Looking for a gift for a teenager? It’s tricky. The toy phase might be over (although I stand by toys as Santa gifts – here’s a list of what Santa brings my teenagers, haha) but the struggle for cool, memorable gifts that spark real excitement is real. We’ve had a few hits over the years — hoverboards and the Oculus Quest VR headsets, now a family favorite — but every holiday season, I’m back to hunting for fresh ideas that might actually impress these moody, in-between ages (and don’t end up as next-day junk).
28 Cool Gifts For Teens
So, after some serious brainstorming and endless scrolling, I’ve rounded up this year’s list of gift ideas that are fun to unwrap and useful (and go well beyond the standard requests for gaming consoles and tech). Whether your teens need something practical or just want something that feels like a fresh surprise, there’s hopefully something here that’ll make their holiday. And, if it sparks any ideas of your own, drop them in the comments — I could always use a little help. 😊
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Retro Photography
This is the one thing my oldest has been asking for directly. He and his friends have been putting these little polaroid photos up in their rooms – it’s like they’re so unimpressed with taking pictures on their phones (something they’re literally been able to do since birth) that this feels really unique and special. Soooo funny.
1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera
This cute lil’ camera is film – it does create those little Polaroid-looking photos, instantly, but you’ve gotta be sure you have the right film, too. What I like about this one is that there’s a selfie mode, too – as well as a little mirror next to the lens so you can see your selfie. 🙂
This one comes in several color options as well, but I love this nostalgic style.
2. Polaroid Go Camera
Ok – so here’s the thing: While the Instax cameras are great, if your kid is realllllly into that vintage photo look, nothing beats the Polaroid. In fact, because of the clarity and color, Instax pictures look more like regular photos (on Polaroid film) while an actual Polaroid will look like…well, an actual Polaroid. It’s just cool and pretty distinctive.
Lastly, if you have a kid who is really into photography, the Polaroid Now Camera has more features, like full manual control, light painting, and aperture priority, all controlled through an app.
3. Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer Bundle with Film
If your kid just wants the cool little photos without the camera…this Instax printer will print out photos from your phone. It’s pretty genius, actually.
4. Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
In case you missed it: Carhartt is cool. And these beanies are the coolest. They come in a ton of colors, and both girls and guys love ’em. (Fun to gift your husband as well…and let the kids be impressed.)
5. Ganni Structured Rib Wool Blend Beanie
If you’ve got a fashion-lover on your hands, they probably want the Acne Scarf. Which is…$340. This GANNI beanie, however, has just as much street cred with the fashion set, but is under $100. Best of all? It is ridiculously warm, and shockingly cute on. It’s much bigger than expected yet looks…good? Like seriously so cute it’s…confusing? So much so that my mom loves how it looks, too, and she typically hates wearing hats. So yeah – gift your kiddo and mom and let them have a Grandma-Grandkid matching moment.
6. Room Shop Giant Cloud Scrunchie
scrunchie | also in black | also in silk
These giant scrunchies – handmade in Philadelphia – are SO freaking cool. While I love the organza wrapped about a messy bun (as shown), I’ve been wearing the giant silk one around my ponytail. Makes it fancy enough for holiday parties.
7. iets frans… Slouch Crew Sock
These socks come in 5 useful colors, have the absolute perfect amount of slouch, but can also be worn as tall socks. Soooo cute.
8. UGG Venture Daze Ultra Mini Boot
How cute are these? I love that the bottoms makes them a little more practical in the weather, too.
9. UGG Tasman Slipper Clog
The UGG Tasmins had *such* a moment last winter that I assumed they’d be done. Nope. Both of my guys are asking for these.
10. UGG Tasman Weather Hybrid
Raines got this pair last year and LOVED them. People – both teens and young adults – would stop and ask where he got them. They lasted a full season in Vermont’s winter and still are in decent shape.
11. Fossil Harlow Three-Hand Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch
Fossil just came out with some watches that have a designer look and feel – we’ve been really impressed. Personally, I love this one, and, for $170, it’s definitely a splurge, but would be a really special first-nice-watch for a teen. Soooo pretty on.
12. Fossil Carraway Three-Hand Black Croco Leather Watch
This is the watch that Raines wants – he’s not nearly as into those GIANT man-watches. They look too much like his Dad’s. Instead, he’s loving this old-world, classic shape.
13. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Fun fact: if you order Airpods directly from Apple, you can get the case engraved. Not only does this make a really cute gift, but it ends all disputes over whose airpod is whose.
14. Stanley Holiday Quencher H2.O 30 Oz
If you order directly from Stanley, you can customize the cups! (I have boys, ok? Just learned this.) Anyway, thought this was cool (and I LOVE the ‘Gilded Sugar’ color).
15. Custom Classic Slip-On Vans
Pax, in particular, is very into the idea of customizing his own Vans – but wants my help coming up with something. The pair above is what I’d make for him. I think Raines would love this too, especially once he hears you can upload your own art, too.
16. Culiau’s Customizer Engraving Pen
This engraving pen looks awesome – you can do really intricate designs on literally anything: wood, metal, rocks. I can see Raines, in particular, getting into something like this.
17. Stance Icon Dye Out Crew Socks Box Set
Stance is still my boys’ favorite brand for socks. And honestly, they’re the only brand of sock who’s pairs have lasted long enough for Raines to grow out of, and Pax to inherit. Which is wild, but they really are that durable. Anyway, my boys get Stance socks every year for Christmas, but this DIY dye kit would be so fun (Pax, especially, would love it).
18. Stainless Steel Whipped Cream Dispenser
If you have a budding chef or – like Raines – just a hot-chocolate-making-obsessed kid….THIS. Basically homemade Redi-Whip, you can almost make flavored whipped cream (or vegan), and it comes with some recipe ideas, too.
19. Out From Under Hoxton Piping Sweatpant
The one thing allllll the cool kids are wearing here are giant, baggy sweatpants. The girls wear them with tiny little tops, and this pair is so freaking cute.
20. iets frans… Harri Baggy Fit Jogger
Technically a unisex pair, this is the one pair of baggy guy sweatpants that didn’t hurt my eyes. Some of those pants…man. Must be hard to get it right.
21. Holiday Scents for Him
Both of my boys are VERY interested in cologne right now. And all of their friends are, too (ages 13 – 17). So I love the idea of these sampler sets. Ulta’s sample pack has a decent selection of scents for guys, and the girl’s scent sampler looks pretty good, too. Nothing crazy, just a solid introduction to fragrances.
22. DedCool Discovery Set
The other option is to go with a single brand’s discovery kit! For example, Dedcool is known for clean, genderless fragrances made without Phthalates, and is a favorite of the GenZ/Gen Alpha set. I also really like Maison Margiela’s Replica Set, or, if you have a houseful of fancy men…Acqua di Parma’s Holiday Box is my top choice. Sooooooo gooood.
23. Ice Scraper with Glove
New driver? Stick this in their stocking. Honestly, when we remember to stock our cars with this gloved ice scraper EVERYONE is happier.
24. React 7-in-1 Vehicle Emergency Multi-Tool
This handy little tool is a car charger, flashlight, power bank, window-breaker AND seat-belt cutter, in case of emergencies. It’s also pretty small too (around 5″ long).
25. Diptyque Baies Car Fragrance Diffuser Set
Instead of hanging air fresheners, how about some fancy car diffusers from France? If that doesn’t fix smelly teen boys nothing will. (Actually, this gift is more for me – I want this.)
26. UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter
You guys: this battery jump starter has a whopping 108K 5-star reviews!! How is that even possible? I guess if car battery starters could be sexy, this is the freaking Brad Pitt.
27. Guardian Angel Token
I love the idea of leaving this in the car. Or their wallets. Just as a reminder that you can ALWAYS call for a ride, no questions asked. xoxoxoxoxoo
28. DedCool Air Freshener
If you’re going the air freshener route…these are pretty freaking cool. And is from that genderless, clean fragrance brand.
Good luck, and happy gifting!
Gahhhhh we love these kids SO MUCH.
xo,
S
