40 Best Sweet 16 Gifts Gen Z Totally Approves of

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The Best Sweet 16 Gift Ideas:

Turning 16 is one of the first major milestone's of a teenager's life. They're growing up, gaining some freedom and hopefully showing some maturity. It's a special moment that deserves to be celebrated!

But shopping for teenagers is a different story. There's always a new TikTok, or a new trend on the rise that can change their interests in no time. If you're struggling to understand Gen Z and their likes and dislikes, we've found plenty of items that are total slays...akabestsellers.

Not only did I talk with some teenagers to find out what's on their wishlists, I also asked some store employees what teenagers are buying the most these days, and scrolled through way too many TikTok and Instagram posts to count.

Whether they're the sporty type, a social butterfly, homebody or music lover, we found all the best gift ideas and gadgets. And if they're starting to drive... well, Godspeed. But seriously, we picked out some great car accessories like the cutest ID holders, safety keychains, roadside assistance kits, car coasters and more.

More ways to surprise the teen in your life:

• Best Gifts for Teenage Boys They'll Actually Love

• Best Gifts for Teenage Girls That Are Totally TikTok Approved

• Unique and Meaningful Gifts for a Daughter

• Birthday Gifts for Her She's Going to Obsess Over

• DIY Birthday Decoration Ideas to Delight the Guest of Honor

KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

Chances are they love taking pictures of fun moments with their friends, artsy shots, or plenty of selfies in the mirror. This one from KODAK is a basic point and shoot camera with flash that prints photos instantly!

Sweet 16 Pearl Necklace

Gift her something special that symbolizes this big milestone! This pearl necklace is sweet and simple, yet timeless. Plus, we love that it already comes in a gift box!

Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

We all have different taste in music, especially teenagers. Gift them a pair of their own high-tech headphones so they can listen to whatever they want, whenever they want, and you can enjoy some peace and quiet.

Wristlet Wallet

Help her keep up with all her important belongings with this wristlet wallet that doubles as a keychain! She'll be able to keep her keys, cash, ID, and any cards all together thanks to the help of this cute accessory. It will be an extra great gift if she's getting her driver's license!

Custom Neon Signs

They will totally freak out when they unwrap this fun neon sign! Customize it to spell out their name or favorite message. It's going to be a great decoration for their room.

Tecovas Calfskin Billfold

Is he getting a license to drive for his birthday? Give him a nice wallet! This one is handmade from calfskin leather and features a bi-fold design with plenty of space for any cards, cash, and his new ID.

The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler

We know just about every teenager has a Stanley cup on their wishlist. This 30 oz tumbler will at least keep them hydrated throughout the day! Plus, they really are cute!

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Jet Set

Nearly every teenage girl is dying to get their hands on this Sol de Janeiro scent! Instead of splurging on one item, this gift set comes with three mini versions of the brand's bestsellers. She will be in love with this gift!

Adidas Unisex Adilette Slides

Some things never change... like the comfort of these Adidas slides. They can wear them around the house, throw them on for school, or after practice. Basically, they will probably live in these. And don't be surprised when they wear them with socks.

She’s Birdie – The Original Personal Safety Alarm

We're all about taking safety precautions around here! As she gets older and gains a little more freedom, having some extra peace of mind is important. The Birdie looks like a basic keychain, but when she removes the top pin, a LOUD siren is activated and flashing strobe-lights come on to create a diversion and attention to help deter any kind of attack.

Parima Personalized Jewelry Holder & Organizer Case

Personalize a jewelry box for her! She's going to love this travel jewelry organizer for all her fave accessories. The best part is that she can zip it up and take it with her on the go!

Wireless Charging Bluetooth Speaker

It's no secret teenagers love their phones and pretty much anything to do with them. This wireless charger doubles as a cool bluetooth speaker that's going too add all the vibes to their room.

Never Lost Keychain

If they're starting to drive, get them something to keep those keys close! Whether you're 16 or 60, Lululemon is loved by all ages. However, it's more popular than ever with Gen Z.

Apple Watch SE (2023)

While the last thing they need is more technology to get their hands on, a smart watch is a great way to keep them connected and safe! They can track their sleep, steps, send an Emergency SOS, and even share their location with you. And of course, they'll probably want to text their friends from it, too.

Bubble Letter Necklace

All it takes is one celeb to wear a piece of jewelry (ahem, Hailey Bieber) and suddenly everyone wants one! Instead of just a regular initial necklace, gift her one of these bubble letter necklaces that are are super trendy right now.

Pura Car Diffuser

If a car is in their future, make sure it smells as good as it looks! Pura not only makes incredible diffusers for the home, but for cars, too. Made from safe and clean ingredients, pick out a scent or two and just plug the diffuser into a power source. The diffuser has an automatic start and stop depending on when they're in the car and the driver can adjust the intensity of the scent that's being released. You might want to pick one up for yourself, too.

Apple AirTag

Maybe they're on the go a lot. Or, maybe these lose things a lot. Whichever it is, an AirTag will give you both some peace of mind. Plus, you can grab them this cool case that doubles as a keychain to go with it.

Amazon eGift Card

Can't decide on anything? A gift card is the best way to ensure they can get something they really want and your money isn't going to waste! Trust us, they will love this gift.

Remote Control Led Strip Lights

These are going to look so cool in their bedroom or favorite hangout spot. They're getting older and probably looking for ways to express their own style more.

Large Travel Backpack

Whether they're gearing up for a big trip, spend every weekend at sleepovers, or just have busy school days, this is the best backpack for your teenager! It has plenty of different compartments for a laptop and books, a change of clothes, and even a separate space for shoes!

10" Premium Leather Dopp Kit

For the guy who is traveling more or starting to find his own preferred toiletries, gift him a nice leather dopp kit to keep it all together! This one has a waterproof lining so it will stay in tact despite any products he may carry inside.

Personalized Hair Claw Clips

Claw clips have really made a comeback and they're not going anywhere anytime soon. Upgrade her fave accessory with a custom clip that has her name spelled out in rhinestones!

Meta Quest 2 — All-in-One Wireless VR Headset

Virtual Reality Headsets are brought out at almost every party they go to, why not get them their own! With no wires or cables, all they have to do is put on the headset, find their play space, and jump into the fully-immersive world that awaits them.

Ana-Luisa Pearl Hoop Huggie Earrings

A nice pair of earrings will feel like a big deal for the big birthday! This bestselling pair from Ana-Luisa is hypo-allergenic and water resistant so they will last her a long time!

JBL Clip 4: Portable Speaker with Bluetooth

Not only do they want to blast their music on their own terms, but with this one from JBL, they can take it with them wherever they go. The JBL 4 comes with a strong clip so they can attach it to their backpack, or even to their shower head since it's also waterproof!

Custom Name Bar Bracelet

Give them a custom gift that will look good with everything! A name bracelet like this will feel personal and thoughtful but is a classic piece they can wear for years.

GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball

Whether they're always on the courts or they just like to play around every now and then, a glow in the dark ball definitely upgrades the game! This ball uses LED lights that are good for up to 30 hours of nighttime play. It illuminates from the inside with a bounce and automatically shuts off when not in use.

Silicone Suction Phone Case Adhesive Mount

This are the most popular phone accessory right now! While it might look like the perfect phone case for someone who loves to fidget, it's main purpose is that the suction mount allows users to stick their phone to any clean surface so they can take pictures, FaceTime friends, or just go hands free.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch™ Pimple Patc

Being a teenager is rough, and dealing with hormones and acne doesn't help. These pimple patches are a total lifesaver and the best ones I've found to do the job! These hydrocolloid stickers help improves the look of pimples overnight without the popping.

Friendship Bracelet Kit

Is she in her friendship bracelet era? This kit is going to have everything she needs for her next concert or sleepover with her besties. This kit comes with 14,000 pieces, so we doubt she'll run out of ideas!

17-in-1 Outdoor Survival Kit

If they love the outdoors, this survival kit is going to make the coolest gift! Hopefully, they never run into a real emergency, but it's going to be great to bring along on camping trips, hiking trails, an afternoon of fishing, and much more.

Sephora Favorites Clean Me Up Kit

If she's constantly reaching into your makeup bag, get her a bundle of Sephora's bestsellers! They're safe and clean for her young skin so you know she's not using anything unnecessary. Plus, she'll love trying out all the fun new products!

Cozy Checkerboard Blanket

If they want Barefoot Dreams comfort without the price tag, this brand is known for being almost identical in how soft and cozy they are! This checkerboard style has been totally on trend.

Nike Solo Swoosh Sweatshirt

A good hoodie is something they will hold on to. This one is made with warm fleece and is a little roomy for a bit of an oversized fit.

Roadside Safety Tool Kit

If they're staring to drive, knowing what to do in an emergency is of the utmost importance! This kit includes items like repair cable ties, bungee cords, electrical tape, a space blanket, rain poncho, reflective warning triangle, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, safety gloves and so much more.

Ekouaer Loungewear 2 Piece Floral Set

Two-piece sets like this one are super trendy and only getting more popular! This one is going to be so fun whether she's lounging around the house or meeting up with her girlfriends.

Lucky Penny Sweet 16 Key Chain

Make this their lucky penny! Regardless if they're driving yet or not, they will love this sweet token from their birth year that marks the big day!

Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Green Tea Starter Pack

This is perfect for the girls who love spending too much time and money at the coffee shop! Get them their own matcha kit. While Chamberlain Coffee is super trendy and popular, it's also really good. This is the ultimate kit and comes with a stainless steel straw pack, a mason jar and the brand's bestselling matcha. You can even choose from 3 flavors: Original, Mango or Vanilla.

Car Cup Coasters

Make her ride even cuter with these car coasters! The ceramic coasters help keep cup holders from getting super wet and add a fun pop of decor to the car.

Wearable Sweatshirt Blanket

If they're always cold, this is going to be the gift of their dreams. It has sleeves and a hoodie just like their favorite sweatshirt, but has the material and length of a cozy blanket. It's truly the best of both worlds.

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