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.
NASA Long Sleeve T-shirt
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
Furry Sloth Pillow
This sloth pillow is adorable and perfect for any tired teen looking to catch some z’s.
To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $50
'Basketball (and Other Things): A Collection of Questions Asked, Answered, Illustrated'
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
The Five Minute Journal
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
Fatboy Lamzac Original
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
Candywirez 3-foot Stainless Steel Charging Cable
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
Recover Mood Ring Thermochromic iPhone Case
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
Big Eyes iPhone Case With Crossbody Chain
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
Nintendo Switch
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
JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
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
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner in Tangerine
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
Camping Hammock
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
Roller Skates
Adorable and bright, these skates might encourage a new hobby or fulfill their roller disco dreams.
To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $149
Nike Sportswear Tech Pack Women’s Hoodie
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
Bluetooth Headphones
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
Nike Heritage Hip Pack
Formerly known as fanny packs, hip packs are very much back on trend.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $25
Music Playing Cards
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
Smart Water Bottle
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
'Star Power' Book by Chronicle
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
Fjallraven Backpack
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
Custom Moon Phase Necklace
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
PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor - Hidden Heart High Top Sneaker
This pair of Converse is both practical and fashionable.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $135
Checkered PopSocket
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
Fortnite Socks
A humorous gift that provides comfort and warmth for your Fortnite-fanatic teen.
To buy: amazon.com, $11
Gemstone Sensor Nightlights
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
Glossier Clear Lip Gloss
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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