The Best Gifts for Teens and Their Ever-Changing Tastes

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 150 Count

Whether the teen you’re shopping for loves drawing their favorite cartoon characters or creating realistic landscapes in their sketchbooks, this pack of Prismacolor Colored Pencils can help them get the job done. One parent from our survey said they love how this gift promotes creativity, and they find the pencils to be higher quality than other brands. 

This set comes with 150 different pencils in a variety of shades with deep, rich pigments suitable for any design that comes to mind. Plus, your teen can keep them organized in the included cases which are separated by color family.

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker

This portable speaker is powerful for its size, delivering a big, warm sound in any kind of weather. Our editor (who did receive it from the brand) loves using it outside and on vacation. Any teen who likes to have friends over outside or goes on group trips to the park or the beach will get a lot of use out of it. And since Bose products are made to last, they may even be taking this with them to college.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L

Some of the viral trends teens want to follow are—let's say, less than wise. But one trend adults can definitely feel good about getting behind is the love for lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag. They'll love it because it comes in so many colors, holds the essentials, and looks good on anyone for most occasions. And on a practical level, it's lightweight, water-repellent, and comfortable as a crossbody or fanny pack. It's also really affordable!

Just My Style Personalized Alphabet Beads

As Taylor Swift once said, “Trade the friendship bracelets,” and teens are definitely following the trend. A parent from our survey said that her daughter loves making friendship bracelets for her friends using this kit. It kit comes with over 1,000 beads and charms, including the letters of the alphabet and vibrant geometric shapes. Additionally, they will find different color yarn to choose from for that extra touch. 

Lime Crime Holographic Face & Eye Stickers

If your teen is dabbling with makeup, then these face and eye stickers will be much appreciated as a stocking stuffer this holiday season. This kit includes holographic stickers that can be used to enhance a makeup look and add a pop of color. With a peel-and-stick design, these stickers are easy to put on and take off so teens will be able to experiment on their own and with friends.

GlowCity LED Soccer Ball

Teens with a lot of energy to burn—and those with a passion for soccer—don’t want to quit when it’s dark out. This LED-lit soccer ball lets them continue the fun and training into the night. Just note that though the batteries are included, the ball will arrive uninflated, so have a pump ready before you wrap it up.

Amelia Rose Wildflower Sterling Choker

This wildflower choker is a solid option for the teen who wants to elevate their look with an accessory. On the choker, they’ll notice stones including garnet, rose quartz, citrine, peridot, sky blue topaz, amethyst, labradorite, and moonstone, hand-wrapped in sterling silver to create a dazzling effect. Not only is it stylish, but also extends between 15 and 18 inches for the ideal fit.

Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit

Teens who are itching for adventure will love this Dungeons & Dragons set that provides everything they need to start playing the popular role-playing game. Inside they’ll find instructions, character sheets, dice, cards, and a poster map to kickstart their D&D journey. One parent from our survey said their teen's favorite part about this kit is planning the campaigns and mapping out different paths they can take. Plus, it helps teens practice teamwork, social skills, imagination, and critical thinking—who wouldn’t want that?

PowerA Advantage Wired Controller

You might not want your teen glued to the screen playing video games all day, but an hour or two never hurt anyone (and in fact, it may even be beneficial, in moderation). This wired controller has four lighting zones and three modes to customize and create the ideal gaming vibe as they play. Aside from lights, your teen will appreciate the advanced features including three-way trigger locks and rumble motors to bring the game to life.

The North Face Vault Backpack

When we tested backpacks with our own kids earlier this year, this North Face bag was one of our favorites because it safely held everything our teen tester needed for school, including her laptop and two water bottles. This makes a great gift for a teen because it’s neutral enough to suit any taste (though they can customize it later with pins and baubles), it’s super durable, and it’s not very expensive.

Jiggy Junior Choose Happy by Taylor Shannon

If the weather is dreary outside or your teen just needs a break from screens, then a puzzle can provide a welcome distraction that will keep their brains sharp. Designed by Taylor Shannon, this 100-piece puzzle is filled with vibrant colors, eye-catching images of rainbows and hearts, and popular phrases (shine bright, love, be happy, etc.) for a cheery effect. It even comes with adhesive paper so once your teen is done they can preserve their masterpiece to show it off.

Coats Skinsentials 3-Step Routine

These days many teens are prioritizing taking care of their skin, whether that’s with a daily skincare regimen or as-needed products like pimple patches. Coats’ three-step routine is a great place for a teen to start if they are looking to dabble in the world of skincare. It includes a gentle cleanser, milky toner, and lightweight cream that can help prevent breakouts, hydrate, and brighten the skin.

Francesca’s Laura Flower Drop Earrings

Statement earrings are on-trend especially for teenagers so you can’t go wrong with gifting a pair. Both nickel and lead-free, these flower earrings are suitable for those with sensitive skin and are lightweight enough to rest comfortably throughout the day. For those teens who love purple, these earrings will be put to good use whether they’re worn to school or out with friends.

Hugimals Charlie The Puppy Weighted Stuffed Animal

Teens have a lot of stressors in their lives, from school, peers, family, and more. For a moment of relaxation, this weighted stuffed animal will do the trick. At 4.5 pounds, this stuffed animal provides a sensation similar to a hug when held against the chest, relieving anxiety and restoring a sense of calm.

Engino Mechanics Gears and Worm Drives

Teens aren’t above enjoying a building kit from time to time. This educational kit allows kids and teens to build 12 different models, including a helicopter, a crane, a carousel, and a screw press. It also comes with 16 pages of scientific theories and explanations behind the experiments so they can expand their knowledge while engaging in a hands-on activity. Plus, there’s even an app that helps them build in a virtual-reality setting for even more fun.

Speks Crags Ferrite Putty

Your teen might have outgrown the popable fidget toys that were all the rage a couple of years ago, but if they still need something to keep their hands busy, these magnetic pebbles are the way to go. Available in a wide assortment of colors, these pebbles are satisfying to the touch and virtually noiseless, so they can be used in school, in the car, or while out to eat with friends.

Heartstopper, Volume 1

Your teen may be one of millions obsessed with Heartstopper on Netflix, but do they know it’s inspired by a graphic novel? Alice Oseman’s graphic novel combines intricate drawings and speech bubbles to tell the story of two teen boys who fall in love and navigate the world together with all of its ups and downs. There are four books in the series, so be prepared to buy the rest after they devour this one.

Monos Compressible Packing Cubes

For teens who like to travel, these packing cubes will make it a breeze to fit all of their clothes in a carry-on or checked luggage. Made from tear-resistant nylon twill, these packaging cubes are designed to hold socks, undergarments, toiletries, and other travel essentials in less space than if they were loose in a bag. Choose from one of five colors including purple, gray, tan, black, and banana.

Apollo Skateboard

Get your teen outdoors with this 31-inch skateboard made from northwood maple. For a smooth ride, it has a medium concavity for optimal balance and fast bearings on the wheels, so they’ll easily be able to get around whether on the street or at the skatepark. The board will arrive straight to your doorstep fully assembled.

JavaScript Coding for Teens: A Beginner's Guide to Developing Websites and Games

Gamers who want to make their dream video game a reality will benefit from a beginner’s guide to coding. With clear lessons and practical exercises, readers can develop their skills and gain confidence all in one place. They might not be able to make a video game off the bat, but at least they’ll be inspired to follow their dreams in the field.

Life Skills for Teens

Many schools don't have home economics classes anymore to teach students basic life skills from cooking to cleaning. This book answers questions like, “How do you wash dishes?” and “How do you save money?” (And sure, parents could teach them these things, but we all know that sometimes, a third party just gets through to them a little better.) With every page, this book gives practical and easy-to-digest information that they can start applying to their daily lives.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Blush is one of those beginner-friendly makeup products, and this blush from Selena Gomez’s label is a great place to start. Its lightweight liquid formula can be easily applied to the cheeks with the applicator or a finger and effortlessly blends in for a flushed, rosy look. Additionally, it’s long-wearing so whether your teen is out with friends or headed to school, it’ll last for hours without budging.

Nike Youth Recruit Integrated 3.0 Football Pants

For those sporty teens, these football pants may be the perfect gift. Designed with hip and tailbone pads, these pants are durable for rough play and will help keep players safe while in use. They’ll also notice the two-way stretch gives them added flexibility for optimal movement across the field and while on the bench.

Catan Studio Catan Board Game

Teens with a competitive side will love this adventure board game that gives players the chance to settle the isle of Catan. It’s a game of strategy for which your teen will have to be thinking critically the entire time as they trade to get resources, buy development cards, and build roads. The entire game time lasts about an hour, so it’s great for a rainy day or family game night away from the screens.

Pottery Barn Teen Backlit Basketball Hoop

Few people spend more time in their bedrooms than teenagers, so making that space personalized and fun is important. This backlit basketball hoop mounts to the wall and provides trendy yet decorative flare suitable for sports lovers. It comes with mounting hardware, so a teen and a grown-up can work together to assemble it. Then they’ll be ready show it off next time they have friends over.

Fenty Beauty Brush 5-Piece Brush Set

Give your teen this five-piece brush set along with the liquid blush mentioned above to complete their makeup collection. These colorful brushes are designed for use on the eyes, face, and lips to apply and blend foundation, eyeshadow, and more. We’re really impressed with the quality of the plush bristles and fully rounded shapes for even application.

Bath & Body Works Cheetah Snap Case Hand Sanitizer Spray Holder

Hand sanitizer makes for a very practical stocking stuffer, but it can be a bit boring by itself. In addition to a few hand sanitizers, add this spray holder to the mix for a chic and stylish statement. With a gold-tone clip, it attaches to a backpack or purse for easy access.

Meta Quest 2

Virtual reality is popular among teenagers these days, so it’s likely your teen will be ecstatic to receive this VR headset. With over 500 different titles to choose from, teens can get immersed in popular games, entertainment offerings, and other unique experiences designed for the VR space. The Meta Quest 2 comes with everything they’ll need, including a wireless headset, intuitive controls, and a built-in battery.

The Happiness Project The Semicolon Hoodie

Remind a teen that they are not alone with this semicolon hoodie from The Happiness Project. Available in sizes S-XXL, this oversized sweatshirt features the embroidered brand logo with a printed sleeve. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase as 15% of the profits are donated to mental health resources.

Likha Elephant Plant Pot

Opt for a unique gift for a plant-loving teen like this elephant plant pot from Made Trade. Handcrafted from organic coconut fiber, this pot is suitable for holding tiny plants and succulents inside the home. It can be placed on a desk or bookshelf for display and easy access while adding an element of fun to a space.

Funko Pop! The Marvels: Ms. Marvel

If the teen you’re shopping for collects Funko Pops, or if you happen to know the movies or TV shows they love, you have so many surefire gift options for them. Here, we’ve featured Ms. Marvel, a.k.a. Kamala Khan, the enthusiastic teen superhero (and fangirl herself) of the Disney+ series and movie The Marvels.

STMT DIY Journaling Set

Journaling is a great way to self-soothe and get out random thoughts and feelings, which teens have a lot of on a daily basis. This set comes with a spiral-bound journal, a pen, trendy stickers, paper clips, glue sticks, and more to make the experience more personal and customizable. Elevate this gift with a book of journal prompts to help your teen get started writing whether it’s about daily events, friendship breakups, or dream aspirations.