19 Cool Gifts Any Picky Teen Will Love Receiving For the Holidays

Target
Ulta
Photo Illustration: Becky Jiras
Target
Ulta
Photo Illustration: Becky Jiras
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Buying gifts for teens doesn't have to be a chore — at least not when you have our team's shopping expertise at your disposal (hello, and you're welcome). While it's easy to give a gift card and call it a day, there are so many more personal presents out there that'll impress even the coolest teens. It's all about doing the research and bridging the gap between what's trending on their FYP and what can withstand the test of time. Impress them by finding tangible gifts they'll actually use, and certify your reputation as a world-class gift giver in the process.

To help you land on the perfect product for the teens in your life, we rounded up some of the best presents at every price point — starting at $10. Categories include fun room decor, cute tech accessories, and plenty of viral products already sparking conversation on social media, including the fan-favorite Owala water bottle.

From affordable sports cameras and Apple headphones to trending fashion finds and beauty essentials, these popular gifts for teens will please even the pickiest recipients. There's truly something for everyone, and this list proves that shopping for teens doesn't always have to be daunting. Keep scrolling for our cheat sheet full of the top gifts for teens in 2023.

Additional reporting by Chandler Plante

01
Best Hydrating Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Best Hydrating Gift For Teens

the Owala FreeSip 24 oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($22, originally $28)

After going viral on TikTok, this water bottle emerged as a trendy and practical find. Teens and adults alike love the vibrant color ways, affordable price point, and "leak-proof" design, making them ideal for gifting. (Plus, celebrities like Hilary Duff are already fans!)

02
Most Thoughtful Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Most Thoughtful Gift For Teens

Ticket Stub Diary ($17)

Your teen years tend to go by pretty fast, and as you get older, it's the memories you hold onto the most. Help your teen keep track of the highlights of their youth with the help of this handy ticket stub diary. From concert tickets to sporting event passes and even flight vouchers for trips, this is a gift they'll be able to cherish forever.

03
Best Journaling Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Best Journaling Gift For Teens

The Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change ($21, originally $30)

This daily journal challenges users to focus on gratitude for five minutes a day. Truthfully, this is a must-have gift for anyone in your life — but we think your teen will really benefit from the good vibes it provides. Our own POPSUGAR editor claimed the journal made her into a "morning-routine" person in this review of the Five-Minute Journal.

Editor Quote: "I find that when I write down my intentions, I really am more mindful throughout the day, and I use the nighttime prompts as a way to reflect on the good, and bad, parts of my day. It truly is a five minute (max!) commitment, and I have seen my gratitude levels markedly improve since I started using it." — India Yaffe, Associate Editor, Commerce

04
Best Board Game Gift For Teens
target.com

Best Board Game Gift For Teens

Ravensburger's Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil Board Game ($18, originally $30)

The Ravensburger's Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil board game is perfect for any Disney fan looking to embrace their inner villain with friends and family. Your teen can play as one of the four famed antagonists (Maleficent, Captain Hook, Ursula, or Prince John), and they will love the immersive gameplay and "easter eggs" of their favorite films.

05
Best Fashion Gift for Teens
shop.lululemon.com

Best Fashion Gift for Teens

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($38)

It's safe to say that Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag is one of the most popular fashion products on the market, and all ages are obsessed. It can fit your teen's phone, keys, wallet, and more while they're on the go, all while looking stylish. For more about why it's so covetable, read our review of the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag.

Editor Quote: "The lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is best for those who want a compact, hands-free alternative to a purse. The design lends itself to a casual–cool 'fit that's perfect for people who are always on the go yet want to look chic and stay organized all the while." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce

06
Best Beauty Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Best Beauty Gift For Teens

Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Plus ($36, originally $40)

This newly updated Revlon hair dryer is one of the buzziest beauty products of the moment, and editors agree that it's worth the hype, especially when it comes to the price. (Have you heard about people's obsession with the Dyson?) For more about why it works so well, check out our complete Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Plus.

Editor Quote: "While my hair sometimes felt dry when using the older version of this blow-dryer brush, my experience with the newer version was the opposite: it was smooth and shiny." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

07
Best Cozy Gift For Teens
ulta.com

Best Cozy Gift For Teens

Candier's Girl, You Need To Calm The F'Down Candle ($29)

Tell them how you really feel: candle version. You can't go wrong with an aesthetically pleasing candle, especially one that's as popular and aromatic as this scented candle from Ulta. We already know they'll look forward to lighting it when they feel stressed.

08
Best Phone Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Best Phone Gift For Teens

CASETiFY Phone Strap Charm in Classic Pearl ($42)

Phone charms remain one of the trendiest accessories in tech. We love this phone strap charm from Amazon because its pearl beading and Y2K design, but there are a ton of different styles to choose from (and you can order most of them on Amazon).

09
Best Athleisure Gift For Teens
freepeople.com

Best Athleisure Gift For Teens

Free People Let Go Shortie Romper ($50)

This bestselling Free People romper is meant for lounging, but it's also the perfect introduction to the one-piece athleisure trend. It features a high neckline, low back, and totally seamless design, making it both comfy and chic.

10
Best Skin-Care Gift for Teens
amazon.com

Best Skin-Care Gift for Teens

Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack ($14)

There's a reason so many celebrities are obsessed with these stickers from Starface — they're brilliant! Pimples are notoriously frustrating, but these itty-bitty hydrocolloid star stickers make healing them selfie-worthy and, dare we say, fun?

11
Best Foodie Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Best Foodie Gift For Teens

DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit ($43)

If your teen is obsessed with mochi, they'll love experimenting with this ice cream kit from Amazon. It includes all the essentials to create the sweet treat at home — all they'll need to purchase separately is their favorite ice cream flavor.

12
Best Unique Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Best Unique Gift For Teens

Mini Fridge For Snacks or Skincare ($50, originally $70)

What teen wouldn't want to have their own mini fridge for drinks or snacks? This model can fit so many goodies — perfect for storing their favorite treats at sleepovers and beyond. Plus, it can also double as a skincare fridge, too.

13
Best Accessory For Teens
anthropologie.com

Best Accessory For Teens

Anthropologie Squiggle Hair Claw Clip ($10)

Reviewers say this hair claw clip is equal parts fashionable and functional, with the unique squiggle design securing even the thickest hair throughout the day. If the chic silver colorway wasn't enough, it also comes in bronze, black, and gold to help dress up any outfit.

14
Best Tech Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Best Tech Gift For Teens

Fujifilm Quicksnap Disposable Camera ($25, originally $30)

Sure, iPhone photos are great, but they're a dime a dozen. This disposable camera will ensure your teen gets priceless action snaps to document their favorite adventures (think of the future scrapbooks).

15
Best Home Gift For Teens
pbteen.com

Best Home Gift For Teens

Gray Leopard Faux-Fur Hang-A-Round Chair ($159, originally $229)

We have a soft spot for this faux-fur round chair. The stylish and soft accent chair is the perfect accessory for any room, great for snuggling up for a movie night or just kicking back and doing some homework. We love the eye-catching golden contrast on the chair's legs as well.

16
Best Sneaker Gift For Teens
nordstrom.com

Best Sneaker Gift For Teens

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneakers ($75)

Platform sneakers are having a moment right now, so these nostalgic Chuck Taylor sneakers just had to make our list. They boast a 1.5-inch platform that's sure to impress.

17
Best Card Game Gift For Teens
uncommongoods.com

Best Card Game Gift For Teens

Game of Phones ($12-$20)

This modern take on the classic scavenger hunt requires your teen's favorite possession — their smartphone! The unique game asks players to engage in a smartphone scavenger hunt in which only the fastest players will survive (just kidding, they'll win points). Not only is the gift great for any card game lovers in your family, but it will also sneak your teen away from their social media for a bit (bonus!).

18
Best Headphone Gift For Teens
amazon.com

Best Headphone Gift For Teens

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones ($539)

Just when we thought we were getting used to AirPods, Apple debuted a nostalgic version of the technology that pays homage to the O.G. headphone. But hey, we're not complaining! If your teen enjoys tuning out the world on occasion (don't we all?), they'll love the noise-canceling capabilities of these over-ear headphones. They're so good even our own POPSUGAR writer had "no regrets" making the splurge, as detailed in this Apple AirPods Max product review.

Editor Quote: "I would recommend these to anyone who cares about sound quality and aesthetics and is looking for a product with tons of features. The headphones are gorgeous, and the sleek design is miles better than any other headphones I've seen on the market recently." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

19
Best Travel Gift For Teens
walmart.com

Best Travel Gift For Teens

iFLY Fibertech Hardside Checked Luggage ($88)

Treat them to something that's both stylish and practical with this hardside luggage — which a POPSUGAR contributor tested and fell in love with. Find out more via her comprehensive review of the iFLY Hardside Luggage Carry-On.

Editor Quote: "My first observation? It's lightweight. Shockingly lightweight — a game changer for people like me who come dangerously close to those dreaded excess weight fees. When it arrived, I wheeled it around my apartment to get a feel for its double wheels that, in the brand's words, 'ensure 360-degree navigation.' In other words, it rolls like a dream and can keep up with quick turns for when you're manically rushing through the airport." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce