Teens don't always tell their parents exactly what they want, which can make finding the perfect gift a struggle. Rather than wrapping up a pair of socks or something basic, find something your teen will squeal in excitement over.
Teens like to stay up-to-date with the latest trends but you don't have to settle on practical gifts this year. Shop TODAY put together your go-to gift guide for the 17-year-old in your life, so you can take the stress out of shopping, and instead, pick out a gift they're sure to love.
To quickly jump to the category you're looking for, click on the links below or keep scrolling to see all 50.
Best clothing and accessory gifts | Best tech gifts | Best beauty gifts | Best gamer gifts | Best gift for foodies | Best home gifts | Best sports gifts | Best practical gifts
Best clothing and accessory gifts
Fuzzy Cross Band Plush Slippers
Fuzzy slippers are a timeless gift — and for good reason! These slippers are perfect for any 17-year-old who enjoys lounging around the house.
Sorax Minimalist Wallet
Rather than go for a traditional wallet, surprise your friend or loved one with a long-lasting alternative. This carbon fiber wallet was designed to be scratch-proof and durable. The design features storage for their cards and a clip to hold things like money. It also touts RFID-blocking technology to help keep their card information safe.
A belt is both a practical and stylish accessory must-have. This double-prong belt was made to help hold pants in place, while the square design is for added chicness.
Kitsch Jumbo Classic Claw Clips
Long, thick and luscious locks, while nice, oftentimes get in the way. Pull them back with these XL claw clips that promise to keep strands from falling in your face.
American Eagle Zip-Up Bear Hug Sherpa Jacket
Winter is coming and your 17-year-old will need a fuzzy zip-up to keep them warm and cozy. You can gift this full-zip in a variety of colors such as olive, plum and black. Grab it now while it's on sale.
Small Wallet
Now they have a no-fuss place to store their library and reward cards. The small accessory is perfect for the teen who likes to travel light.
Urban Outfitters Enamel Post Mismatched Earrings
This mismatched set of earrings is adorable for your favorite teen with multiple piercings. The set of 12 features mini colorful shapes ranging from a trendy bow to a pizza slice and more, adding vibrancy to any unique earring stack.
Hanes Beefy Henley Shirt
Combine style and comfort with this henley shirt. The three-button closure allows them to adjust it to fit their needs. It’s also available in a variety of colors, so you can choose their favorite shade.
Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
Belt bags are all over TikTok, and your teen has likely seen this bestselling option pop up in a few videos on the app. They can use it to tote along their essentials when heading to the store, to a school sports game or to hang with friends. This trendy gift is sure to garner you some cool parent points.
Champion Fleece Pullover Hoodie
A reliable hoodie is essential for every teen's closet. This pullover hoodie was designed with fleece for added comfort and warmth and also comes in 25 different colors to pick from.
RockDove Memory Foam Slippers
After a long day, your 17-year-old will look forward to sliding their feet into these. The slippers were made with memory foam for extra comfort and support. A waffle-knit design was also added for breathability.
Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoes
The right shoe can make all the difference during a workout. These sneakers were designed to provide both comfort and support, and they even come in a variety of colors.
Herschel Nova Mini Backpack
Perfect for storage and style, this mini backpack comes in a variety of colors including red, purple and black. Your teen can store their personal belongings in this mini version of a backpack and carry it with them wherever they go.
Oval Signet Ring
For the teen who loves jewelry, show them how special they are with this personalized ring. The piece comes in sterling silver or 14K gold vermeil for an elegant finish.
Birdy Grey Pleated Crossbody Bag
For the teen with great style, this bag will complement all their outfits. The crossbody bag is perfect to carry all the essentials and comes in three neutral hues.
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
If your 17-year-old has been eyeing a pair of Clifton 9 sneakers, they definitely have good taste. The elevated running shoes that come in a variety of trendy, adorable colors have been flying off the shelves for weeks now. Did we mention they are podiatrist-approved?
Best tech gifts
Yootech Wireless Charger
Eliminate the need for pesky wires with this charging pad that they can use to charge anything from their phone to their AirPods.
OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker
For the music lover, this portable speaker will help keep the tunes flowing for hours (it will last up to 14 hours on a full charge, according to the brand). This shopper-loved option comes in nine colors and has over 141,000 verified five-star ratings.
Elago Airpods Hanging Case
Give your loved one or friend a stylish case to keep their headphones safe. This case was made out of silicone and comes in different colors to suit their taste. It also comes with a clip for easier carrying.
Roku Premiere Streaming Media Player
Give your teen the ability to stream their favorite shows from the comfort of their bedroom. This media player gives them the option to download apps and enjoy their favorite movies and television shows in 4K.
Pura Car Scent Diffuser
If you're shopping for a new driver, they're likely searching for the best car gadgets. This scent diffuser was designed specifically for cars and is compatible with more than 14 scents from Pura. Production coordinator Bella Druckman loves the fresh, citrusy scent of Volcano.
Best beauty gifts
Bubble Come Clean Detox Clay Mask
Bubble's skin care products were created with teens in mind. And your 17-year-old will be able to turn any school night into a spa night with this mask. It's designed to pull out impurities and clear congestion without drying out their skin.
The White Invite Quilted Makeup Bag
Whether she's packing some makeup for quick touch-ups after gym class or needs something to stash in her bag for post-practice, this quilted, cotton zippered pouch offers enough room for all the essentials.
Available in four different patterns, it's also available in small and large sizes depending on how much room she needs.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Rare Beauty’s soft pinch liquid blush is constantly selling out both in stores and online. But we can’t blame the hype. The vegan and cruelty-free blush has a radiant finish and can last months thanks to its high pigmentation.
LED Makeup Mirror
Make their beauty tutorials efficient with this lighted makeup mirror. It features three different magnifications so they can get the perfect look from all angles.
Peace Out Puffy Eye Patches
If they're guilty of having puffy eyes due to staying up too late on their phone, or doing homework, these patches promise to help soothe the issue. This formula contains bio-cellulose as its key ingredient and also uses caffeine to wake the eyes up, niacinamide to combat dark circles and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.
Sleepy Tie
If she wants to preserve her curls overnight or keep her at-home blowout fresh for multiple days in a row, The Sleepy Tie promises to salvage hair while you sleep.
Our editors agree that this viral overnight hack is worth it, and reviewers seem to think so too as it's sold out over five times. It's available in small, medium and large sizes, allowing you to choose depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35
No matter the weather, dermatologists say you should be wearing sunscreen. This SPF 35 mineral powder will protect your 17-year-old’s face from the sun’s harmful UV rays while keeping their makeup in place.
Best gamer gifts
Hestia Goods Switch Carrying Case
Whether they're on the go or are done gaming for the day, give your teen something they can store their tech in. This carrying case was designed to take on the go and features multiple pockets and storage for chargers and a Nintendo Switch.
Bengoo G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset
Gamers typically enjoy chatting with their friends as they play. This headset was made to cancel out background noise, so your 17-year-old can focus on their game. It was also made to be compatible with most gaming systems.
The Crew Furniture Classic Video Rocker
Is your 17-year-old obsessed with gaming? They may love this rocker-style chair, which aims to provide comfort for long periods of time while they game. It's also made of faux leather and polyurethane foam for added comfort.
Uncommon Goods Game of Phones
A fun game is perfect for the one who loves hosting game nights. This scavenger hunt-inspired game requires the use of your phone as you compete to complete all the tasks before everyone else.
Best gift for foodies
Baked By Melissa You're Doing Great Cupcakes
Every teen loves a good snack. Send them some encouraging treats from wherever you are with this set of 25 bite-sized cupcakes. It comes with flavors like red velvet, birthday cake, cookies and cream and more.
Owala FreeSip 24-Ounce Water Bottle
If you haven't tuned in to the great water bottle debate, the 17-year-old you're shopping for definitely has. One of the contenders for best water bottle on the market, the Owala FreeSip has double insulation and a spout that transitions between a straw holder and a wide-mouth opening. This option is the best water bottle for travel, according to the Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards.
DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit
With all the extra time they'll have on their hands during winter break, the teen you're shopping for will be in search of ways to fill the time. Give the gift of knowledge and experience with this mochi ice cream kit. It includes ingredients for the sweet treat along with the tools to master the cooking process.
Best home gifts
Izoomi Purple Wall Collage Kit
Creating monochromatic wall collages is a TikTok trend that's stuck around. This kit comes with everything they need to achieve their desired aesthetic. Options are available in blue, pink, black and white, neutral and boho styles.
Initial Plush Pillow
Spell out their name, a nickname, or phrase with these initial pillows. Available in a number of neutral colors, their bedding will have a more personalized touch after decorating it with one of these pillows.
Main Event Felt Letter Board
Every teen should have a customizable piece of decor! This letter board comes with letters to create a variety of sayings.
Tenmiro LED Lights
LED lights are the finishing touches to thoughtfully curating a space. Not only are they easy to install, but also sync with any music or rhythm in the room.
Animal Succulent Planters
Plant lovers are sure to appreciate these adorable animal-themed pots. There are three set options to choose from that feature cows, pigs, penguins and more.
Etsy Flower Monogram Journal
Whether they're jotting down their dreams or coming up with their next big story, add some personalization to their next journal.
Best sports gift
Bombas Men’s Running Ankle Socks
Shop TODAY editors have loved Bombas' socks for years, and this option is best for 17-year-olds who love to run. The socks include a blister tab, seamless toe and strategic cushioning to keep your feet supported on sprints and stretches.
Women’s Tri-Block Ankle Socks
We know some people joke about receiving socks as a gift, but these socks are award-winning and gift-worthy for a reason. The everyday socks impressed testers in the Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards with its seamless toe, arch support and cushioned footbed.
Uncommon Goods Playful Sports Mug
Offline by Aerie Hugger Biker Shorts
Available in multiple length options, these biker shorts promise to do what their name suggests-hug the skin so they don't move around while you're working out or at practice.
Made with a polyester and spandex fabric blend, they're stretchy, soft and soon to become a favorite go-to.
Best practical gifts
Hagibis Cleaning Pen for AirPods
Another tried-and-true practical gift for teens, this AirPod cleaning pen is easy to use and effective.
“I had recently noticed that one of the earbuds wasn’t as loud as the other one (or as clear as it used to be). ... After I scraped all of [the filfth] out using the sharp tip, I realized that I didn’t have to turn the volume up as much to listen to music — and the sound was so much crisper,” one Shop TODAY contributor wrote.
Ticarve Car Cleaning Putty
Just because the teen you're shopping for might have their license doesn't mean that they know how to keep their car clean. This practical gift picks up dust, debris, crumbs and pet hair to keep the car spotless.
Ayesha Spa Headband
Shopping for a teen who loves skin care? This practical (and adorable!) spa headband will keep their hair out of their face while they complete their skin care routine.
Caseative Water Ripple Pattern iPhone Case
Adding personalization to your phone is definitely “in.” This super unique iPhone case, which mimics a water-ripple effect, is shown here in a cool metallic shade and is also available in array of colors so you can choose their favorite.
JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker
Whether it's to their jam session in the shower or a day in the park, every teenager would love to take their music with them. According to the brand, the audio of this speaker is shockingly loud. It's also dust-proof as well as waterproof and has 4.8-star rating.
