Gift Guide for the Teens in Your Life

There may be no more complex creature on earth to buy a gift for than a teenager. The sheer thought of getting it wrong can terrify any adult who has to shop for a teen. To ease the burden, I have compiled a list of 20 gift ideas for teen boys and 20 for teen girls. There is something here for even the pickiest teen on your list.

It is hard to say who is harder to shop for, a teenage girl or a teenage boy. In my house, it is my teen boy. He is just so darn picky. I have no idea where he gets it. It must be his father. 😂   My daughter is also particular, but she wants all the things. So she is by far easier to shop for. So if you have a teenager on your gift list, read on for inspiration.

First up, teen girls. Of course, I started with the easier of the two. Wouldn’t you?

If you are looking for gift options for $50 or less, there are some options on these two lists but for more ideas, check out 50+ Gifts for Under $50.

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Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

1. Champion Reverse Weave Sweatpants – Sweatpants are necessary now, and green is a fun and unusual color.
2. Chillhouse Press On Manicure Set – Acrylic-type nails without the biweekly commitment. They are available in a ton of cool patterns.
3. Moon Himalayan Salt Lamp – Research is mixed, but salt lamps are supposed to clean the air around it. What teen doesn’t need a little clean air in their room? Plus, they emit a pretty glow. I have them in several rooms in my house.
4. Meadow Mariposa Phone Case – Wildflower cases offer excellent protection for the phone and are available in fun patterns.  With the 90s revival, there is a return of butterfly everything, and I am here for it.
5. Nicco Half Zip Sweater – This half-zip sweater is a modern update to a pretty pink sweater.
6. Marble Jewelry Dish – I have this dish near my sink. It is perfect for holding all the jewelry and little things.
7. Premium Quad Roller Skates – A fabulous pair of roller skates makes the perfect gift. Pick a pair up for yourself while you’re at it. I want to.
8. Naked Cyber Eye Shadow Palette – Naked palettes never disappoint, and this is another perfect set. Again, the quality is terrific, and the colors are popping.
9. Loaded Sundae Makeup Sponge Set – The beauty gurus swear by make-up sponges for applying foundation. A set is a perfect idea because the sponges need cleaning regularly.
10. Ugg Disco Shearling Slingback Platform Slippers – The update to last year’s popular Ugg Sandals. Teens are wearing these as shoes, but they also are cozy for around the house.
11. Nike Crewneck Sweatshirt – My teen has two of these sweatshirts. It offers a perfect cropped length and batwing sleeves for a stylish take on a standard sweatshirt.
12. Mini Canvas Tote Bag – A canvas bag is a stylish teen’s go-to carryall. At $10, they make the perfect gift.
13. Jewelry Stand – I gave this stand to my daughter a couple of years ago and bought one for myself. Perfect for displaying your jewelry.
14. Sublime T-Shirt Dress – If your teenager doesn’t already have this dress, they want it.
15. Dr. Martens Quad Chelsea Boot – White lug sole boots are trending, and Dr. Martens are the ultimate. I even want these boots.
16. Kiehl’s Merry Masking Gift Set – Teen girls love masking. I am not sure why but it is definitely a thing. So instead of buying the cheap quality single-use masks, opt for a gift set from a quality brand like Kiehl’s.
17. FP One Adella Bralette – This was on last year’s gift guide too. It is a staple amongst teen girls. There are so many fabulous colors to choose from, and they look great under any slouchy, off-the-shoulder top.
18. Braided Hoop Earrings – Madewell makes quality jewelry for the price. These big hoops are so pretty.
19. Kangol Cord Bucket Hat – Bucket hats are a universally flattering hat style that works well in any weather. The color is fabulous, and I love the corduroy.
20. The Hill We Climb – Amanda Gorman’s speech during President Biden’s inauguration put in a book. What an amazing young woman and such an inspiring speech. The message resonates with anyone.

1. x Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers – These Comme de Garçon converse are so fun and would make a perfect gift.
2. Bose Sport Earbuds – My teen rarely takes his earbuds out. I hear Bose earbuds are much more comfortable than others. (see what I did there?)
3. Men’s Banks Pullover Hoodie – Who wouldn’t love this retro vibe hoodie?
4. Skin Saviors™ – Teens need good skincare, even teen boys. This Jack Black set is a perfect starter set, and no, it isn’t Jack Black from Nacho Libre or School of Rock. Jack Black skincare has been around for more than 20 years.
5. Velvet Pear Reed Diffuser – Boys are stinky. No reason their space needs to be.
6. Originals Nationals 2.0 Backpack – My boy has several backpacks for all his different things: school, travel, fishing, etc.
7. Tabletop Air Hockey Game – This small air hockey game offers the same fun as the full-size version.
8. Plaid Flannel Jogger Pajama Pants – The perfect lounge pants for around the house or cabin.
9. The Star Wars Archive Book: 1977 – 1983 – This book is a must for the Star Wars lover. A look back at the original trilogy episodes 4-6.
10. Nexus Rope Bracelet – A special gift for your favorite teen.
11. JBL Flip 5, Waterproof Portable Speaker – I like that this speaker is waterproof. It helps when your kid likes to bring the speaker into the bathroom or on the boat.
12. Striped Short Roll Beanie – A stylish beanie to keep your teen’s head warm. Available in multiple fun, colorful stripes.
13. Crosley Wood Voyager Record Player – Why are record players a thing again? I don’t know, but they are. Your teen will be excited to try out his favorite vinyls on this retro player.
14. Everlast Platinum Heavy Bag – A great way to get rid of some of that energy that teens seem to have in abundance.
15. Justin 54 mm Polarized Sunglasses – RayBan’s are still cool, and a polarized version is good for the eyes.
16. Zodiac Throw Pillow – I am buying this Leo pillow for my favorite Leo. I couldn’t admit this if it were for my DD. She reads my posts. My son, not so much.
17. Salty Crew Sweatshirt – Another favorite brand amongst teen boys. Available with all types of fish. My boys like the deep-sea fish best, but they also offer graphics with lake and river fish.
18. Nike Slim Fit Tech Fleece Jogger – Joggers are always a great gift option and you can’t go wrong with Nike.
19. Ugg Tasman Slippers – Your teen won’t want to take off these cozy slippers.
20. Market X Smiley Basketball – Another gift I’m considering. How fun is this tie-dye basketball?

I hope this list inspires your shopping. It is difficult every year to come up with new ideas for the loved ones on your list. I enjoy trying to find the perfect gift for each person. But if that just makes you stressed, I hope my gift guides offer some stress relief.

With all the supply chain issues, inventory is sure to be limited on many gifts. Experts recommend shopping early and not waiting for the Black Friday sales. Of the items I ordered already, about half are back-ordered but likely will arrive in November. I recommend picking up immediately the items on your list that are critical (say #1 or #2 on your teens’ list).  Another good option is to be ready with backup options. Hopefully, the gift ideas included will help tackle your shopping list. Remember gift giving is supposed to be fun.

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Happy Shopping!