23 Gifts for Teens That They'll Actually Like
Some people say that teens are difficult to shop for, but we beg to differ. Grab any one of these gifts, and we guarantee you'll get plenty of smiles and "thank-yous" from your kid.
Observable Fact: Teens today actually have great taste. They enjoy campy TV shows like Riverdale as much as throwbacks like The Office and The Golden Girls, they love self-empowerment anthems from Megan Thee Stallion and Billie Eilish, and they dress so well that the internet often collectively wonders if they even go through an awkward phase anymore. (The jury's still out on that one.)
Needless to say, we think they're pretty fun to shop for. If you've been searching high and low for a present that will please your teen, breathe a sigh of relief because we have 23. Keep reading to see our best gift ideas for 2021.
Turn any drive into a quick game of Carpool Karaoke with this wireless microphone. The device includes a built-in phone holder so passengers can easily select a song (Industry Baby by Lil Nas X, anyone?) and belt the lyrics while roaming around town.
Trust us on this: When your teen falls asleep every night, they dream of someday owning a Nintendo Switch. The Switch Lite is a new version of the Nintendo Switch system that's optimized for personal, handheld play. With a built-in +Control Pad and a sleek, unibody design, the Lite is great for on-the-go gaming. And, given that the device will keep them busy for hours on end, we'd say that it's definitely worth the price tag.
Never underestimate the power of a trendy photo stand. Give your teen a cute way to display moments with their friends by handing them the Sun or the Flower.
If they're a serious sneakerhead, then hit them with this incredible book by Complex Presents. Inside, they'll find 240 pages packed with original illustrations, photographs and informative text all about sneaker culture.
It's cool to be kind these days. Send your teen the same message with this Harry Styles "TPWK" sweatshirt. The classic-fit unisex crewneck is made from a cotton blend and runs true to size. It's also available as a t-shirt.
Score major brownie points with your video game-obsessed teen by gifting them this Super Mario table lamp. They'll get a huge kick out of their new Piranha Plant and how it illuminates the room while they play.
If they shed a few tears when the To All the Boys series finally came to an end, then hand them Jenny Han's latest book-to-TV adaptation. This box set includes all three books in The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy, which is set to appear on Amazon.
That last year of high school and first year of college can be tough — so why not give them a convenient way to do homework in bed? This sleek bamboo tray provides a nice, flat surface for their laptop and folds out of the way when they're done for the night.
If they're obsessed with Vogue's Beauty Secrets series and always experimenting with the latest makeup trends, then surprise them with Glossier's Beauty Bag. The cosmetic case is large enough to store their entire collection and padded to prevent items from breaking.
What's old is new again, which means that your kid would probably, not-so-secretly like a record player. Take the hint and start them off with this Victrola Eastwood turntable. The tan trim makes the piece look vintage, but it actually boasts Bluetooth compatibility and custom-tuned stereo speakers. And be sure to pair the gift with one of their favorite albums!
Let your teen follow in supermodel Gigi Hadid's footsteps (just a little!) by gifting them a pair of these ultra-trendy UGG slippers. The shoes are crafted from warm suede and feature a genuine shearling lining to keep their feet nice and cozy. They're the perfect finishing touch for any off-duty 'fit.
What's better than a hammock or pool float, you ask? An inflatable lounger that your teen can use on the beach or in the backyard, no air pump required. The Wekapo even boasts a patented pillow so your kid can kick back in total comfort.
If they're introspective or into astrology (or both!), then hand them a journal embroidered with their star sign. Inside, they'll find 145 pages just waiting to be filled, plus a matching ribbon for marking their place in the cosmos.
They'll have no problem locating or protecting their laptop thanks to this ultra-vibrant computer case. The white-and-green checkerboard sleeve is made from durable, woven polyester and lined with soft microfiber. It's also available in two sizes.
Keep your competitive teen on their toes (in more ways than one) by gifting them this portable table tennis set. The kit includes an adjustable net, two paddles and two ping-pong balls, so they can kick off the family tournament.
K-pop group BTS continues to take the world by storm, and there's a very good chance that your teen is totally obsessed with them. So we say speak to their heart with this deluxe edition of "Butter." The album includes one limited-edition poster, one photo book, two lyric cards, graphic stickers and more.
If your teen doesn't have their own AirPods yet, it's probably on their wish list. Perfect for remote learning, neighborhood walks and late-night chats, these wireless earbuds are a must-have for on-the-go teens.
Add an effortlessly cool, boho touch to their bedroom with this dried floral garland. The piece is anchored by a wooden dowel and then draped with dried wildflowers and twine. (And yes, they'll definitely want to take it to college.)
Chunky resin rings are back and more popular than ever. (Thanks, TikTok.) Help your teen accessorize for school or trips to the mall with this three-piece set from Urban Outfitters. You can choose from three color families and two sizes.
Now, this is what we call a one-of-a-kind gift. Your teen is pretty much guaranteed to laugh (okay, cringe) when they open these custom face socks. For maximum embarrassment, choose an old yearbook photo or decorate the socks with photos of their adoring parents.
