Looking for inspiration for less expensive gifts for your son or daughter? Take a look at our Christmas Gift Guide, filled with presents under $25 that might also make thoughtful birthday gifts or cute Secret Santa gifts, too.
Note: We are a reader-supported site and receive a small compensation from purchases made through some of the links in this post. Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Christmas gift guide for teens (all under $25)
1. Lighted Makeup Mirror (Amazon)
This lighted makeup mirror would be perfect in a dorm room – it does not take up much space and can help your college student with a well-lit mirror to put on their makeup before going out. Charges via batteries or USB and tilts 180 degrees. Adjustable lighting settings, too.
2. Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags (Amazon)
Your teens will never use disposable baggies once they have their Stasher bags. Dishwasher and microwavable safe, they can be used for food storage, filled with liquids, or for makeup storage in a travel bag. They are available in many colors and sizes.
3. Resistance Band Set (Amazon)
Here is a great, well-priced fitness idea — these compact resistance bands are a way anyone can work out, even in a small dorm room or apartment. Perfect for anyone who travels.
4. Anker Power Bank (Amazon)
Power up a phone while on the go. Compatible with iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max/14/14 Pro/Samsung/Pixel/LG.
5. Apollo Tool Kit (Amazon)
A basic tool kit is a useful part of dorm life, and later, when your teens move into an apartment, they will be happy to have one. This one has 39 pieces in a durable box storage case.
6. MAC Lipglass Lip Gloss (Nordstrom)
Love, love, love this lip gloss.
7. Zodiac Ring (Etsy)
These slim rings are massively popular this holiday season.
8. Journal Pens (Amazon)
If your teen likes journaling or color-coding notes and assignments, this best-selling pen set would be a nice gift, especially with new journals.
9. Men’s Henley T-Shirt (Target)
This Henley shirt is available in eight colors and styles and is very well-priced.
10. Phone Bike Mount (Amazon)
So your teen can keep both hands on the bike handlebars instead of holding their phone; this holder will keep it secure and visible.
11. Cell Phone Stand (Amazon)
This phone stand would be a practical gift for anyone on your list. Both sturdy and portable, it folds, making it easy to throw into a backpack for use at home, work, and school. Phones can be used in a horizontal or vertical orientation.
12. Carhartt Cuffed Beanie (Amazon)
Available in loads of colors, Carhartt beanies may be the only hat your son will wear. They are great for girls, too, and would be an incredibly thoughtful gift for anyone moving to a colder climate. This is a #1 best seller in hats on Amazon.
13. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
This best-selling lip treatment would be a nice gift for anyone who loves health and beauty products.
14. Hidden Pocket Scrunchies (set of two) (Uncommon Goods)
In lavender and blue, these velvet scrunchies feature a hidden pocket with a zipper to store your essentials, like keys and cash.
15. Essential Oil Shower Steamers (Uncommon Goods)
Place one tablet in the shower, turn on the water, and enjoy spa-like scents that infuse the steam. Choose ROSE, LAVENDER & GERANIUM, EUCALYPTUS, ORANGE & MINT, and PINK GRAPEFRUIT.
16. Olive & June Mini Neutral Nail Polish Set (Target)
Three Olive & June neutral colors and a top coat make this a very nice gift.
17. Bronax Cloud Slippers (Amazon)
Super-comfortable, these slippers are available in many colors and would be great for anyone on your list.
18. The Defining Decade: Why Your 20s Matter and How to Make the Most of Them NOW (Amazon)
Dr. Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist and an associate professor of education at the University of Virginia. She has written a compelling case for how young adults can take their twenties seriously and why they should.
19. Left Center Right (Amazon)
This is one of THE most popular games among the Grown and Flown community.
20. Make-Up Travel Brush Set (Amazon)
A gorgeous set of makeup brushes in these dynamic colors might inspire your daughter to throw out her old brushes and begin 2024 with an all-new and clean makeup routine. While made for travel, they are equally functional for use at home.
21. Photo Snow Globe (Amazon)
Teens can make their own snow globe with the photograph of a best friend, a furry friend, or the family that loves them dearly. This is a cute, seasonal alternative to a more ho-hum picture frame.
22. LED Photo Clips String Lights (Amazon)
This string light photo display is a whimsical decoration and an easy way to dress up a drab dorm or bedroom wall.
23. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (Amazon)
This international bestseller is all about kindness, friendship, and home. The gorgeous illustrations are unforgettable.
24. Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone (Amazon)
Author and illustrator Becky Blades wrote this book and created the gorgeous artwork as a goodbye letter to her college daughter. Don’t forget to add your message at the end. This is the right gift to give your soon-to-be-flown daughter.
24. Lightweight Vest (Target)
There are few outwear garments as flexible as a vest, and we think your son might love this lightweight quilted one in either navy or black. It can be worn over a sweater or hoodie or under a jacket.
25. Ninja Wallet Multi-Tool (Amazon)
This credit-card-sized tool has 6 Hex wrenches, a can opener, fruit peeler, bottle opener, ruler (standard & metric), letter opener, box opener, phone stand, eyeglasses, Phillips, and Flathead screwdriver. Genius!
26. Mario Badescu Facial Sprays (Amazon)
Mario Badescu has a big following, and the facial sprays are one reason. This set will allow your teen to sample aloe, rosewater, and lavender scents.
27. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (Amazon)
With a name like “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza,” we were instantly intrigued and had to buy this fun and fast-to-learn card game for our families.
28. Glossier Hand Cream (Glossier)
This luscious hand cream from the super-popular brand Glossier will be something your daughter would love. It smells so good.
29. Men’s PJ Joggers (Target)
These 100% cotton joggers might be the pajama pants your son will wear all holiday long.
30. Bracelet Hair Tie (Amazon)
If your daughter has long hair, she likely wears a tie on her wrist when pulling her hair up. Now, she can wear a cute bracelet instead that converts to a pretty hair tie.
31. Shower Speaker (Amazon)
This shower speaker has been a big hit with our sons, who love to sing in the shower. Bluetooth and waterproof, they’re available in 6 colors.
32. Makeup Remover Pads (Amazon)
Here is a genius remedy to makeup stains on nice washcloths — washable makeup pads in a mesh wash bag. Less waste than using paper pads, too.
33. YETI 10-oz Tumbler (YETI)
YETI makes a variety of unique tumblers, and the 10 oz one is under $25. They keep hot or cold beverages at the desired temperature for hours, come in various colors, and can be customized (at additional expense).
34. Faux-Leather Crossbody Bag (Target)
This compact cross-body bag is available in many pretty colors and is just the right size to keep a phone and a few valuables: adjustable strap and zipper closures.
39. Paperage Journal Kit (Amazon)
If your teen enjoys journaling, this kit has everything needed to create a bullet journal. Bullet journaling is a new and trendy way to journal, often using colors, art, and designs to organize thoughts rather than just writing.
40. Hot/Cold Gel Ice Pack (Amazon)
Heating pads are useful for both pain relief and relaxation. This heating pad ranks on The New York Times Wirecutter: “This flexible, microwaveable hot/cold pack has a unique hands-free wrap.”
You Might Also Want to Read:
Stocking Stuffers for Teens and College Students
Awesome and Super-Popular 2023 Holiday Gifts for Him
Holiday Gifts for Her That She Will Love (2023)
35. Winter Gloves With Touch Screen Sensitivity (Amazon)
Cute gloves that keep your daughter’s hands warm, and she does not have to take them off to use her phone to call you! Twelve colors to choose from.
36. Athleta Coffee Run Wallet (Athleta)
Keys, two cars, and some cash-grab it and go. Five pretty colors.
37. Soak Mineral Bath Salts (Sephora)
Ninety-two percent of users recommend these bath salts.
38. 6-Pack Sport Bands Compatible with Apple Watch Band (Amazon)
If your teen has an Apple watch, here’s a chance to change the band color daily.
39. Paperage Journal Kit (Amazon)
If your teen enjoys journaling, this kit has everything needed to create a bullet journal. Bullet journaling is a new and trendy way to journal, often using colors, art, and designs to organize thoughts rather than just writing.
40. Hot/Cold Gel Ice Pack (Amazon)
Heating pads are useful for both pain relief and relaxation. This heating pad ranks on The New York Times Wirecutter: “This flexible, microwaveable hot/cold pack has a unique hands-free wrap.”
You Might Also Want to Read:
Stocking Stuffers for Teens and College Students
