How to Gift a Teenager What They Actually Want

Once you’re out of your teenage years, it can be hard to know what that age bracket is into. For starters, teens are certainly not a monolith. And secondly, things move fast. Technology, trends, and pop culture all make a big difference when it comes to what’s relevant and what’s kind of lame.

So, if you know a teen you’d like to impress this holiday season and would rather not fall back on another gift card, peruse some of the hottest ticket items below to find something that best fits them. Among the top selections are beauty gifts for budding TikTok influencers, retro merch for the teen who’s more of an old soul, and, yes, even hoverboards.

Snag a selection from one of the most coveted lip products on the market, and it’ll be sure to impress.

SHOP: High Maintenance | Matte Lip Kit, $17.40, available at Kylie Cosmetics

What’s old is new. Tap into a bit of Grateful Dead and tie-dye nostalgia for the person who’s definitely too young to remember its original heyday.

SHOP: Grateful Dead Tie-Dye Oversized Hoodie Sweatshirt, $39.99, available at Urban Outfitters

Anyone ahead of the trends will love to incorporate these chunky slides into their wardrobe — either styled as-is or with super-thick socks.

SHOP: Crocs Adult Classic Clogs, $35.99, available at Olympia Sports

Inspire them to take a break from Instagram with one of these playful Fujifilm cameras. It’s 2020’s answer to the old, faithful Polaroid of the ‘80s.

SHOP: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera, $59.99, available at Target

Know a teen who’s quickly becoming TikTok famous? This sleek, wall-mounted mirror is ideal to help them capture that good content.

SHOP: Jerdon 5X LED Rectangular Wall Mount Mirror, $107.99, Bed Bath and Beyond

Gift a talented teen with their new favorite mode of transportation.

SHOP: Jetson Sphere Hoverboard, $149.99, available at Target

Masks are a given for 2020. However, masks that feature the 2020 NBA Championship winners are greater than all others.

SHOP: Los Angeles Lakers Mashup Reusable Mask Set, $19, available at Urban Outfitters

For the teen whose makeup always looks like they’ve been cast as an extra in Euphoria, this seriously sparking set will win you major cool points. 

SHOP: Flashing Lights Pressed Bundle, $134, available at KKW Beauty

Opt for timeless basics with a bit of something special, like this tan, mock-neck tee with a cute, subtle mushroom embroidered at the top.

SHOP: UO Embroidered Mock Neck Long Sleeve Tee, $24, available at Urban Outfitters

With its oversize fit and bold color scheme, this vest is not for the person who plays it safe. Give it to the teen you know with the most swagger.

SHOP: Stay Loose Fillmore Vest, $148, available at Levi's

We love this mismatched pair of everyday earrings, and so will anyone who likes to experiment with their style.

SHOP: Gold Mini Star Moon Charm Hoop Earrings, $84, available at Missoma

If you’re going to gift activewear, pick a piece from one of the most coveted brands on the market. An in-the-know teen will appreciate the difference.

SHOP: Outdoor Voices Rectrek Pant, $68, available at Outdoor Voices

These slick, lug-sole boots are so good you may need to gift a pair to yourself as well.

SHOP: Explorer Black Leather, $149.95, available at Steve Madden

This is a fairly safe gift because everyone loves a fancy lip balm set. This one, in particular, stands out as a special collaboration with LA-based coffee brand Alfred.

SHOP: Alfred x DedCool Lip Balm Trio, $35, available at Nordstrom

Rest assured, the Carharrt you loved at 15 still feels right on the mark for folks in the same age bracket today.

SHOP: Carhartt Chase Beanie, $27, available at Flat Spot

Teach them at a young age that self-care is for everyone. This luxurious shave kit will let them experience it firsthand.

SHOP: Ultimate Shave Gift Set, $35, available at Dollar Shave Club

It may not be the trendiest gift, but your teen will appreciate having a great smile. This low-key, sleep-time retainer will give them the confidence they need.

SHOP: byte Retainers, $129, available at byte

Don't be fooled — teens aren't as delicate as you think. This snowflake jewelry set isn't either — perfect for the girly-girl or tomboy, this is a gift they can wear forever.

SHOP: Sparkling Snowflake Jewelry Gift Set, $64.35, available at Pandora

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