Need help picking out Christmas gifts for your teen this year? Tired of spending time and money selecting THE perfect gift only to find it tossed in the back corner of your teen’s closet a month later? As the mom of a teenager, I know how difficult it can be. So, I’ve talked to a bunch of teens to find out what THEY REALLY want this year.
Before I begin, let me just say, making Christmas all about the gifts makes me nuts. To me, it’s about family, faith, and gratitude. With that said, when I was a teenager I was as laser-focused on what I got under the tree as my teen, and many teens, are now. And to be honest, I do refrain from buying a lot of her “wants” during the year so I can splurge at Christmas time.
When buying Christmas gifts for teens, my first rule of thumb is to ask them what they want with as many details as possible (a direct link is ideal!) I’ve learned that picking stuff out that I THINK my teen daughter wants is a bad idea. If I get the wrong color, the wrong brand, the wrong anything, she will do her best to show me she’s excited about it, but I can always see the wave of disappointment in her eyes. In a way, when I get it wrong it sends the message that I really wasn’t listening to her or don’t care about what’s important to her.
And brand names are extremely important to teens. Yes, it may seem silly and shallow to us, but owning “the right” product creates a sense of belongingness with the other brand fans and makes our teens feel like they fit in more with their peers. We can continue to lecture them that brands shouldn’t matter, but it doesn’t change the fact that they do matter to them (and let’s be real, to a lot of adults as well).
If you’re like me, you’ll look at the list below and think, “Seriously?! I don’t even know what half this stuff is and I certainly don’t spend that much on myself.” If so, keep in mind that many teens would rather have one thing that is the right brand and style than several things that are knock-offs or cheaper versions of what they asked for. In fact, getting not quite what they wanted may be worse than not getting it at all.
In case it helps, here’s how we’re doing Christmas this year. I told my daughter how much I’m comfortable spending and she’s coming up with a wish list that fits my budget. To do this, she’ll have to prioritize what she really wants versus what she thinks would be cool to have because everyone else has it. It will also prevent me from buying more stuff just to donate next year.
If you don’t have the opportunity to ask your teen what they want or you want to surprise them with something they won’t think totally sucks, here is a teen-approved list of gift ideas that are popular this year.
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #1: Beauty and Self-Care Products.
This year the top Christmas gifts for teen girls are customized beauty products, ethical brands, and anything recommended by skincare influencer Hyram Yarbro (@skincarebyhyram). I’ve hyperlinked everything (mostly to Amazon*) if you want to learn more about each of the products.
1. Makeup brush cleaning mat ($4.98)
2. Essential oils variety pack ($9.99)
3. Serums from The Ordinary (e.g. Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Peeling Solution) ($12.54)
4. Essential Oil Diffuser ($14.99)
5. Himalayan Glow Natural Pink Salt Lamp ($12.96)
6. Glossier beauty products ($15+)
7. Jade facial skin roller ($15.95)
8. Bath and Body Works 5-Pack PocketBac Sanitizers ($21.89)
9. L Ange Glass spray for your hair ($22)
10. Revlon hair/brush dryer ($41.99)
11. Function of Beauty customizable hair and beauty products ($49.99+)
12. Mini portable beauty fridge (for their skincare or for soda & snacks) ($68.99)
13. Sephora cologne or perfume sampler ($75)
14. YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket ($79.90) OR HugSleep Sleep Pod ($79.99)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #2: Subscription Box Services.
If you want Christmas gifts for your teenager that will last all year, subscription boxes are quite the rage right now. Once you sign up, your teen will get a personalized box of their favorite goodies on their doorstep every month. It’s like Christmas morning all over again. Here are a few popular subscription services:
15. Ipsy makeup subscription box ($12/month | $144/year)
16. Tinker crates come with engineering, science, art, and craft options (16.95/crate)
17. Causebox subscription. All products are community-focused, ethically made, environmentally conscious, and impact-driven. ($199.80)
18. Curology custom-made skincare subscription service ($19.95/month | $228/year)
19. Loot Crates subscription box. Comes with anime, pop culture, clothing, and gaming options. ($14+/month | $168)
20. Unplugged Book Box Young Adult ($38/month | $456/year)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #3: Advent Calendars
Another idea for Christmas gifts for teenagers is an advent calendar. Gone are the days of paper calendars filled with cheap chocolate. Take a look at some of the calendars teenagers have on their wish lists this year:
21. Paladone Central Perk 12 Days of Bath Advent Calendar ($29.99)
22. OPI Nail Lacquer Mini 25 Pack Advent Calendar($49.95)
23. 24 Days of Clean Beauty Advent Calendar by BareMinerals ($99)
24. Jerky Advent Calendar from Man Crates ($79.99).
25. Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up Advent Calendar ($27.99)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #4: Comfy Clothing and Footwear
Thanks to distance learning, it’s all about being comfy and cozy this year. Here are some of the things they’re wearing right now:
26. The Comfy oversized wearable blanket ($39.99)
27. L.L. Bean’s Wicked Good Slippers($79)
28. Lululemon leggings($88+)
29. Nike hoodies and sweatpants($80+)
30. Nike Air Force 1 white sneakers ($90)
31. UGG Men’s Ascot Slippers ($119.95)
32. Adidas Yeezy Boost Shoes($179)
33. UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boot ($139.95)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #5: Fashionable Accessories
From 80-style scrunchies to designer handbags, here are some teen trends that are hot at the moment.
34. Statement face masks ($4+)
35. Satin Hair Scrunchies (18 for $10.99)
36. Vera Bradley Zip ID Case and Lanyard. ($15)
37. Coach wristlet ($43)
38. Kendra Scott earrings ($50)
39. Pit Viper Sunglasses ($99)
40. Tiffany & Co. Mini Double Heart Tag Pendant ($150)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #6: Support a Worthy Cause
Today’s teens are all about having a purpose and fighting for a cause. That’s why another good Christmas gift idea is buying from companies that give back. TOMS started the trend years ago (although I’m told they are for “older people.”) Here are some brands our teenagers like and what they donate to:
41. Pura Vida bracelets. Gives artisans full-time jobs while helping to fund over 190 charities. ($5+)
42. Bombas socks. For every item you purchase, they donate an item on your behalf. ($15)
43. Madera portable hammock. Two trees planted per purchase. ($24.99)
44. Sudara Punjammies pants. Every purchase supports living-wage employment and skills training for women in India who are at high risk or survivors of sex trafficking. ($64)
There are also websites that offer unique gifts AND give back with every purchase such as:
o Naturallife.com: All about girl empowerment.
o Boxlunch.com: For every $10 you spend they provide a meal to a person in need through Feeding America.
o Uncommongoods.com. Donate $1 to a Better to Give partner of your choice with every purchase.
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #7: Technology and Gaming
It’s may be high-tech to us, but it’s just everyday stuff to our teens. These are the latest and greatest gadgets our teens are talking about.
45. Anker PowerCore Mini Portable Charger($19.99)
46. Elago 3 in 1 Personal Charging Station ($22.99)
47. Newly released video games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Call of Duty: Black Ops- Cold War ($59.99)
48. Corsair Wireless Premium Gaming Headset ($80.99)
49. JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($89.95)
50. Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer ($99.98)
51. Audio-Technica Turntable ($149) (Bonus: Pull out your favorite 80s LPs and share them with your teen!)
52. Apple Airpod Pro ($219)
53. Bose Frames Soprano — Cat Eye Polarized, Bluetooth Audio Sunglasses ($249)
54. Nintendo Switch Video Game Console ($389.95)
55. Apple Watch Series 6 ($399+)
56. Oculus Quest 2 Gaming System — Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset. ($399)
57. Miroir M189 Portable Projector ($449.99)
58. Playstation 5 ($499)
59. iPad Air ($599) PLUS iPad Pencil ($129)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #8: Smart stuff
There are loads of accessories that can be hooked up to the Alexa and Google Home devices. Here are a few that teens are asking for this year:
60. Smart WiFi Light Bulbs ($19.98)
61. TALOYA Smart Ceiling Light Flush Mount ($76.49)
62. Alexa Fire TV Cube. ($79.99)
63. Fit Smart Yoga Mat (even rolls up on its own) ($89.95)
64. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones ($199)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #9: Sports equipment
We may be banned from public places like the gym, but we still want to get our move on. Here are some fun ways our teens like to stay active.
65. Everlast Women’s Pro Style Training Gloves($30)
66. SpikeBall 3-Ball Kit ($59)
67. Ripstik Caster Board for skaters, boarders, and even snowboarders. ($70.78)
68. Stand Up Paddleboards(SUP) by Retrospec ($299.99)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #10: Barista equipment
This year, teens have been sipping on a lot of smoothies, tea, and cold brew. Here are some easy and fun ways they can make their favorite beverages at home.
69. Electric Tea Kettle ($25.97)
70. Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker ($29.99)
71. DIY Bubble Tea Kit ($38.00)
72. NutriBullet smoothie maker ($76.49)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #10: Virtual experiences
This year we’ve all had to put a kibosh on our travel plans and action-packed outings. There is good news, however. Celebrities, influencers, and athletes have been making themselves more accessible online. Now is the chance to create an unforgettable experience for your teen with their favorite idol.
73. Masterclass subscription. Thousands of virtual classes taught by celebrities and leaders. Learn cooking with Gordon Ramsey, skateboarding with Tony Hawk, and magic with Penn & Teller, ($180)
74. Virtual meet & greet with their idol ($150). There are several online platforms that create virtual concerts, events, and 1:1 meetings.
a. Virtual experiences zone (sports, music, broadway)
b. LoopedLive.com (concerts, musicians, celebrities)
c. BroadwayPlus.com (broadway)
d. Creation Entertainment Live Virtual Fan Experience (celebrities, experiences)
Teen Christmas Gift Idea #11: Activities and Games
Boredom has not only set in, chances are it’s taken over your house completely. Here are a few activities teens actually enjoy that can help break them out of the “there’s nothing to do” doldrums.
75. Wreck this Journal ($12) and Finish this Book ($13.79)
76. 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster ($15.00)
77. Guitar Pick Punch ($16.94)
78. Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit ($18.78)
79. Exploding Kittens Card Game ($19.99)
80. Catan 5th Edition Board Game ($43.97)
81. Learn to Play Ukulele Start Kit ($59.99)
82. AeroGarden Harvest-Black Indoor Hydroponic Garden ($99)
Gifts Teens Will Love That Won’t Cost You a Cent!
Want to get something for your teen that will always fit, doesn’t break the bank, will never, ever go out of style and they actually want? Here are 10 priceless gifts that teens will appreciate more than anything that can be gift-wrapped.
* Amazon affiliate links
