming headset. It’s compatible with a variety of gaming devices, according to the brand, and features a detachable microphone.
This Bluetooth speaker pays tribute to the Crosley brand, while offering a vintage feel. Teens can listen to their favorite curated playlists or the radio with AM/FM features included.
A tech-y take on an old classic. If your teen is into games of skill and speed, this is the gift for them. They can use the accompanying mobile app to keep track of solving stats and speed of play.
These trendy phone chains are a teen's dream. Simply attach the chic, bracelet-like chain to their phone case, and it turns their phone into an easy-to-carry, stylish accessory.
This speaker wows listeners with its 14 hours of battery life and durability — we’re talking waterproof, dust-proof and sink-proof. Your teen will be able to take this colorful speaker anywhere, so they can listen to their favorite tunes all the time.
Any teen obsessed with Instagram will also be obsessed with this camera that prints out Polaroid-style photos.
Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon received this as a gift and calls it “one of my favorite new ways to keep track of memories and spend time with my friends.” According to Moon, “It really gets people into the spirit when an instant camera comes out, no matter what activity we’re doing (and I know teenage me would’ve been just as obsessed with it as I am now in my early 30s). I love how portable and cute this instant camera is and how it has the feeling of nostalgia with a modern twist courtesy of the fun design.”
They can turn their phone into a portable gaming console with this controller-style device. It even has a headphone jack with microphone support, so they can still use the in-game chat features they're used to on their full-sized consoles.
For the teen who is always on-the-go, make sure they pack some muscle relief in their bag. It's perfect for using on the bus ride home from away games and tournaments or after a long gym session.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after gifts of 2025. This bundle with Mario Kart World is finally back in stock after launching and selling out earlier this year.
Best clothing, jewelry & accessory gifts for teens
These tote bag kits are like a bunch of small embroidery projects in one, and when you’re done, you have a really unique new bag.
Both fashion-forward and understated, this initial necklace is great for the budding style icon. It’s made of 14k gold-plated brass and can be personalized to match your teen’s name (letters from A to Z).
Birkenstocks are back, baby! These are the same reliable and comfy sandal you know, but now available in a variety of colors and materials. Good for the beach, a concert or a visit to the local spa, your teen will wear these sandals everywhere.
Shop TODAY social media video producer Anita Chomenko has had her pair of Eva Birkenstocks for three years and according to her, “they still look as good as new!” Chomenko says, “I decided to buy these before a trip to Hawaii when I wanted a flip flop/sandal that had a bit more support, but would also withstand the beach and the water. These are my go-to shoes for every beach and diving vacation I take. What I love about them is that they’re comfortable to walk in and you don’t have to worry about them getting dirty. Put them under water and all the sand will come right off. They come in a ton of cute colors, and they’re perfect for the boardwalk.”
For those fall and winter at-home days, all you want is a warm blanket or a hoodie. The Comfy lets you cuddle up with both! This pullover lives up to its name — lined with sherpa on the inside and a soft microfiber fleece on the outside, they won’t want to take it off.
PSA: Your teen's favorite fashion brand makes the coziest sweats. "These pants won in our Gifts We Love awards for being our go-to off-duty uniform, so they're sure to be a welcome addition to the wardrobe of any giftee who lives in their loungewear," says production associate Audrey Ekman.
While it’s not as well known as the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, this similar fanny pack from Patagonia is perfect for the outdoorsy type. It can sit at the waist or be slung over the shoulder for easy access to essentials, and reviewers love it because it is spacious and great for traveling.
Not sure what to get the on-trend teen in your life? These “ballet sneakers” will be as comfortable as their favorite running shoes, but way more stylish. "I love that you can just slip them on and go and that they work with everything from sweatpants to skirts,” says Ekman.
Best home gifts for teens
Not sure what to get the young adult in your life? Look to Urban Outfitters. If the way to your teen’s heart is through their headphones, you really can’t go wrong with this record. This 12-track vinyl album by Harry Styles is the much-anticipated fourth album from the British artist and style icon. And we're sure the teen in question is a fan of the hugely popular singer. The album includes a 12-page booklet with lyrics and photos for them to enjoy.
Don't stick to ordinary blankets. He or she will love being wrapped up like a burrito in this fun blanket — literally. It ranges in various sizes (60 to 90 inches), and comes in other designs, too, such as a waffle, pizza and more.
Every day can feel like a vacation with this portable, foldable hammock. Simply set up in any outdoor space, lean back and relax!
Give the gift of good vibes with this aesthetically pleasing candle.
"The calming scent has notes of agave, patchouli and green florals that burns for 60-75 hours," Ekman says. "And it's housed in a gorgeous handblown glass vessel.
"If there's one thing to know about Gen Z's interior design preferences, it's that we hate the 'big light,'" promises Ekman. "Nothing kills a vibe like harsh overhead lighting, so I love this cool ambient candlestick solution that adds a fun pop to any space, from bedrooms to dorm rooms. It's a collaboration between two legends: the affordable, design-forward home furnishing brand Ikea and designer Monika Mulder."
Unless they are living under a rock, your teen has probably heard of (or asked for) the Stanley tumbler. With it, your youngster will stay hydrated all day long, whether they just had basketball practice or worked up a thirst during gym class.
Stewart was hesitant at first, but now loves her Stanley: “I have to admit, I was reluctant about giving in to the hype of Stanley Quenchers when they first rose in popularity, but now I can’t go a day without mine. I have one at home and one in the office and it helps me stay consistent with my water intake. Plus, since it holds so much, it requires less refills throughout the day, which is less work on my part.”
Help your teen alleviate stress and feel a little more grounded wherever they are with the help of this pillow. It is weighted, super soft and designed to be used for calming the nervous system, per the brand.
Commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto, loves this sunrise alarm clock for its beautiful aesthetic and wellness benefits. "Not only is the Himalayan salt beautiful to look at, but it provides a gentle sunrise simulation to help make your mornings more peaceful," she says. "The light mimics the rising sun and helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, making it perfect for teens who have to wake up early but have a hard time getting out of bed!"
Best beauty and grooming gifts for teens
These bath soaks are designed with non-toxic, natural ingredients to target concerns from aches and muscle soreness to fatigue, stress and more.
If your teen loves experimenting with different eye shadows and blushes, this six-piece makeup brush set is an ideal gift. Each set comes with a foundation brush, blurring brush, define crease brush, liner brush, blush brush and one storage tray.
“If you’ve been tapped into any of the internet beauty discourse this year, you’ve probably heard of Sacheu — from reality TV sightings to appearances in popular YouTube get-ready-with-me videos, the peel-off liner stain on everybody’s lips has been the one in this duo,” writes Ekman. “This kit also includes a gloss topper and is perfect for slipping into a stocking or for creating a festive holiday makeup look.”
Press-on nails are an easy (and budget-friendly) way to get salon-quality nails. Stewart is a fan of Nail Reformation's designs. "I love this brand because their nails always fit my nail beds really well, they have cute designs all year long and they don't chip easily (which is great for me since I'm pretty rough with my hands)," she says. "I also love that these sets all come with cuticle oil, which is a huge difference maker in how long your set lasts and how good it looks!"
Since making its rounds on teens’ For You Pages across the country, Tarte’s color-shifting gloss has amassed more than 11,000 videos on TikTok under the hashtag #maracujajuicylip. The bestselling lip product is available in 18 different shades that adjust according to the pH level of your lips.
Senior social media editor Kate McCarthy is a fan of the product, saying: “This lip gloss is now the only one I reach for in my makeup bag. I have shared this with an insane amount of people, and whenever I go out with my friends, we all put it on to see how it looks universally flattering on all of us.”
Ekman is equally obsessed: “I recently took inventory across all of my bags and I own six different shades. It’s that good.”
Gift him this set that contains three different washes. One of them is an "all over wash" that the brand says is suitable for the face, hair and body. One is called Black Reserve and it has a cardamom and cedarwood scent. The third and final face wash is called a Turbo Wash and has cooling properties, according to its description.
Getting that perfect blowout at home can be quite the challenge, but with this Revlon Hot Air Brush, your teen can achieve sleek, voluminous hair in less than 12 minutes, according to one Shop TODAY writer. This tool was also a winner in Shop Today’s Beauty Awards last year, earning the title of best blow-dry brush in the styling category.
“It’s so much lighter than my regular hair dryer and I find myself reaching for it more and more,” says Shop TODAY associate editor Lauren Witonsky. “I definitely notice more volume right after blow drying, and like how easy it is to create a flip at the bottom of my hair. The different heat settings are nice to have too, though I only use cool or low.”
With slicked buns and ponytails taking the style world by storm, Squigs Beauty’s hair oil is a great gift for teens with an eye for fashion and a taste for healthy hair. The clean beauty oil is formulated to strengthen your hair and support your scalp, according to the brand. Plus, who can resist the absolutely adorable pastel packaging?
Not only is this overnight lip mask housed in super chic packaging, but it's also really effective, too. "I was introduced to this brand a few months ago and can't get enough," says Ricevuto. "While this works for all ages, teens will love trendy packaging and hydrating perks." According to the brand, 92% of users saw a visible improvement in their lips overnight. It's a great stocking stuffer!
"The original version of this hand cream won a Shop TODAY Beauty Award and went viral this past year," Ekman says. "A new version just launched, combining Soft Services' beloved bestseller that's designed to live on your nightstand with the popular 'Xtra Milk' fragrance from Gen-Z-approved brand DedCool. Needless to say, I'm obsessed, and any beauty lovers on your list will be, too."
Make their day sweeter with these adorable lip balms from Peach and Lily. This colorful set includes four scents and is especially helpful for irritated, chapped and dry lips.
Best books for teens
Barbara Smit delvess into the lives and history of two German brothers, Adi and Rudi Dassler, who had a family shoe business and how a feud split them apart but led to the creation of two of the world's biggest sneaker brands.
Lynn Painter's young adult romance novel will capture your teen's heart with its realistic, clever dialogue and lovable characters. The novel follows romance film buff Liz Buxbaum as she grapples with her obsession with happy endings and her frustration with the boy next door.
This book, written by Candice Iloh, is all about a young woman leaving home for the first time to attend a historically Black college and her journey along the way.
New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu released this final book in her “Legend” series. The suspenseful plot will keep the reader’s pages turning!
In “Cemetery Boys,” a transgender boy is determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family while he sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin to set it free.
“Everything Sad Is Untrue” is a groundbreaking autobiography about a young refugee who takes a stand for how he believes the world should be.
If you’re hoping to inspire some time away from your teen’s screens, gift a fun, friends-to-lovers romance that will have them in the sun-kissed mood all year long.
Stewart can vouch for this read: “This was my intro to Emily Henry books and I was absolutely captivated! I brought it with me to read while I was actually on vacation and ended up finishing most of it before I got off the plane.” According to Stewart, “It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow Poppy and Alex through summers spent together to learn about the big event that changed everything.”
"Dragon Hoops" is great for sports lovers. It's about a high school basketball team trying to bring themselves to their ultimate goal: a victory at the championships.
If your teen binged the popular TV show adaptation, gift them the novels that started it all. With three paperback books, the teen on your list will be indulged in all the summer feels — and well prepared for when season three drops.
Cocchi Zabloudil is a longtime fan of the book series, having read them as a teen herself. "No one captures what it’s like to be a teen quite like Jenny Han. I adored this trilogy when I first read it in high school (the first book came out when I was in 9th grade), and I loved all three books just as much when I reread them as an adult after the Amazon Prime series came out," she says. "Season 3 comes out in 2025, so now is a great time to gift these books to a teen who hasn’t gotten to know Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah yet!"
Zap! Pop! Once your artistic teen whips up some cool comic drawings, slip them into the mail. The print-ready artwork will be made into a professionally-bound comic book.
Best games for teens
If your teenager is constantly glued to their phone, gift them with a game that encourages that kind of behavior and promises to be engaging and fun as well.
Game of Phones gives players prompts such as “Send a message to your parents. First reply wins,” or a player dubbed as ‘The Influencer’ has to comment on a celebrity’s social media post. “My whole family loves it, as does my teen and her friends. We had a lot of laughs and will play again,” said one reviewer.
People can’t stop raving about Codenames! The social card game is all about working together and is a great way to incorporate teamwork into your teen’s life.
Senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says the board game has become a regular in her family’s rotation. “Codenames has become a staple for game nights and holiday weekends. It’s fun for adults and teens alike — and definitely drums up some good-natured competitiveness,” she explains.
Draw a category card, and try to name items in that category with letters from the alphabet. The last person who can’t name anything with the letters that are left, loses. It’s perfect for the teen who is a quick thinker, and loves a little competition between friends and family.
While one look with a friend might communicate all they need to know, test their mind reading abilities with this game, where players have to rank items on the same scale (hot to cold, scary to mild, etc.) and see if they ranked them in the same spot.
Unique gifts for teens
This miniature goat figurine is great for teens of all ages. The toy actually screams like a goat (cue the laughter!) and comes with a little book full of fun facts.
If they love watching classic movies, then they’ll totally enjoy this movie-themed scratch-off poster board. There are 100 different movies from various genres for the true movie buff to explore.
If your teen loves a night in of puzzling, they'll love this gift! The subscription offers an unlimited amount of puzzles (no matter which plan you're on) and includes a variety of puzzles from over 40 brands.
If you’re looking for a gift that your teen would never expect, this subscription box from Bokksu will certainly do the trick. Give them a taste of Japan with this curated box of over 20 delicious snacks that can be sent as a one-time gift or as a monthly subscription.
Everyone loves a handmade gift, especially if that homemade gift is made by someone who knows what they are doing. Support small businesses and let your teen pay a visit to their favorite Etsy shop!
If they love spending their time reading, this subscription lets them choose from three to 12 books each month, depending on the membership (ranging from $59.99 to $199.99). With a number of titles, genres and authors, they’re sure to find familiar favorites or try out a new genre.
Shop TODAY associate editor Allie Wise is a big fan of this pick. “I love Book of the Month! I’ve been gifted it multiple times and it’s so fun to choose,” she says.
Whether your teen is planning their first time away from home or beginning their college journey, this device is a great way to help them stay connected with home — or even act as a study tool.
If your teen has a sweet tooth and loves surprises, you can’t go wrong with a monthly ice cream subscription. Each delivery will include either five to six pints of ice cream or tons of ice cream sandwiches from some of the tastiest creameries around.
Art aficionados and Lego enthusiasts will appreciate this neat activity gift. It contains 1,810 pieces, promising to keep them captivated for many hours while they build one of the most iconic masterpieces of all time, brick by brick.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for the tween, teen and young adult on your list including 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds, 13-year-olds, 14-year-olds, 15-year-olds, 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds, 18-year-olds, 19-year-olds and 20-year-olds.
Drmtlgy Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer
Drmtlgy Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer