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: 27 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.
Enamel Pin - Bonjour
Say hello to the one of the coolest ways to accessorize. This enamel pin will surely inspire Parisian aspirations. Add to this gift with more pin and patch options!
To buy: bando.com, $10
Getaway Toiletries Bag - Available for Weekends
Toiletry bags are highly practical for any teen, whether they’re traveling across an ocean or to their best friend’s house for a sleepover. This one is cute enough to disguise its functional value. The interior has plenty of pockets and the canvas material makes it easy to clean.
To buy: bando.com, $20
NASA Long Sleeve T-shirt
This cozy long sleeve cotton 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
Nike x John Elliott NikeLab Vandal Premium High-Top Sneakers
Impress the sneakerhead in your life with these highly anticipated sneakers from designer, John Elliott and NikeLab. The velcro strap and suede make these a slick choice for comfortable sneakers for any fashion forward young adult.
To buy: mrporter.com, $150
Tamagotchi Friend
Before any sort of app, we had digital pets to take care of but it was fun and addictive. So it’s only appropriate we recommend Tamagotchi Friends because the cool, new nostalgia period has hit the 1990s and early aughts.
To buy: amazon.com, $35
'Basketball (and Other Things): A Collection of Questions Asked, Answered, Illustrated'
A New York Times #1 Bestseller, 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, 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
Dickies Mini Festival Bag Casual Daypack
It’s not hard to love anything that comes in miniature. A mini backpack hold just the necessities, making this perfect from the school hallways to summer festivals.
To buy: amazon.com, $20
FILA Logo Sling Bag
You may want to call this a fanny pack, but don’t be fooled. Any teen will tell you the sling bags are the new-age version. Boys, girls or otherwise are slinging these around instead of a typical backpack or tote bag.
To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $34
Adidas Originals Striped Velvet Slides
Slides soared to mainstream popularity this past summer, so these velvet pair by Adidas are most definitely the right shoe for colder days (socks optional).
To buy: net-a-porter.com, $74
3 Foot Stainless Steel Charging Cable
For the moments when you don’t want to unplug but you need to plug in, the extra long cord is clutch (and colorful).
To buy: nordstrom.com, $25
Recover Mood Ring Thermochromic iPhone Case
The 2017 iteration of a mood ring, this thermochromic phone case keeps an iPhone secure and your mood in check.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $30
Nike Classic Cortez Sneaker
Nike revived their classic 1970s’ running sneaker and styled it for everyday casual wear. The iconic silhouette comes in a variety of color combos and is fit for any stylish teen.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $70
Adidas Originals Santiago Duffel Bag
A practical bag is good for the soul, and these duffel bags best for weekend trips or long summer vacations and even active teens for sports practice. A parental perk: The material is water-resistant.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $70
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
My Skin-licious Secret Pantry - Mask Set
This set from Too Cool For School is ideal for winter months, and great for a little pampering while also addressing different skin concerns.
To buy: sephora.com, $24
Glamspin Lip Balm
Fidget spinners may have had their shine, but the Glamspin is secretly the cute and playful way to moisturize lips in cold-weather months.
To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $10
Cassette Player
More proof that the ‘90s will never go away: Cassette players are on the rise for ultra hip teens who are into alternative methods of listening to music. This clear version also comes with a built-in AM/FM radio.
To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $38
Visionair Podpal Hardside Luggage
You can’t go wrong with a durable carry-on that will still be in excellent shape when he or she needs to use it to come home from college—dirty laundry in tow—for the weekend. This one also features a tablet holder for easy Netflix binges while waiting to board.
To buy: amazon.com, $158
Nintendo Switch
The latest gaming system from Nintendo, Switch can be played at home or on the go and with multiple players. Ideal for travel and fun with friends and family.
To buy: amazon.com, $300
Smart Tracker
Life comes at teenagers fast, so can we really blame them for losing track of personal belongings once in a while? This smart tracker can help them locate what’s gone missing. The wireless bluetooth capabilities help track down lost keys, a wallet, or whatever else.
To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $40
LuMee Illuminated Cell Phone Case
Improve the quality of their selfies with the LuMee case, which not only provides protection against drops, but it has a built-in front flashlight to fill in the shadows of the face.
To buy: amazon.com, $40 for iPhone 6
JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For music lovers, this travel speaker is super durable—it can be totally submerged in water—and super 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 his or her adventures.
To buy: amazon.com, $45
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