Best Gifts for Teens
Feeling stumped when faced with selecting holiday, birthday or graduation gifts for the teens in your life? It can be hard to find fun and cool gifts that they will love, but don't already have.
You could always stuff some money into an envelope and call it a day (it does go over well!), but if you're looking for something a little more thoughtful and personal (or perhaps even something handmade), we're rounding up ideas from parents who know what teenage kids want.
Discover the best gifts for teens & add your recommendations below!
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Cadbury Great British Treats Gift Box
Vanessa M.: Teens will get a kick out of trying British candy bars, delivered to them directly from the UK! The Cadbury Great British Treats Gift Box offers a selection of 10 full sized candy bars in Britain's favorite varieties. With fun names like Wispa, Curly Wurly, and Double Decker, this box makes a yummy gift teens would be thrilled to receive.
Knit Bluetooth Beanie Hat
Vanessa M.: This stylish winter hat will do more than keep teen's ears warm; it also incorporates the latest Bluetooth technology so they can listen to music with the built in wireless speakers! It's perfect for waiting at the bus stop, jogging in the cold, or being out and about. The built in Bluetooth microphone allows users to make phone calls as well. Unisex hat is washable (just remove the speakers first).
Apples to Apples
Age 12+ (4-8 players)
Tim Ponisciak: This is a great board game for teens to play with their friends. The object of the game is make the best match between an adjective card and a noun card. Depending on the friends you are playing with the game will either be taken very seriously, or will make everyone laugh out loud!
Spikeball
Vanessa M.: Have you seen teens and young adults playing Spikeball at the park lately? I have! It looks like a lot of fun! Spikeball is a 4 player game with rules similar to volleyball. Great for playing outside, inside, at the beach, wherever!
SoundBot Waterproof Shower Speaker
Carly Follett: This wireless speaker is multi-functional and super versatile. It is bluetooth-enabled and compatible with any smart device. The speaker offers a handsfree talk feature and remote for long distance use and can be used in the shower, pool, on the beach, in the car and basically anywhere!
Crayola Color Escapes Colored Pencils
Age 16+
These premium colored pencils are sleek and color nicely for the teen who appreciates the art of coloring. Don't forget to pair with a nice adult coloring book for a relaxing activity you can never really outgrow!
SYMA Remote Control Helicopter
Age 14+
Gina I.: Easy to fly and great for beginners, this helicopter flies in 3 directions for smooth, stable hovering. It's small and lightweight for indoor use only.
Personalized Starbucks Cups
Vanessa M.: Teens love Starbucks! Give the teen in your life a personalized, reusable Starbucks cup with his or her name and favorite drink on it. Maybe tuck a Starbucks gift card inside, and you have a great gift any teen would love.
Bombas Socks
Teens' socks endure some major wear and tear, so why not give them new socks from a clothing company that gives back? Charitable giving is important to many of today's teens, and Bombas gives one pair of socks to a homeless person for every pair of socks sold. Additionally, Bombas are durable and come in many styles, from sport socks to dressier versions.
LED Bike Wheel Lights
Vanessa M.: Bike Wheel Lights look cool, and also help bike riders stay safe at night. Each battery powered string of LED lights is made of waterproof tubing, and comes in a variety of colors.
The Resistance
Age 13+ (5-10 players)
Gina I.: The Resistance is a fun and fast-paced strategy game. Players choose cards in secret that identify them as Resistance Members or Spies. It's the Resistance's job to identify the spies before they thwart the mission. Can you spot the spy?
Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera
Vanessa M.: The Fujifilm Instax Mini is a camera that allows you to shoot and print pictures instantly! Teens will love to take photos of their friends, then have actual photos on hand to pass around, hang in their lockers, or decorate their rooms. The selfie mirror takes great selfies! This camera comes in a variety of fun colors. Don't forget the extra film!
Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch
Vanessa M.: The Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch is perfect for a teen's bedroom or hangout and comes in a variety of fun colors and prints. It also floats on water so it makes a great pool accessory! Teens can bring it camping, to festivals, backyard bbq's, or just keep it in their room as a place to chill with friends.
Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar
Carly Follett: This is a great gift for your teen fitness buff. Designed to fit most door frames, the workout bar is perfect for strengthening their back, biceps, and other upper body muscles. The workout bar is easily installed and can be taken down just as easily for a floor workout and/or easy storage.
Unicorn Color Changing Mug
Vanessa M.: How adorable is this color changing unicorn mug? When a hot drink is poured into the mug, the unicorn's mane magically changes from purple to rainbow!
Primary photo: Mae Mu on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.