25 Stocking Stuffers for Teens That Sleigh the Day

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Teens are the hardest bunch to buy for. Their desires are as changing as the trends, and it can feel impossible to keep up. Not surprisingly, buying stocking stuffers for teens can feel like a chore, but don't worry, I've done the dirty work of text chaining a too-large, too-eager-to-chat group of teens to find out what they really want in their stockings this year.

I talked to about 10 girls ranging from 12 to 19 years old, and 6 boys and gender nonconforming kids of about the same ages, and they had tons of ideas about what they thought should go in their stocking, from the fun — like Tamogotchis — to the practical — like pimple patches. And yes, they added in a few wildly expensive and overall inappropriate gifts that didn't make this list (I'm sorry, a $600 Apple watch is not a stocking stuffer unless you play pro sports), but in general, what they want is pretty normal and achievable. Better yet, they're all available to buy online.

I waded through the endless stream-of-consciousness text threads and managed to find the 25 best and easiest stocking stuffers for teens, and there's definitely something for everyone on our list.

Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie

Everything old is new again. Carhartt beanies were super popular when I was in high school, and now they're back (and quite possibly never left.) Kids I spoke with love how warm they are, how they hold their shape, and the fact that they're Carhartt. Because New York City kids are definitely helping on the farm!

More: Christmas Gifts for Teens They Won't Return

Glitter Gel Smens

Scented pencils and markers skew younger, but scented gel pens? They're the definition of a teen win. Even if they make fun of them initially, they'll love having to add some fun to their school work. (This is straight from the mouths of the babes themselves. )

The pens have the scent right on the outside, whether it's orange, watermelon, or, my personal favorite, cotton candy.

Flat Elastic Shoelaces

These shoelaces are genuinely cool. Chances are, if you have a teen, you've seen them put their shoes on without opening the laces first. With these elasticized laces, there's no need. They stretch enough so that your teens can just slide their feet in and out of their sneakers easily.

JBuds Mini

These headphones are such a good steal for the price. They're ultra-small, play high-quality sound, the case fits easily in a pants pocket, and they're fast to charge.

As a mom, my favorite feature is the "be aware" function that lets you adjust the headphones to let in outside noise like traffic or sirens.

Shape Shifting Box

Fidget toys have improved so much over the past several years. This is a mesmerizing fidget cube that has been making the rounds in my kids' friend groups for a while, and I will tell you, after playing with this infinity cube myself, it's extremely soothing and satisfying to hold and move.

Hello Kitty iPhone Case

So your child may not be getting the new iPhone this year, but they can get a fun, affordable new case for whatever model they happen to be carrying.

Hello Kitty is having a moment right now, and all of my teen girls want this case — and given how soft and fun to look at it is, who could blame them?

Cool Hollow Skull Matte Black Soft Phone Case

My son is getting a new iphone 15 this year (he previously had the 11, so it was time), which made getting a fun, shock-absorbing case a must. This is the one he is asking for, and I think it's almost more fun than the Hello Kitty case, thanks to its monochromatic styling.

Shea-Infused Lounge Socks

Bath and Body Works was easily the most-mentioned brand by teen girls. These shea-butter-infused socks were beloved by all who felt them. (My daughter has a pair, and she's nothing short of obsessed with them.)

Everyone now wants their very own pair, and it could not be easier to grab some for your kids, and while you're at it, grab some for you, too.

Fresh Falls Cube

I'm a huge fan of the social media viral soap brand Dr. Squatch, so it's no surprise to me that kids want their soaps in their stockings. They smell good, last forever, and they look pretty cool as well. This is an epic cube of soap (three regular bars!) that will easily last your teen several months of use.

It's a freshly-scented, grit-free soap made for exfoliation and great lather.

Jumbo Candy Cane Sticks Peppermint Poles

If you don't suck a peppermint stick down to a dangerous point on Christmas Day, is it even Christmas? I'm not sure, but this is a three-pack of the most jumbo peppermint sticks, and apart from taste, potential weaponry, and breath-improving characteristics, it also just looks good coming out of the top of the stocking.

Salve Tin

It's for your lips, your hands, and even around your nose during the cold weather. It's not a trendy product, but it's a classic that everyone loves. Rosebud salve is a useful gift that kids and adults both love. For over 100 years, this brand has been saving our chapped skin, and for that, we salute them.

Mulberry Silk Sleep Eye Mask & Blindfold

I had no idea that kids were into sleep masks, but I guess no one is immune to all the gadget lights happening in their rooms at night. Kids are just smarter and more proactive about it by blinding themselves to it, much like they blind themselves to the wrappers that have been on their desks for weeks — all the better if it's a soft and silky blinding.

Champagne Toast Holiday Set

Your teens might not be old enough to have a glass of champagne, but they can toast to their clean, soft hands with this antibacterial gel and hand cream combination from Bath and Body Works. It smells a bit sweet and fruity, and the combination will leave teens hands clean and smooth.

Fun Saver Single Use Camera with Flash

I don't understand any more than you do why kids are into all things 90s right now. I mean, I lived through it, and other than some quality films and the advent of Tommy Girl cologne, it was not the best time. But hey, instant cameras, in spite of their names, do teach kids the value of waiting. Also, the pictures are a fun surprise.

Keith Haring Socks

I am not 100% sure that teens have a full understanding of the cultural impact of Keith Haring, but they know his work, and they like the socks that feature his most famous artwork, "Dancing Man," on their front. They're a fun, artistic option for teens that they aren't expecting.

Custom Bracelet for Women

Name bracelets are always in style, but right now, thanks to a combination of retro-popularity and Taylor Swift, novelty bracelets are having a moment. This is a fast-shipping custom product for only $15, and it's sure to be a big hit for your teen or tween (or even older).

Lavender Pedi In a Box

Inflation is brutal, and apparently, it's cutting into teens' pedi budgets. Whatever will they do? What they always do, of course, which is rely on you, duh. (And we love that for them while they can.) The pedi in a box comes with everything they need other than polish to get their feet soft and looking great.

Lotion, masks, scrubs, and soaks, along with a scrubbing emory board are included.

Something Wild! Five Nights at Freddy's

As a parent who was forced against her will to go see the Five Nights at Freddy's movie, I can attest to its popularity amongst the youths. I was the only person over 35 in the theater, and while that wasn't the most fun for me, I could see the appeal of the film, and of this card-based game based on the books and movie from Funko!.

Gold Palo Alto Glasses

Glasses on a stocking stuffer for teens list? Yes, when you consider that they're only $42, and that's with the lenses, case, and cloth. EyeBuyDirect is a huge hit in the under-20 crowd, and their parents are also fans. (It's me, I'm parents.) They're trendy, affordable, and durable — and what could be better than that?

R2-D2 Tamagotchi

Somehow, I've kept two children alive for them to live to be tweens and teens, but I could not manage my Tamagotchi. Why each generation keeps doing this to themselves, I'll never know, but it's a retro toy that continues to have mass all these years later, and I'm here for it. I will be the purchaser of their disappointment and their fun — it's a rite of passage.

PocketBac Holder

This Nutcracker gets you clean and lights up while he does it. And who doesn't light up thinking about killing bacteria? I know that I do. Bath and Body Works makes the cutest antibacterial gel holders, and this is a favorite for the year. Imagine him hanging onto the side of the stocking!

Body Hero Daily Oil Wash

Glossier is one of the best-smelling fragrances in the world, and it's one that kids and adults agree on. The Glossier daily oil wash is moisturizing and decadent without being overpriced. This is definitely one of those gifts that I give to my teen, and I am so going to be stealing some from her. You've probably seen Glossier all over TikTok and Instagram, and this is one of their best-sellers.

ULTIMATE Hot Sauce Packet Assortment

Not everyone is into candy — some teens are savory fans, and many teens are huge fans of hot sauce. This affordable hot sauce packet assortment is a hilarious and useful gift for the chilihead in your life. Personally sent to me by four different teens, it would seem everyone wants to sample!

ACTIVE Outdoor Wet Wipes

If you have a teen boy, I do not need to explain to you why this is a good stocking stuffer for everyone in the house, even if the only person receiving it is the teen boy.

They smell good, plus they're deodorizing, biodegradable, compostable — and did I mention that they smell good?

The Original Might Patch

Pimples are a fact of life in puberty, and these patches are the favorite pimple-disappearing aids to that problem. My kids use them, their friends use them, and everyone they know uses them. They need them, they love them, and they all agree that they're an excellent stocking stuffer.

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