Best Gifts for Teens
18 Cool Gifts Even the Pickiest Teen Would Love
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Buying gifts for teens doesn't have to be a chore — at least not when you have our team's shopping expertise at your disposal (hello, and you're welcome). While it's easy to give a gift card and call it a day, there are so many more personal presents out there that'll impress even the pickiest teens. It's all about doing the research and bridging the gap between what's trending on their FYP and what can withstand the test of time. Impress them by finding tangible gifts they'll actually use, and certify your reputation as a world-class gift giver in the process.
To help you land on the perfect product for the teens in your life, we rounded up some of the best presents at every price point — starting at $10. Categories include fun room decor, cute tech gadgets, and plenty of viral products already sparking conversation on social media, including the fan-favorite Owala water bottle.
From affordable sports cameras and Apple headphones to trending fashion finds and TikTok-approved beauty essentials, these popular gifts for teens will please even the pickiest recipients. There's truly something for everyone, and this list proves that shopping for teens doesn't always have to be daunting. Keep scrolling for our cheat sheet full of the top gifts for teens in 2023.
1 Best Fashion Gift For Teens
Anthropologie Squiggle Hair Claw Clip ($10)
This hair claw clip is equal parts fashionable and functional, with the unique squiggle design securing even the thickest hair throughout the day. If the chic gold colorway wasn't enough, it also comes in a silver shade to help dress up any outfit.
2 Best Gaming Gift For Teens
Game of Phones ($12-$20)
This modern take on the classic scavenger hunt requires your teen's favorite possession — their smartphone! The unique game asks players to engage in a smartphone scavenger hunt in which only the fastest players will survive (just kidding, they'll win points). Not only is the gift great for any card game lovers in your family, but it will also sneak your teen away from their social media for a bit (bonus!).
3 Best Skin-Care Gift for Teens
Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack ($13, originally $15)
There's a reason so many celebrities are obsessed with these stickers from Starface — they're brilliant! Pimples are notoriously frustrating, but these itty-bitty hydrocolloid star stickers make healing them selfie-worthy and, dare we say, fun?
4 Best Thoughtful Gift For Teens
Ticket Stub Diary ($16, originally $17)
Your teen years tend to go by pretty fast, and as you get older, it's the memories you hold onto the most. Help your teen keep track of the highlights of their youth with the help of this handy ticket stub diary. From concert tickets to sporting event passes and even flight vouchers for trips, this is a gift they'll be able to cherish forever.
5 Best Practical Gift For Teens
Owala FreeSip 24 oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($21, originally $28)
After going viral on TikTok, this water bottle emerged as a trendy and practical find. Teens and adults alike love the vibrant color ways, affordable price point, and "leak-proof" design, making them ideal for gifting. (Plus, celebrities like Hilary Duff are already fans!) Read our review of the Owala Water Bottle to learn more.
Editor Quote: "To open the spout, you press a button and it pops open with a satisfying sound that strangely brings me joy. (It's the little things!) Plus, it holds enough water for all my workouts (runs, lifting sessions, and the occasional OrangeTheory class), fits perfectly in the treadmill's water bottle spot and my car's cup holder, and has the prettiest colorblock design. It's been my go-to emotional support water bottle for the past six months. Trust me, you won't regret buying it." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Shopping
6 Best Tech Gift For Teens
Fujifilm Quicksnap Disposable Camera ($25, originally $30)
Sure, iPhone photos are great, but they're a dime a dozen. This disposable camera will ensure your teen gets priceless action snaps to document their favorite adventures (think of the future scrapbooks).
7 Best Journaling Gift For Teens
The Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change ($29)
This daily journal challenges users to focus on gratitude for five minutes a day. Truthfully, this is a must-have gift for anyone in your life — but we think your teen will really benefit from the good vibes it provides. Our own PS editor claimed the journal made her into a "morning-routine" person in this review of the Five-Minute Journal.
Editor Quote: "I find that when I write down my intentions, I really am more mindful throughout the day, and I use the nighttime prompts as a way to reflect on the good, and bad, parts of my day. It truly is a five minute (max!) commitment, and I have seen my gratitude levels markedly improve since I started using it." — India Yaffe, former associate editor, Shopping
8 Best Cozy Gift For Teens
Candier's Girl, You Need To Calm The F'Down Candle ($29)
Tell them how you really feel: candle version. You can't go wrong with an aesthetically pleasing candle, especially one that's as popular and aromatic as this scented candle from Ulta. We already know they'll look forward to lighting it when they feel stressed.
9 Best Board Game Gift For Teens
Ravensburger's Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil Board Game ($30)
The Ravensburger's Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil board game is perfect for any Disney fan looking to embrace their inner villain with friends and family. Your teen can play as one of the four famed antagonists (Maleficent, Captain Hook, Ursula, or Prince John), and they will love the immersive gameplay and "easter eggs" of their favorite films.
10 Best Beauty Gift For Teens
Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Plus ($37, originally $70)
This newly updated Revlon hair dryer is one of the buzziest beauty products of the moment, and editors agree that it's worth the hype, especially when it comes to the price. (Have you heard about people's obsession with the Dyson?) For more about why it works so well, check out our complete Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Plus review.
Editor Quote: "While my hair sometimes felt dry when using the older version of this blow-dryer brush, my experience with the newer version was the opposite: it was smooth and shiny." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer
11 Best Trendy Gift for Teens
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($38)
It's safe to say that Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag is one of the most popular fashion products on the market, and all ages are obsessed. It can fit your teen's phone, keys, wallet, and more while they're on the go, all while looking stylish. For more about why it's so covetable, read our review of the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag.
Editor Quote: "The lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is best for those who want a compact, hands-free alternative to a purse. The design lends itself to a casual–cool 'fit that's perfect for people who are always on the go yet want to look chic and stay organized all the while." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Shopping
12 Best Foodie Gift For Teens
DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit ($40)
If your teen is obsessed with mochi, they'll love experimenting with this ice cream kit from Amazon. It includes all the essentials to create the sweet treat at home — all they'll need to purchase separately is their favorite ice cream flavor.
13 Best Phone Gift For Teens
CASETiFY Phone Strap Charm in Classic Pearl ($42)
Phone charms remain one of the trendiest accessories in tech. We love this phone strap charm from Amazon because its pearl beading and Y2K design, but there are a ton of different styles to choose from (and you can order most of them on Amazon).
14 Best Home Gift For Teens
Mini Fridge For Snacks or Skincare ($50, originally $60)
What teen wouldn't want to have their own mini fridge for drinks or snacks? This model can fit so many goodies — perfect for storing their favorite treats at sleepovers and beyond. Plus, it can also double as a skincare fridge, too.
15 Best Sneaker Gift For Teens
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneakers ($75)
Platform sneakers are having a moment right now, so these nostalgic Chuck Taylor sneakers just had to make our list. They boast a 1.5-inch platform that's sure to impress.
16 Best Travel Gift For Teens
iFLY Fibertech Hardside Checked Luggage ($78)
Treat them to something that's both stylish and practical with this hardside luggage — which a PS contributor tested and fell in love with. Find out more via her comprehensive review of the iFLY Hardside Luggage Carry-On.
Editor Quote: "My first observation? It's lightweight. Shockingly lightweight — a game changer for people like me who come dangerously close to those dreaded excess weight fees. When it arrived, I wheeled it around my apartment to get a feel for its double wheels that, in the brand's words, 'ensure 360-degree navigation.' In other words, it rolls like a dream and can keep up with quick turns for when you're manically rushing through the airport." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Shopping
17 Best Furniture Gift For Teens
Gray Leopard Faux-Fur Hang-A-Round Chair ($229)
We have a soft spot for this faux-fur round chair. The stylish and soft accent chair is the perfect accessory for any room, great for snuggling up for a movie night or just kicking back and doing some homework. We love the eye-catching golden contrast on the chair's legs as well.
18 Best Music Gift For Teens
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones ($469, originally $549)
Just when we thought we were getting used to AirPods, Apple debuted a nostalgic version of the technology that pays homage to the O.G. headphone. But hey, we're not complaining! If your teen enjoys tuning out the world on occasion (don't we all?), they'll love the noise-canceling capabilities of these over-ear headphones. They're so good even our own PS writer had "no regrets" making the splurge, as detailed in this Apple AirPods Max product review.
Editor Quote: "I would recommend these to anyone who cares about sound quality and aesthetics and is looking for a product with tons of features. The headphones are gorgeous, and the sleek design is miles better than any other headphones I've seen on the market recently." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer
— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante and Kyley Warren
Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.
