Do you shutter just thinking about what to get your moody pleasant teen? Play it cool because we got some of the best gift options just about any teenage (girl or boy) would be psyched to get.
They’re some of the hardest people to buy for. Of course we’re talking about your teenager. But look on the bright side, you really can’t win no matter which way you slice or dice it so try not to freak out. Typically that time period between tween and teen can be significant. What they like at 11 or 12 years old will be totally different than what they might be into at 16 or 17. And don’t even get us started on 18 and 19.
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for them (and there are a lot out there), just try to remember that it really is the thought that counts. Oh, and make sure they don’t already have it because if they do…well…you’re going to hear about it.
Shop our picks for some, dare we say, cool gift ideas for the loving tweens and teens in your life in 2023.
EDITOR’S TOP PICK
1. The Apple Wireless AirPods Pro
Introducing the new AirPods Pro. These are, of course, wireless, come in a self-charging case, are bluetooth enabled, and the battery actually last way longer on this updated version. Even better, they’re noise-cancelling! Now your teens can tune you out even more between each charge.
Best For Tweens
2. The Unstable Unicorns Game
This is officially one of the highest backed games on Kickstarter of all time. Pretty impressive. It’s also one of the top-selling games for tweens currently on Amazon. The point of the game is pretty simple. You have to build an amazing and magical army of unicorns and the, of course, go ahead and betray your friends. This one is suited for ages 14 and older.
The Tie-Dye Pick
3. Urban Renewal Tie-Dye Baggy Sweatshirt
Everything old is new again (again) and the same goes for the latest tie dye craze – especially at Urban Outfitters. Your teenager is probably sporting everything with a tie dye pattern, so they’ll love this oversized sweatshirt that comes in a bunch of cool color options. They can never have too many sweatshirts right? Ugh, but they do!
The Wireless Pick
4. The Leather Wireless Charging Pad
They have a ton of devices and now they can charge multiple ones all at the same time. This really cute leather wireless charging pad comes in a bunch of colors too choose from and will look great on their nightstand.
The Friendly Pick
5. The Choose Kindness Shirt
We could all use that friendly-reminder to be kind, especially today! This comfy tee can remind all of us each day they wear it. It comes in a bunch of other cool colors too!
The Decor Pick
6. The Decorative Vines Set
Yes, this really is a thing and thanks to it being all over Tik Tok it’s what you’re seeing in just about every bedroom across America. These decorative vine sets will add a little fun and a little zen to their room.
The Fun Learning Pick
7. MasterClass Online Courses
They’re pros at online learning (ugh) but this is one online class they’ll actually enjoy! MasterClass has more than 85 different fun online classes taught by professionals (and some of their favorite celebrities). They can learn the best basketball moves direct from Steph Curry, skateboarding from Tony Hawk, gymnastics from Simone Biles and so much more.
The Readers Pick
8. The 100 Best Books Scratch-Off Poster
Yes, they do still read. But make sure they don’t forget about at least some of the classics. This pretty genius ideas is a large poster with some of the most popular and must-read books of all time. There are 100 in total and when they finish reading them (or have already read them) all they have to do is scratch it off. Will they be able to scratch off all 100 books? Only time will tell.
The Tech Pick
9. Apple AirTag
Because, seriously, why do they lose everything!? With the latest release from the folks at Apple, their new AirTag will help them track down their lost keys, backpack, sports equipment, and just about anything else you can imagine. They can use their phone or tablet (or Siri) to help them locate what they lost with accurate step-by-step directions. It’s pretty much a game-changer for them and you!
The On-Trend Pick
10. The Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack
They’re obsessed (and we mean obsessed) with this backpack brand. Just good luck pronouncing its name. This one comes in a super wide variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the right one for the girl or boy in your life.
The DIY Pick
11. The Wool & the Gang Knitting Kit
They’ll love creating their own snood and you’ll love that they’re finally off their devices and actually doing something constructive!
The Nighttime Pick
12. The Kan Jam Glow in the Dark Game
It’s one of the most popular outdoor games and now you can easily play at night thanks to this new light-up version! It comes with 2 translucent goals, 1 glow disc, 2 LED glow light pods. Let the nighttime fun begin!
The Glam Pick
13. The Go Glam Nail Stamper
Bring the trendiest nail salon ever to your very own home! All they have to do is choose your sticker pattern/design, give their nails a cool base coat, and then press the design right onto your nails.
The Creative Pick
14. The New Wreck This Journal in Color
There are so many fun activities to do on each and every page of this journal that has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide! And now, it finally comes in color!
The Positive Pick
15. The ‘You. Are. Loved.’ T-Shirt
The ‘You. Are. Enough.’ T-Shirt
We all need that friendly and loving reminder that we are loved. It’s a special message for them, but also turns into a much needed reminder for all those who see it whenever they’re wearing it. Choose from 10 different cool colors too!
Get the “You. Are. Loved.” Option Here!
Get the “You. Are. Enough.” Option Here!
The Personalized Pick
16. The Color Changing Cinema Light Box
Not only can they create their own fun or motivational messages, but they can now even change the colors on the light box to be whatever they want! It even comes with 90 different emoji tiles too!
The Sneaker Pick
17. The VANS Checkerboard Slip-Ons
Not only are these super comfy, but they’re unisex and totally on-trend. Slip them on and off they go. You’ll want to pick up a pair for yourself too (we have them!) We’ve found some great prices at Amazon and even at Tillys – so you can shop around!
The Decor Pick
18. The Talk Bubble Light
It’s super easy to hang on your wall, lights up, and also doubles as a dry-erase board that you can write on, draw on, and more.
The Alarming Pick
19. The Clocky Rolling Alarm Clock
You know how it’s impossible to get them out of bed in the morning? Well, thanks to Clocky the Alarm Clock that’s all about to change. And by that we mean that you won’t have to deal with it anymore. Clocky will roll off their nightstand and roll all over their room when its alarm goes off and won’t shut off until your teen hops out of bed, chases it around their room, and finally shuts it off. Genius. Check it out in a bunch of different colors too.
The Genius Pick
20. The LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle
They’re totally not going to clean their water bottle themselves so this one is totally genius. It’ll actually clean their water inside and the bottle itself with safe UV-C LED lights. In fact you can even choose the self-cleaning mode so it gives it a little clean-up every two hours. Even better is that it’ll keep their cold drinks cold for 24-hours and their warm drinks warm for 12-hours. Check them out in a bunch of different colors too.
Top Gift Ideas:
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All the Tech Gadgets to Gift For Christmas in 2023
The Ultimate Toy Guide This Season
The Friend Approved Pick
21. The ‘Bestie’ Bracelet Pack from Pura Vida
Everything old is new again! There are so many great options from Pura Vida, but this time around the bestie bracelet is back! This colorful bracelet pack is mix-and-match, can be traded with friends, is waterproof, and a portion of the money goes to local underrepresented artisans. What’s better than that?
The DIY Pick
22. The One-Step Tie Dye Kit
Now that we all have some extra time on our hands (especially at home) you can keep them busy making their own tie dye t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more. This one-step kit comes with so many different colors you’ll basically be able to start up your own little business.
The Mermaid Pick
23. The Mermaid Tail Blanket
It’s one of the most popular blankets online this year! This super comfy crocheted mermaid blanket currently has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and over 5,100 reviews! These blankets also come in a ton of other color options too.
The On-Trend Pick
24. The ‘Felt Like Sharing’ Felt Message Board in Purple
It’s another great way for them to express themselves because, let’s be honest, they don’t do that quite enough. This super on-trend felt board comes in a variety of colors like black, blue, green, pink, red, grey, and more. It’s also framed and comes with 300 white plastic letters that easily stick onto the board. Any chance they’ll write “I Love You Mom & Dad” on it? Here’s to wishing.
The Phone Obsessed Pick
25. The ‘Game of Phones’ Game
They’re always on their phone so why not make a game out of it? This ‘Game of Phones’ game will bring them and their friends together all in one room where they have to flip cards and go on a scavenger hunt on their phone. Hey, at least they’ll actually be talking to each other in real life at the same time. This one is a best-seller!
The Gamers Pick
26. The Nintendo Switch Lite
The lighter version of the original Nintendo Switch gaming console (hence the name) and you can bring it with you just about anything and play on the go. It comes in some really cool color options too!
The Organized Pick
27. The Bedside Pocket
It’s really the best way for them to keep all their devices, books, phones, glasses, wires, etc out of their bed, but still near their bed. Plus it’s super cheap too so pick up a few for all the people in your house.
The Magical Pick
28. The Unicorn Cereal Bowl
It’s really the only way for your teen to eat their cereal each and every morning…in a magical unicorn bowl! It’s not just for cereal either. You can use it for your favorite ice cream, soup, snacks, and more! And don’t worry, it’s dishwasher and microwave safe.
The New Trend Pick
29. The C7 Roller Skates
Everything old is new again and this year it’s all about the quad roller skates, but they must come in amazing eye-catching colors. What happened to the dirty brown ones we all had?!
The Inspirational Pick
30. The Beyoncé ‘I Slay’ Wall Art
If they’re a huge fan of Beyoncé (and we know they are) they’ll totally love this lyrics inspired wall art hanging in their bedroom. You can also get it in a bunch of other really cool colors too. Bow down.
The Anti-Anxiety Pick
31. The YnM Best-Selling Weight Blanket
Weight blankets are all the rage with just about everyone this year. Not only are they super comfy, but they’re also known to help give you a better night sleep, help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, and more. This one comes in a ton of different colors, sizes, and patterns. You can even choose the weight of the blanket you want too. Giving them a better night sleep is the gift that really keeps on giving.
The Back-on-Trend Pick
32. The Birkenstock Essentials
Yes, Birkenstocks are officially back and, yes, every tween and teen is sporting them. It doesn’t matter that it’s not summer, because they’re wearing them all year round. In fact, they’re even wearing them with socks. We’re shaking our head as we’re writing this. Kids, right? They come in a bunch of different colors and are oddly inexpensive.
The Zen Pick
33. The Chromatic Puzzle
Nothing says “Get off your devices and chill the F out” quite like this almost meditative 1000 piece chromatic puzzle. It’ll help them calm down, stay quiet, clear their mind, be present, and get their zen on. Plus it looks really pretty once it’s done.
The Practical Pick
34. The Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle in Frost Blue
Because somehow they’ve lost just about all of their water bottles. Well, this one they won’t! One of the top-selling water bottles online, Hydro Flask is stainless steel and vacuum insulated so it’ll keep their cold drinks colder for longer and their warm drinks warmer for longer! We’re talking about anywhere from 12-24 hours. No, for real. It also comes in over 20 different colors to choose from too.
The Dude Pick
35. The Dude Wipes
Let’s face it (pun intended), most teen boys aren’t really into washing their face regularly and, well, they’re not going to borrow your face products. Introducing ‘Dude Wipes.’ Yes, it’s exactly as it sounds. These unscented and hypoallergenic face wipes come 30 to a pack, will help clean up their face, keep their skin clearer and, more importantly, won’t embarrass them.
The Modern Vintage Pick
36. The FujiMax Mini Instant Camera in Cobalt Blue
This is the latest from FujiMax, as over 3,400 customer reviews, and now even has a new selfie mirror! Yes, it’s still an amazing instant camera with a modern twist. They’ll love printing out each of these pictures and hanging them up in their room, their lockers, or wherever. It comes in a bunch of other colors too, like lime green, ice blue, flamingo pink, and white.
The On-Trend Pick
37. The Silver Holographic Fanny Pack
Yes, fanny packs are totally a thing this year. Not only are the tweens and teens wearing them around their waist, but they’re also using them as crossbody bags too. If only they knew about the early 90s!? This year it’s all about the holographic styles in colors like silver, pink, rose gold, clear-blue, and more.
The School Pick
38. The Herschel Camo Backpack
The camo trend continues on this year! This is one of the best-selling backpacks from the uber-trendy Herschel company. The padded shoulder straps make it super comfy and all the different compartments will hold all their stuff (and school books too).
The Prank Pick
39. The Nap Sack Sleep Hood
Don’t worry, this is just a funny prank box! Although we do kind of wish it was real. This prank box is empty so you can fill it with their real gift. They’ll think it’s really a sleep hood until the bust it open. There are a ton of different boxes to choose from too.
The Awkward Pick
40. The Awkward Moments Card Game
Let’s face it, the teenage years are just basically one awkward day after another. This must-have card game comes with a variety of cringe-worthy awkward moments and the players then have to decide how they’d handle that situation with their own cards. The “judge” of that round decides which one wins!
The Intention-Setting Pick
41. The Intention-Setting Wishbeads Necklace
Setting your intention for the day really can manifest the absolute best for you. It’s a great habit for them to get into by writing down their intention or “wish” for the day, rolling it up, and storing in this handmade stone-bead necklace. They’ll be amazed when some of their “wishes” eventually start to come true.
The Hair Pick
42. The Hair Chalking Salon
Your tweens can add super cool and vibrant colors to their hair with this easy to use hair chalk that, yes, totally easily washes out when they shampoo it. It comes with 5 different colorful chalk pens, colorful beads, elastics, and so much more.
The Beauty Pick
43. The Chanel “Chance” Perfume
It’s one of the top-selling perfumes of the year and they’ll love the light floral scent that’ll make them feel like it’s a sunny spring day no matter what time of year it is. A little goes a long way with this one so they’ll be able to use it for a while.
The Cologne Pick
44. BLEU de Chanel Cologne
A perfect choice (and top-seller) for the teenage boy who’s ready to dabble in a cologne that smells amazing, not too strong, and won’t smell like he bought it from the gas station. This one smells clean, fresh, crisp and one he can spray on each and every day.
The Card Game Pick
45. The Exploding Kittens Card Game
This one was one of the most backed projects in the history of Kickstarter, is family friendly, age appropriate, and super addictive to play. And it’s pretty funny too! It’ll only take them less than 2 minutes to learn how to play and can bang through the entire game in about 15-minutes. It’s nice to get them off their electronic devices for a change.
The Harry Potter Pick
46. The Harry Potter Coloring Book
No it’s not for little kids! This new Harry Potter “Magical Places” coloring book will help them stay present, totally zen out, clear their mind, quiet their thoughts, and feel creative all at the same time.
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