All gift ideas

Gifts for teens

Teenagers are changing quickly, so the safest gifts follow what they are already doing rather than what you hope they will like. Pay attention to what is on their screen, their desk and their bag.

A good teen gift is useful first and stylish second. Things that help with school, sleep, music or hanging out with friends are more likely to be kept than novelty items. If you are unsure about a brand, a gift card or cash can be the right answer, but put a note with it so it still feels chosen.

Skip anything that tries too hard to be cool. A plain, well made version of something they already use beats a trendy item that is out of fashion by spring.

  1. Wireless earbuds with a charging case

    Music, calls and videos all go with them. Look for a snug fit and a case that holds a few charges.

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  2. A fast portable charger

    A phone that dies at four o'clock is a daily annoyance, and a slim power bank in the backpack fixes it.

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  3. A sturdy backpack

    A good one with a padded laptop pocket survives a whole school year of being dropped on floors.

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  4. LED strip lights for their room

    Soft color changing lights are an easy way for a teen to make a room feel like their own.

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  5. A water bottle they will actually carry

    A big insulated bottle in a color they choose gets used at school, practice and everywhere else.

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  6. A cozy hoodie or oversized sweatshirt

    Comfort clothes are what teens wear most. A soft one with a simple design is hard to get wrong.

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  7. A journal or sketchbook

    For the one who draws, writes or just wants a private place to think, a good notebook is a quiet encouragement.

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