gift guide: tweens + teens
PEOPLE OFTEN feel really stumped trying to find gifts for teenagers and I totally understand why. They’re just at a funny crossroads between kiddo and adult that makes it challenging to peg them. And the range of their interests feels endless. Obvs that’s true at any age, but somehow with teens it’s really magnified. Some are super happy to build Legos at home while others are trying desperately to exercise some independence at the mall with friends and still others are focused entirely on their chosen sport. Some couldn’t care less what they wear and others wouldn’t go anywhere in anything that doesn’t have a brand name. Oh, plus ALL THE OTHER kids in between. Not to mention the fact that what’s cool one day is SO NOT the next. So it’s no wonder that people feel intimidated. What I think IS pretty universal about teens is that most of them are just trying to connect, to express themselves and to find their place in the world in their own unique way. And there are some really awesome ways to help them do it.
WHILE I CAN’T promise that I’ve hit every one of those diverse interests here, there should be something for just about everyone. I’ve chosen to stick with *mostly* analog gifts here that inspire teens to take a minute or to get outside or find creative ways to express themselves. I also LOVE the idea of gifting unique experiences [at any age], like concert tickets, trips, cooking classes and museum memberships that open your teen’s eyes to something new or create lasting memories. If you really don’t know your gift recipient well or they’re saving up for something big, a thoughtfully chosen gift card is a totally ok way to go, especially if you put in a little effort to make it feel extra special.
THERE IS SO much fun stuff in this category, I could go on and on and on… so if you don't see anything that strikes a chord for your teen, reach out, I’m always here for you. As with all of my Gift Guides, check back often, I’ll add to this list as I find stuff that’s too cool to keep to myself. And enjoy every non-eye-rolling moment you get with those amazing + funny creatures. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo
Gifts for Tweens + Teens
> Have a teen who’s obsessed with their furry BFF? Get them a super cozy, fuzzy Custom Pet Art Blanket with their pet’s adorable portrait. They come in several sizes and colors and are so darn cute. Your teen can snuggle two versions of their favorite love at once. For sooo many more awesome personalized gifts, check out the Etsy Holiday Hub. .> from $28
> Alo Yoga has a giant collection of coveted, very hip sweatshirts, sweatpants and jackets that teens adore. They’re all super on-trend and designed to take you from school to your workout to going out and come in both Women’s and Men’s styles. This cropped Muse Hoodie is made with a soft, ribbed knit that’s pretty and cozy. Their Leggings and Sports Bras are also totally ‘on the list.’ > from $98
> Make sure they’re always powered up on the go with an Anker Magnetic Portable Charger. This version has 10,000mAh for max charging capability and a little kickstand to prop it up and it comes in 3 cool colors. There’s a 5,000mAh version, too, and lots of other super handy products in Anker’s MagGo line-up. > $54.99
> Everyone needs the perfect travel bag and the Tobiq Washable Travel Duffel may be your teen’s new BFF, especially if they like to have everything in its place. Designed by a fellow Colorado mama, it has 4 separate zippered compartments for max organization. It can be carried with the shoulder strap, handles or the stowed backpack straps and is totally MACHINE washable. It comes in this 60L or a 30L ‘size [awesome for sports or weekends] and both are TSA approved on most airlines. Plus it comes in a few really cute colors. They also make a Convertible Roller version that looks super cool if you want wheels. > From $199
> Here to Slay is a strategic role-playing adventure game. It’s fast-paced and easy to learn, but takes time to win. It’s one of Kickstarter’s 50 most backed projects of all time and the cards are cute. But fearsome. But, like super cute. > $20
> Give your teen the snuggliest hug with a Sophie Faux Fur Throw. It’s THE softest blanket and so perfect for getting cozy [or hiding out] and it comes in 13 really pretty colors and a few prints. My whole family LOVES ours so much. > $98
> I gifted these awesome handmade Ramen Bowls to my boys lastyear and they use them just about every day. There are a bunch of cool designs to choose from and they all come with a set of reusable chopsticks that slide through holes at the top of the bowl for easy storage and all are handcrafted with lead-free glaze. So cute. > $24
> Take cozy and stylish to whole other level with a pair of super popular UGG Mini Ultra Platform Boots. They’re a combination of classic and new hip styling and the inside is lined with their signature soft shearling for fuzzy comfort. They come in 3 cute colors, too. > $160
> Beanies are SO not just for keeping warm, they’re a fashion statement all their own. Tilly’s has a HUGE selection of Beanies in styles and colors to match just about any teens’ ‘fit. > prices vary
> Art Spot Airbrush’s Custom Airbrush Balls are such a cool decorative keepsake and will make your athlete feel like a super star.They do all types of sports balls from baseballs to volleyballs to soccer balls. Because they’re custom, they take a bit of time to be delivered, so factor that in to your plans. For lots more cool personalized gifts, check out the Etsy Holiday Hub. > $60
> You’re never too old for Legos, especially when they come in super cool sets like the Speed Champions series of hot super cars. They may never have a real McLaren, but they can build one out of Legos and dream big. There are some very cool cars in the Technic series, too, if that’s more their jam. > from $19.99
> Get those bodies moving and with proper form on this cool Wooden Push Up Board. It’s easily adjustable and color-coded to target 4 different muscles and ensures you’re properly positioned for each exercise. It can be folded up and chucked under a bed when not in use, too. Win. > $43.99
> If you have a teen who wants a signature scent, but you don’t want them wallowing in a cloud of Axe Body Spray, check out Abbott. They have a gorgeous line of squeaky clean unisex scents inspired by nature and they are bright and fresh and balanced. We ordered the Exploration Set and my son landed on Mojave, but there were several that we really liked, some more ‘masculine’ and some more ‘feminine,’ but all really nice. They also offer a travel size so you don’t have to commit to a whole big bottle. See LOTS more awesome self care ideas in The Gift Guide to Self Care for Tweens + Teens. > from $31
> For 25 years Jellycat has made THE cutest, softest and most clever stuffed toys and they are making a serious splash with the teen crowd right now. From adorable bears to bok choy, they have a huge range of Animals and ‘Amusables’ to choose from, including a really adorable Sports collection. The Bag Charms are a hit, too. Now that’s a trend I can get behind. > from $22
> The North Face ThermoBall Slippers are so rad, they’re like a little sleeping bag hug for your feet. They’re fuzzy and squishy on the inside and have a fully-tractioned rubber sole so you can wear them indoors as house shoes or outside to walk the dog or to school. They come in fun colors, too, in both women’s and men’s sizes. > $59
> If your teen is itching to start spinning, check out a Pioneer DJ Controller designed for beginners. There are a few options to choose from and they’ll all have you mixing those beats for your buddies in no time. > from $279
> Love a teen who’s into faeries and kingdoms and witches? Swedish illustrator, Hanna Karlzon, has a really cool collection of super detailed Coloring Books that any creative fan of fantasy art would love. > $16.99
> Don’t let the rainbows fool you, Mantis is a cutthroat card game where you ruthlessly steal cards from your opponents and then they steal them right back with equal spite until somebody wins. It’s fun for a group. > $25
> Up your teen’s game with a Vew-Do Balance Board. Its multi-directional and so awesome for upping your balance, strengthening your core and practicing board sports. They have beginner to advanced models and it’s made in the USA. My boys both love ours and often hop on it while watching TV. > from $109
> This Hydrenalite Down Hoodie is a super cute slightly cropped bomber-style puffer. It has the updated styling teens want and ALL of the features you’d expect from The North Face, making it kind of a perfect combo of form and function. It comes in some cute colors, too, and in Men’s.> $220
> This JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is compact, waterproof, dust-proof, portable and has an integrated carabiner for easy travel. You can even fire it up in the shower. It gets 10 hours of playtime and also has a noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone for super clear calls. And it comes in 16 awesome colors. You can also add a cool Hard Case to protect it. > $64.95
> Help your teens express themselves with a Collage Kit that can be installed in any way they like. There are a ton of different ones to choose from depending on their aesthetic and come either already printed or as a download. > $22
> Klask was voted the #1 party game in Sweden + Norway, so… It’s a hugely popular, fast, frantic combo of foosball and air hockey that sounds so fun. I know my guys would love this thing. > $59.99
> I love the styling of this The North Face Retro Denali Jacket. It’s super soft, cozy and warm, but you’ll look way cool. It comes in 5 rad colors, too. And there’s an equally squishy Women’s version for the gals. > $180
> Protect that shiny tech with a case that looks cool AND does a serious solid for Mama Earth. Pela Cases are completely COMPOSTABLE and will return to the earth when your teen is done with it. They come in a zillion cute prints and solids to please just about anyone. And they can cover your tablet or AirTags, too. I LOVE the feel of mine. Find other great Earth-Friendly Swaps for eco-conscious teens here. > from $39.95
> Keep all of that bling organized with a DreamGenius Jewelry Stand. It has so many options for storing your treasures, including a velvet ring holder. It comes in 3 sizes and some cute colors to match your decor. > from $24.99
> Fans of dragons and beautiful strategy games [and Wingspan] will love Wyrmspan. You get to build a dragon sanctuary, excavate caves and exercise your imagination. And it’s just really pretty to look at. Note that it’s an entirely separate game from Wingspan, not an extension, so you’ll get to learn a whole new strategy. > $65
> There’s nothing more important to a teen than their friends. Honor that bond with a Custom Illustration of up to 7 of their besties. For so many more super meaningful gifts, check out the Etsy Holiday Hub.. > from $26
> The Good Karma Tarot Deck is geared toward beginners looking for guidance and personal development in an empowering, different way. The deck is inclusive and super positive [nothing creepy or dark here]. It includes a book to explain the meanings of the cards and how to use them, too. > $24.95
> There seems to be a new 'it’ water bottle every year and right now it’s the Owala FreeSip. They come in a bunch of super fun color combos, some bright and some neutral and 'aesthettic.’ But their shining feature is the combo built-in hidden straw and wide mouth opening in one AND it has a flip-top that keeps all of it clean and protected in between sips. Rad. > from $27.99
> Great Jones’ Bakeware is more than a SUPER pretty face for your baker. It’s scratch-resistant, dishwasher-friendly, PFOA-free and designed to release your goods with ease. They make bright, fun Cake Pans, Loaf Pans, Pie Dishes, Muffin Pans and more all in fabulous colors that would appeal to stylish tweens and teens. I love mine. See more ideas for the bakers you love in The Gift Guide to Baking Stuff for Kids + Teens .> from $30
> Whether your teen is feeling crampy, has sore muscles or just wants a warm hug, Heatable Huggable Heating Pads are cute and effective. Just pop it in the microwave and set it where it hurts. They come in lots of styles from avocados to llamas to pizza, too. Now that feels better. For more self care ideas, check out the Gift Guide to Self Care for Tweens + Teens. > from $17
> This book is so cool. A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers tells the story of this beloved game through the iconic sneakers that have defined each era. It’s such a great gift for basketball fans + sneaker heads alike. > $35
> The Love of Colour on Etsy has stunning beginner Natural Dye Kits that are perfect for crafty teens. There’s a Natural Dye version that includes various botanicals and an Indigo Kit. Both look incredible. They also have gorgeous Block Printing and Clay Resist Kits. So fun. > from $22.95
> Blow some music-loving minds with a pair of Beats Studio Pro Headphones.They’re wireless, Bluetooth enabled, have 40 hours of life and can be set to noise canceling or transparency mode. Plus the music quality you’d expect from Beats, of course. And some rad colors.. If it’s better for your budget, there’s also the Beats Solo version that has fewer bells and whistles but doesn’t skimp a bit on the impeccable sound quality. > from $169.99
> Keep that precious tech protected in the cutest way with a super cool Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve. They come in some really awesome prints and are sized for 13” or 16” laptops. They also have cases for your tablets, AirPods and glasses. > $32
> Spark your athletes’ or budding filmmakers’ creativity [and become an instant VIP] with a GoPro. It’s super compact, waterproof, easy to use and stable. There are also a bunch of accessories you can add depending on what it will be used for. > from $249
> Don’t just scroll through all of those amazing photos on your phone, print them out with a li’l palm-sized Kodak Step Instant Printer. It spits out mini ZINC sticky-back paper pictures for your walls or journal or to share with friends. There’s no tonor or ink to replace and it’s Bluetooth enabled to connect to your phone or tablet with no tangled cords or cables. So fun. > $69.99
> More than just pretty pictures, The Science of Supercars goes in-depth about the history of supercars and the innovative mechanics of how they work and influence the whole car world. It includes interviews from 3 of the top pros in the supercar industry, too. This is an awesome gift for gear heads and hot car lovers. > $29.95
> If you have a skincare lover on your hands, Tower28 is perfection. It’s a super cool + clean skincare and makeup brand [they’re the first to have a product endorsed by the National Eczema Association] with some really fun products in their lineup. I have gifted their ShineOn Lip Jelly and Lip Softies to several teens and they’re always a hit [for me, too]. I also love their MakeWaves Mascara and SunnyDays Tinted SFP. See LOTS more fun clean beauty ideas in The Gift Guide to Self Care for Tweens + Teens. > from $15
> The Console Chronicles is a tribute to 50+ years of console gaming and the shared history it has inspired. It presents the history from a unique perspective that any lover of gaming history would appreciate. There’s also A Handheld History that honors handheld consoles and the iconic games that go with them. > $40
> How stinking cute is this big Kawaii Sherpa Volleyball? It’s roughly the same size as an indoor volleyball, but is pure handmade squishable adorableness for your fan of the sport. You can even get one with a li’l graduation cap if your athlete is moving on. Because it’s handmade, the lead time may be a bit longer, so plan ahead. > $32
> Light up your teen’s room with Daybetter 50’ LED Strip Lights. You can change the colors and set a timer with a smartphone or included remote and can even synch them to music. > $19.99
> Based on the popular YouTube channel, Dope or Nope is a funny card game where players use the cards they’re dealt to create and pitch an invention to the ‘buyer’ who then decides who’s invention is the coolest. The cards have totally random things like toilet paper, tacos, bubble gum, boxing gloves and motorcycles on them, so you can see where this might go. So fun, especially for a crowd.. > $24
> It doesn’t get softer or more luxurious than a Barefoot Dreams Throw. It’s basically like snuggling with a fuzzy baby bunny. They’re lightweight, machine washable and come in colors and prints that would please just about anyone. You’re never too old for a blankie. > from $147
> Add another level of challenge to a classic with a Rubik’s Phantom. The cube appears all black, but has thermoohromic technology that temporarily reveals each square’s color with the warm touch of your hands. Good luck! > $32
> Pop Charts are high-quality, beautifully designed infographic posters covering just about any obscure passion you can imagine. Anything from Hockey Jerseys to Sneakers to Broadway Costumes to Video Game Controllers to Cats. Some, like the MLB Ballparks or NFL Stadiums are even scratch-off so you can keep track of how many you visit or Horror Movies you watch. > from $21.99
> Marvel by Design is a super in-depth look at the franchise’s distinct design process and iconic creative language. It features logos, fonts, color pallets and more throughout the 80+ year history. It’s an awesome gift for aspiring artists, designers, comic book lovers and serious fans of Marvel. > $69
> Poppy & Pout makes amazing super natural, nourishing, delicious, sustainable + super cool handmade lip balm and lip scrub [it’s my fav]. Pop one on top of a gift or grab a few so you can stash one in ALL the spots. They have a few Tints, too. For more clean beauty, check out the Gift Guide to Self Care for Tweens + Teens. > from $9.95
> Set your skier up with a MountainFLOW Eco Wax Green Circle Kit so they can maintain their own gear. It comes with a wax iron, a scraper, a carry case and some of MountainFLOW’s unique plant-based biodegradable all-temp wax. The petroleum-free wax is better for the snowpack, so they’ll be doing both Mother Nature and their fellow skiers a solid. > $74.95
> Give your teen the moon and stars with a telescope to explore the night sky. Celestron has a wide variety of models + price ranges, including one designed for travel so you can bring it adventuring. We love staring at the moon with ours. > $54.95
> If you love a teen with patience and curiosity who loves to work with their hands, I’ve got a gift for you. ROKR 3-D Puzzles are challenging to put together and yield the coolest machines, like this Marble Parkour set. Some are less involved than others and there are lots of themes [cars, boats, trains, musical instruments…] to choose from. They’re a very cool way to unplug. > prices vary
> Help relieve tension and tightness and foster muscle recovery with a Theragun Mini. It’s quiet and powerful and super portable for on-the-road games, matches or races. It comes in a few pretty colors. > from $149
> Do some serious multitasking with a 3-in-1 Mag-Safe Charging Station that’ll power up your iPhone, AppleWatch and AirPods all at once. It eliminates a whole tangle of cords, too, and comes in a few pretty colors. > $49
> Birdie is a personal alarm that unleashes a deafening 130 db sound and bright flashing strobe light when activated. It’s designed to be super cute, compact and lightweight so it can be easily stashed on a keychain, water bottle, belt loop or bag..> $29.95 / Use code AFLUTTER10 at checkout to save 10%
> Crafty teens can create their own ‘aesthetic’ room decor with a pretty Punch Needle Kit. It’s designed for beginners and comes with everything you need to complete the project. It’s such a nice analog way to chill. See the Gift Guide to Art Supplies for Kids + Teens for TONS more creative gift ideas. > from $29.99
> Gift unlimited access to millions of books with a Kindle Paperwhite. It’s waterproof and has adjustable warm light. It comes available with our without Kindle Unlimited loaded. There’s no greater gift than the whole library. > $139.99
> Caitlyn Minimalist has a TON of simple, pretty, totally on-trend jewelry pieces that are perfect for teens. This dainty Zodiac Necklace combines a little cosmic love, style and bling all in one and makes a really sweet and personalized gift. > $37
> My son LOVES mochi and we had so much fun with this Mochi Ice Cream Kit. It comes with everything you need [except your favorite ice cream] to make 4 whole batches of mochi balls. A fun analog activity + a super yummy treat; that’s a serious win to me. They also have a Churro Kit. Double yum. > $34.99
> What happens when a rocket scientist, an alternative energy expert and a New York Times bestselling cartoonist get together to create a game? Valence, that’s what. It’s a game where you build new molecules out of elements to earn points. There’s also Valence Plus, which includes additional elements, molecules and reactions to play with. > from $24.99
> If you have a golfer that cares about both performance and style, they’ll love a box of Vice Golf Balls, like this rad Drip Version. They’re the same high quality as standard Vice Pro Balls, but with a seriously awesome looking upgrade. The Ice Blue and Shade versions are also way cool. > $37.99
> Telestrations is SUPER fun to play in a group with friends or family. It’s kind of like a combination of classic telephone and Pictionary and it’s hilarious. We’ve had fun with this with a wide range of ages from 7-78. > $31.99
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