Gifts for Teens — Because, Let’s Be Honest, You Have No Idea

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We’re not going to lie: Sometimes teens scare us. It’s not that we don’t adore them (we do) or think they’re great (they’re so great). It’s just that, well, teens are cool. And we like to think we’re cool, but are we? One person sure to know is the teen in our lives, and we’re afraid to ask. We’re also afraid to get gifts for teens because nothing will let them know we’re not cool more than getting them a bad gift.

Finding that perfect gift for your totally-over-it teen can seem like an insurmountable feat, but we have you covered with these gifts for teens that they won’t actually roll their eyes at! Mostly, you're probably wondering if you're about to pay $150 for something destined to gather dust on their bookshelf or be lost to the abyss that is their closet.

Don't worry: We've done the research, watched the videos, and spoken to our own teens to figure out the best gifts for teens. And while we can't promise your kids won't lose these gifts (the floor of that room is full of horrible secrets, and their backpacks aren’t much better), we are confident they'll like them.

Whether you are looking for a gift for a special occasion or just to brighten up their day, we've rounded up the best trendy gifts for teenagers. From an affordable instant Polaroid camera printer to cool accessories and so much more, here are nearly 40 gifts you can choose from to get the perfect present that proves, no, actually, you’re still super cool. (Just maybe don’t say you’re super-cool in front of them… because that’s definitely not cool.)

What Do You Meme?

If teens love anything for sure, it’s memes. Gift them this Cards Against Humanity-like game that challenges each player to match the best meme to the topic card. You can thank us for the laughs later.

More: These Are the Gifts Your Tweens Really Want

Smart Soccer Activity Tracker

Whether your kid is a forward, a center back, or a goalkeeper, this smart soccer trainer can help them keep their footwork strong. With a combination of a wearable foot sensor and an iOS/Android app, this set analyzes motion and play to help you find your best footing.

Lavalier Microphone for iPhone

Everyone is going to want to stitch and duet your teen's vids once they can really hear them.

For the best audio on social media video platforms, teens are using this mic that hooks up right to their phone, delivering high-quality sound. It's not overpriced and works extremely well.

More: Best Teen TikTok Gifts

LED Strip Lights (50 Feet)

Every teen wants these LED lights on their walls. My own kids want multiple strands so they can hang them at the top and bottom. It might end up looking like a Vegas buffet threw up in their bedroom, but they'll be happy.

This app-controlled strip is a whopping 50 feet in length, so they'll have plenty of rope to handle the hanging.

The Quest for El Dorado

You are a group of adventurers searching for the fabled city of El Dorado, deep in the jungles of South America. Each player starts with the same combination of cards. but will use strategy to upgrade them as the game goes on.

There are more than 100,000 different ways to configure the board, so it’s always new and exciting!

San Francisco Skyline

This sophisticated LEGO set features the iconic architecture of San Francisco, including the “painted ladies” buildings near Alamo Square, 555 California Street, the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, Coit Tower, Fort Point, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island models. All landmarks are built to scale.

Modern Lounger

A perfect gift for teens who want a cozy spot to read, game, watch movies, or do homework. Think of it as a more grown-up bean bag chair! Crafted from recycled materials, the cube-like dimensions hold their shape for support and comfort.

The Modern Witch Tarot Deck

My daughter is begging for a tarot card deck for her birthday, and this is one of the more beautiful and inclusive decks out there.

Will any of our kids manifest a deep well of predictory skills? Who knows, but perhaps they'll at least see far enough into the future to remember to study for chemistry.

Women of Change Bath Balm Bundle

Give your teen a break with this self-care bath balm set. Each bath balm includes beautiful packaging of history’s empowered women, like Rosa Parks and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Not only is the packaging meaningful, but each paraben-free balm has a collectible magnet inside!

Game Neon Sign Light

Millennials are really missing out by not decorating in lights as much as our children happen to do. It’s a missed opportunity.

At least our kids can be cool, though. This is right up there with the LED light strips. It’s bright, it’s fun, and for any gamer, it’s a win.

TUF Gaming 32-Inch 1080P Curved Monitor

My teen son assures me that this monitor has “killer refresh rates” so that “it doesn’t look like your characters are turning into ectoplasm when you play fast.” And the 1080P monitor “is pretty excellent for the price. It’s not, like, the top of the top, but those are major bank.”

What I gleaned from this exchange is that this 32-inch curved monitor has the ability to provide fully immersive play without getting blurry or choppy. And my son is right: This isn't the tippy-top of the line (those can run into the thousands of dollars), but it's a great gaming monitor nonetheless.

AirPods Pro

At this point, it’s basically a given that these will be on many a teen’s wish list. The Pro model of the AirPods is noise-canceling, comfortable, sweat- and water-resistant, easy to fit, and generally just a nice pair of Bluetooth headphones. Yes, they’re pricey, but every teen wants them.

Kodak Smile Instant Print Digital Camera

Instant cameras have sure come a long dang way from the “shake it like a...” cameras of our childhood. This Kodak instant camera actually prints fantastic pictures that you get to choose from your digital gallery. It’s a combination of a digital and instant product that will soothe your kids’ need for instant gratification.

Philips One by Sonicare Rechargeable Toothbrush

Sometimes teens need practical gifts that they won’t buy themselves and what’s better than an upgraded toothbrush?

For the teen who’s always smiling, this gift is quite a necessity. The rechargeable smart brush is designed to provide an efficient clean, looks great on the bathroom counter, and comes with a sleek travel case.

Makeup Brush Cleaner

Let’s be honest: When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Let’s prevent our children from having such a nebulous microbial future, shall we?

This medium makeup brush washer is USB-powered, and it comes with the solution needed to thoroughly clean all the gunk. It looks cool, it might prevent pinkeye, and it all around seems like a solid idea.

Blanket Sweatshirt

Warm your teen up with this indulgently cozy wearable blanket hoodie. The Comfy has all of the softness of a fluffy, warm blanket, combined with the convenience and wearability of a cozy hoodie.

Lined with fuzzy faux fur, this is a hoodie your teen will never want to take off! But they also won’t wear it outside until they’re 20 minutes late for their first class across campus. And then? All bets are off. If blue isn’t their color, there are six other options to choose from.

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

If you have a reader at home — or even if you don't — this is a great gift for teens. It’s a heart-wrenching novel about love, life, and the power of perseverance. Your teen won’t be able to put it down.

Felt Letter Board

This gift for teens is a fun way for them to get creative — they'll love curating cute and hilarious sayings with this felt letter board. The varying fonts and letter sizes channel a trendy aesthetic that teens are drawn to. You can even use it to leave them a sweet message.

Mini Prodigy Backpack

Send your teen to school with a backpack that you both love. Not only does this backpack come in an array of colors, but it’s also made with antimicrobial and water-resistant fabric to prevent bacteria growth, eliminating the risk of carrying around germs.

The padded laptop compartment and adjustable shoulder straps also provide substantial organization and comfort for everyday use.

Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer

While your teen's photos may get instant gratification on social media, the process of printing pics from a phone is not quite as quick... that is, until now.

This Fujifilm Instax smartphone printer immediately produces Instagram-worthy photos in printable form, so your teens can freely adorn their school locker or bedroom walls with adorable pics of family and friends.

More: Polaroid Cameras Our Editors Can't Live Without

Nebula Capsule Wi-Fi Mini Projector

Movie night under the stars in the backyard, anyone? Your teen will take their sleepover game to the next level with this tiny but powerful mini projector. Compatible with pretty much every device from a smartphone to a gaming console, the Nebula Capsule beams clear and crisp images to a screen, sheet, wall, or wherever the party is!

While the Nebula Capsule is tiny, its sound will have your kid feeling like they're in an actual movie theater, complete with 360-degree speakers.

Just My Style Ultimate Scrapbook

This scrapbook kit includes over 800 accessories so your teen can craft a cute keepsake. When you gift this kit, suggest creating a theme so she can share it with her BFF or cheerleading squad at the end of high school.

Fluorite Healing Crystals (Set of 3)

Gift these pieces of fluorite to the teen who can't get enough of all things crystal. They're super beautiful when they catch the light.

This is also a great corresponding gift to the tarot cards, and if it does nothing else but look pretty (which let's be real, is pretty much a guarantee), that's enough.

Chloven Velvet Elastics Hair Scrunchies (45-Pack)

Everyone knows that in order to be a true VSCO girl, an arm and head full of scrunchies is totally necessary. This pack of 45 velvet scrunchies is a gift for teens that will pair with any and every outfit, whether they're worn on the wrist or tangled up into an effortless topknot.

Stainless Steel Skinny Tumbler

Whether they’re the type to guzzle water without having to be hassled about it, or whether they’re more into sweet drinks like iced PSLs, these adorable, reusable, custom tumblers are the perfect gift for teens. Oh, and they’re also good for the environment. Win-win!

Lanai Candle

The proprietary blend of natural waxes and unique scents sets these candles apart from the ones your teen would be able to buy at the mall. The Boy Smells Lanai candle scent has an amazing, juicy scent of coconut, pink peppercorn, orange blossom, and clove, which will freshen up your teen's room in a jiffy.

100% Chilled Eau de Parfum

Floral and fruity, with hints of cozy cashmere, this is the perfect teen-appropriate fragrance. The warm and toasty musk and sandalwood notes offset the sweeter scent for a mature and playful blend.

Sky Lite Laser Galaxy Projector

TikTok is the place where the latest teen trends are born, and turning your bedroom into a blue-and-green galaxy is the latest trend to emerge.

This Sky Lite Laser Projector will transform your teen's regular bedroom into their personal starry universe. With a choice between twinkling green stars and blue nebula clouds, this gift for teens allows them to create their perfect, TikTok-worthy space.

Men's Watch Hat

The Carhartt brand has a history dating back 125 years. While originally an outfitter for the working man, today, Carhartt is a trendy brand that teens love. This gray beanie is an absolute classic — but for your more stylish teen, there are other colors available.

Soundcore Flare 2 Bluetooth Speaker

Let's be honest — the speakers on a smartphone simply aren't going to cut it when your teens want to get the dance party started. The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 connects to any smart device for wireless sound that lasts for over 12 hours.

They'll love the fun and customizable light show at the top and bottom of the speaker, and the sound is loud and clear and can turn any space into a kickback. The totally immersive speakers are also waterproof, so a little drizzle or spill won't stop their good time.

More: Our Editors Tested These Bluetooth Speakers to Find the Best Ones

Ring Light Kit

Teens today are social media-obsessed and are always trying to perfect their poses. Level up their selfie game with this ring light set: Complete with everything they could ever need to create a well-lit look, this gift for teens will get plenty of use.

The kit comes complete with light diffusers, a photo clicker, a stand, and even a holder for their phone or camera.

NOVA LED Hoverboard

Your kid used to beg you for a pony, and now they're begging you for a car. Find a solid middle ground with the NOVA LED Hoverboard.

With self-balancing technology that will have your teen feeling like they've been transported into a Jetsons-like future, it'll soon become their favorite mode of transportation.

Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch

Now with built-in Alexa, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a gift for teens that's also a full-blown command center. Its Sleep Score helps your teen track their sleep cycle, heart rate, and restlessness. And when their phone is close by, this Fitbit smartwatch can receive text, phone, and social media notifications as well.

String Lights

Another viral trend on TikTok is decking out your room in twinkle lights. This set of lights is a gift for teens that will add a special sparkle to their space (and looks pretty darn cute, if we do say so ourselves).

The Poppy Universal Nail Polish Bottle Handle

Creating the perfect mani just got a whole lot easier, thanks to this easy-to-use tool. The Poppy by Olive and June is a handle that can pop onto just about any nail polish top. The extra wide grip of the handle makes nail-painting easier, smoother, and way faster!

Marvel Deadpool Charging Holder

They'll never misplace their beloved controller again with this hilarious Deadpool holder stand. They can use it for their wireless controller, smartphone, or other smaller device, and also charge it with the accompanying cord.

Silk Pillowcase

There's taking a snooze, and then there's sleeping like a Kardashian (ahem ... luxury). The Slip Silk Pillowcase is the easiest way to let your teen experience a slice of celeb-like decadence. The hypoallergenic sham is gentle on skin and hair — unlike cotton, which can be drying.

Shave Gift Set

Puberty is likely hitting your teen like a tsunami: This means hair sprouting in new places, they suddenly have unfamiliar body odor, and there's also an urgent need to establish a personal grooming routine.

The Dollar Shave Club sends your teen products to tighten up their hygiene from head to toe. Who knows? They may even be encouraged to shower daily.

Succulent Plants

Horticulture is still thriving in popularity, and succulents are the best low-maintenance plants for your teen to get started with. This five-piece set will spark their green-thumb interests, and we promise they have a better chance of keeping these little guys alive than other types of plants.

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