27 Gifts for Teens That Make It Look Like You Know What's Up

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleUnder $15Under $25Under $50Under $100Big TicketWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

View All

In This Article

Under $15

Under $25

Under $50

Under $100

Big Ticket

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Jhett Thompson

People / Jhett Thompson

If you don’t know what gift to get for your teen this holiday season, no need to worry — we’ve been there, too. Luckily, our team of shopping experts finds the best gifts for a living, and we did the hard research for you. We spoke with parents, teachers, and the teenagers themselves to uncover what gifts are at the top of teen wish lists this year.

Ahead, you’ll find a list of the very best gifts for teens, from stocking stuffers that are less than $5 to the big-ticket Apple Headphones they’re pining for. We found gifts for teen boys and teen girls who love sports, music, photography, makeup, and more.

Gifts for Teens Under $15

Comiso Small Bluetooth SpeakerPHOTO: Amazon$15$13 at Amazon

Comiso Small Bluetooth Speaker

PHOTO: Amazon

$15$13 at Amazon

Your teen can take their tunes anywhere they go with this portable Bluetooth speaker that’s easy to slip into their school bag.One of the more than 3,000 peoplewho have purchased the Comiso in the past month says its sound quality “packs a punch.”

Starface Hydro-StarsPHOTO: Amazon$15$12 at Amazon$15 at Target$15 at Ulta

Starface Hydro-Stars

$15$12 at Amazon$15 at Target$15 at Ulta

One thing wedefinitelydon’t miss about being a teenager is the acne. But today’s teens have found a way to make breakouts feel less embarrassing with these trendy star stickers that we wish we had back in the day. The hydrocolloid patches help heal zits and are safe for sensitive skin.

Nooni Lip OilPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao$14$12 at Amazon

Nooni Lip Oil

PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

$14$12 at Amazon

Easy to apply, super hydrating, and surprisingly inexpensive, this Korean lip tint was one ofthe best lip oils that we tested, even compared to products that cost three times its price. The lightweight oil is a great introduction to makeup for the teen who’s been begging to try it.

Franklin Sports Street Hockey PuckPHOTO: Amazon$7 at Amazon

Franklin Sports Street Hockey Puck

$7 at Amazon

Encourage your teen to get outside and get active with this street hockey puck that costs less than a latte. According toone reviewer, the puck still “works perfectly”  even after withstanding hours of play.

Grace & Stella Under Eye MasksPHOTO: Amazon$29$22 at Amazon$10 at TargetView on Graceandstella.com

Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks

$29$22 at Amazon$10 at TargetView on Graceandstella.com

For the teen just starting to get into skincare, these under-eye masks are dermatologist-tested and easy to apply. The product feels gentle on the skin, according to one editor who tried the masks, thanks to the formula’s blend ofhyaluronic acidand sea moss.

Topeast Personalized Makeup BagPHOTO: Amazon$16$10 at Amazon

Topeast Personalized Makeup Bag

$16$10 at Amazon

These personalizedcosmetics bagsmake cute and useful gifts — fill it up with toiletries, nail polish, or sweet treats. Each lettered bag is available in nine color options, with an embroidered collegiate-style initial that makes it feel unique to the user.

Gifts for Teens Under $25

Fanatics NFL T-ShirtPHOTO: FanaticsView on Fanatics.com

Fanatics NFL T-Shirt

PHOTO: Fanatics

View on Fanatics.com

For any sports lover, a classic-cut t-shirt emblazoned with their favorite team’s logo is always a welcome wardrobe addition. This classic tee from Fanatics is available in a similar style for any NFL team your teen supports and comes in sizes S through 5XL.

Bonaok Karaoke MicrophonePHOTO: Amazon$27$20 at Amazon

Bonaok Karaoke Microphone

$27$20 at Amazon

Whether your teen is an aspiring singer or you’re looking for a gift that’ll spark fun, the Bonaok karaoke microphone is a unique present. It connects via Bluetooth to smartphones, and it’s earned more than 56,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Octobuddy Silicone Suction Phone CasePHOTO: Amazon$15 at Amazon

Octobuddy Silicone Suction Phone Case

$15 at Amazon

The Octobuddy phone case is a great gift for aspiring influencers. The suction cups on the back can stick to almost any smooth surface — perfect for filming “get ready with me” and “fit check” videos for social media.

Experts SayTiktok influencer and podcasterJake Shanepreviously told PEOPLE that the Octobuddy is “perfect for when inspiration strikes when you least expect it. No tripod, no problem.”

Experts Say

Tiktok influencer and podcasterJake Shanepreviously told PEOPLE that the Octobuddy is “perfect for when inspiration strikes when you least expect it. No tripod, no problem.”

Equick Cloud SlidesPHOTO: Amazon$24$19 at Amazon

Equick Cloud Slides

$24$19 at Amazon

A pair ofcomfortable slides— like these cushiony Equick Cloud slides — is a good gift for anyone of any age. The squishy footbed makes the shoes comfy enough to wear as house slippers or to slip on after sports practice.

Gifts for Teens Under $50

Camkory Digital Camera, FHD 1080P CameraPHOTO: Amazon$54$40 at Amazon

Camkory Digital Camera, FHD 1080P Camera

$54$40 at Amazon

Forget modern phone cameras — the digital cameras popularized in the early aughts have made a huge revival with Gen Z. This point-and-shoot camera takes photos and high-clarity video with a 16-times zoom capability, plus it has lots of fun filters to choose from.

Lego Icons Orchid Plant and Flowers SetPHOTO: Amazon$50$40 at Amazon$40 at Target$50$40 at Walmart

Lego Icons Orchid Plant and Flowers Set

$50$40 at Amazon$40 at Target$50$40 at Walmart

You’re never too old to play with Legos — and this 600-piece set was created to be complicated enough for even adults to enjoy. The finished piece looks like a beautiful piece of decor, so they can proudly display it on their desk.

Soundcore Anker Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones$60$50 at AmazonView on B&H Photo Video

Soundcore Anker Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

$60$50 at AmazonView on B&H Photo Video

A pair ofgreat noise-canceling headphones, like this Bluetooth pair from Soundcore, can drown out the external hubbub and turn any loud space into a peaceful haven for studying. One PEOPLE editor who tested these headphones says the sound quality feels comparable to much more expensive products.

For You, With Love Birth Flower EarringsPHOTO: Courtesy of Local EclecticView on Localeclectic.com

For You, With Love Birth Flower Earrings

PHOTO: Courtesy of Local Eclectic

View on Localeclectic.com

These elegant earrings are a timeless and thoughtful gift — pick from the pretty flower designs corresponding to the recipient’s birth month, or opt for the giftee’s favorite flower. Whatever you choose, these 14k-gold plated earrings are designed to be loved for years to come.

Coming SoonLocal Eclectic just released their2024 jewelry advent calender— and according to one PEOPLE editor who got a sneak preview at the goodies inside, this advent calender is “an insane value” and “filled with gorgeous pieces that any jewelry lover of any age will appreciate.”

Coming Soon

Local Eclectic just released their2024 jewelry advent calender— and according to one PEOPLE editor who got a sneak preview at the goodies inside, this advent calender is “an insane value” and “filled with gorgeous pieces that any jewelry lover of any age will appreciate.”

NFL Vintage-Inspired Graphic TeePHOTO: Abercrombie & FitchView on Abercrombie.com

NFL Vintage-Inspired Graphic Tee

PHOTO: Abercrombie & Fitch

View on Abercrombie.com

These 100-percent cotton NFL t-shirts (hey, it’s football season!) are cute enough to be worn all year round. They have a boxy, vintage-inspired cut that’ll look stylish on teens of any gender who prefer that throwback feel.

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle$30 at Amazon$30 at TargetView on Owalalife.com

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

$30 at Amazon$30 at TargetView on Owalalife.com

A good water bottle is always a nice thing to have, and this Tik Tok-viral bottle is deserving of its great reputation. PEOPLE editorNicola Fumois a personal fan of the Owala bottle,praising its standard-cupholder-suitable baseand its ability to keep drinks cold for 24 hours.

JBL Pro 4 Portable Waterproof SpeakerPHOTO: Amazon$50 at Amazon

JBL Pro 4 Portable Waterproof Speaker

$50 at Amazon

This editor-loved speaker is the perfect size to throw in a backpack — and according to one editor who’s owned the JBL Pro 4 gadget for three years, it’s incredibly durable and can stand up to bumps and tumbles. It also offers impressive sound quality and connects to phones via Bluetooth.

TEMI Indoor Basketball Hoop for KidsView on Amazon

TEMI Indoor Basketball Hoop for Kids

View on Amazon

This is not your basic plastic basketball hoop from the ‘90s; it’s way more advanced. The shatterproof backboard digitally displays the score, and two game modes offer different ways to play for hours of entertainment.

Gifts for Teens Under $100

Donner Electronic Drum SetPHOTO: Amazon$60 at Amazon

Donner Electronic Drum Set

$60 at Amazon

For the aspiring musician, an electronic drum set is a gift that they’ll love — and their parents will love that the drums can be connected directly to headphones for nearly silent play. The Donner set has real drum sounds pre-loaded into the seven drum pads, and it’s easy to roll up and store away.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant CameraPHOTO: Amazon$77$65 at Amazon

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

$77$65 at Amazon

Instant film cameras are a fun way for teens to capture precious memories, and this one from Fujifilm comes in five adorable colors they’re sure to fawn over. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to snag some of the compatibleInstax Mini filmto go with it.

Amazon Kindle (2022)$100 at Amazon$80 at Best Buy

Amazon Kindle (2022)

$100 at Amazon$80 at Best Buy

For the voracious reader, an Amazon Kindle can save money on expensive hard-cover books and save space in their backpack or suitcase. This lightweight and compact option has a glare-free display and comes with 16GB of space — enough to store thousands of books.

The Stanley Cross BottlePHOTO: StanleyView on Stanley1913.com

The Stanley Cross Bottle

PHOTO: Stanley

View on Stanley1913.com

Stanley water bottles are super on-trend among teens, and this new crossbody water bottle makes a splash (but not literally because the screw-top cap prevents spills!). The stainless steel bottle is double-insulated to keep drinks cool all day and comes with a thick jacquard strap for when they’re on the go.

Dagne Dover Mara Phone SlingPHOTO: People / Madison Yauger$75 at NordstromView on Dagnedover.com$75 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Dagne Dover Mara Phone Sling

PHOTO: People / Madison Yauger

$75 at NordstromView on Dagnedover.com$75 at Saks Fifth Avenue

This small crossbodyDagne Dover bagis the perfect size to fit the essentials: a phone, some cash and cards, and keys. Bonus points: It’s really easy to clean, and the small size makes it great for sporting events and concerts.

Gifts for Teens Big Ticket

Crosley Electronics C6 Vinyl Record Player with wireless BluetoothPHOTO: Amazon$150 at Amazon

Crosley Electronics C6 Vinyl Record Player with wireless Bluetooth

$150 at Amazon

Thisadorable record playermay feel like a major throwback, but this isn’t your dad’s old record player; it connects through Bluetooth right to your smartphone, giving any song that vintage sound they’ll love.

UGG Women’s Tasman SlipperPHOTO: People / Tammy Gardini$110 at Amazon$110 at Nordstrom$110 at Zappos

UGG Women’s Tasman Slipper

PHOTO: People / Tammy Gardini

$110 at Amazon$110 at Nordstrom$110 at Zappos

The Tasman slippers come with Ugg’s signature lining and a deeply treaded outsole, making them cozy enough to wear asindoor slippersand sturdy enough to wear to class. The embroidered design is super cute and popular with teens and adults of all ages.

Apple Watch SE 2nd GenPHOTO: Amazon$249$169 at Amazon$250 at WalmartView on Apple

Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen

$249$169 at Amazon$250 at WalmartView on Apple

This smartwatch can really do it all, from tracking your health data to answering phone calls. It’s also one of the least expensive smartwatches from Apple and still offers the high-tech features the brand is known for, like the ability to play music, use Apple Pay, and up to 18 hours of battery on a single charge.

Apple AirPods 4PHOTO: Apple$129$100 at Amazon$179$149 at Walmart$179 at Apple

Apple AirPods 4

PHOTO: Apple

$129$100 at Amazon$179$149 at Walmart$179 at Apple

If you have a teen, odds are they’ve put a pair of Apple wireless earbuds on their wishlist. The AirPods 4 are less expensive than the Pros, and they still have fabulous sound quality and a wireless charging case that holds up to 30 hours of charge.

Madison Yaugeris a shopping editor who grew up with 11 teen cousins and always buys the most thoughtful gifts.

Genevieve Cepedais a shopping writer whohas spent countless hours scrolling through TikTok searching for ‘teenage Christmas lists’ to inform her picks.

Alyssa Brasciais a shopping writer who has a teenage brother and a few teenage cousins for whom she buys gifts every year.

Erin Johnsonis an associate editorial director at PEOPLE and is an expert on all things beauty and the outdoors.

Kayla Kittsis a shopping editor and mom who has personally tested hundreds of products in the home, lifestyle, and toy categories, both independently and with her son.

Shalwah Evansis the self-titled “cool aunt” to her teen nieces and nephews, so the pressure is really on her to keep her family status when she gets them gifts (and shealwaysgets the best gifts).

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com