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
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
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
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 Love Shack Mini Heart Crossbody Purse
Q: What’s cooler than a new stylish place to stash a debit card and driver’s license?
A: One filled with gift cards! In addition to including gift cards in this lovely gift, tuck in a special note telling her how much she means to you.
7. Bombas Socks
Bombas now makes day-of-the-week socks which you can buy as a group of 7 (Monday-Friday) or in singles for just the day she was born.
8. David Yurman Cable Collectibles Heart Bracelet
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.
9. Adjustable Vanity Mirror
This vanity mirror is height adjustable, has three color modes, two charging ports, and a shelf where she can place her phone while putting on makeup.
10. Pura Vida Jewelry
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.
11. Lululemon Mini City Adventurer Backpack
Lululemon is among my twin daughters’ favorite brands, and the sturdy AND fashionable backpack is a winner. Available in five pretty colors.
12. Himawari Backpack
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 is less expensive than the Lulu one above and can accommodate a 15″ computer. I bought my daughter the one shown above. #momforthewin
Bedroom makeover
13. 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 that bring on color, comfort, and sweet dreams.
14. Mirror with Ambient Lighting
This oversized mirror from Pottery Barn Teen has backlighting and could be a worthy splurge that will have her feeling runway ready.
15. Pottery Barn Desk Accessories
Desk accessories to help her stay organized with school and life would be a great pick.
16. Target Room Essentials Bedding
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.
17. Target Room Essentials Towels
Towels at Target come in eight pretty colors, which can boost any bathroom.
18. LED Strip Lights
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
19. Little Words Project Bracelet
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.
20. Nintendo Switch Lite
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.
21. UGG Tasman Slipper
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.
22. Snappy
At Snappy, your daughter can accept the present you have chosen or she can pick an alternative from a curated collection of products and brands. Letting her choose her own present is the kind of gift that any young person (especially one with growing independence in style and brands) would appreciate.
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:
23. e.l.f. Makeup — Choose any number of makeup items in this trendy line.
24. Smartish iPhone — Protect her phone with this highly-rated case brand.
25. Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy Eau de Parfume — Teens love this artist AND this fragrance.
26. CASEGRACE Jewelry Box — This mini jewelry case is excellent for traveling and comes in many pretty colors.
27. Smiley Face Slippers — Cute and happy slippers will make her smile.
28. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream — This award-winning body cream has pistachio, vanilla, and salted caramel scents.
29. LEGO Icons Flower Bouquet — She will love building flowers that never fade.
30. Zodiac Ring — This slender ring is VERY trendy.
31. JBL Clip 4 Speaker — This mini bluetooth speaker has fantastic audio.
32. Cloud Paint by Glossier – She will love this gel-cream blush, available in eight shades.
33. PJ Set — New PJs are always a great gift.
34. Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet — This is an adorable new item from uber-popular Lulu.
35. Havaianas Flip Flops — Get her a unique pair of flip flops from this favorite brand, and she will never confuse them with anyone else’s.
36. Personalized Clutch — A slim fabric bag with a zipper top is both functional AND memorable when it has her name on it.
37. Stanley Tumbler — Teens have made this tumbler by Stanley incredibly popular.
38. All About Vibe Custom Pillow Key Chain — Will she be driving soon? Give her a custom key chain with the likeness of her best furry pal to remind her how much she is loved!
For More Great Gift Ideas:
Stocking Stuffers for Teens (These small gifts are fun for teens anytime)
