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No one ever said being a teen was easy. The often overstimulated world of teens involves a trendy song-and-dance balance of school, part-time jobs, sports, social media, and a healthy social life. When shopping for cool gifts for teens for the holidays, anything you give should reflect their playful-youthful side while serving the opportunity to destress.
We like to find what’s currently trendy ahead of the game — so you can get them the thing they actually want before it sells out. Bonus points if these popular teen gifts spark their budding creativity or future career aspirations.
Looking for more ideas for holiday gifts for teens? check out our Gift Guides for Teen Boys and Teen Girls.
The best cool Christmas gifts for teen
1. For the One Who Loves to Play Basketball QUIETLY: Silent Basketball (Amazon)
We asked our Grown and Flown parents and they told us that this was one of their kids’ favorites-a basketball that is exactly what it says: silent. It’s the same size as a professional basketball and you can practice dribbling and lay ups without driving everyone else in the house crazy.
2. For the One Who Loves Comfort: Rosyclo Cloud Slippers (Amazon)
Comfort is king when it comes to what all the cool teens wear on their feet these days. The Rosscylo Cloud Slippers make one of the best teen holiday gifts. These slippers feel like pillows under your toes and come in over 20 colors to please even the most discriminating teen. Save 10%
3. For the One Who Loves Shoes: Ugg Tasman Slipper (Amazon)
Last year’s sold-out Ugg was the Ultra Mini, but if you have recently been in a Starbucks line, chances are you’ve spotted a teen wearing the uber-trendy Ugg Tasman Slipper, most likely in the Chestnut color. Naturally, these hip Ugg slipper-clogs make for a cool gift for a teen girl.
Aside from the slipper’s popularity, the versatility of the shoe being an indoor/outdoor shoe and the fact that it comes in an array of colors (classic black to neon green) earn extra gifting points. These are sure to be the coziest gift under this year’s tree.
4. For the One Who Needs More Space: Bedshelfie Bedside Shelf (Amazon)
The Bedshelfie is a practical (but cool) Christmas gift for any teen on your shopping list. Whether your teen lives in a dorm, shares a bedroom at home, or has too much stuff, this shelf that attaches to the bedside allows them to have all their must-have essentials at their fingertips. It’s a win for any college student.
5. For the One Who is an Old Soul: Crosley Voyager Vintage Portable Record Turntable (Amazon)
If it was cool 30 years ago, it is still cool today. Scrolling through social media, it is no secret that today’s teens have obsessions with vintage goods like records and record players. Today’s record players are Bluetooth-compatible, streaming music from their smartphones.
6. For the One Who Loves a Music Festival: Beats Solo Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones (Amazon)
Every teen has their musical taste. Some teens are obsessed with the coolest Indie bands, chart-topping pop stars, and old-school rockers. That means you can’t go wrong with on-ear Beats Solo headphones that will bring music to their ears (and peace to your own).
These on-ear headphones look sleek and sound great, and there is no cord or tiny secondary ear pod to worry about misplacing. They’re great for tuning in for studying or listening to a podcast or music. They are the #1 bestsellers in On-Ear Headphones on Amazon. Save 25%
7. For the One Who is a Budding Photographer: Minolta Megapixel Digital Camera (Amazon)
These days, teens are reverting to the 90s and taking photos on digital cameras rather than their smartphones to memorialize good times from sleepovers and parties. Earlier this year, cheap digital cameras sold out online, but you can still snag this one from Ninolta for under $100. The camera has 44.0 megapixel, and they can still upload it to their phones so they can post to social media. Save 8%
8. For the One Who is a Social Butterfly: Fujifilm Mini 12 Instant Film Camera (Amazon)
Stop your social scroll: the Fujifilm Mini 12 Instant Film Camera is a cool gift for teens who love documenting daily life with friends and family. Why? They’ll instantly get cute mini photos that they can use to decorate their rooms or share with loved ones. Aside from the instant gratification that the Fujifilm offers, it comes in many fun pastel colors, which may be the hardest decision you’ll make. Save 4%
9. For the Beauty Queen: Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System (Amazon)
Teenage girls care about their hair; it’s an everyday obsession. While many of them might ask for the pricey Dyson Airwrap, the Shark Hair Blow Dryer gets the job done at a fraction of the price. Seen all over their TikTok pages, these hair dryer brushes will dry their hair quickly (so they won’t be late for school) and come with different attachments to style their hair. This is the #1 bestseller in Hair Multi-Stylers on Amazon. Save 43%
10. For the One Who Loves Smoothies: Ninja Blast Portable Blender (Amazon)
Colorful smoothies, creamy coffee drinks, and quick protein blended drinks are popular with everyone these days. A powerful portable blender that can fit inside any teen’s backpack for a protein boost anywhere anytime will guarantee they are living in their wellness era. The Ninja is powerful, durable, and compact so that it can stand up to hard use from busy teens. This is the #1 bestseller in Personal Size Blenders on Amazon. Save 21%
11. For the One Who is a Kitschy Collector: QANYL Toaster Lamp (Amazon)
If the teen on your list is into the #cluttercore trend or loves cute kitschy trinkets, this anime-ish toaster light is just the gift. Available in three colors—green, pink, and yellow—the light will be an unexpected (but welcomed) gift this season. And we think it’s super cute too! Save 31%
12. For the One Who Loves LEGOS: Lego Botanicals Orchids (Amazon)
The world of Lego makes for endless opportunities for the creative, curious, and design-obsessed teen on your list. If they loved building with these blocks as kids, this more mature Lego kit will give your teen a few hours of fun (and frustration).
13. For the One Who is Crafty: Acrylic Painting Set – ESRICH (Amazon)
What to get the teen on your list who is always dreaming, doodling, painting, and sketching? Their acrylic painting set! This painting set includes a wooden easel, three canvases, brushes, and paints. It’s a one-stop-creative gift that any budding artist will appreciate as they try to become the next Bob Ross. Save 5%
14. For the One Who is a Swiftie: Redtwo Clay Beads Bracelet Making Kits (Amazon)
Thanks to Taylor Swift, we are in the era of friendship bracelets. So what if the teen on your list already has beaded bracelets up to her elbows from the Eras concert they attended this year? This bead kit has everything she needs to make (many) friendship bracelets for themed parties. This is the #1 bestseller in Jewelry Making Kits on Amazon.
15. For the Gamer: GTPLAYER Gaming Chair (Amazon)
This chair has many impressive features which makes it more durable than lesser priced alternatives. This is the #1 bestseller in video game chairs on Amazon. Save 42%
16. For the One Who Needs Calm: CUTEKING Weighted Blanket (Amazon)
Between school, after-school activities, and daily life, teens are stressed. Gift them zen and relaxation at day’s end with a weighted blanket, which feels like a little hug when they’re lounging on the couch. It only weighs 15 pounds so that it won’t feel too heavy on their body, comes in various colors and prints, and also there are varied weight and size options. Plus it is machine washable. Save 11%
17. For the One Who Likes to Cuddle: Warmies Junior Microwavable & Weighted Stuffed Animals (Amazon)
Microwave for weighted warmth or chill for a cool compress. So cute and so useful. Look for a 10% coupon.
18. For the One Who is a Night Owl: Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock (Amazon)
Yes, teens need their sleep. However, getting them to wake up is a struggle. Give the gift that is also a gift to yourself, the Hatch Restore alarm. The aesthetic alarm clock doubles as a sound machine with a gradual sunrise wake-up system slightly less harsh than an alarm. Teens can customize their clock’s features to fit their sleep and wake-up routine for a good night’s rest throughout the school year.
19. For the One Who Loves Party Games: Klask (Amazon)
Half foosball, half air hockey, all fun for everyone.
20. For the One Who Loves to Read: Paperwhite Kindle (Amazon)
I got this for my son and he LOVES it!!! As an alternative, you can get the smaller version-also well-loved-just a bit easier to tote around-the Mini (We love the green at $89.99). This is the #1 bestseller in eBook Readers on Amazon.
21. For the One Who Loves the Latest Tech: Apple AirPod Pro 3 (Amazon)
This is the latest model of Apple AirPods Pro and they have amazing audio plus noise cancellation plus lots of other features your teen might not need including hearing aid features and language translation. Save 20%
22. For the One Who Loves Whimsy: Jellycat Plush Purse (Amazon)
Doesn’t this diminutive zipper bag make you smile? We think it would bring a smile to your daughter’s face, too. Many other cute designs are available. This is the #1 bestseller in Plush Purses on Amazon.
23. For the One Who Loves to Play With Friends: Tosy Light Up Flying Disc
This has been a super popular Christmas gift this year – we love finding toys for our big kids at the holidays and this could be very fun for your son or daughter. It is the #1 bestseller in Ultimate Disc Equipment on Amazon. Save 26%
24. For the One Who Loves Make up: e.l.f. Lip Balm Duo (Amazon)
Yummy fragrances in sheer lip balms from teen-favorite cosmetic and skin care line, e.l.f. Save 25%
For the Ones Who are Driving:
25. Pulidiki Car Cleaning Gel (Amazon)
This has been an incredibly popular gift for teens and adults this year. If they’re a new driver they should help take care of the car and this is a gooey, slimy way to get that done! #1 bestseller in automotive on Amazon
26. Frienda Daisy Clips for Car (Amazon)
Another way she can personalize her car is with these cute daisy clips.
27. LED Car Cup Holders (Amazon)
These LED car cup holder lights could make an ordinary cup holder a bit more interesting.
Why you should trust us
We are three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on products lists for over 12 years now, making us experts. When selecting products we survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of over 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. We do opinion polls, surveys and ask open ended questions. We search for products that combine reasonable price with high quality and are recommended by our large following.
Prices accurate as of date of publication.
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