25 best Christmas gifts for teenagers

25 best Christmas gifts for teenagers - PA
25 best Christmas gifts for teenagers - PA

Shopping for (or with) a teenager at any time of year can be tricky and the problem only gets worse at Christmas.

It's hard to know what they're into from one minute to the next and you're in danger of looking tragically uncool (again) on Christmas morning if you don't get it right. 

And we definitely don't want any slammed doors in the middle of Christmas dinner so read on to find some gifts they'll actually want.

From tech to clothes to beauty to experiences and even some gift cards they'll be dying to use, there's something for even the fussiest teenager in your life.

See also our guides to the best gifts for boys and girls.

1. I Have Seen The Future Cushion

£35, Urban Outfitters

I Have Seen The Future Cushion - Credit: Urban Outfitters
I Have Seen The Future Cushion Credit: Urban Outfitters

Teenage bedrooms can often become, well, how shall we put this? Like they've been sucked into a vortex from hell and thrown back out again? At least this cushion will look nice amongst the mess.

2. Nike Air Force 1 Premium iD

£109.95, Nike

Nike Air Force 1 Premium iD - Credit: Nike
Nike Air Force 1 Premium iD Credit: Nike

Trainers are always a welcome present if you're a teen and you can get their 'creps' (slang for sneakers) personalised with Nike iD. Bangin'...

3. Little Things Trinket Dish

£11, Oliver Bonas

Little Things Trinket Dish - Credit: Oliver Bonas
Little Things Trinket Dish Credit: Oliver Bonas

A place for their precious trinkets that isn't the floor.

4. Take Better Selfies Lens Kit

£19.99, Firebox

Take Better Selfies Kit - Credit: Firebox
Take Better Selfies Kit Credit: Firebox

Do we want them to spend yet more time taking selfies? Not really. But will they love this handy kit? Yes...

5. Colour Block Puffer Jacket

£59, Topshop

Colour Block Puffer Jacket - Credit: Topshop
Colour Block Puffer Jacket Credit: Topshop

A puffer jacket is a teenager-approved way to stay warm this winter.

6. The Pointless Book 3

£8.99, Waterstones

The Pointless Book 3 - Credit: Waterstones
The Pointless Book 3 Credit: Waterstones

Alfie Deyes is one of the biggest YouTube vloggers in the world and your teen will no doubt have watched his daily escapades on their phones and tablets, so they'll love his book full of challenges and activities to try out in real life.

7. Eyeko Christmas cracker

£15, ASOS

Eyeko Christmas cracker - Credit: ASOS
Eyeko Christmas cracker Credit: ASOS

They'll love the opportunity to own some slightly more upscale make-up so this Eyeko Christmas cracker will feel like a real treat.

8. Palace Fun Hood

£98, Palace

Palace Fun Hood - Credit: Palace
Palace Fun Hood Credit: Palace

Palace is one of those skate brands that has broken out into the mainstream and this hoodie, worn oversized if at all possible, will give them instant cred.

9. The School of Life Am I Normal? Cards

£9.99, Magma

The School of Life Am I Normal? Cards - Credit: Magma
The School of Life Am I Normal? Cards Credit: Magma

We all remember that feeling of not being sure of who we are so this little stocking filler will help them figure it all out. 

10. App Store and iTunes Gift Card

From £25, Apple

App Store and iTunes Gift Card - Credit: Apple
App Store and iTunes Gift Card Credit: Apple

Don't even try to buy them any music, apps or games. They know what they like and they don't need you to get involved, so let them choose what to download with the help of an Apple gift card.

11. ASOS DESIGN Small Cat Eye Sunglasses

£10, Asos

ASOS DESIGN Small Cat Eye Sunglasses - Credit: ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Small Cat Eye Sunglasses Credit: ASOS

Teeny tiny sunglasses are a huge trend. It may be winter but that won't stop the style conscious teen in your life from wearing these cat eye shades.

12. Sega Smartphone Controller

£29.99, Firebox

Sega Smartphone Controller - Credit: Firebox
Sega Smartphone Controller Credit: Firebox

We know, we know, yet another way for them to waste time on their phones.

13. Jiinju Sheet Masks and Head Band Gift Set

£12, Superdrug

Jiinju Sheet Masks and Head Band Gift Set - Credit: Superdrug
Jiinju Sheet Masks and Head Band Gift Set Credit: Superdrug

Teenagers are all about their skin and even more about the latest beauty trends from Korea, so this set of sheet masks will be welcome on Christmas morning.

14. Champion Bobble Beanie Hat

£40, Urban Outfitters

Champion Bobble Beanie Hat - Credit: Urban Outfitters
Champion Bobble Beanie Hat Credit: Urban Outfitters

Champion came back a few years ago and it's still a street style staple.

15. Emirates Stadium Tour for Two

£46, Virgin Experience Days

Emirates Stadium Tour for Two - Credit: Virgin Experience Days
Emirates Stadium Tour for Two Credit: Virgin Experience Days

Football fans will love the chance to see behind the scenes at their team's stadium. Exchange Arsenal, of course, for whichever team they actually support.

16. Missoma Gold Claw Celestial Ear Cuff

£55, Missoma

Missoma Gold Claw Celestial Ear Cuff - Credit: Missoma
Missoma Gold Claw Celestial Ear Cuff Credit: Missoma

Missoma is a jewellery brand with influencer approval, and while it's a treat, isn't overly expensive. This cuff is perfect for someone who hasn't yet had their ears pierced.  

17. Polaroid OneStep+ Instant Camera

£149.99, Polaroid

Polaroid OneStep+  - Credit: Polaroid
Polaroid's OneStep+ Credit: Polaroid

The Polaroid OneStep+ was chosen by Telegraph Recommended as the best instant camera thanks to its retro styling, ease of use and the nostalgic pictures it takes. Instant gratification shall be theirs.

18. 31st State New Starter Set with Wash Bag

£53, 31st State

31st State New Starter Set with Wash Bag - Credit: 31st State
31st State New Starter Set with Wash Bag Credit: 31st State

They'll appreciate this gift set that comes complete with face wash, hair and body wash, clearing pads, deodorant and hair putty, all developed with the specific needs of teenage boys in mind. 

19. Buffalo Classic White Sneakers

£149, Office

Buffalo Classic White Sneakers - Credit: Office
Buffalo Classic White Sneakers Credit: Office

Don't you love it when the brands from your own teenage years come back around? Buffalo's huge flatform sneakers are a thing once more. Just don't tell your teen that you wore them first.

20. Ticketmaster Gift Card

From £10, Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster Gift Card - Credit: Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster Gift Card Credit: Ticketmaster

Whatever they're into, whether it's music, theatre, sports or the arts, a Ticketmaster gift card will allow them to experience it up close.

21. Carhartt WIP Phil Backpack

£75, ASOS

Carhartt WIP Phil Backpack - Credit: ASOS
Carhartt WIP Phil Backpack Credit: ASOS

Traditional workwear brands like Dickies and Carhartt are go-tos for teens and this mustard hued backpack will take them from school to college to a festival.

22. Love Inc Bespoke Name LED Neon Light

£65 - £440, Not On The High Street

Love Inc Bespoke Name LED Neon Light - Credit: Not On The High Street
Love Inc Bespoke Name LED Neon Light Credit: Not On The High Street

Light up their lives (and gloomy bedrooms) with a bespoke neon LED light. 

23. DJ Experience

£135, Virgin Experience Days

DJ Experience - Credit: Virgin Experience Days
DJ Experience Credit: Virgin Experience Days

Whether they've messed around on their own decks or are complete beginners, they'll be able to hone their mixing and scratching skills with the help of a professional DJ.  

24. Zara Cropped Buttoned Sweater

£19.99, Zara

Zara Cropped Buttoned Sweater - Credit: Zara
Zara Cropped Buttoned Sweater Credit: Zara

Cosy and cropped? Perfect for a fashionable teen.

25.  Fortnite Battlestar T-shirt

£12.99, Game

Fortnite Battlestar T-shirt - Credit: Game
Fortnite Battlestar T-shirt Credit: Game

Now they can show their love for Fortnite with their clothes too. Wait, is this a good thing or a bad thing?

26. A Little Lovely Company LED Lightbox

£20, Selfridges

A Little Lovely Company LED Lightbox - Credit: Selfridges
A Little Lovely Company LED Lightbox Credit: Selfridges

They can express themselves with this cool lightbox. Or you can use it to leave messages for them.

For more Christmas features and gift guides, seewww.telegraph.co.uk/christmas.