Best and Coolest Tech Gifts For Teens | 2022
19 Cool Tech Gifts For Teens That'll Make You the Best Gift Giver
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Shopping for a teenager is never an easy undertaking. This year, however, you can really blow them away by treating them to a cool tech gift that'll have them thinking, "How did you know I wanted this?" Tech gifts are one of the easiest presents that are unique and will likely leave your teen impressed by their fascinating capabilities. Plus, tech gadgets impress, and the odds of them already owning one of the many out there are slim. To help you find a special and fun tech gift, we did the searching for you to make your shopping a little easier.
Ahead, we curated a list of hot picks that'll surely put a smile on their face. We're talking everything from heated slippers to a smart beauty fridge and, of course, some education picks, too. Whether the teen you're shopping for is interested in music, fashion, or beauty, we've thought of all the tech presents that will leave them pleasantly surprised. And trust us, there's something in here for every budget. Keep reading to check out our top picks, and prepare to be the best gift giver of the season.
— Additional reporting by Krista Jones
A Cool Notebook: Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
This Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook ($17, originally $30) contains only 36 pages, but they can scan and export the pages of the notebook to their email or Google Docs so they have their notes digitized. They can just wipe the pages clean and start all over. It's a great gift for those who are multitaskers, notetakers, or love to streamline their life, and especially great for college students. Plus, it comes in a ton of different colors.
A Smartphone Scavenger Hunt: Game of Phones
This modern take on the classic scavenger hunt requires your teen's favorite possession — their smartphone! Game of Phones ($12–$25) 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!)
For Music-Lovers: iScream Daisy Throw Pillow Bluetooth Speaker
If they love listening to music as they doze off to sleep at night, this iScream Daisy Throw Pillow Bluetooth Speaker ($34, originally $59) is a great option for them. The daisy-shaped throw pillow features a wireless Bluetooth speaker inside that pairs with their phone to play all their favorite songs. The pillow is reversible too, featuring pink on its front and orange on its back.
A Fun Decoration: LED Photo Clips String Lights
Help them show off all of the photos they've taken throughout their teen years with this string of LED Photo Clip Lights ($10). The product offers a unique way for the sentimental teen in your life to cherish their most-prized memories even more. Not only that, but it also holds 50 photos.
A Skin-Care Fridge: Mini Fridge For Snacks or Skin Care
Of course, the fridge downstairs is packed with goodies for the whole family to enjoy, but what teen wouldn't want to have their own Mini Fridge For Snacks or Skincare ($60, originally $70)? This model can fit so many goodies — perfect for storing their favorite treats at sleepovers and beyond. Plus, it can also double as a skin-care fridge, too — which we're very into these days at POPSUGAR. Don't take my word for it — read our editor's review of the Disney Princess x POPSUGAR Beauty Fridge product review for further inspiration.
An Instant Camera: Fujifilm UO Exclusive Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Sure, iPhone photos are great, but they're a dime a dozen. The Fujifilm UO Exclusive Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera ($89) ensures your teen will get some priceless physical snaps as well. And hey — Polaroid cameras are a worthwhile investment in truly any season.
For Cleanliness: Smartphone UV Sanitizer
It's likely that your teen has their hand on their smartphone at all times. But believe it or not, those smart little devices actually have more germs than a public restroom! With this Smartphone UV Sanitizer ($80–$100), your teen can stay healthy and keep their phone germ free in any environment.
For Music: Mushroom LED Bluetooth Speaker
If they're all about a good vibe, this Mushroom LED Bluetooth Speaker ($34) will certainly elevate it. The Bluetooth-enabled speaker is shaped like a mushroom and has a light-up design that will give the room a cool psychedelic feel. Available in both blue and red color options, we guarantee either will impress them.
A Smart Assistant: Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker
Music is the language that transcends generations, oceans, and even language barriers. And it's likely that your teen is just starting to dive into finding their own acquired music taste. Help them put their love for music on full display (and volume!) with this Google Nest Audio Smart Speaker ($100). Our own editor even claimed it was one of her "entertaining essentials."
Cool Headphones: Happy-Nes Handcrafted 3.5 mm Apple Headphones
If the teen you're buying a gift for is expressive by nature, pick them up these Happy-Nes Handcrafted 3.5 mm Apple Headphones ($69). The headphones are handcrafted with acrylic yarns and showcase a unique style. They can take phone calls and listen to music as any ordinary pair would, except these are stylish.
For Early Mornings: Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
The Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock ($40, originally $60) is designed with heavy sleepers in mind. The alarm has a "sunrise stimulation light" that adjusts from 10 to 100 percent brightness 30 minutes before your alarm's set time. The alarm comes with a radio, a snooze function, and seven color-changing light settings.
For Phone Photos: HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer
The pictures on their iPhone no longer have to stay in the cloud. Thanks to the HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer ($80), they can print out photos instantly and choose to save them in a photo album or scrapbook. Its slim design allows them to take this photo printer anywhere, whether it be a friend's or significant other's.
For the Homebody: Smoko Tayto Potato USB Heated Slippers
How adorable are these Smoko Tayto Potato USB Heated Slippers ($38)? They're perfect for embracing their inner couch potato. These USB-powered slippers can be plugged into any compatible USB port, like their laptop. If they want to walk around, they can just unplug them and take the warmth all around their dorm.
A TikTok Present: Sunset Projection Lamp
The Sunset Projection Lamp ($17) takes mood lighting to a whole new level — its head can be rotated 180 degrees to adjust the size and shape of the projected light. It's small enough to be placed anywhere, whether it be a nightstand, dresser, or shelf, making it a great gift for practically anyone to enjoy.
For a Healthy Lifestyle: HidrateSpark Pro Smart Water Bottle
If you're shopping for someone who loves to live a healthy lifestyle, the HidrateSpark Pro Smart Water Bottle ($65–$70) will be their new best friend. It's a smart water bottle that will remind them to drink water throughout the day by glowing. It even tracks their exact water intake and lets them know their progress on daily goals. How cool is that? Read our in-depth review of the HidrateSpark Pro Smart Water Bottle.
A Genius Travel Device: Twelve South AirFly Pro
If your teen is always traveling, they know the struggle of having wireless headphones — and having to pay $2 to watch a movie on the plane's television. That's why this Twelve South AirFly Pro ($55) is so brilliant. Simply plug the device into the screen, and it syncs to your headphones. Now they'll really be able to use those AirPods on a plane for in-flight entertainment.
For the Gamer: Nintendo Switch OLED Model With White Joy-Con
Get the gamer teen in your life something they'll obsess over, like the Nintendo Switch OLED Model With White Joy-Con ($350). It has three modes of playtime — TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode — for gaming whenever, wherever. When played in handheld and tabletop modes with the seven-inch OLED screen, they can enjoy an enhanced experience with the system's built-in speakers. It comes with a wide adjustable stand, a dock for TV mode, and 64 GB of internal storage.
For the Music-Lover: Marshall Stanmore III Bluetooth Speaker
If you're shopping for a teen who adores music, the Marshall Stanmore III Bluetooth Speaker ($380) will fill their home with melodies for an immersive, concert-like experience. The sleek speaker fits both modern and vintage aesthetics as well as doubling as chic home decor on a shelf or side table. They'll be able to adjust the bass and treble for a customized sound. The Bluetooth speaker comes in three colors: black, a vintage cream, or a relaxed rustic brown. They can also connect via an aux cable. It's an editor favorite as well: read our in-depth review of the Marshall Stanmore III Bluetooth Speaker.
A Splurge-Worthy Gift: Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
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! And if your teen enjoys tuning out the world on occasion (don't we all?), they'll love the noise-cancelling capabilities of these Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones ($450, originally $549), which are so good, even our own POPSUGAR editor had "no regrets" making the splurge, as detailed in this Apple AirPods Max product review.
