Teens are notoriously choosy when it comes to gifts. Sure, cold hard cash is always a solid choice, and tech equipment will often get you smiles, but what about when you want some gift ideas for teens that are a little bit more interesting than the same old go-tos?
We've located some of the best gifts for teens ages 13-17 based on our own experience raising two teens as well as what is popular right now. Although there is a lot to be said for simply asking teens what they want, with this list you're sure to find the perfect gift that will actually surprise them!
Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.
If you've been following the blog long enough you know that I don't find gender categories very helpful, so this list of gifts for teens is designed to be gender neutral. They are gifts for teen boys, teen girls, and every teen in between.
365 PAGE-A-DAY CALENDAR
We get these page-a-day calendars for our teens every year and the novelty hasn't worn off, even into the teen years. One of my sons loves getting a sports or science fact-a-day version, and the other can't get enough of 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said! There are tons of themes to choose from like cats, history, cartoons, and sports so you're sure to find just the right calendar.
Some favorites:
- Stupidest Things Ever Said (my youngest son LOVES this one!)
- Amazing Facts
- Unexplained Mysteries
- Mensa Brain Puzzlers
HP SPROCKET PORTABLE PHOTO PRINTER
Find it: Printer (available in multiple colors) | Paper Pack
This portable mini-printer is a must-have. Using an ink-free technology, teens print photos from their phones onto adhesive-backed paper. The app also allows teens to add digital stickers and edit their images before printing. The Sprocket can also print from multiple devices and is compatible with both iOs and Android devices. It's wireless, rechargeable, and fits in your pocket. Amazing.
MINI INSTANT CAMERA
Find it: Instax Mini multiple colors | Vintage Style Instax
An alternative to the Sprocket (above), teens who prefer to have a camera that is separate from their phone will love the Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera and photo paper. It prints the photos directly from the camera. The Instax comes in several colors and styles. I have a soft spot for the vintage style (not pictured).
THIN BUT MIGHTY WALLET
Find it: See all the Mighty Wallet versions
At first I was surprised last year when my teen asked for a wallet, but then it made sense. Teens don't have a lot of stuff to cram into a wallet but they still need something snazzy and nearly indestructible. Mighty Wallets has a plethera of creative designs, and even though they are super thin, they expand to hold whatever your teen can cram into them.
MORE: Teen Stocking Stuffers That Are Surprisingly Useful!
FOOT ROLLER
Find it: Foot roller
This was a spur-of-the-moment gift one year and it was a real winner! Our teen loves using the foot roller under his desk while he works on his homework. Not only does it feel luxurious, but it helps teens stay focused, especially those who have a tendency to fidget!
DART BOARD
Find it: Magnet Darts | Traditional Darts
One year we set up a dart board and it was a fantastic boredom buster. It was actually my teen who requested it. After all, when you are forced by your parents to indulge in screen-free time, it's good to have an outlet for your annoyance. (ha ha ha) Go with magnet darts or, if you don't mind the occasional hole in the wall, traditional steel-tipped darts.
WIRELESS EARPHONES
Find it: Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds (comes in several colors)
Apple's Air Buds are very popular, but they aren't always the best choice for active teens, or anyone who has problems with ear buds not fitting properly (that's me!). I like that if you want to take them out of your ears you can just sling them around your neck instead of placing them in a tiny box. These wireless earphones sit securely around the ear and the addition of a connecting wire also aids in preventing them from getting lost!
NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
Find it: Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones (similar to the ones we bought)
Our teen was soooooo happy when we got him a pair of noise cancelling headphones because it meant he could limit the amount of time he had to spend listening to his younger sibling. These headphones are a splurge, but they are so, so worth it!
GIANT ALARM CLOCK
Find it: Amazon
You might be thinking, "Aren't alarm clocks a touch old fashioned? Everyone uses their phone as an alarm, now!" Well, for those families who have a no phones in the bedroom while-you-are-supposed-to-be-sleeping policy, an alarm clock is essential. Our son has this exact giant clock and he loves it. It's battery operated, can hang on the wall or sit on a desk, gives the date and day of the week, the temperature, and humidity. AND, it sets the time automatically (amazing). It is great for kids who may struggle a bit with keeping to a schedule!
SUNRISE ALARM CLOCK
Find it: Amazon
We love the giant alarm clock (see above) but if you want to splurge a little bit, this sunrise alarm clock will help teens rise early for school when their natural circadian rhythms are screaming, "just a little bit longer!" When it's time to get up, the clock gradually becomes brighter. There are different settings of brightness, and even a variety of sounds, to choose from. It also simulates a sunset, which is pretty cool, to be honest.
COLORFUL LIGHT STRIP
Find it: LED Strip-Lights
Strip lights are a novelty gift item. Their sole purpose is to make your teenager's room look super cool and groovy, and that's okay! Sometimes you just need to hang out and enjoy the view.
UNIVERSAL YUMS
Find it: Universal Yums
We get the Universal Yums subscription box for our whole family, but it's a unique gift for teens, too. Each month features treats from a different country as well as an informational booklet that imparts interesting trivia about the featured country.
MONEY OUT LOUD: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us by Berna Anat
When our oldest was headed off to college, we got him this highly recommended personal finance book. It's a thorough guide for teens and young adults that teaches them how to manage their money, stay out of debt and invest for the future. We always hope we've taught our kids the things they need to know, but this book will make sure they learn the details we may have forgotten!
POWER BANK
Find it: Portable charger (comes in several colors)
According to my son, this tiny (about the size of a credit card) power bank charges devices super fast, can charge a phone several times over before needing to be re-juiced, and can charge two devices at the same time! I'm going to be honest, I almost never use my phone enough to run out of battery power, but apparently I am in the minority, at least this is what my teens tell me, ha ha ha.
COOL WATER BOTTLE
Find it: Hydro Flask collection
A water bottle? You seriously want me to give my teen a water bottle as a gift? Let me explain. Our teen requested a Hydro Flask water bottle and now it's the only one he likes to use. Yes, it's pricey for a water bottle, but it will last forever, and hey, it's a gift! Hydro Flasks come in a million colors, wide or narrow mouths, different lid styles and insulated or not. Our teen also loves his Hydro Flask tumbler, which I love because it means he only uses one glass a day, instead of filling up the sink with a different glass every time he is thirsty. So, yeah, I think you should consider a water bottle.
MORE:
- YA Book Gift Guide: teen-approved books for every interest
- Games for kids ages 10-15
- Unique Advent Calendars
MAKER CRATES
Find it: Maker Crate | Eureka Crate
The KiwiCo. family of crates has two exceptional subscriptions for teens (you can also purchase individual boxes), the Maker Crate and the Eureka Crate.
Maker Crate is a craft box that introduces teens to new design and art techniques. Past projects have included paper marbling, metal sculpture and terrazzo clay organizers.
Eureka Crate is a STEM themed box that teaches young innovators to apply principles of science and math to make every day items like an articulated desk lamp or a wooden ukulele.
Each crate provides instructions and materials. Teens will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills and take pride in making something that is useful and beautiful.
We subscribed for years to KiwiCo's crates and loved each and every one.
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