Molly Flores/CNN Underscored

Gifts for teens quick picks

For the teen who loves the outdoors: Nomadix Festival Blanket

A single hub for all their devices: GetPals Wireless 3-in-1 Charging Station

For the teen who's always on the go: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

A pair of shoes they can slip on with anything: Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clogs

For the teen who refuses to smell unpleasant: Huron Build Your Own Bundle

When it comes to gift giving, teens can be a real enigma. Some want whatever is trending on TikTok, while others want gifts related to niche hobbies or sports teams, and others respond with a nonchalant “I don’t know” when you ask what’s on their holiday wish list. Luckily for you, our expert team at Underscored has scoped out gifts that every type of teen will appreciate. From eighth graders to college sophomores, we know them, we love them and we want to make them happy, just like you.

Whether you’re buying for your kid, their bestie who basically lives at your house, a niece or nephew or a gaggle of grandteens, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the web, polled our on-staff parents of teens and found the top trending products that are sure to make them smile this holiday season. Our list has great gift ideas for any teen in your life, from those who are into the latest tech to those who spend their time watching makeup tutorials.

Need more gift recommendations? Check out our favorite gift ideas for mengift ideas for women and Amazon gifts.

Best home gifts for teens

For the teen obsessed with their Stanley Quencher

The Cross Bottle launched earlier this year and is designed for those on the move. It'll keep your teen's hands free while walking around campus.

For the teen fascinated by the sky

Got a teen who's fascinated by the sky and constellations? This stargazing kit comes with a stellarscope and a guide to help them identify and learn about their favorite stars and sky patterns.

For the teen with some anxious tendencies

No matter how old you are, you're really never too old for a plushie. Shelly the Turtle is the perfect assistant to help teens relax. Hugz also has loads of other animals that are gently weighted and can be heated in the microwave for soothing warmth.

For the teen with a newfound cowboy flair

Add some Western flair to their desk or dresser with this playful cowboy boot. They can proudly display photos that remind them of friends, family and special events.

For the artsy teen

Maybe your teen grew up on Lego or maybe they're getting back into it. This set of over 1,800 pieces is designed for adults, but we think teens are up for the challenge. And after all their effort, they'll have a piece of artwork to display in their room too.

For the teen who loves all things Japanese

If you known a teen with Japan on their bucket list, Bokksu is a thoughtful gift idea to hold them over until they lock in their trip. You can choose the length of your subscription and each month they'll receive a curated box of Japanese teas, savory snacks and treats like mochi, cakes and more all tied into a different seasonal theme.

Best Tested
For the teen with hydration goals

It's seems like there's a new trendy water bottle each week, but there's no doubt the Owala FreeSip is one of the most popular to take over the hydration scene. This is our favorite water bottle with a straw and is great for your teen to take to school or sports practice, or to just sip on around the house.

For the teen who needs all their essentials in one place

This two-in-one Lululemon wristlet is ideal for the teen who doesn't always carry a bag or purse. One pouch can hold their car keys (if they drive), cash, credit cards and ID while the other can hold lip balm, hair ties and earbuds.

For the aspiring surfer or skater

Teens who love surfing or skating can practice building their balance and core strength at home with this sleek balance board. Maybe they'll even share, so the rest of the family can test their skills too.

For the gym rat

If you have a teen who's trying to bulk up or basically lives at their gym, they'll appreciate this shaker bottle from Hydro Flask. It'll keep their protein shakes, pre-workout drinks or water nice and chilled.

For the after-school athlete

Teen athletes need a spare bag for after-school sports and gym class. This Adidas sackpack is a simple bag that's perfect for keeping their sweaty clothes and shoes away from their school books and papers.

For the teen who prefers a night in with friends

What's a night in with their friends without a go-to party game? This Wavelength game is simple to play and is like having a game show right in your living room. Think Codenames but on another level.

For the teen with some newfound independence

Becoming a teenager normally means getting some more freedom. Make sure you can always contact your kid with the help of this iPhone 14. While it's not the newest model, your teen will still be able to call, text, play music and snap photos with ease.

For the next big influencer

And if they already have a phone, this grippy phone case sticks to any smooth surface so they can take hands-free photos and video anywhere. Whether they like making funny TikTok videos with the family or aspire to be the next big influencer, this present is sure to come in handy.

Editor Favorite
For the teen who lives for a lazy Saturday morning

The Comfy is ideal for the teen who likes a slow weekend morning lounging around the house. It's also great for people who travel a lot for their extracurriculars or sports, as it's sure to keep them warm on long car or bus rides.

For the matcha-obsessed teen

Got a matcha lover in your life? Treat them to this starter kit from Chamberlain Coffee, created by YouTube star Emma Chamberlain. The set comes with a motorized matcha whisk, cold brew jar, straw pack and your choice of original, chocolate or vanilla matcha powder.

For the teen who takes self-care to the next level

Perfect for bundling up during the winter or for getting ready, this Sherpa robe from Pottery Barn Teen comes in seven colors and is made of recycled materials.

For the teen who's always outside

If your teen is always hanging outdoors, this inflatable sofa will give them a much comfier seat when they visit their favorite park, beach or backyard. Since it "inflates" by catching air, it's also easy to stow away in a tote bag or backpack when not in use.

For the teen who can't stand a smelly car

If your teen is about to get their driver's license, you can help keep their car odor-free with this Pura Car Diffuser. Stow it in a cup holder or seat pocket and choose from fragrances (which are sold separately) like Red Rock & Amber, Pumpkin Chai and Birchwood Pine.

For the teen in need of some fun, functional wall decor

If they're one of those teens who's always rearranging their room, they'll love this string light set that they can clip photos onto. Plus, the lights double as an additional ambient lighting option for when they don't want those sterile overhead lights on.

Editor Favorite
For the teen who has to stay on trend

We know you've heard about the Stanley Quencher by now. If your teen doesn't have this cult-favorite water bottle yet, you can grab it for them in a statement-making color or limited-edition collab so they can stay hydrated all day.

For the gaming teen

Watching TV or playing video games at home has never been more comfortable than with this Big Joe bean bag chair. It's also great for just hanging out and chatting with friends too. Plus, older teens can even take it with them to their college dorm room.

For their gaming snacks or beauty products

This mini cooler lets them keep their go-to beverages and snacks in their room so they don't have to lug themselves to the kitchen on a gaming or homework break. They’ll love it, trust us. They can also use it to keep beauty products, face masks and facial rollers chilled for a refreshing cooling sensation whenever they need it.

For the teen with a big trip coming up

Do they have a big trip coming up in the next year? Elevate their travel gear with this hard-shell carry-on. It’s perfectly sized for the overhead bin, has 360-degree spinner wheels and an interior compression system. Plus, it comes with a handy laundry bag.

Editor Favorite
For the teen who likes for everything to have a place

This pouch set from Underscored-favorite brand Baggu will be a lifesaver for helping ultra-organized teens keep their gym bag, backpack, suitcase or purse in order.

For the park or beach-loving teen

Don't underestimate the power of a good outdoor blanket. This sturdy Nomadix festival blanket is perfect for your teen to tote to the beach, the park or their favorite campsite. Plus, it's roomy enough for a few of their friends to jump on as well.

For the teen who needs an escape

Ideal for teens who could use some chill time outside, this Eno DoubleNest hammock is great for camping trips or for enjoying a leisurely afternoon hanging around the neighborhood.

For the teen who's a bit competitive

If your teen loves to make everything into a friendly competition, then this Spikeball kit is a great choice for the holidays. Though it's convenient enough to pack up and play anywhere, the game is also equally as fun if you're just playing in your own backyard.

Best tech gifts for teens

For the teen who's all about nostalgia

Even in the digital age, it's fun to have tangible photos. This Fujifilm camera will let them snap and print small keepsake photos in an instant so they can share with friends and decorate their walls.

A single hub for all their devices

For the teen who's always plugged in, this hub makes a great addition to their bedside table. With a dock to charge their iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch, they'll wake up each morning with devices fully charged and ready for the day ahead.

Best Tested
A fun keyboard for gaming and homework

For game-loving teens, a proper keyboard can seriously upgrade the gaming experience. This SteelSeries Apex 3 is our pick for best budget gaming keyboard, coming in at under $50. But if you want to splurge, you can opt for our best-tested gaming keyboard for about $100 more.

For the teen who's always losing things

Got a teen who is always misplacing their things? This Tile Mate three-pack is perfect for slipping on a key ring or into a wallet or bag to ensure that they never have to ask you where their things are again.

For the teen whose phone is always on low battery

You'll never have to worry about your teen's phone dying while they're out as long as they have this portable charger handy. It has a built-in Lightning connector so they don't need to carry around a separate cable.

For the teen who curates a playlist for everything

If they’re always listening to music, this waterproof and wireless speaker will totally transform their listening experience whether they’re at the pool or the park.

For the teen who wants their favorite photos shown everywhere

Yes, teens live in the digital world, but displaying physical photos in their rooms and sharing them with friends is currently all the rage. With this compact printer from Kodak, they can print out selfies and social media posts from anywhere. The app lets them finish off their pics with filters, borders and stickers.

For the plugged-in teen

Do they want to be well lit at all times? This is our hands-down favorite streaming light, which clips right onto your computer. Ultra compact and priced at under $60, it's a no-brainer for any plugged-in teen.

For the teen who has been asking for earbuds

There’s a good chance your kid has asked for AirPods for a holiday or birthday before, so now’s the time to make their wish come true. They’re relatively affordable compared to other great wireless earbuds, making them ideal for teenagers.

For the teen who keeps things minimal

This personalized card holder works on any Magsafe phone or phone case and will make it so much less likely that lunch money is lost or a school ID will go missing (again).

Editor Favorite
A cute bag to protect their laptop

If they're practically glued to their laptop these days, then get them this adorable puffy sleeve from editor-favorite brand Baggu, the maker of those incredibly fun reusable bags you see everywhere.

For the teen who games on the go

It can be hard to impress a teen who’s a serious gamer, at least without spending hundreds. Try this, why don’t you? Think of this controller as a handheld PS5 or Series X. They can use it to stream Xbox games to any iPhone — no actual Xbox required. It also works with PlayStation Remote Play, Call of Duty: Mobile, Minecraft, Roblox and more.

For the teen who invites everyone to game

If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, you can’t go wrong with a Nintendo Switch for your tech-savvy teen. They can play their favorite games solo or enjoy gameplay with their friends, thanks to the detachable controllers.

For the bookworm

The classic choice for a literary-loving teen is more books, but even better is a single device that can hold thousands at once. This Kindle Paperwhite will let your bibliophile enjoy all the books they want, whenever they want, without weighing down their backpack.

Best fashion gifts for teens

For the teen with a favorite gemstone

For a budget-friendly jewelry gift this holiday season, teens will love this cult-favorite Kendra Scott necklace. With 19 different stones to choose from (we recommend picking their birthstone), this piece will shine when worn alone or when stacked with their other necklaces.

For the teen who has outgrown their daily kicks

Sambas are one of the "it" shoes of the moment, both because they're stylish and practical for daily wear. If your teen has outgrown their usual kicks or worn them down beyond repair, grab them a fresh pair to return to school with in the new year.

For the happy-go-lucky teen

How about a cheeky pair of socks to complement their new kicks? These dual-toned smiley face socks will add a pop of personality to their outfit when they peek out from beneath the cuff of their jeans or trousers.

For the teen who went to the Eras Tour

Thanks to Taylor Swift, beaded friendship bracelets are a major trned. If they didn't swap bracelets at their Eras Tour show, this "In My Era" bracelet will remind them of all the good memories and empower them to own the teenage era of their life.

For the teen with a favorite NFL team

Sports merch isn't always the most stylish, but these Abercrombie & Fitch crewneck sweatshirts have a vintage washed look that looks great at the stadium or paired with jeans for a laid-back weekend look. They're available in 31 designs, so you're sure to find a design to help them rep their favorite team in style (no matter how their team's season might be going this year).

For the teen who likes things cute and comfy

This half-zip shirt pairs perfectly with your teen's gym, yoga or leisurely walk fit. It's the perfect thing to throw on when the weather starts to get chilly.

For the teen who prefers second-hand shopping

Some more sustainably minded teens might prefer not to get brand-new clothes this year. But if you still want them to get something they'll like, gift them a ThredUp gift card. They'll be able to thrift online from thousands of brands and hopefully find just what they're looking for.

A practical gift with some personality

Claw clips are back, and your teen probably already has a few they reach for daily. These Solar Eclipse claw clips are so much more fun though. With tons of designs like star constellations, fish, snakes, birds and even this panda climbing on bamboo, they'll be sure to get tons of comments on this cute and functional hair accessory.

A simple, everyday set

For the teen looking to add some everyday bling into their life, this simple and dainty gold necklace set from Gorjana even comes with optional custom engraving so you can make your gift that much more personal.

For the teen with a Pinterest fashion board

If your teen has a pension for fashion and a Pinterest board they're constantly updating, they'll appreciate this classic-looking shoulder bag from JW Pei. The bag comes in over 20 colors and finishes, so whether your teen likes neutrals, bold colors or something in between, you’ll be sure to find a shade that matches their vibe.

For the teen with expensive taste

For teens wanting their first designer bag, we recommend starting them off with this ID case from the Coach Outlet for a fraction of the regular price. They can store their driver’s license, school ID, credit cards and more in this card holder, which can also be clipped onto house or car keys.

For the teen whose favorite sweatshirt is showing some wear

This layering fleece will help keep your teen warm without weighing them down. Plus, it probably looks much more stylish than their favorite sweatshirt.

For the teen who needs to update their basics

If your teen is really in need of a wardrobe update, this five-pack of T-shirts from Abercrombie & Fitch is a great way to gift them a wardrobe of reliable basics that will never go out of style.

Editor Favorite
For the teen who's always on the go

For the teen who's running around town, this Lululemon belt bag will help keep their essentials all in one place so they can just grab it and go.

For their next semester of school

If their current backpack is looking worse for wear, this Fjällräven option (available in tons of colors) will be a trendy update and a trusty way for your teen to carry around their books and everyday essentials for school and beyond.

Editor Favorite
For the teen with laid-back style

Uggs are practically always in style, and our fashion editor loves these versatile faux leather ones that can be styled more like a boot. They make a great everyday and travel shoe, but if you want more color options, you can still shop the classic mini style too.

For keeping them warm and covering their bed head

The best way to deal with a bad winter hair day? Toss on a trusty and toasty beanie. A true winter classic, this cuffed Carhartt beanie is simply timeless, and we love all the colors it’s available in too.

For the teen who keeps active

If they’re always wearing leggings, they’ll love this pair from Athleta. The pockets are big enough to stash things like their phone, keys or wallet, and we love how comfortable and secure these leggings feel during workouts and everyday activities alike.

Editor Favorite
For the teen always ready for an adventure

Equal parts slipper and sneaker, these slip-ons from Teva can go basically everywhere. Underscored editors love them and teens who love to venture everywhere from the outdoors to the city will love them too.

For jazzing up their keyring

Stocking stuffer alert! If she (like her likely muse, Olivia Rodrigo) got her driver’s license recently, she needs a special keychain for those car keys. These are made with actual flowers embedded inside each initial. They can hold her house keys too, of course.

Reader Favorite
For the teen with a whimsical cottagecore vibe

Our readers go wild for nap dresses, and this is the style that started the trend. From Hill House Home, this signature nap dress is available in tons of colors, fabrics and sizes up to 2XL. It has elasticated smocking, ruffled shoulders and a tiered midi skirt that will feel comfortable yet sophisticated.

Editor Favorite
A pair of shoes they can slip on with anything

These Birkenstock Boston clogs have been super popular recently and your teen will thank you for getting them this trendy pair they can pair with any outfit. Comfy, cozy and a great everyday shoe, it’ll make errands and coffee runs feel infinitely cooler.

For the teen who only wears loungewear

Gift your teen a go-to set of sweats, which is not only great for the colder months but the perfect fit to throw on after sports practices or games. Available in over 20 colors, this set will have your teen looking a bit put-together, even if they just rolled out of bed.

Editor Favorite
A chalet-chic jacket for fall and winter

The Hit the Slopes jacket is basically the stuff of legends in the fashion world. It’s cozy, ultra soft and incredibly cute. With tons of colors and pattern options, they’ll be wearing it for years to come.

Best beauty gifts for teens

For the teen who loves fragrance

Got a Sol de Janeiro-obsessed teen? This set will keep them drenched in the brand's gourmand pistachio and salted caramel scent.

For the teen who's beginning a skin care routine

If your teen is starting to struggle with breakouts and acne, this CeraVe set might be just the thing to help them out. Featuring a benzoyl peroxide cleanser, a retinol serum and a night and day moisturizer with SPF, this has everything they need to start taking better care of their skin.

For the teen who's begging to start wearing makeup

If your teen has expressed interest in wearing makeup to school or special events, this kit from clean beauty brand Saie is the ultimate starter kit. It features a tinted moisturizer, glowy gel and a cream blush, which will give them a subtle glow and coverage while still keeping your teen looking like a teen.

For the teen always doing their nails

Teen and tweens can make their nails truly stand out with this DIY kit that will let them get that perfect hue they just can't find at the store or salon.

For the teen who wants a low-effort glam look

Teens want to look good, but don't want to sacrifice sleep. They'll have the best of both worlds with this overnight heatless curling set, which will help keep their hair healthy while letting them get some extra shut-eye.

For the teen who keeps things simple

A simple three-step routine to start their day, this Bubble skin care set comes with a cleanser, moisturizer and vitamin C and niacinamide-infused toner to help keep their skin clean and hydrated.

For the teen who refuses to smell unpleasant

Teen boys deserve some beauty gifts too. Stock his bathroom with everything from body wash and shampoo to deodorant, cologne, skin care and hair wax in scents like Sandalwood and Black Pepper and Citrus and Eucalyptus.

For the teen looking after their lips

While there are tons of lip products out there to choose from, we like this trio of mini Lanolips balms that comes with two of their bestselling ointments and an overnight lip mask for just $15.

For the teen with a morning ritual
Skin care- and makeup-obsessed teens will love this spa-style headband that keeps their hair tucked back while they do their routines. It even comes with two plush wristbands to keep water from spilling down their arms while they wash up.
For the Harry Styles fanatic

Know a major Harry Styles fan? Give them this nail polish set from the singer-songwriter’s Pleasing brand. Choose from several curated polish pairings or choose to mix and match polishes for your own personalized set.

For the teen who's deep on skin care TikTok

Any skin care-obsessed teen will love this bestsellers kit from Glow Recipe. With six of its mini-sized fruit-focused products, including its cult-favorite Watermelon Glow Dew Drops and Toner, this kit is perfect for a teen who’s after that jello skin look.

Best Tested
For the teen who's experimenting with hair styles

A cult-favorite beauty product for a reason, the Revlon One-Step is our favorite affordable hair dryer because it makes it easy to achieve a shiny, frizz-free blowout at home. It's also simple enough to use that teens can easily give themselves a quick primp before heading to class.

Editor Favorite
For the teen who changes their nails with their mood

If they’re itching to get more into nail art, there’s no better place to start than with Chillhouse’s gorgeous and high-quality press-on nails. They’re loved by Underscored editors too.

Editor Favorite
For tossing in their stocking

Dealing with acne as a teenager is rough, but these pimple patches can help protect and heal their spots — all while making them look pretty cute too.