35 Perfect Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens

Say goodbye to heat styling! This trending overnight curling rod lets her wake up to gorgeous, defined curls without the risk of heat damage. The set comes with a heatless curling rod and two satin scrunchies, and with 14 stylish designs to choose from, it’s a fantastic gifting choice.

If they’re active on TikTok, they’ve probably seen the hype around Laneige’s Overnight Lip Mask. Instead of picking just one flavor, this Dreamy Lip Kit offers four delightful options: berry, sweet candy, mango, and peach iced tea.

A stylish pair of sunglasses is essential to complete any look, and this affordable retro option is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Featuring vintage-inspired lenses and eight different designs, it’s hard to believe they cost less than $20.

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood, and these LED strip lights are a game-changer. With a 44-key remote, users can select from 20 preset colors or create their own custom shades. The adhesive backing ensures hassle-free installation.

Whether they’re a Swiftie or not, this jewelry-making kit is perfect for creative teens and tweens. It’s a fun activity to enjoy with friends or family, allowing them to design, stack, and showcase their unique style. The kit includes over 7,800 pieces, featuring beads in 60 colors, charms, letter beads, and all the necessary hardware.

This chic mini fridge from Paris Hilton’s homeware collection features a lighted mirror on the front, making it both stylish and functional. The compact 4-liter size, complete with a carrying handle, is ideal for a desk or bathroom vanity to store skincare essentials. For those needing more space, the 10-liter version is perfect for drinks, snacks, and even includes a warming feature for keeping meals or towels warm. Check out our full list of great gifts for college kids for more dorm essentials.

For a fresh take on Ugg’s iconic Tasman Slippers, the Tazz Slippers are a stylish and versatile choice. The vibrant braided accents add a fun flair, while the 1.75-inch platform offers a modern lift. Designed with a durable rubber outsole, they’re perfect for both indoor comfort and outdoor wear.

Acne is a common struggle during the teenage years, but these star-shaped pimple patches have become a fashionable solution. They not only conceal blemishes but also promote faster healing and reduce inflammation. Their adorable design makes them suitable for daytime wear, allowing teens to go about their routines without worrying about breakouts.

While smartphones store countless photos, this mini camera offers a unique way to preserve memories in a physical form. Compact and portable, it instantly prints 2-by-3-inch photos, ideal for crafting collages or decorating walls with cherished moments.

Teens and tweens can enjoy a fragrant room without the risks of an open flame. Candle warmer lamps use a lightbulb to gently heat the wax, releasing the scent safely. With no flame involved, it’s a secure option, and the wax melts more slowly, extending the life of their favorite candles. Available in three colors, this lamp features dimmable lighting and a timer to ensure it’s never left on accidentally.

Perfect for aspiring makeup enthusiasts who enjoy creating GRWM videos, this 19-piece set from e.l.f. includes all the essentials, from fluffy blush brushes to precise liners and elegant fan brushes. Made with synthetic, vegan, and cruelty-free materials, the set also comes with a convenient roll-up travel case for easy storage and portability.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a dream come true for gaming enthusiasts, offering a lighter and more compact design than the original. Whether playing locally or connecting with friends nationwide, this handheld device ensures gaming is always within reach.

Rumor has it (thanks to TikTok) that Owala is giving Stanley a run for its money. With minimal spillage when tipped, a more ergonomic handle, and vibrant color options, it’s a standout choice. Cold drinks stay chilled all day, often retaining ice from morning to night. Plus, Owala comes at a more affordable price than Stanley.

For teens and tweens who love creating content, this silicone suction phone mount from Casely is a game-changer. It securely attaches to smooth surfaces like mirrors or desks, enabling hands-free photo and video capture. The MagSafe-compatible design allows for easy attachment and removal without leaving any sticky residue.

For teens and tweens new to vinyl, this portable record player is a fantastic way to enjoy music beyond digital speakers. Available in a variety of charming colors, it’s an ideal gift, especially when paired with a few starter records. Bonus: their vinyl collection can also serve as unique wall decor.

Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand offers this trendy iPhone accessory: a case designed to hold a lip gloss tube. With Y2K styles making a comeback, glossy lips are in, requiring frequent touch-ups. The silicone case fits iPhone 14 or 15 Pro/Pro Max and works with Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment or Tint (or similar-sized gloss tubes). For other models, Amazon offers a comparable case compatible with iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max and 14 Pro/Pro Max.

While many night sky projectors are calming, few are scientifically precise. For teens and tweens who’ve outgrown night lights but are fascinated by space, the Smithsonian planetarium projector kit is a perfect choice. It features a rotating projection of the Northern Hemisphere’s night sky and offers over 50 customizable combinations of galaxies, planets, and other celestial wonders for an immersive stargazing experience.

Video games can be both fun and educational, especially when kids design their own. Uncommon Goods’ kit teaches them to create retro-style games by learning coding basics. Suitable for ages 8 and up, they’ll use a free web-based visual editor with programming languages like Python and Javascript. The handheld console also functions as a smartwatch, complete with a pedometer and other features. Additionally, classic arcade games can be downloaded and played without any coding.

This innovative cheek and lip stick adapts to a universally flattering pink shade for all skin tones. No need to worry about color matching—it suits everyone beautifully. You might even be tempted to borrow it from your teen or tween for a change.

Stylish shoes deserve equally stylish socks, and these ruffle socks are a fashionable choice to pair with sneakers or slippers. Available in versatile neutral shades, they complement almost any footwear, while the ruffle detail adds a touch of flair to any ensemble.

Teens adore staying snug, and this hoodie is a top-tier choice. Its ideal weight and fit (tested and approved) make it a favorite, with a variety of charming colors available. The grey option is perfect for achieving a laid-back, cozy vibe that pairs seamlessly with the Ugg slippers featured here.

A cozy reading pillow with arms is essential for relaxing, reading, or spending time with friends, whether in their room or dorm. Filled with shredded memory foam, this pillow provides excellent back support on beds, couches, or floors. Available in petite and standard sizes and 10 colors, it complements any decor. It also features two small side pockets for a phone or remote and a larger back pocket for a tablet or book.

Just as vinyl records and CDs are making a comeback, teens are embracing the trend of printing and showcasing physical photos. This compact home printer connects to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth, printing black-and-white images, documents, and labels without requiring ink or toner. Available in gray, white, or purple, it includes two rolls of non-adhesive paper and three rolls of adhesive paper for creating custom stickers to decorate notebooks or water bottles.

For those sharing a bathroom with roommates, siblings, or travel companions, this caddy is a lifesaver for organizing toiletries. Ideal for dorms, camping, or gym trips, it accommodates full-sized shampoo, body wash, and makeup products. Made from waterproof nylon and quick-dry mesh, it features a handy hanger for shower rods or hooks, plus a waterproof phone pocket compatible with touchscreens.

For anime enthusiasts, a Crunchyroll subscription is the ultimate gift. This specialized streaming platform offers a vast library of anime unavailable elsewhere. A premium membership provides ad-free, unlimited streaming and access to new episodes shortly after their Japanese release. A seven-day free trial is available for teens to explore before committing.

Bean bag chairs remain a timeless choice, and this one stands out with its structured design. Crafted from plush velvet and featuring piping with a boho-inspired sunburst-tufted back, it’s both stylish and functional. Available in yellow, blue, or gray, it complements various decor styles and offers versatile seating for dorms, bedrooms, or lounges.

This compact, waterproof Bluetooth speaker is perfect for teens on the move. Small enough to attach to keys or a weekender bag, it delivers powerful sound for any gathering. With a battery life of up to 10 hours, it’s ideal for music on the go, at the beach, or even in the shower.

The latest tech gadget is a must-have for every teen, and the AirPods Max are the ultimate headphones. Available in five colors—silver, space gray, sky blue, pink, and green—they feature top-tier noise cancellation. With a 20-hour battery life on a single charge, they’re perfect for endless hours of music enjoyment.

Teen fashion trends evolve quickly, but these iconic sneakers have stood the test of time. Nike Air Jordans, especially the retro high-tops, are a favorite for basketball shoe enthusiasts. The new black and gold colorway offers a modern twist on this nostalgic design.

Fjallraven is known for durable backpacks, and this model is one of the Swedish brand’s bestsellers. It features a roomy main compartment that fits 13-, 15-, or 17-inch laptops, notebooks, and textbooks, along with two water bottle pockets and a front zip pouch for accessories. While Amazon offers a limited color range, the brand’s website has 12 options to choose from.

Spikeball combines the thrill of volleyball’s spiking action without the need for a large net or impressive vertical jumps. The compact, trampoline-sized net includes three balls and a carrying case, making it easy to set up for quick games at the park, beach, or backyard with teams of two.

Family game night is about to get a vibrant upgrade. This engaging board game is designed for three to 10 players aged 8 and older. Participants use one- or two-word clues to help others guess a specific shade from 480 options on the board. Points are awarded based on how close the guess is to the correct color, offering a fresh perspective on how you perceive hues.

Versatile seating is essential, whether for a college dorm or a tween’s sleepover. Target’s Room Essentials offers this foldable lounge chair, which can double as a sleeping mat, a reading chair, or anything in between. Unlike other foldable loungers, it has no frame or mechanical parts that can pinch, break, or get stuck, making it easy for kids to fold and unfold independently.

An Uber Eats gift card is a surefire way to delight any teen or tween, allowing them to order their favorite meals straight to their door (or yours). It’s a convenient way to keep their account funded for whenever hunger strikes—or when you’re not in the mood to cook.

Fall brings the joy of shopping for school supplies, whether you’re a student or not. A new set of pens and notebooks can make anything feel achievable. This pack includes 20 whiteboard markers, each with dry erasers and magnetic caps for convenient storage.

Questions You Might Ask

What Do Teenagers Want?

Billis and Splawn suggest that beauty retailers like Sephora are a safe bet. While older teens gravitate toward makeup, skincare is universally popular. Trending skincare brands include Drunk Elephant, Laneige, and Sol de Janeiro.

For teenage boys, cologne is a hit. “Affordable scents like Old Spice and Drakkar Noir have lost favor to designer fragrances,” they note. “Especially among older teens who crave name-brand makeup (Fenty, Tower28, Half Magic, Dior lip products) and designer cologne, part of the appeal is gifting them a luxury item they can’t afford themselves.” 

When it comes to tech, over-the-ear headphones are a must-have for every teen. Fashion trends shift constantly, but sneakers or high-end brands they can’t typically afford (or thrift) are highly sought after. Sports enthusiasts will love jerseys of their favorite players, game tickets, or subscriptions like NFL RedZone or ESPN+.

What Are Preteens Interested In?

Preteens share many interests with teens, but you can often opt for more budget-friendly options. “You can choose more affordable, less designer, and sometimes more natural brands,” Billis and Splawn explain, mentioning names like Glossier, Rare Beauty, Glow Recipe, and e.l.f. 

Tweens enjoy gaming, so if they own a console, a gift card for it or a new game they’ve been wanting is a great choice. Snail mail is also a hit with this age group, so consider magazine subscriptions like Sports Illustrated/SI Kids, National Geographic, Anyway, Muse, or The Week to match their interests. 

YouTube is a favorite among tweens, so the duo also suggests a YouTube Premium subscription to skip ads and enjoy uninterrupted viewing.

What Is Trendy Right Now for Teenagers?

Trends may shift quickly, but Billis and Splawn note that teens are embracing the Y2K aesthetic. It’s a mix of fashion and nostalgia: “One teen we know is eager to get an ‘old school’ digital camera.”

Teens are embracing oversized and layered clothing, sustainable fashion like thrifting and vintage shopping, and gender-neutral styles. For jewelry, current favorites include anklets, charm bracelets, mismatched earrings, and stackable rings.

Are Gift Cards Good To Give as Gifts to Teens and Tweens?

Gift cards are a solid choice, but Billis and Splawn suggest opting for ones that are as versatile as cash, like AppleCash for iPhone users.

There’s an exception to every rule, and for gift cards, it’s food. While Starbucks is a safe bet for most teens, you can also load credit onto apps for their favorite eateries, like Chipotle or McDonald’s, or delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub.

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by Tara Bellucci, a seasoned writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience crafting product reviews and lifestyle content. Drawing on her extensive background in creating gift guides, Tara curated this selection of gifts for teens and tweens. She also consulted Stacie Billis and Meghan Splawn, moms, writers, and co-hosts of the podcast Didn’t I Just Feed You, for expert advice on shopping for this age group.