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 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 full Teen Clean Beauty collection and 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 LipSofites and ShineOn Lip Jelly to lots of 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. Use Darcie15 for 15% off your Geometry order.+ 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

+ 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

+ 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 Mini Bath Bombs. They’re super fresh and yummy smelling, super moisturizing and they don’t have any weird chemicals or dyes in them. Perfect for a mid-week chill. + $14.99

+ Indie Lee is a super clean beauty brand with several effective options for targeting your skin’s particular needs, including their Clarity line for acne and blemishes. Plus it’s just pretty. They also have lovely body wash that would make your teen feel super special. +

+ 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

+ 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 pretty colors, too. + $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. +

+ Herbivore relies on the power of nature for their line of skin and body care and they have a line of clear skin essentials that could be perfect. Plus they’re super colorful and pretty and relatively affordable. +

+ 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. + $40

+ 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

MORE IN… clean beauty + wellness

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 

> Tilly’s has a bunch of cool graphic hoodies for just about everyone in both Kids and Adult sizes. They’ll keep your kids feeling warm + super cool all at once. > prices vary

> Jax Kelly makes a whole line of beautiful, hip, intentional jewelry that’s both timeless and totally on-trend. She has launched a collection of Rings that are super beautiful and perfectly priced for gifting. She also has a ton of Studs + Huggies that would make an awesome present. > from $15

> 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

> 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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gift guide: art supplies for kids + teens

JUST ABOUT everyone who sets foot in our house has something to say about my boys’ art table. I mean, it’s impossible to miss since it’s right smack in the middle of our open concept, but it’s also kind of inspiring. Not in a stylish, beautifully staged Instagram-ready kind of way, UM, NO. It’s much more ‘lived in’ than that and is usually a straight hot mess, littered with about a zillion drawings, paper scraps, hot glue balls, broken popsicle sticks and 113 iterations of someone’s origami project. It’s not exactly pretty. BUT, underneath that disheveled heap of creative madness [genius?], you’ll find a baller collection of markers, pens, pencils, pastels, how-to-draw books and just about every other RAD art supply a kid [or adult] could hope for. My little guy especially has a truly magical imagination and is super into drawing and creating and I am a GIGANTIC sucker for art supplies. It’s a weakness for sure, but one I don’t mind indulging because I can’t think of a greater gift to my boys than to foster their creativity and wonder. And I selfishly just love to see what they come up with.

THE RANGE of amazing art supplies that exist in the world is seriously ENDLESS, but I wanted to share with you some of our very favorites, plus a few other really clever gifts that might speak to the wondrous creatives that you love. Gifts that spark creativity and imagination are not only super fun, but they also might inspire a lifelong passion, which is probably the greatest gift you could give a kiddo [or anyone else for that matter]. So put a few of these things together for a truly fantastic gift OR grab some little bits for travel, party favors or stocking stuffers. Maybe you’ll even get some amazing free artwork out of it. Also check out Kids Books About Art for resources for furthering your creative kiddo’s curiosity and inspiration, there are so many incredible resources. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

+ TAKE A HAPPY scroll through all of the supplies, or JUMP to these categories…
Paints + Markers + Pencils / Open-Ended Art Supplies / Craft + Supply Kits / Art Games + Activities / How-to-Draw Books / Art Supply Storage

Ooly

photo / Ooly

OOLY MAKES THE most imaginative, inspiring and straight fun art and school supplies for artists of ALL ages. Truly. Every magical thing that this woman-owned business puts out there is so colorful and bright and creative and the sheer variety of amazing products they offer will make your head spin [in the best cartwheelie way]. It’s also SUPER giftable; it’s just born to bring big smiles before you even get to what’s inside the package.

WE HAVE LOVED so so many Ooly products over the years that I couldn’t possibly list them all here. But I’ll tell you that the Silver Linings Outline Markers are on the list for my own boys, they just look SO fun and right up my older guy’s alley. I have gifted several sets of Rainbow Sparkle Watercolor Gel Crayons always with rave reviews. I know you’ll have SO much fun exploring all of Ooly’s inspiring supplies, but if it feels a bit overwhelming, try starting with the Bonus Boxes, which are all ready to make absolutely awesome gifts. They also have some amazing little bits that would make fantastic stocking stuffers or party favors.

Paints + Markers + Pencils

+ Poscas are some of my boys’ hands-down favorites. They’re water-based pigment ink that’s waterproof, lightfast and non-toxic. They write on anything from rocks to sneakers to water bottles and come in a ton of awesome varieties. +

+ These Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils are made for beginners and have strong cores to reduce breakage. +

+ I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say we’ve had just about every type of Sharpie Marker they make. My boys love them, pure and simple. +

+ When the tiniest details matter, Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens are perfect. They come in sets of all black with different size tips or in color. +

+ Paper Mate Flair Felt Tips Pens are my absolute favorite for list-making and writing cards. They’re smooth and clean and I swear they make my handwriting better. I’ve gifted them to several teachers for writing those smily faces on all the kids’ papers. +

+ Oh I love a Gelly Roll. These are the best gel pens and they come in neon, sparkly and metallic and just regular awesome. These are a great gift for t[w]eens who like to add a bit of bling to their notes or planners. +

+ My boys LOVED ‘painting’ with Do.A.Dot Art Markers when they were little and I loved them because they’re not super messy. They’re like a marker and paint in one and they’re so fun to use. And they’re made in the USA. +

+ You can’t beat the reliability of Crayola Washable Project Paint and we’ve loved this Neon version. It’s not completely dayglow, but the colors are vibrant and fun. +

+ Learn a new art form with Prismacolor's Hand Lettering Beginner Set. It includes all the tools you need to get started with this popular craft. +

+ Is there anything more fun than finger painting?! You might as well stick with Crayola Finger Paint for the most reliable washability for that project. +

+ This Prismacolor Manga Colored Pencil Set has specially designed colors specifically for manga and comics. Pair them with a copy of How to Draw Manga for a great gift. +

+ A friend gave my 9-year-old these KingArt Watercolor Brush Markers for his birthday and he loves them so much we’ve now gifted them to several other kiddos. They’re vibrant and easy to use. +

+ These Bianyo Alcohol-Based Dual-Tip Markers are awesome. They’re non-toxic, low odor and double-tipped, so there’s a broad chisel on one side and fine point on the other. The color coverage is fantastic. +

+ Bianyo also makes this set of 12 Skin Tone Alcohol Markers for perfecting your portraits. +

+ My son loves these Tombow Dual Brush Pens The set comes with a colorless blender pen that creates a watercolor effect. And they’re dual-tip, so a brush on one side and fine point on the other. +

+ Pastels provide such vibrant, smooth color and are so fun to use. Sakura's Junior Artist Sets are made for kids and come in several different sizes, they even have a ‘chubby’ version for smaller hands. They’re also allergen-free. +

+ Crayola Super Tips are still in full rotation at our house. There are so many colors and, of course, you get that reliable washability that’s everything, especially for littles. +

+ The Crayola Colors of the World series of markers, pencils and crayons give kids an inclusive range of skin tones to work with. +

+ Get all the beauty of painting with none [or less] of the mess. Perfect for little littles. Ooly Chunkies are super smooth, bright and portable and they come in such a fun variety of vibrant colors, neons and metallics. +

+ Supply your serious sketchers with the ‘right’ tools for the job. This Faber-Castell Graphite Set comes with break-resistant pencils in 6 degrees of hardness for nuanced drawings. +

+ Smencils Colored Pencils are just fun. They’re scented colored pencils made out of recycled newspaper. They all have cute tops with different themes and they have graphite sets, too. They’d make a super cute party favor. +

+ You’ve gotta love the old school Mr. Sketch Scented Markers. They smell just like you remember and they’re bright and chunky and just plain fun. +

Open-Ended Art Supplies

+ Elmer's has THE coolest collection of glues for slime-making and all kinds of other creative projects. Check out the Glow in the Dark, Glitter and Color-Changing Glues. Very cool. +

+ Modeling clay is awesome for true open-ended creativity. This Faber-Castell World Colors Modeling Clay 15-color set includes inclusive skin tones so you can make a whole sweet group of friends. +

+ Googly Eyes are an essential part of any kiddo's art supply stash and this set comes with a bunch of different colors and sizes for endless fun. They're self-adhesive, too. + 

+ My boys have created everything from cabins to skateboard jumps to funny little dudes with simple popsicle sticks and I love these Rainbow Popsicle Sticks for a little extra fun. + 

+ Stickers are such a fun and versatile addition to your supplies and Fashion Angels 1000+ Sticker Books are awesome. They come in about 1000 different themes to delight any little artist. + 

+ I went through a serious Mod Podge phase as a young adult and made some really cool collages on all types of surfaces. It's really fun to work with and a great option for older kids + adults. + 

+ Washi Masking Tape is so fun to work with at every age and is an awesome little gift or stocking stuffer. My boys used to make 'drawings' with it. + 

+ Plain, Unfinished Wooden Peg Dolls invite so much open-ended creativity. My little LOVES them. This is a huge set with different size dolls to make a diverse range of characters. +

+ You can never go wrong with Pom Poms and I love the variety in this set. +

+ My little has made some truly creative things with Crayola Air-Dry Clay and you can paint your creations, too. + 

+ Craft Scissors in different patterns are a super fun addition to your projects + 

+ I love the endless possibility that exists with these People Popsicle Sticks, a super open-ended and fun option + 

Craft + supply kits

+ Klutz has an ENORMOUS variety of very cool and adorable craft kits for kids of all ages and almost any interest. Their kits are usually super thoughtful and easy to follow. You sort of can’t go wrong, like with this Klutz Sew Mini Animals Kit. +

+ Craft-Tastic makes really colorful, inspiring craft kits for any age artist. They have some really fantastic options for harder-to-shop-for t[w]eens, like this empowering 'My Very Own Wall Collage’ kit. +

+ Woolbuddy Needle Felting Kits come with everything beginners need to learn this sweet skill and there are lots of fun animal themes to choose from. +

+ Faber-Castell has some very cool kits and supplies for a wide range of ages, like this Coloring with Clay set. +

+ Bright Stripes Paint by Numbers Kits provide a creative project and framable artwork in one and come in several themes to appeal to lots of kids. +

+ Woobles are ADORABLE crochet kits for all levels. They have a zillion super cute ones to choose from, including some really epic collaborations. +

+ This Kid Made Modern Arts and Crafts Library is completely overflowing with all the supplies you need for TONS of open-ended creativity. +

+ Discover the wonder of the photographic process with a Cyanotype Kit, complete with everything you need to make art with the sun. +

+ Creativity For Kids has a bunch of fun kits to choose from, many that include a science or nature component. +

+ Pott'd Home Pottery Kits come with literally everything you need to make cool air-dry clay projects at home. It's perfect for tweens + teens or adults who want to unwind with creativity. +

+ We love Hey Clay. Each set comes with air dry clay and access to an app that teaches you how to make the most adorable creatures. My little has done just about every set and they’re all clever and easy to follow. +

+ STMT [Simple Trendy Modern Touch] has some really interesting kits with things like jewelry, room decor, candles and bath bombs. They're a great choice for tweens and teens. +

+ The Love of Colours 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. They also have gorgeous Block Printing and Clay Resist Kits. +

+ I’m a little obsessed with this Heishi Beads Case myself. Make It Real has a very BRIGHT and fun assortment of kits for all ages and stages, especially jewelry-lovers. +

+ This Spinny Punch Needle Kit comes with everything you need to learn a fun new skill and create some super sunny coasters. + 

+ Up their game at home or on-the-go with a professional level, super complete Caliart Drawing Kit that has everything you need to experiment or create beautiful art. +

Art Games + Activities

+ Omy Giant Coloring Posters are 40x28” of fun. There are a TON of different themes to appeal to just about anyone of any age and the illustrations are awesome. +

+ Open This Box and Make Some Art provides 40 activities to get your creative juices flowing and have fun, too. + 

+ 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. +

+ Part brain game, part art history lesson, Sleuth & Solve Art is a super fun activity for lots of ages. You’ll learn about specific artists while also trying to solve a riddle. +

+ Doodle Heist combines drawing with code-cracking for a unique and fun family game +

+ Graffiti Alphabets: Street Fonts from Around the World is more inspiration than how-to, but it’s a really awesome resource for older kids who are interested in street art and might like to try designing their own tag. +

+ Race to draw 10 things from a single category in one minute in Six Second Scribbles. It's fast-paced and super fun for all ages and abilities. + 

+ Art Dice provide endless creative inspiration for teens and adults of all skill levels by prompting artists in a hundred different ways. They also have Writing Dice for creative writing prompts. +

+ Picablo is a shape-based drawing game that can be played competitively or cooperatively. No drawing skills required for this one, just a willingness for silly fun. + 

+ In This Book Will Make You an Artist, you’ll learn about 25 groundbreaking artists from around the world and then try their unique techniques. +

how-To-Draw Books

+ We love ALL of Angela Nguyen’s How to Draw Cute... books. They really are just super CUTE and have easy-to-follow instructions for just about any age. My boys especially love ‘Food’ and ‘Beasts.’ +

+ Oh Ed Emberley. We just love you. This classic Great Thumbprint Drawing Book helps you learn to draw all kinds of cute stuff with just your own thumbprint and a few strokes. My little loves it. Make sure your artist has an inkpad to use with it. We love all of Ed Emberley’s Drawing Books. +

+ How to Draw Fantasy Art & RPG Maps is such a cool book for the gamers you love. It has step-by-step instructions for creating different types of elaborate maps + worlds. +

+ Ralph Masiello has a whole series of Drawing Books that span a wide variety of popular interests from Robots to Oceans to Fairies to Ancient Egypt. He shows you step-by-step instructions to draw some really neat stuff. He also has a few versions in Spanish. +

+ Fans of Dav Pilkey and Dog Man will love learning how to draw the silly book characters with this Dog Man Guide to Creating Comics in 3D. +

+ Rachel Goldstein has a really giant selection of drawing books for older kids, like Drawing Emojis and How to Draw Word Cartoons. There are 19 books in her series and they all look like fun. +

+ These Young Artist Series drawing books are fantastic for slightly older kids who can follow detailed directions. There are tons of themes to choose from. +

+ Star Wars Doodles is a book of prompts that ask kids to finish the drawing, like ‘What did Yoda lift out of the swamp with the Force?’ It’s a fantastic imagination spark and awesome for any Star Wars + art lover. +

+ What to Doodle? Dinosaurs! is a book of prompts that asks artists to fill in the missing part of the drawing. It’s super clever and would be a hit with any dino lover who already loves to draw their faves. There are a TON of other Doodle Books in every theme under the sun. +

+ How to Draw Unicorns, Mermaids and Other Magical Friends uses a grid method to teach you how to draw, focusing on one square at a time. +

+ If your more experienced artist wants to learn to draw comics, you might as well go straight to the source. In this classic 1984 edition of How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, artists learn to draw legit comics straight from the OG, Stan Lee. +

+ Alli Koch has a variety of really interesting drawing books, like this How to Draw All The Things or Modern Flowers, for both kids and adults. The subjects will interest kids + teens of all ages and abilities. +

+ We love Heegyum Kim’s ‘Draw 62…’ Books. Her style is less kawaii and more goofy and it’s awesome. There are several fun themes to choose from. My son especially loves the Magical Creatures. +

+ Learn How to draw Manga: Basics and Beyond from actual legit professional manga artists. You’ll learn to draw heads, faces, bodies and poses. +

+ Adventures in Cartooning is a funny book that teaches you how to create cartoons by reading a cartoon. There are several follow-ups, including Characters in Action and Christmas Special. +

+ Drawing Dragons is a stunning book to inspire more experienced artists. The drawings are really detailed and beautiful. +

+ The How to Draw Book for Kids has a huge variety of stuff to draw that will interest just about any kiddo. The steps are easy to follow. +

+ Tap into and strengthen the right side [creative side] of your brain by learning How to Draw Upside Down.Easy-to-follow instructions make it fun to shift perspective and try something new. There’s also a Christmas edition. +

+ Usborne ‘Step-By-Step’ Drawing Books teach you how to make simple line drawings in just a few easy steps. There’s also space in the book to practice, so it’s great for travel. There are several themes to choose from. +

+ How to Draw Anime Faces is the first in a 4-part series of books about how to draw anime that’s designed for all audiences, so no buxom broads in this series. +

Art Supply Storage

+ These Blue Ginko Caddies are pretty and come in a several sizes and colors. They’re perfect for storing markers, pencils, scissors and glue on an art table or desk. +

+ ArtBin has a huge range of configurations, including the classic ArtBin Tray Box. +

+ I love this Iris Craft Cabinet Organizer for keeping wee little bits together and easy to find. There are several different configurations you can put together. +

+ ZIPIT has THE cutest collection of pencil cases, boxes and pouches, including this Monster Pencil Pouch in a zillion cute colors. +

+ Keep your pens + pencils close at hand with the Clear Pen Organizer. It also has a little drawer for keeping other loose stuff together. +

+ Keep your pencils organized and easy to spot at home or on-the-go with a handy Pencil Wrap. +

+ We have something like this 3-Tier Rolling Cart to store our art supplies. We use glass jelly jars to keep markers, pencils, glue sticks, etc together and it’s awesome. I love the cups hanging off of this one for extra storage. +

+ If you have the space for this 10-Drawer Rolling Cart, you can really geek out organizing your supplies and creating a system so you can always find what you need [and makes it super easy to clean up]. It comes in a bunch of fun colors, too. +

+ This CityLife Storage Box looks awesome for specific projects or types of supplies, like coloring books + crayons or clay + sculpting tools. It keeps everything you need in one place. +

+ This Rotating Pen Holder has 5 different compartments for keeping things straight and spins fully around for easy access. It comes in a a ton of pretty colors, too. +

+ With removable, non-slip cups and fun bright colors, this Gamenote Rotating Art Supply Organizer is perfect for littles. The bottoms of the cups have rubber tabs to keep them from scratching your table, which is awesome. +

MORE IN… little kids + big kids

gift guide: grads

WHEN MY oldest was about 7, my husband told him casually that it was move-in day at the University. He reminisced about the day his own parents left him at his freshman dorm and said goodbye, leaving him to experience college on his own. When I went to tuck my little in that night he crumbled and SOBBED and told me in no uncertain terms that he DID NOT want to go to college. It sparked some serious anxiety in him about a ritual that wouldn’t come for another decade. I’m only sending my guys off to middle school now, but the thought of dropping them at their freshman dorms already makes ME want to sob.

SENDING OUR children off to learn independence and test out their fortitude Is such a special rite of passage, whether they’re leaving high school or college or making any other big life leap. And with a little forethought you can send them off with a few things that might make the transition a bit easier or at least prettier and more fun, which totally counts for something, right? Good luck fierce freshman and young adults [and their sobbing parents], you got this. Also check out the Gift Guide for Teens + Tweens, Dopp Kits That Will Go Anywhere, Gift Guide to Blankets [one of my favorite gifts] and the Gift Guide to Self Care for Tweens + Teens for more awesome ideas. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Awesome Grad Gifts

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