25 Gifts That Will Impress Even the Pickiest Teens

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Believe it or not, 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 (hey, gift cards are pretty rad if they're for their favorite store), there are so many tangible presents out there that'll impress even the coolest teens. It's all about doing the research about what's trending to narrow down what they'll love and, thus, certify your reputation as a world-class gift giver.

To help you find the perfect product for the teen in your life, we've rounded up some of the best gifts for teens at every price point — starting at $9. You can gift them something to decorate their room, the latest and greatest tech gadget, or even a fun new card game to play at their next sleepover. From affordable sports cameras and Apple headphones to trending fashion essentials and TikTok-famous beauty essentials, these popular gifts for teens will please even the pickiest recipients. Keep scrolling for your cheat sheet full of the top gifts for teens in 2023.

Additional reporting by Kyley Warren

01
Best Foodie Gift For Teens: Uncommon Goods DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit
uncommongoods.com

Best Foodie Gift For Teens: Uncommon Goods DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit

If your teen is obsessed with mochi, they'll love experimenting with the DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit ($34). 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.

02
Best Fashion Gift for Teens: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
shop.lululemon.com

Best Fashion Gift for Teens: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

It's safe to say that the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($38) 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, plus serve as the finishing touch for their outfit. 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

03
Best Gaming Gift For Teens: Game of Phones
uncommongoods.com

Best Gaming Gift For Teens: Game of Phones

This modern take on the classic scavenger hunt requires your teen's favorite possession — their smartphone! Game of Phones ($12-$25) 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!).

04
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Best Athleisure Gift: Athleta Girl On the Go Romper
athleta.gap.com

Best Athleisure Gift: Athleta Girl On the Go Romper

The Athleta Girl On the Go Romper ($48, originally $58) is the perfect introduction to the one-piece athleisure trend. This popular style has a nearly perfect five-star rating and features a bevy of practical details like zippered pockets, an adjustable tie waistband, and lightweight fabric crafted from recycled polyester.

05
Best Home Gift For Teens: Peace Sign Wall Hook
urbanoutfitters.com

Best Home Gift For Teens: Peace Sign Wall Hook

It's pretty much common knowledge that your kid will reach their ultimate sass level in their teen years (oh, joy!). But if you're looking for a way to help them channel their newfound attitude, we're confident they'll get a kick out of this cute and sassy Peace Sign Wall Hook ($14) — which can hold everything from bookbags to jackets and more.

06
Best Journaling Gift For Teens: The Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change
amazon.com

Best Journaling Gift For Teens: The Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change

The Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change ($29) 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

07
Best Reading Gift For Teens: Puffin in Bloom Collection
amazon.com

Best Reading Gift For Teens: Puffin in Bloom Collection

We could all probably up our reading game more. The Puffin in Bloom Collection ($35, originally $64) will not only add some colorful goodness to your teen's bookshelves, but it will also encourage them to read the classics, too.

08
Best Cozy Gift For Teens: Candier Candle
ulta.com

Best Cozy Gift For Teens: Candier Candle

If you're OK with your teenager lighting candles, you can't go wrong with gifting them an aesthetically pleasing one, such as Candier's Girl, You Need To Calm The F'Down Candle ($29). They'll look forward to lighting it when they feel stressed.

09
Best Travel Gift For Teens: Uncommon Goods Scratch Map
uncommongoods.com

Best Travel Gift For Teens: Uncommon Goods Scratch Map

When you're a teenager, it feels as if the world is your oyster. And if you have a travel-loving teen who is looking to embark on some big adventures in the years to come, this Scratch Map ($26-$40) will help them to keep track of all of the places they've been — and all of the places they're dreaming to go. Beyond being super practical, the map is also really cute!

10
Best Home Gift For Teens: Gray Leopard Faux-Fur Hang-A-Round Chair
pbteen.com

Best Home Gift For Teens: Gray Leopard Faux-Fur Hang-A-Round Chair

We have major heart eyes for the Gray Leopard Faux-Fur Hang-A-Round Chair ($179, originally $229). The stylish and soft accent chair is the perfect room accessory, 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.

11
Best Skin-Care Gift for Teens: Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack
target.com

Best Skin-Care Gift for Teens: Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack

There's a reason so many celebrities are obsessed with the Starface Hydro-Stars Starter Pack ($15) — they're brilliant! Pimples are notoriously frustrating, but these itty-bitty hydrocolloid star stickers make healing them selfie-worthy and, dare we say, fun?

12
Most Thoughtful Gift For Teens: Ticket Stub Diary
uncommongoods.com

Most Thoughtful Gift For Teens: Ticket Stub Diary

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 ($17). From concert tickets to sporting event passes and even flight vouchers for trips, this is a gift they'll be able to cherish forever.

13
Best Cleaning Gift For Teens: Phonesoap Smartphone UV Sanitizer
uncommongoods.com

Best Cleaning Gift For Teens: Phonesoap Smartphone UV Sanitizer

It's likely that your teen has their hand on their smartphone at all times, which is likely loaded with germs. With this Smartphone UV Sanitizer ($35, originally $80), your teen can keep their phone germ-free in any environment. One POPSUGAR editor even claimed that the tool "changed her life" in this review of the Phonesoap Smartphone UV Sanitizer.

Editor Quote: "The smart device first gained attention on the ABC show 'Shark Tank,' and the double-duty cleaner features a convenient USB port so you also charge while using it. The brand boasts that the UV light kills 99.9 percent of bacteria, which is also great for your skin and can help prevent pesky breakouts. It even goes beyond cleaning just your phone; anything that can fit can be cleaned, from your credit cards to a smartwatch." — Krista Jones, former editor, Commerce

14
Best Beauty Gift For Teens: Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Plus
ulta.com

Best Beauty Gift For Teens: Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Plus

The newly updated Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Plus ($75) 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

15
Best Unique Gift For Teens: Mini Fridge For Snacks or Skincare
amazon.com

Best Unique Gift For Teens: Mini Fridge For Snacks or Skincare

What teen wouldn't want to have their own Mini Fridge For Snacks or Skincare ($50, originally $70) 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.

16
Best Decor Gift For Teens: Felt Letter Board
amazon.com

Best Decor Gift For Teens: Felt Letter Board

Home decor doesn't have to be a hassle, especially for the teen in your life who might be too busy with sports, school, and just navigating adolescence. Help your kiddo send a positive message (and add a seriously cute touch to their dorm or room space) with this Felt Letter Board ($22, originally $25).

17
Best Creative Gift For Teens: Cricut EasyPress Mini
amazon.com

Best Creative Gift For Teens: Cricut EasyPress Mini

With the Cricut EasyPress Mini ($39, originally $69), they can create small heat-transfer projects with a precision that the family iron just doesn't have. It has three heat settings for personalizing hats, shoes, shirts, and more with unique iron-on designs that they can create themselves with a Cricut machine (or purchase from places like Etsy).

18
Best Sneaker Gift For Teens: Converse Chuck Taylor® All Star® Lift High Top Platform Sneaker
nordstrom.com

Best Sneaker Gift For Teens: Converse Chuck Taylor® All Star® Lift High Top Platform Sneaker

Platform sneakers are having a moment right now, so the Converse Chuck Taylor® All Star® Lift High Top Platform Sneakers ($75) just had to make our list. They boast a 1.5-inch platform that's sure to impress them.

19
Best Accessory For Teens: Kitsch Large Claw Clip
amazon.com

Best Accessory For Teens: Kitsch Large Claw Clip

The Kitsch Large Claw Clip ($7, originally $8) is under $10, yet it will likely bring them so much joy, you'd think it was 100 times the retail price. The gold design has over 3,000 five-star reviews, a testament to how much people love it.

20
Best Hydrating Gift For Teens: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler
stanley1913.com

Best Hydrating Gift For Teens: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Reusable water bottles are another way to help save the planet by eliminating the need for plastic disposable water bottles. The TikTok-famous Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler ($40) is a perfect one to keep in your teen's bag at all times. From school to sports practice and beyond, they'll be able to stay hydrated and keep the planet a little cleaner, too. Plus, it's an editor favorite. Check out our full review of the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler.

Editor Quote: "What don't I like about this Stanley tumbler is the real question. I've had it for about a week, and it's become my day-to-day companion, which is saying something because I'm the dehydrated one of the friend group. I'm low-key shocked to admit that it's earned a spot on my bedside table in case I wake up thirsty in the night, it spends all day on my desk throughout the day (filled with sparkling water from my apartment building), and I've even been bringing it to Orangetheory classes in the evening. Thanks to this water bottle, I'm confident I'm the most hydrated I've ever been." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce

21
A Cool Gift For Teens: LED Photo Clips String Lights
walmart.com

A Cool Gift For Teens: LED Photo Clips String Lights

Help them show off all of the photos they've taken throughout their teen years with this string of LED Photo Clip Lights ($8-$15). The product offers a unique way for the sentimental teen in your life to cherish their most prized memories even more. Not only that, it also holds 50 photos.

22
Best Tech Gift For Teens: Polaroid Sport Action Camera
target.com

Best Tech Gift For Teens: Polaroid Sport Action Camera

Sure, iPhone photos are great, but they're a dime a dozen. The Polaroid Sport Action Camera ($60) ensures your teen gets priceless action snaps to document their favorite adventures. Our own editor even fell in love with a waterproof model from the brand — get all the deets in this review of the Polaroid Dual Screen WiFI Action Camera.

Editor Quote: "This camera is best for those looking for an easily portable, affordable alternative to high-end action cameras. I think it's a great option for hikes, bike rides, or any other instance in which using your phone might be too much of a risk." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce

23
Best Travel Gift For Teens: iFLY Fibertech Hardside Checked Luggage
walmart.com

Best Travel Gift For Teens: iFLY Fibertech Hardside Checked Luggage

Treat them to something that's both stylish and practical with the iFLY Fibertech Hardside Checked Luggage ($99) — 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

24
Best Headphone Gift For Teens: Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
amazon.com

Best Headphone Gift For Teens: Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

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 Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones ($480, originally $549). 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

25
Best Phone Gift For Teens: Minnie and Emma Soft Silicone Phone Case
minnieandemma.com

Best Phone Gift For Teens: Minnie and Emma Soft Silicone Phone Case

In terms of truly great and unique gifts for teens, you really can't beat the Minnie and Emma Soft Silicone Phone Case ($59). There are so many fun colors and designs to choose from, not to mention a personalization option for their initials.