When it comes to a Sweet 16 birthday gift, picking the perfect one is no small task. We’re here to help commemorate her milestone birthday with our favorite gift ideas for young teens — everything from classics like jewelry to trendy “must-haves” — all of which she will love. These are gifts that would work for your daughter, niece, granddaughter or other special person in your life.
Don’t be surprised if you read through and think, “one for her and one for me!”
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Best 16th birthday gift ideas
1. Experience Gift
Instead of celebrating with a traditional party, another option is to take a memorable trip or treat her to a new experience. Think of tickets to a show or dinner at a restaurant she wants to try on her special day. Whether it is with family, a best friend, or a group of friends, big or small, let her help choose what will make the most meaningful day.
2. Kendra Scott Ari Heart Charm Necklace (Kendra Scott)
Give your gem the Ari Heart Charm Necklace; it is dainty, engravable, and available in six stunning finishes. Kendra also has beautiful birthstone jewelry pieces, that might be just the perfect gift for her.
3. lululemon Belt Bag (lululemon)
This is the “it” bag that keeps up with her every move and keeps everything (phone, keys, wallet) she needs in one place. Water-repellent and available in three colors, this bag is a perfect look and perfect size for any birthday girl.
4. Spa Day
Treat your girl and several of her 16-year-old girl besties to an afternoon of pampering. This cool gift will give her time with friends that she will cherish. You may have to do a little research to find a local salon that will accommodate teenagers, or you may even find a salon that will come to your home.
5. TheraBox Subscription (CrateJoy)
Help your daughter prioritize self-care with this popular subscription box. Each monthly collection is curated by therapists and includes one happiness activity plus seven wellness products that are all thoughtful, mindful, and beautiful.
6. Kate Spade Purse (Amazon)
This trendy leather convertible crossbody shoulder purse would be a lovely gift. The neutral colors mean it can be styled with any outfit and it has enough room to store a phone and wallet, as well as smaller items like lip balm, mascara, her new car keys, and hand sanitizer.
7. David Yurman Cable Collectibles Heart Bracelet (David Yurman)
This classic style bracelet from David Yurman is a durable and beautiful keepsake she can wear for a lifetime. This is a special gift for one of the most special birthdays she will have.
8. Vanity Mirror (Amazon)
This vanity mirror includes a charging port, 15 bulbs, 3 colors of lighting, adjustable brightness, and a portable magnifier.
9. Pura Vida Jewelry (Pura Vida)
Pura Vida has a line of engravable jewelry for personalized rings, necklaces, and bracelets. A Pura Vida Jewelry Club also delivers two exclusive styles monthly. One of my girls wears a wrist’s worth daily.
10. lululemon Backpack (lululemon)
lululemon is among my twin daughters’ favorite brands, and the sturdy AND fashionable backpack is a winner.
11. Himawari Backpack (Amazon)
Practical meets adorable, and they live happily ever after in this just-the-right-size tote. Himawari backpacks come in a variety of eye-catching color combinations. This trendy newer brand can accommodate a 15″ computer. I bought my daughter the one shown above. #momforthewin
Bedroom makeover
12. Pottery Barn Teen (Pottery Barn Teen)
Pottery Barn Teen is one of our favorite sites to shop for furniture and furnishings for teen girls. The bed and bath linens are high-quality and their furniture and accessories will keep up with her evolving style.
Pottery Barn Teen offers dozens of luxe options, including an amazing collaboration with LoveShackFancy, that brings on color, comfort, and sweet dreams.
13. Mirror with Ambient Lighting (Pottery Barn Teen)
This oversized mirror from Pottery Barn Teen has backlighting and could be a worthy splurge that will have her feeling runway ready.
14. Pottery Barn Desk Accessories (Pottery Barn Teen)
Desk accessories to help her stay organized with school and life would be a great pick.
15. Target Bedding (Target)
Target has a wide range of room furnishings and bedding sets that can give your daughter’s room a fresh new look. There’s something for every style choice with good quality products at varied price points.
16. Hydrocotton® Quick-Dry Organic Towels (Pottery Barn Teen)
Towels at PB Teen come in eight pretty colors, which can boost the style of any bathroom.
17. LED Strip Lights (Amazon)
Spruce up her space with these LED lights with 16 different color settings — just enough to match her age and moods! She can synch the controls on her phone, which are voice-activated with Alexa or Google Home.
More unique gift ideas
18. Little Words Project Bracelet (Little Words Project)
With a wearable reminder from Little Words Project, she will feel like a daily birthday girl. There are hundreds of words, phrases, and color combinations, plus the customization option. One bracelet is enough, but if ever there is a case for more is better; this is it.
19. Nintendo Switch Lite (Amazon)
The Nintendo Switch is a portable, personal gaming device at the top of her list (even if it’s not yours). It’s available in four colors.
20. UGG Tasman Slipper (UGG)
UGG gets it right with these wildly popular slippers that feature their classic suede and sheepskin combination. She’ll have these on when she eventually ventures out of her room.
21. Penn Coach Shoulder Bag (Amazon)
Love this slender Coach bag Inspired by archival Coach Y2K.
Sixteen small (ish)gift ideas for one big win
A Grown and Flown mom chose 16 unique gifts for her daughter’s sweet sixteenth birthday and put each one in a wrapped box or pretty bag. We love this idea and have the following teen-vetted items to get you started:
22. e.l.f. Makeup (Amazon) — Choose any number of makeup items in this trendy line.
23. Smartish iPhone case (Amazon) — Protect her phone with this highly-rated case brand.
24. Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy Eau de Parfume (Amazon) — Teens love this artist AND this fragrance.
25. CASEGRACE Jewelry Box (Amazon) — This mini jewelry case is excellent for traveling and comes in many pretty colors.
26. Heart Slippers (Etsy)— Cute slippers will make her smile.
27. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (Amazon)— This award-winning body cream has pistachio, vanilla, and salted caramel scents.
28. LEGO Icons Flower Bouquet (Amazon) — She will love building flowers that never fade.
29. Zodiac Ring (Etsy)— This slender ring is VERY trendy.
30. JBL Clip 4 Speaker (Amazon)— This mini bluetooth speaker has fantastic audio.
31. Cloud Paint by Glossier (Glossier)– She will love this gel-cream blush, available in eight shades.
32. PJ Set (Amazon)— New PJs are always a great gift.
33. lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet (lululemon)— This is an adorable new item from uber-popular lululemon.
34. Havaianas Flip Flops (Amazon)— Get her a unique pair of flip flops from this favorite brand, and she will never confuse them with anyone else’s.
35. Stanley Tumbler (Stanley)— Teens have made this tumbler by Stanley incredibly popular.
36. Silk Pillowcase (Amazon) – Let your teen drift off to sleep with a silky smooth pillowcase.
For More Great Gift Ideas:
Stocking Stuffers for Teens (These small gifts are fun for teens anytime)
