12 of the Best Gifts for Teens (According to Actual Teens)
Whether your 15-year-old is into technology, theater, sports or sleeping (it’s always sleeping), finding a gift they won’t roll their eyes at can feel like a herculean task. This year, we turned to the experts—teens themselves—and asked them what they actually want for Christmas. Here, 12 gifts for teens that might get them to put down their phones for a minute.
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1. Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones
The just-released Apple Airpods Pro are impossible to get your hands on before the holidays, but these new Beats by Dre wireless Powerbeats are just as cool (if not more so). Not only do they provide up to nine hours of play time on a single charge, but they also filter out external noise, so your teen can listen to music undisturbed.
2. LED Strip Lights
They’ve seen these lights in every TikTok star’s bedroom, so of course they want a set of them for their room too. Once they’re set up along the ceiling, your teen can control the brightness, color and timing all from an app on their phone. But they’ll really lose it when they realize this set from Amazon also changes color automatically based on the beat of the music that’s on.
3. Patagonia Classic Retro-X Men's Jacket
Sherpa is everywhere this season, and one 16-year-old we talked to swore this vintage-inspired jacket was at the top of his list this year. Psst: The windproof material has Patagonia’s HeiQ Fresh technology, which will keep it odor-free, no matter how long he refuses to wash it.
4. Starbucks Giftcard
Multiple teens mentioned that a Starbucks gift card would make their lives a little easier. (C’mon, have you seen the price for a Grande lately?) And thanks to Amazon, you can load one up without ever having to set foot in a store. The retail giant will deliver it to your doorstep and you can pop it right in their stocking. Done and done.
5. Nike Air Force 1 Shadow Sneaker
“I already have these, but if I didn’t, I’d definitely want them for Christmas,” one 17-year-old girl explains. And yes, they’ll still wear them even when there’s snow on the ground. Fashion over function, right?
6. JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
This speaker lets your teen play her music literally anywhere (it’s even waterproof, so she can set it up in the shower). It offers up to 12 hours of play time per charge, and two smartphones can connect to it at the same time, meaning she can go head-to-head with her friends to see who has the best Spotify playlist.
7. Bombas Men’s Originals Calf Socks
As it turns out, some kids actually do want socks for Christmas. One teen boy we chatted with said he’d love another pair or two of these guys but can’t justify spending his own money on them. Stocking stuffers made easy.
8. Glossier Cloud Paint
Chances are, you’ve already overheard her discussing this wildly popular makeup brand with her friends. But she could always use another product for her growing collection. Cloud Paint is a gel-cream hybrid blush that she can sweep on with her fingertips. It’s subtle, glowy and virtually foolproof.
9. Apple MacBook Air
Sure, they all get school computers these days. But most don’t allow them to access the important stuff—like Netflix and Hulu. Hook them up with a MacBook so they can watch TV from the comfort of their own bed and also use it for non-schoolwork-related internet needs (you know, like researching new ways to be embarrassed by you). Plus, if they take good care of it, it just might last them through college.
10. Stillman & Birn Sketchbook
Have a budding artist on your hands? They’ll love this high-quality sketchbook from Stillman & Birn. The premium art supply company’s signature sketchbook features heavyweight paper that’s designed for mixed media, so they can experiment as they please.
11. Ulta Gift Card
She loves spending Saturday afternoons roaming Ulta’s aisles and checking out the newest products. This way, she’ll be able to actually buy a few. Multiple teens we spoke with cited these gift cards as the number one thing they’re hoping to find in their stocking.
12. Spotify Premium
It’s rough out there when you’re stuck with the ad-supported free version. This card is redeemable for a full year of Spotify Premium, so your favorite little music aficionado can stream on and on without fear of interruption. (And hey, nothing says you can’t demand it to be a family account.)
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