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. .> from $28
> Alo Yoga has a giant collection of coveted, very hip Sweatshirts and Sweatpants 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
> 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
> Serve them their favorite snack in the cutest handmade Ramen Bowl. There are several designs to choose from, though I do LOVE this Lucky Cat version and the cool Chinese Dragon, too. 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
> 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. > $60
> Wanna be the gift-giving MVP this year? Nike Tech Sportswear pieces are the key. They come in a bunch of colors and sizes for boys, girls, men and women. They’re soft, stylish and wash really well. My boys LOVE. > from $90
> Spread rainbows + joy with a boho Scout Curated Wears Suncatcher. Hang it in a window with the included suction cup and let the sun work its magic. There are a few pretty designs to choose from, all made with brass, crystals and semi-precious stones. Such a pretty addition to a bedroom, bathroom or hallway. > $29
> 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
> 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
> Get those bodies moving anywhere, anytime with this cool set of Exercise Dice. Just roll the big foam dice and see what pops up. It includes a variety of HIIT, strength, yoga and more advanced moves so you get a balanced workout every time. And it comes with a manual that diagrams each exercise so you can learn to do them safely. Add a simple Flat Weight Bench and some Dumbbells to complete a total home fitness setup. > $29.95
> 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
> 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
> Take cozy to another level with a pair of fuzzy, super popular Ugg Tasman Slippers. They have a rubber sole, so you can wear them inside and out [or to school… ] and the inside is lined with shearling and upcycled wool. They come in a bunch of cute colors, too. > $110
> Nomadix Original Towels are so awesome for adventure + travel, but also perfect for the beach, pool, gym or home. They’re quick-drying + anti-microbial [aka not stinky], wash perfectly and pack down super small + light. And they come in a bunch of fun prints. They also have a Mini that’s perfect for stashing in golf or gym bags for soaking up post [or mid] practice sweat. I have both sizes and love them. > from $27.95
> 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
> The Chameleon is a fun game where everyone knows the secret word except for ‘the chameleon’ who has to pretend that they know the word or get busted. It’s for 3-8 players, so super fun for family game night or a group of friends. There’s a cool Picture Edition, too. > $21.99
> 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
> 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
> 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
> 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
> 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
> 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
> This JBL Clip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is compact, waterproof, portable and has an integrated carabiner for easy travel. And it comes in 12 really cool colors. > $49.95
> A Tosy Flying Disc is a rechargeable LED frisbee and it’s so cool. It comes in a few colors, but I love this RGB version with 16 million colors [I mean, why settle for one?]. It’s waterproof and has smart modes and motion sensors to control the lights for max effect. This is so fun for home, camping, the beach or wherever, especially when the sun goes down at 5:00. > from $29.99
> Combine old + new with an Audio-Technica Bluetooth Turntable. You get all of the sound quality and charm of vinyl without the cumbersome cables and speakers. Just connect it to any Bluetooth speaker and you’re up and running in any room in the house. It comes in 4 fun colors, too. > $219
> You get to control nature in Fire Tower, a unique strategy game of competitive firefighting. It’s fast-paced and takes 15-30 minutes to play, so you can cram in a session before your teen heads back out the door. And it’s visually really cool. > $39.99
> 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
> 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
> Help your teen start and end their day peacefully with a Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm. It plays science-backed sleep sounds, wakes you gently with light, has phone-free controls and has an optional app that provides meditations, soundscapes and sleep stories. Plus it’s so pretty and comes in 3 colors. > $199.99
> Oh you know I love my Stashers and now they’ve made a little collection of Beauty Bags that are so awesome for dragging your makeup and skincare away on vacation or just to school. They’re the same awesome platinum-grade silicone, super easy to clean bags, but with a pretty quilted design and new sizes to accommodate your brushes and other treasures. > from $13.99
> Kick it old school and get super creative with an analog Polaroid Now Instant Camera. It can make those cool double exposures, has a self-timer and autofocus. It uses the same film and gives you the same look as you remember, but now it comes in 7 really awesome colors. LOVE it. > $119.99
> The Createures Drawing Deck can be used as a fun cooperative game or as a solo drawing exercise and it’s super clever. Flip 5 prompt cards and let your imagination wander, either on your own or in a round-robin with friends + family. It’s funny and creative and provides endless possibilities. > $21.95
> Salty Crew Sweatshirts come in a bunch of rad prints + colors and in both Kids and Adult sizes. They’ll keep your kids feeling warm + cool all at once > from $43.99
> 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
> Give them something entirely unique with a totally custom 'My Hydroflask’ Water Bottle. Choose a size and then pick colors for all of the details from the strap to the boot. You can even have it engraved with a name, phrase or graphic. So cool. > from $38
> 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
> 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. > $32
> 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
> Talking Out Of Turn [TOOT] is a super sunny and FUN company with artistic and whimsical stationary, bags, accessories and self care goodies that tweens and teens would swoon over. The prints are super bright and pretty and totally on-trend. You really can’t go wrong [fair warning, some of their stuff features super salty language, but most is sweet]. >
> If you love a dude who wants to sport a rad chain, CerroTorre on Etsy has a super reasonable, quality version that’s perfect. One of my boys has the gold and one has the silver and both chains are just the perfect length and thickness. Plus they look really cool. > from $21.95
> Make a fun statement with a Custom Neon Sign. Zanvis Neon on Etsy can create your teen’s name or a custom phrase. They have 9 different cool colors of neon to choose from and each sign comes with a dimmer. > from $135
> If you have a serious skincare lover on your hands, Tower28’s Essentials Set is perfection. Tower28 is super cool + super clean [they’re the first brand to have a product endorsed by the National Eczema Association] and this set is a fantastic way to try all of their best sellers. I have gifted their ShineOn Lip Jelly to a several teens and it’s always a hit. > $85
> 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
> Arcade Adventure Belts are made for active teens [and adults]. They’re designed to be super comfortable + adjustable and have a super low profile buckle, so they don’t add any bulk to your ‘fit. My boys have had a few for years [including one on their ski pants] and they’re totally durable and awesome. They come in both Kids and Adult sizes and some cool colors + prints. > $21.99
> My son LOVES Shashibo Shape Shifting Boxes and now they’ve developed a cool creative puzzle game around them. Shaishibo Battle Shapes combines brains and dexterity to try to out-shape-shift your opponent. Super cool. > $50
> Everyone needs a solid way to drag their toiletries to sleepovers, away games and on vacation and Topo Designs’ Dopp Kits are the coolest. They come in a zillion super rad color combinations, have a flat bottom so it doesn’t roll away and fits the essentials. Read what I like to put in them for a fantastic gift here. > $34
> Pop Charts are high-quality, beautifully designed infographic posters covering just about any obscure passion you can imagine. Anything from Basketball Jerseys to Sneakers to Cats. Some, like the MLB Ballparks, are even scratch-off so you can keep track of how many you visit or Horror Movies you watch. > from $21.99
> Why have just one amazing super natural, nourishing, delicious, sustainable + super cool handmade lip balm when you can have a whole Poppy & Pout Gift Box? It has either 5 or 10 of their awesome flavored balms so you can stash one in ALL the spots. Or add a little color with the pretty Lip Tints Gift Set. > from $39.95
> 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, solids and even popular clear to please just about anyone. And they can cover your tablet or AirTags, too. Read more about why I love them and find other great Earth-Friendly Swaps for eco-conscious teens here. > from $39.95
> 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
> 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
> 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. Read more about why I love Birdie here. > $29.95 / Use code AFLUTTER10 at checkout to save 10%
> I have it on good authority from actual cool teenagers that these Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kits are awesome. You can give yourself [or a friend] a salon-style manicure in 15 minutes at home. There’s a Maxi set with 4 polish colors or a Mini with 1 to start. > from $35
> Spark some serious creativity with Ooly’s Chroma Blends collection, including watercolors in super cool Neon and Pearlescent palettes. Add a pad of Chroma Blends Circular Watercolor Paper for a unique creative challenge. See my Gift Guide on Art Supplies for Kids + Teens for TONS more ideas for creative gifts. > from $12.99
> This Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState will keep your teen SUPER hydrated and they’ll look cool doing it. It comes in several sizes from 20-40 oz and some really cool colors. It’s made from recycled stainless steel and is totally dishwasher safe. > from $30
> Gift unlimited access to millions of books with a Kindle Paperwhite. It’s waterproof and has adjustable warm light. > $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
> 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
> My son LOVES mochi and I know he’d flip for 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 sounds like a serious win to me. They also have a Churro Kit. Double yum. > $34.99
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