gift guide: self care for tweens + teens

IT’S NEVER too early [or too late!] to adopt solid self care and hygiene rituals. It’s just SO important at every age + stage to spend a minute each day taking care of yourself, body + soul, whatever that may mean for you. And we can totally inspire our tweens and teens to get into the habit, too, with the ‘right’ tools for the job. Just about everyone, even the most rumpled of the bunch, can appreciate being spoiled once in a while with some solid pampering.

IF YOU have reluctant adopters of ‘extra’ personal hygiene, like face-washing, just start with something super simple [like Revy Skincare] that won’t overwhelm them with 23 steps. And If you already have a full diva on your hands, there are lots of options for taking that self-care love to the next level.

AND BECAUSE I’m super picky about the things I’ll slather on my own precious babes’ skin [and mine], the products I’m sharing with you are all squeaky clean [obvs make sure they’re right for your family]. There’s nothing grody in them, so count that as one less thing you need to worry about with your teen. You’re welcome.

SO HERE are some RAD ideas to get you started with your Self Care gifts. Pick one or two for a sweet present or stocking stuffer, or bundle a few into a dopp kit for a baller gift. And check out My Clean Beauty Favorites for more ideas. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Ursa Major

photo / Ursa Major

Ursa Major is a Vermont-based company that’s dedicated to super clean, effective products that don’t require a ton of steps. They make no-fuss fantastic, effective products for all genders and skin types, designed to get you clean and out the door so you can move on to bigger and better things. Which is why it’s such a fantastic choice for teens who are always on the go or are just not super psyched about ‘extra’ hygiene steps. But don’t let the ‘simplicity’ fool you - these nature-inspired products are expertly made with powerful, intentional ingredients, so your minimalist routine will be just as effective as any. It’s a fantastic gift for anyone you love who doesn’t want to spend all morning getting themselves ready for the day.

SELF CARE + GROOMING GIFTS for Teens

+ Tower28 is a super clean, super cool brand made specially for sensitive skin. They’re the first brand to have a product endorsed by the National Eczema Association. The Essentials Set is a fun way to try all of their best sellers or try one or two pieces. I have gifted their ShineOn Lip Jelly to a several teens and it’s always a hit. I personally LOVE their MakeWaves Mascara and SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen, too. + from $15

+ Nodpod Weighted Sleep Masks are super soft and block the light, but add the benefit of gentle pressure, too, ‘like a hug for your head.' ’They’re perfect for just taking a sec and for headaches. Plus, they’re unscented and come in a bunch of cute colors. They also make Nodpod Body, a wee weighted blanket, perfect for travel. + $34

+ My son loves this BYRD Texturizing Surfspray for styling his ‘wings’ and it smells yum. BYRD Hairdo Products are free of all major yuck, too, so you can feel good about that daily giant mist cloud in the bathroom. + $15.99

+ Whether you have a reluctant flosser or a full-on hygienist, Cocofloss has the best, cutest clean refillable floss in tons of fun flavors. Read more about why I love it here. + from $10

+ Skip the wasteful single-use cotton pads and rock these cute handmade Marley’s Monsters Reusable Facial Pads instead. They come with their own little mesh laundry bag, so you just pop them in the washing machine. + from $10

+ Washing your face is just more fun when you have a SUPER cool towel to dry off with. Geometry Luxe Hand Towels and Washcloth Sets are quick-drying, soft and won't get all stinky when they’re left balled up. They come in a zillion prints to strike anyone's fancy. They're awesome for travel or sweaty practices, too. + from $16

+ Inspire both calming deep sleep AND some princess vibes on the side with this Kitsch Satin Sleep Set that includes a pillowcase, eye mask and scrunchie. + $36

+ Dry your hair while you carry on with your routine with Dock & Bay’s Turban Hair Towel. It’s a super absorbent turban made with 100% recycled materials and comes in like 40 colors. + $21.99

+ Smooth that unruly mane with the OG brush made for pain-free detangling. The Wet Original Detangler Brush comes in a zillion colors and prints. + $12.99

+ Whether you have a newbie or practiced shaver, Billie Razors are SUPER cute, award-winning and refillable to reduce waste. I love mine. Billie also has a line of clean beauty essentials like Shave Cream, Dry-Bye Body Lotion, Wax Kits and Sudsy Body Wash. + $35

+ Claw Clips are totally back and Anthropologie has a massive collection of sets in different sizes, shapes and colors. + from $18

+ Herbivore’s Cocoa Rose Body Polish is one of my favorites. It has a distinct, but not overpowering scent and leaves your skin super smooth. + $40

+ If you have to drag around and use hand sani all day, you might as well make it super cute. Touchland’s Hydrating Hand Sanitizer is adorable and comes in 3 fruity scents, so you don’t smell like the doctor’s office. + $30 for 3

+ Keep all essentials tidy for travel or home in this rad, durable nylon Topo Designs Dopp Kit. The triangular shape keeps it upright, plus it just looks cool. See a bunch more rad dopp kits here. + $34

+ Beauty Blender makeup sponges are super popular. They’re designed to absorb minimal amounts of product so it gets on your face instead of inside the sponge. And they come in like a million pretty colors. + $20

+ Ella + Mila polish is '17 free,’ meaning it doesn't contain the top 17 most toxic ingredients found in most polishes. Plus it's vegan and cruelty-free [and certified by PETA] AND it comes in a zillion awesome colors. Choose one or two or go for a big set to really inspire. + from $7

+ I love this deck of Morning Mantras designed just for teens. They have messages of empowerment, positivity, confidence, strength and love; things like ‘I hear the drama. I see the drama. I fire up my jetpack and blast away from the drama.’ A little daily reminder that you’re empowered is about the sweetest gift and the illustrations are just super adorable. + $11.95

+ This Kosas Wet LIp Oil Gloss hydrates, soothes + softens with a touch of color so you can glow on the outside like you do on the inside. Love this stuff. + $22

+ Whether your goal is to keep things SUPER simple or save the planet, HiBar Solid Shampoo + Conditioner has your back. It’s plastic-free, gross chemical-free and totally fuss-free. And they make a version that’s fragrance-free, too. + $20

+ When your tween or teen starts noticing some fuzz and is ready to start their life-long shaving journey, the Philips OneBlade Shaving System is perfect. It’s totally waterproof, so can be used wet or dry, even in the shower. It’s fully rechargeable and has a special anti-fiction blade to keep them safe while they perfect their technique. + $30

+ Talking Out of Turn has the cutest Scrunchie Sets in Metallic, Velvet, Animal Print and more for wrangling wild tresses. + $12

+ My guys love Boulder-based Alpine Provisions’ grooming products. They’re organic, cruelty-free, vegan, plastic-free and sustainably produced. And the fantastic scents are bright and fresh and just a touch masculine in the best natural way. + from $8

+ Whether you’re crampy, sore or just want 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. + from $17

+ Miles Deodorant is formulated just for teens in 3 scents inspired by nature; Fresh, Clean and Rugged. They all sound really nice and it has no yucky stuff in it. + $9.99

+ Keep the water from dripping down your sleeves and all over your hair while you do your ‘routine’ with a super soft and cute Bubble Spa Headband and Wristbands. They come as a set in a zillion colors. + $9.99

+ Friends LOVE these Axiology Balmies that go on lids and lips. They’re super nourishing and smooth, come in a bunch of colors and in zero-waste packaging. Total win. + $26

+ There’s no better way to take care of yourself than by keeping safe. Birdie is a personal alarm that unleashes a deafening 130 db sound and bright flashing strobe light when activated. It’s designed to be 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%.

+ Poppy & Pout Lip Balm is awesome. It’s super hydrating and comes in 10 subtle, natural scents. it’s made in Idaho with 5 ingredients and poured into a cardboard tube that’s totally recyclable. I’ve gifted a bunch of these beauties and everyone loves them. + $9.95

+ This The North Face Base Camp Voyager Toiletry Kit is the perfect size for a teen who ‘needs’ some extras, but not the whole medicine cabinet. It’s durable and has several compartments for organization, comes in two cool colors and looks rad, so a total winner. + $40

+ This One Love Organics Cleansing Sponge is gentle, but exfoliating and will last up to 3 months if used properly. Plus it’s just cute. + $10

+ I’m calling for a mic drop on this Bowie-inspired Lightning Eye Mask. I mean, you can’t feel anything but super cool in this thing. This Etsy shop has some other amazing styles, too. Like this Game Control one. + $21

+ Dabble & Dollop makes super natural, adorable bath stuff for kids, but there’s nothing babyish about their Tropicals Bath Bombs. They’re super fresh and yummy smelling, super moisturizing and they don’t have any weird chemicals or dyes in them. + $28

+ Indie Lee is a super clean beauty brand with several options for targeting your skin’s particular needs. Plus it’s just pretty. They also have lovely body wash that would make your teen feel super special. My son uses the Clearing Mask and Banish Stick for breakouts and they’re both awesome and super effective. + from $10

+ These ESW Beauty Raw Juice Cleanse Masks will make your teen feel super pampered and fresh, plus there’s no yucky stuff and they're totally compostable.  There are a bunch of yummy ‘flavors’ to choose from. + from $4.99

+ I have it on good authority from a bonafide cool teen that this Le Mini Macaron DIY Gel Manicure Kit is awesome. It has everything you need to do your own pretty and lasting gel mani at home. It’s a perfect sleepover companion, too. + $38

+ Routnines don’t get much easier than Revy Skincare’s. They only make 3 super clean products, which is likely all your teen needs. Plus Revy donates a % of all sales to the Children’s Tumor Foundation in honor of their son. Read about their beautiful mission + philosophy here. My son uses this whole line and it’s great. + from $29

+ Lily Lolo is a British company that makes squeaky clean mineral cosmetics and this Lip Gloss that comes in 5 really delicate, pretty colors. It’s perfect for just about any age. It’s filled with Vitamin E and organic jojoba to keep lips happy. I love it because it doesn’t have a taste and isn’t sticky. + $16

+ Keep all of that awesome self care tamed at home or on-the-go with endlessly useful and reusable Stasher Bags. They have a size for almost every need and just launched a Quart size that’s TSA-friendly for travel. I use mine EVERY day for something. + from $7.99

+ A super soft Plush Hot Water Bottle can be really soothing when you’re feeling crampy or blah. The cozy cover comes in 8 different colors. + $12

+ 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 3 colors, but when you buy any (Product) RED product, 2% of proceeds are donated to HIV/AIDS programs around the world. Win-Win. + $199

+ Pretty soft curls while you sleep? Yes, please. Robe Curls Heatless Curling Headbands are comfortable, easy to use and leave you with bouncy tresses in the morning. + $27.99

+ Three Ships is another awesome super clean line for teens [or anyone]. They have a range of products for different skin types, including blemish-prone. It can be unfussy if necessary or super luxe for skincare mavens and it’s relatively affordable. + from $15

+ Herbivore relies on the power of nature for their line of skin and body care. These Calm Soaking Salts will help take things down a few notches and bring a sense of peace, which is a fantastic gift for anyone. + $18

+ Treat those inevitable pesky blemishes magically with these small but powerful little Mighty Patches. Just pop one on before bed and voila! Clear skin in the morning. + $12.99

+ My older son and I both use Native Deodorant and love it. The scents are all lovely and subtle. There’s no aluminum, talc, phalates or parabens and it works great [I think…nobody’s told me otherwise]. + $15

+ If you have a serious skincare maven on your hands, they’re probably asking you for one of these for their treasures. The Cooluli Mini Fridge is super compact, cute and can be powered in 3 different ways for max convenience. + $69.99

+ I love these RMS Beauty Lip2cheek beauties. Just like their name suggests, you can swipe them on lips or cheeks, so you kinda get two for one and they leave you with a pretty glow. + $36

+ If you have a tween who’s not quite ready for full-on makeup, check out Yawn. They make the cutest little line of skincare, nail polish and ‘makeup’ that’s super duper clean and doesn’t show much. it’s adorable. + from $18

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