Teenagers are notoriously difficult to shop for, and keeping up with the latest trends is challenging. Don’t panic and settle for a boring gift card if you need the perfect gift for a picky teen.
These teen-approved Christmas gifts will put you on the nice list:
Instant Camera
An instant camera is a fun and thoughtful gift for teens who have it all. Brands like Fujifilm and Polaroid sell colorful, compact versions that print photos on film before your eyes.
Nowadays, digital instant cameras are also easy to find and offer greater control over the settings and controls. Gift your teen a bundle with the camera and film refills so they can immediately start snapping.
Stanley Adventure Quencher
Stanley’s Adventure Quenchers are the hottest trend in water bottles. These oversized travel tumblers feature handles, reusable straws, and a cup holder-compatible design that makes them convenient to take on the go. You’ll win the holiday season by gifting your teen one of these trendy hydration accessories.
Virtual Reality Headset
Forget old-school consoles and controllers—virtual reality headsets are the future. Options like the Meta Quest 3S are fantastic for teens who want a fully immersive gaming experience. With the headset, they can download games, connect with friends, and dive into captivating virtual worlds.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Picking up a Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag will win you some cool points this Christmas. Fanny packs are officially in style again, and this Lululemon bag is cute, versatile, and practical for teens busy with school, work, and social hangouts.
It fits essentials like car keys and wallets and comes in many colors and patterns. The best part is that the bag is under $50, so you won’t have to blow your gifting budget.
Portable Speaker
Any teen would love to get a compact waterproof speaker for Christmas. It’s the perfect travel accessory to accompany them on upcoming adventures.
Many models, like the JBL Go 4 and the Clip 5, cost $100 or less. They’re usually available in various eye-catching colors and sometimes offer personalization options for a one-of-a-kind twist.
Neon Sign
Help your teen decorate their space with a custom neon sign. You can keep things simple and use their name or get creative with a simple design or a phrase they love to say. Order the sign in their favorite color and watch their faces light up as they unwrap it on Christmas morning.
Nintendo Switch
Keep your favorite teen gamer entertained with a Nintendo Switch. This handheld gaming device is a favorite for its nostalgia factor and compact size. It’ll help you have unforgettable family game nights and bond over your love of classics like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.
Mini Fridge
A miniature retro-style fridge—think 20 liters or smaller—is an unconventional but surprisingly handy Christmas gift. Teens can keep one in their bedroom or dorm to have a personal supply of snacks and drinks.
It’s great for entertaining friends since it typically holds six to 12 cans. Beauty gurus can even use it to chill their skincare products and accessories.
Headphones or Earbuds
Are you shopping for a teen who is always listening to music or watching videos? This Christmas, spare your ears and gift them a set of wireless headphones or earbuds.
Some teens prefer in-ear models like Apple AirPods or Beats Solo Buds. Noise-canceling headphones are best for those who want a traditional over-the-ear option.
Bean Bag Chair
Big bean chairs offer a modern, practical twist on the old-fashioned classic. They have more structure and look more aesthetically pleasing in the corner of a room than a sad, lumpy bean bag. Brands like Big Joe BeanBags have many unique and ultra-comfortable options to fit any space.
3-in-1 Charger
Keep your tech-savvy teen connected with a 3-in-1 charger. These multi-purpose devices can simultaneously charge their phone, wireless earbuds, and smartwatch. A charger accommodating multiple accessories is ideal for teens with limited space for numerous cords and power blocks.
Care Package
A care package stuffed with your teen’s favorite snacks will make it a Christmas to remember. Flex your creativity by decorating the box and shopping for the contents yourself.
It can be fun to pick a theme, like international candies, seasonal Christmas treats, or healthy snacks. If you’re short on time or prefer to leave the planning to someone else, you can also purchase a pre-packed box.
Bluetooth Record Player
Introduce your teen to the magic of vinyl with a Bluetooth record player. These handy turntables feature high-quality wireless speakers to play physical records or stream music from your phone. Affordable models like the Victrola Portable Suitcase Bluetooth Record Player will awaken their love for retro music without sacrificing modern convenience.
Thank a teacher this season
The holidays are the perfect time to thank a special educator in your life. These simple gift ideas will have a significant impact.
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Secret Santa parties can become repetitive with boring, unoriginal gifts. This year, shake things up with these creative and hilarious items.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
