26 Genuinely Cool Gifts for Teens

By Travel + Leisure Staff
October 25, 2018
Courtesy of Respective Retailers

Not only are the years from age 13 to 19 awkward (and at times difficult for adults to understand), they’re also challenging to shop for. If you’re looking for the perfect presents for the teenagers on your list, we’ve gathered products that balance fun and functionality with a side of quirk.

Teens want trendy items that may not make sense to anyone over 25, but we’ve made it easier by including some of the highly sought-after brands and items popular with the “kids.” We’ve also included more practical items that will last longer than adolescence.

Related: Gifts for the Most Stressed-out Person on Your List

Whether your teen is into tech gadgets, fashion, sleeping all day, or sports, these items are sure to win them over.

This year, Travel + Leisure continues to offer its most comprehensive gift guide ever. The goal? To help guide your purchase of the perfect present for anyone who happens to be on your shopping list. The lists can even inspire your own wish list based on your zodiac or love of Disney. Below, our top picks for the teen in your life.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

1 of 26

NASA Long Sleeve T-shirt

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

This cozy, long-sleeve T-shirt is out of this world. Aside from providing warmth during the colder months, the NASA worm graphic logo with sleeve details is really chill.

To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $40

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Furry Sloth Pillow

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

This sloth pillow is adorable and perfect for any tired teen looking to catch some z’s.

To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $50

3 of 26

'Basketball (and Other Things): A Collection of Questions Asked, Answered, Illustrated'

Courtesy of Amazon

In this New York Times No. 1 best-seller, Shea Serrano serves up the best NBA scenarios with wisdom and wit in this spectacularly illustrated book. The sports-obsessed teen will definitely love this (even if they don’t read any other books).

To buy: amazon.com, $14

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The Five Minute Journal

Courtesy of Amazon

The Five Minute Journal is a meditative way for teens to focus on positivity and creating gratitude in the everyday.

To buy: amazon.com, $20

5 of 26

Fatboy Lamzac Original

Courtesy of Amazon

What’s not to love about a chair that folds into a bag and sets up with a gust of wind? Perfect for hanging at the park, beach, or literally anywhere.

To buy: amazon.com, $36

6 of 26

Candywirez 3-foot Stainless Steel Charging Cable

Courtesy of Nordstrom

For the moments when you don’t want to unplug but you need to plug in, this extra long cord is clutch (and colorful).

To buy: nordstrom.com, $25

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7 of 26

Recover Mood Ring Thermochromic iPhone Case

Courtesy of Nordstrom

The 2018 iteration of a mood ring, this thermo chromic phone case keeps your iPhone secure and your mood in check.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $30

8 of 26

Big Eyes iPhone Case With Crossbody Chain

Courtesy of Amazon

This super cute iPhone case with a crossbody chain watches after itself and can be worn in place of a purse.

To buy: amazon.com, $9

9 of 26

Nintendo Switch

Courtesy of Amazon

The latest gaming system from Nintendo, Switch, can be played at home or on the go and with multiple players. It's ideal for travel and fun with friends and family.

To buy: amazon.com, $300

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JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Courtesy of Amazon

For music lovers, this travel speaker is super durable — it can be totally submerged in water — and powerful. It can play for up to eight hours and the carabiner makes it easy to attach to a bag or backpack to bring your teen’s favorite tunes along on their adventures.

To buy: amazon.com, $45

11 of 26

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner in Tangerine

Courtesy of Amazon

Samsonite is one of the best luggage brands and rightfully so; this bright orange spinner is one you won’t forget on the baggage carousel. Hard sided, durable with multi-directional wheels are reasons a piece of luggage is never a bad gift and always a good investment.

To buy: amazon.com, $118

12 of 26

Camping Hammock

Courtesy of Amazon

Anywhere instantly becomes a hangout for friends or a reading nook and nap spot with a Rallt Camping Hammock. It's made of durable nylon and comes with hanging clips — and it’s safe and lightweight.

To buy: amazon.com, $28

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13 of 26

Roller Skates

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Adorable and bright, these skates might encourage a new hobby or fulfill their roller disco dreams.

To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $149

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Nike Sportswear Tech Pack Women’s Hoodie

Courtesy of Nordstrom

A hoodie is a universal staple for colder days, this contemporary sportswear hoodie by Nike is comfortable and lightweight. It also packs itself into the pocket for incredibly easy packing.

To buy:nordstrom.com, $130

15 of 26

Bluetooth Headphones

Courtesy of Amazon

The perfect set of headphones for an active teen. This pair by Senso are waterproof, highly rated, and noise-cancelling. Plus, they hold an eight-hour battery life.

To buy: amazon.com, $30

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Nike Heritage Hip Pack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Formerly known as fanny packs, hip packs are very much back on trend.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $25

17 of 26

Music Playing Cards

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Whether they’ll learn about music history or how to perform new card tricks, this deck is fun and classic.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $10

18 of 26

Smart Water Bottle

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Another smart thing? Yes! Bluetooth compatible with an accompanying app to track intake, this BPA-free plastic water bottle lights up as a reminder to drink water for a healthier lifestyle.

To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $45

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'Star Power' Book by Chronicle

Courtesy of Ban.do

The stars have aligned and mercury retrograde is always around the corner. This easy and fun guidebook is an introduction to all things astrology.

To buy: bando.com, $17

20 of 26

Fjallraven Backpack

Courtesy of Nordstrom

A backpack is the ultimate bag — a catchall for toting school books, weekend essentials, or using as a secondary carry-on. These sought-after square packs by Fjallraven are also water-resistant.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $80

21 of 26

Custom Moon Phase Necklace

Courtesy of Etsy

This personalized moon phase necklace can be made to show the moon of any date in time and will become a cherished memory for any teen who dreams of other galaxies.

To buy: etsy.com, $11

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PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor - Hidden Heart High Top Sneaker

Courtesy of Nordstrom

This pair of Converse is both practical and fashionable.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $135

23 of 26

Checkered PopSocket

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

PopSockets offer a hands-free way to watch videos and added grip for selfies — and this popping pattern will give any case new life.

To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $10

24 of 26

Fortnite Socks

Courtesy of Amazon

A humorous gift that provides comfort and warmth for your Fortnite-fanatic teen.

To buy: amazon.com, $11

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Gemstone Sensor Nightlights

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Nightlights get a bad rap for being childish but these sensor enabled night lights are really cool. The handmade gemstones will give any room a bit of fantasy with their ethereal glow.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $35

26 of 26

Glossier Clear Lip Gloss

Courtesy of Glossier

Glossier is the skincare and makeup brand for the ages. With its tactful social media influence and quality products at a reasonable cost, Glossier is the must have for any teen looking to shine. This lip gloss is perfectly formulated with Vitamin E and the glass-like finish does not have a sticky residue.

To buy: glossier.com, $14

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