From car accessories to sports equipment, shop our top picks for teens that will instantly earn you cool points.
Let’s be honest: there's no greater gifting challenge than shopping for a teenager, especially since they're typically the harshest critics when it comes to what's cool and what's not. Trends that are "in" today could very well be "out" tomorrow, which can make finding the perfect present extremely stressful. But, before you opt for the reliable go-to of an envelope with money, why not really impress the teen in your life by finding something they'll genuinely love? To do that, we recommend browsing the list below for inspo, or checking out Gift Mode—the newest way to find gifts perfectly tailored to their unique interests. We promise you're just a few clicks away from a present that's as special as they are—one that's guaranteed to earn you an enthusiastic "This is perfect," which, when coming from them, is truly the best compliment!
1. A cute tumbler
SHOP: Stainless steel tumbler from Mel Preet Creations, from $21
This double-insulated tumbler works for hot and cold drinks, and comes complete with a metal straw and cleaning brush. The tumbler is also available in more than 10 colors, while the added daisy details come in more than 20 colors, so you can really customize this to the teen's liking!
2. A matching beach accessories set
SHOP: Matching corduroy bucket hat and checkered zipper pouch from Blue Corduroy, $60
A great Easter gift for teens, this bucket hat and matching pouch will get tons of use when the weather starts warming up again. Handmade in California, the hat, which buyers describe as "extremely well made" and "gorgeous in person," comes in small, medium, or large for the perfect fit.
3. An initial keychain
SHOP: Initial keychain with tassel from Jill Makes, $20
Even if it's jam-packed with books, their backpack can still be a fun fashion statement with this engraved and hand-painted initial keychain, which can be customized with the letter and tassel color.
4. A record shelf
SHOP: Record shelf from IG Home Decor Store, $26
When it comes to cool gifts for teens who prefer to listen to their favorite tracks on vinyl, it's hard to beat this record shelf. It's the perfect accessory to add to their room and help them keep track of the artist they're currently into. Each solid oak record holder is one-of-a-kind thanks to the wood’s natural knots, imperfections, and patterns, and you can also choose your finish (natural, stained black, walnut, or rustic).
5. A mini bath bomb
SHOP: Mini bath bombs from Shady Acre Homestead, from $5 for one
Handmade with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and silky smooth arrowroot powder, these soothing bath bombs are the perfect gift to encourage regular self-care. They also come in original scents like Applejack Peel, Salty Mariner, and Cranberry Fig to make for a soothing soak every time.
6. A friendship bracelet making kit
SHOP: Friendship bracelet making kit from Lazy May Embroidery, from $17
Did they hop on the friendship bracelet making train after attending a certain concert last year? Encourage the sweet trend to keep going with this DIY kit that creates over 15 bracelets.
7. A hot dog pillow
SHOP: Hot dog pillow from Twoja Poducha, $44
If you're shopping for a teenage foodie (or just someone who loves a good hot dog), this extremely realistic pillow is the perfect topping for their bed or couch. It's handmade using a 3D printer (how cool?), and has a lot of social media photo potential.
8. A retro skateboard
SHOP: Retro skateboard walnut cruiser from Mntr Studios, $284
This retro skateboard, which perfectly mixes '60s-era surfing and skateboarding vibes, is made out of solid walnut and finished with a satin varnish. It's a great birthday gift for teens to mark the special occasion, and it's compact design also makes for easy commuting to and from school.
9. A flavored lip balm
SHOP: Vegan lip balm from Honi Beez, $9 for one
Not only does this handmade chapstick feature plastic-free packaging, but it also comes in irresistible flavors like key lime pie, cherry cola, honey vanilla, mint chocolate, and more.
10. A crossbody phone purse
SHOP: Crossbody phone bag from Becky Alexander Shop, $24
Help your teen keep track of their favorite device with this crossbody phone purse with a convenient snap closure. The bright colors and fun pattern also make it a super-cute accessory to add to any outfit.
11. A headphones holder
SHOP: Wooden headphone holder from Minimum Design, $44
Help declutter their desk or homework space with this sleek wooden headphones holder—the perfect tech gift for teens that any music fan or gamer would love.
12. A soccer ball carrier
SHOP: Soccer ball carrier from FH Craft Shop, from $79
Talk about goals! This leather soccer ball carrier comes in four shades—dark grey, black, rose gold, and dark brown—and can be clipped to anything for hands-free travel or for hanging up in your home's entryway after practice.
13. A football-themed digital print
SHOP: Football digital print from white & james, $6
Any football player or fan will love this minimalist print that’s ready to download in just one click. Bonus: it’s super easy to pack up for a dorm room if they want to bring it with them to college.
14. A disco ball car charm
SHOP: Disco ball car charm from Blossoming Fibers, $15
First comes the driver’s license, then come the unique car accessories! Hand-knotted with recycled cotton cord, this disco charm comes in seven on-trend shades to add a bit of sparkle to their every day.
15. A personalized notepad
SHOP: Custom first name notepad from Joy Creative Shop, from $24
Perfect for writing down daily homework reminders and weekend plans, this thoughtful personalized notepad features their first name, which comes in nine different color pairings (the font color and the accent color).
16. A custom night light
SHOP: Personalized night light from MUUJEE, $35
While many teenagers may be too "old" for a nightlight, this handmade piece is more of a fun decor addition they can use for reading in bed or for soft lighting while talking to their friends on the phone. In addition to being personalized with their name, it also features a wooden base and a moon and star design.
17. A card game
SHOP: One deck game cards from cartesiancards, $19
Great for things like sports team road trips or game nights at home with their friends, this deck of cards will be a fun surprise for whoever opens it. Not your typical deck, each playing card has multiple symbols that double as pieces for chess, dominos, checkers, backgammon, and more. Plus, the back of the cards can be used to make the checkered playing board itself!
18. A throw blanket
SHOP: Throw blanket from Punchy Gifts, from $80
Any cat-loving teenager will enjoy relaxing at home with this throw blanket. Each one is made to order by hand from natural cotton and takes up to six days to weave with a jacquard loom. Oh, and did we mention it’s machine washable?