The 38 Best Gifts for Teens

Think of The Best Friend Game as a play on The Newlywed Game (video)—with friends (instead of couples) pairing up and competing to see how well they know one another. The game comes with six dry-erase boards and markers. And it has a stack of cards with 250 questions, ranging from probing ones (“Who’s my celebrity crush?”; “What’s my least favorite place I’ve ever traveled to?”) to hypothetical questions (“What’s the first thing I would buy if I won the lottery?”; “Who would I call if I had to get rid of a dead body?”). Meant for players who are 14 and older, the game doles out some queries that may not apply to young teens (“How many speeding tickets have I received?” Me: “The answer better be none!”), but the rest should spark some good-natured fun.

—Ellen Lee

Call us old-fashioned, but though we’re moving toward mobile everything, we still think it’s handy to have a nice wallet to store a student ID and a few spare dollars. Luckily the Mighty Wallet is not only durable but also stylish and fun. Its patterns range from a ramen noodle packet to a cassette tape (wait, what’s that?), plus other bold and artsy designs. One of our picks for the best slim wallets, it’s minimalistic but still has plenty of storage, offering two expandable card pockets, two cash pockets, and two hidden pockets along the edges.

—Jason Chen

A reusable water bottle is a must for teens on the go. One of our eight favorite water bottles, the 22-ounce Takeya Actives has a wide mouth that makes adding ice easy. And this model comes in more than two dozen bright colors. The Takeya bottle keeps drinks cold for long stretches, and it has a spout lid that’s simple to drink from (it can be swapped out for a straw lid, if you prefer).

—Ellen Lee

For the fashion-loving teen, a pair of sheer, chic socks can help them slay the latest trend in visible socks. Sock Candy’s nylon socks are embroidered with bold, colorful, and funky designs, from a pretty floral look to a fierce snake pattern. The toes and cuffs are reinforced in cotton, but the socks require some careful maintenance (washing them inside out in a mesh bag is best). They can go with sneakers, loafers, heels, and other dress-up shoes—for a special night out or another day of school.

—Ellen Lee

Wearing sweatpants is the best, and Uniqlo’s Sweatpants are likely to become a favorite item in your teen’s wardrobe rotation during relaxing times or any time. A pick in our guide to the best pajamas, these inexpensive, terry-lined midweight sweats are unfailingly comfortable and cozy. They’re flattering, too, with a slim but easy cut and a gently tapered leg. Note that these have a unisex fit and come in men’s sizes XS to 3XL; if you’re shopping for someone who usually wears women’s sizes, size down. For those who prefer a less body-conscious style, Uniqlo also makes the baggier Women’s Sweatpants, which are available only in women’s sizes XXS to XXL.

—Ellen Lee

We love a classic drugstore lip balm. But when it comes to expanding a discerning teen’s lip-balm universe, something special is in order. Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Balm comes in 12 lovely shades (including untinted) and has an ultra-smooth, wearable formula. We’re partial to the soft-pink Rosé, but all of the colors are buildable and long-lasting, and the tube feels as luxe as the balm itself. For a gel-style pick with a cool-kid vibe, Glossier Balm Dotcom gives lips a natural-looking sheen instead of a major gloss. Glossier’s balm comes in nine hues, including four untinted options (fragrance-free Original, Coconut, Mint, and the subtly sparkly Birthday) and five sheer colors, including Rosé, Lavender, Wild Fig, Mango, and Berry.

—Caira Blackwell

Butter London Nail Lacquers go on smoothly, with just the right thickness and opacity, and this polish resists chipping and stays fresh-looking for a long time (sometimes a month or more, especially if it’s not sandals season). The colors in the collection are deeply saturated, and many of them are a tad edgy, yet still sophisticated and pretty. Whether your teen is a Hunger Games fan or not, this themed collection of six mini bottles is an especially nice introduction to the brand, since it covers a wide range of bases, from a creamy lavender to a deep, glimmery teal. Some teens (or their parents) may also appreciate that Butter polishes are free of formaldehyde and parabens, and they’re not tested on animals. If you’re looking to gift your teen a full at-home pedicure experience, we also have advice on foot spas and more recommendations for nail-care products in our guide to the best gifts for tweens.

We’ve seen these sets go in and out of stock. In addition to the Hunger Games set, Butter London sells several other gift sets, including various two-polish pairings like English Par-Tea and Bohemian Crown, a six-piece Spun Sugar set, and a truly over-the-top 19-piece Legends of London: Branwen’s Tale collection.

—Ingela Ratledge Amundson

The Standard Baggu is one of our favorite reusable shopping bags. It’s convenient (folds into a 5-by-5-inch pouch), durable (just wipe it down or throw it in the wash to clean), and practical (it carries up to 50 pounds of stuff). Choose from tons of different colors and whimsical prints.

—Ellen Lee

Incorporating a smartphone app, QR codes, and virtual reality, the board game Chronicles of Crime feels like a modern version of Clue for the tech-savvy teen. Players are presented with an unsolved murder or heist, and they work with their friends (or solo) to determine who committed the crime, which weapons were used, and why. Each scenario is a story, with a full cast of characters and motives, and navigating one of them is much like traversing a choose-your-own-adventure book. Because of this game’s dark nature—there are occasional references to drugs, murder, and sex—it is recommended for teens and not younger kids, said Brian Mayer, a gaming, learning, and library specialist in New York. Note that part of the experience involves stepping into a 3D crime scene using virtual reality. If you don’t own a mobile VR headset, you’ll need a pair of Chronicles of Crime glasses. (I happen to own a cheap Google Cardboard VR Kit, which also worked.) Like an escape room, it’s pretty much a one-off thing once you figure out the mystery. But the game comes with several crimes to solve, and you can purchase additional stories in the smartphone app or pick up an expansion pack (with new characters, locations, and crimes), such as Chronicles of Crime Noir or Welcome to Redview.

—Ellen Lee

A long-standing upgrade pick in our guide to the best slippers, Glerups Wool Slippers are a gift likely to follow teens into adulthood. Made of soft, 100% felted wool and supple leather, they’re cozy for padding around the house—or loping around college dorms. Odor resistant and breathable enough for year-round wear, these admittedly pricey (yet remarkably durable) slippers come in around a dozen marled, tonal colors and three styles—open-heeled, boots, and shoes, all available in rubber-sole versions as well. For a warm, sheepskin shearling slipper that’s a bit less expensive than styles from Glerup, we recommend our top pick L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins (women’s, men’s). These fluffy slippers are toastier than the woolen Glerups slippers and have a sturdy, rubber sole for outdoor jaunts. The women’s style comes in nine colors and the men’s in six.

—Sarah Gannett

Teens might be cool customers, but they can still become starstruck. Cameo is a digital service that connects mere mortals to celebrities, from actors and athletes to artists and social media influencers. The celebrity of your choice will record a short, personalized video addressing your teen, or even hop on a one-on-one video call. Thousands of celebs are on the service, including David Iacono from The Summer I Turned Pretty and Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. Ranging from about $10 to hundreds of dollars (and beyond), the video can be as silly or serious as you want it to be. Soccer star Mia Hamm, for instance, offered encouragement to a student who was heading off to college. You’re not charged if it falls through, and the message can be viewed on the Cameo app or downloaded to save forever—or until your teen’s next celebrity crush comes along.

—Ellen Lee

The scented mist of an essential oil diffuser can help create a calm, soothing ambiance. Though the health benefits of essential oils are inconclusive, the Urpower, our pick for the best essential oil diffuser, dispenses a comforting scent (based on the chosen oil) for up to seven hours—longer than most of the diffusers we tested. (Note: If your teen shares a home with younger kids or pets, there are some safety concerns to consider before buying, which you can read more about in our guide). The Urpower has a simple, compact design and can be programmed to shut off after one, two, or three hours. Plus, it lights up in seven pretty colors.

—Ellen Lee

Lush Bath Bombs—our pick for the best bath bombs—won us over with their lingering fragrance, long-lasting fizz (an average of three minutes), and skin-softening oils. They’re available in a wide variety of shapes and scents, including the cult favorite Intergalactic and the energizing Avobath, so you can tailor your choice to your teen’s tastes. Given their ephemeral nature, Lush Bath Bombs are a splurge. But they’re also luxe, and they feel very special.

—Ellen Lee

The Lego Bonsai Tree building kit is part of a line that’s aimed mostly at adult Lego lovers (recommended for ages 18 and up) and is one of our favorite botanical Lego sets. After I selected it as a gift for my son’s birthday, it successfully rekindled an obsession with Lego that had waned a couple of years earlier, and this little tree is now proudly displayed in our living room. The tree is just 7 inches high, including the traditional pedestal it sits upon. But the detail is lovely, down to the cherry blossom leaves that—as we discovered upon close study—are actually diminutive Lego frogs. We loved that the set comes with a second set of leaves, in case you want to change the color scheme seasonally. (For more grown-up Lego ideas, see our guide to the best Lego sets for adults).

—Kalee Thompson

Snuggling under a weighted blanket can feel like getting a comforting hug—and sometimes that’s exactly what a teen needs. The 12-pound, 42-by-72-inch Baloo Weighted Blanket (one of our top picks for the best weighted blanket) is soft and sturdy, like a combination of a quilt and a comforter. It’s machine-washable and comes with a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship. (You can choose to cover the Baloo with its washable duvet cover, sold separately.)  The kids version of our favorite budget-priced weighted blanket, the Luna, also feels smooth and of high quality, despite costing much less than other weighted blankets we tested.

—Ellen Lee

These days, our phones are rarely a source of profound relaxation. But a subscription to Calm or Headspace, our two favorite meditation apps, may help the teen in your life take a reassuring timeout. Calm leans into de-stressing with some appealing twists, such as bedtime stories narrated by beloved celebrities—Harry Styles, Idris Elba, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are among the stars lending their voices. Headspace offers guided meditations and playlists for sleep, exercise, and focus (the company provides some free options and has a discounted $10 a year subscription for teens who sign up directly). Both apps feature curated music, ambient sounds, and, hopefully, access to better overall mental health. For those who want to really lean into their meditation with a post-session nap, our expert advice on how to take a comfy couch nap has recommendations for supplies that can help, including the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask, our favorite sleep mask.

—Ellen Lee

A role-playing card game, Coup takes place in a dystopian future that’s all about greed, ruthlessness, and power—which may resonate with many teens. Up to six players take on two characters apiece, each imbued with particular traits. For instance, the assassin—as the name implies—can eliminate others. (There are no weapons involved; being assassinated merely entails losing your card.) With every turn, you try to amass more money and influence, oftentimes by bluffing. The final objective? To overthrow your rivals and be the last one standing.

—Ellen Lee

My teenage daughter and her friends have gotten into thrifting. In addition to saving money and keeping clothes out of the landfill, it provides the thrill of the hunt: You never know if you’ll find a flannel shirt from the 1990s, a pair of classic Doc Martens at a steep discount, or something else that’s Instagram-worthy. Not all online consignment stores offer gift cards, but two popular ones, ThredUp and The RealReal, sell ecards starting at $25. ThredUp—which claims to have listings for up to 2.4 million items at a time—carries clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories in women’s styles by brands from J.Crew to Jason Wu. (You can also shop by outfit). The RealReal is known more for luxury brands, such as Chanel and Celine. It has designer clothing and accessories in both men’s and women’s styles, as well as home goods. And if your teen is tired of the clothes in their closet, they too can purge or sell their castoffs. (A Wirecutter staffer funded a trip to Tokyo in part by offloading her old clothes on the resale site Depop.)

—Ellen Lee

Our pick for the best wireless earbuds, the Soundcore Space A40 lets teens tune out the world and immerse themselves in their favorite beats. They produce excellent sound, block outside noise, and last up to 10 hours on a single charge. Note, though, that headphones can be an extension of a teen’s personal style, so you may want to consult them first. On the other hand, if your teen tends to lose things easily, perhaps consider our budget pick, the EarFun Free 2S. These earbuds also produce solid sound quality and last eight hours, but cost half as much.

—Ellen Lee

If your teen struggles to get out of bed each morning, a sunrise alarm clock, which encourages waking up with the light, might help combat inevitable grogginess. The Philips Wake-Up Light, our pick for the best sunrise alarm clock, produces a soothing simulated sunrise with a red-tinted glow that gradually grows into a bright white light. The Wake-Up Light can also be programmed to simulate a sunset, which, in our testing, nudged us to shut down our devices (what teen couldn’t use that?). The Wake-Up Light may even kickstart a better sleep cycle—an especially good thing since most teens aren’t getting the recommended eight to 10 hours of shut-eye they need per night.

—Ellen Lee

For late-night studying, a relaxing night in, or simply an extra layer, the L.L. Bean Wicked Plush Throw is a comforting, super soft fleece blanket that teens can curl up under. One of our picks for the best throw blankets, it continues to be cozy and inviting after years of use. We also offer additional suggestions for luxurious throws, made from wool, alpaca, and cashmere, which may be worth investing in for your teen. When they leave home (weep), they can take it with them—a special security blanket, if you will.

—Ellen Lee

An iPad stylus can be a surprising gift for a young artist who’s ready to experiment with a digital canvas. Depending on the iPad model it’ll be used with, we like the 1st-generation or 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, or the Apple Pencil Pro. Each Apple Pencil offers phenomenal pressure sensitivity and minimal lag, both of which are essential for artists. Thanks to Apple’s proprietary systemwide integration, the Apple Pencil models also have special features such as side-touch shading, which other styluses don’t. If you’d rather test the waters with an inexpensive stylus, our budget pick, the durable Adonit Mark, is a safe bet. Pair your choice with an app such as Procreate, a favorite among professional illustrators. Your gift recipient can find plenty of YouTube tutorials and classes on Outschool, too.

—Ellen Lee

Many teens cherish their personal space—especially when that space is a reflection of their personality and tastes. The peel-and-stick Chasing Paper Wallpaper, a top pick in our guide to the best removable wallpaper, offers a variety of whimsical, arty, and abstract prints, from charming New York City vignettes to chic geometric patterns. This wallpaper is relatively easy to install, and it’s made with fume-free latex ink. And if your teen has a change of heart, it won’t leave a trace upon removal. Also on offer at Chasing Paper: removable stickers, chalkboard panels, and other wall decor.

—Ellen Lee

As teens start to travel independently, they’ll need a way to pack their own belongings. Away’s The Carry On, one of our picks for the best carry-on suitcases, lets them jet in style. It’s available in a rainbow assortment of colors and can be personalized with their initials, and the hard-sided surface means they can even add their favorite vinyl stickers. We’ve found its wheels to roll more smoothly than others, as well, and its polycarbonate shell can handle rough handling. Though some people may question Away’s hype, this suitcase should last for years—well into a teen’s adulthood (weep).

—Kit Dillon

Listening to Spotify is easy. Listening to a record, however, is a tangible experience that teens can turn into a lifelong hobby. Perfect for a beginner, the U-Turn Orbit Basic Turntable produces excellent sound and can introduce a young music lover to the joys of vinyl. Our budget pick for the best turntable, the Orbit Basic has personal flair (the plinth comes in six colors) and is easy to set up. (We offer suggestions for additional components to maximize your listening experience here.) Plus, once your teen has a turntable, choosing future gifts will be even simpler—just add a record to their collection.

—Ellen Lee

Our budget pick for the best drones for photos and videos, the DJI Mini 3 is a great starter set for teens interested in flying a drone. It offers a 4K camera for taking impressive aerial photos and videos, as well as a 38-minute battery life. Its compact, lightweight build slides just under the FAA’s 250-gram limit. While it doesn’t have an obstacle-avoidance sensor like higher priced drones, it does come with other handy features, such as image and flight stabilization and smart flight modes so it can fly on its own. One little tip: We’ve seen a couple of drones get stuck in the trees in our neighborhood during post-holiday flights, so you may want to encourage your teen to practice in a wide-open space first.

—Ellen Lee

A DNA test can give a curious teen the opportunity to learn more about their genetic background and identity. AncestryDNA, our top pick, stands out with its clearly presented results and useful historical context (our guide to the best DNA testing kit provides perspective on ethical and privacy issues related to DNA testing). With AncestryDNA’s more than 18 million customers—the largest of the DNA databases—there’s a chance to discover distant relations. The process is fairly straightforward. Simply mail in a saliva sample, and within a few weeks results are delivered online, including ethnicity estimates and potential relatives. From there, it’s up to an intrepid teen to track down more clues and delve deeper into their family history.

—Ellen Lee

For the teen foodie, the Japan Crate shows up on your doorstep filled with about 20 surprise treats each month. Some are ordinary sweets in Japanese packaging (one was essentially chocolate M&Ms), but others are fun and unique, such as a can of lychee soda and a fluffy cotton candy concoction that my teen and I mixed ourselves. We found the eye-popping, anime-inspired, sugar-infused Japan Crate to be especially teen-friendly, but you can also opt for the Bokksu Snack Box, one of our favorite gift baskets. (Both are owned by Bokksu). The Bokksu Snack Box comes in more understated packaging, with more artisanal treats and flavors such as black sesame and shiquasa citrus. If you want to opt for individual treats, check out our guide to Asian snacks for even more tasty ideas.

—Ellen Lee

Quench a teen’s thirst for carbonated drinks with a soda maker, which can help cut back on bottles and cans, perhaps appealing to environmentally conscious young adults. (It can be especially fun when paired with a recipe book.) Of the 26 soda makers we’ve tested, we found the DrinkMate OmniFizz to be the best one. It’s easy to use, and it produces great-tasting sparkling water with as much (or as little) carbonation as desired. It can also add fizz to non-water liquids such as apple juice. We also like the SodaStream Art, which we found to be the best of the SodaStream models we tested, though it’s limited to fizzing water only.

—Ellen Lee

Teens who are lucky enough to have their own vehicle to drive should be equipped with some car essentials: This first-rate first aid kit, a pick in our guide to the best emergency preparedness supplies, comes with nearly 300 adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointments, antiseptic towels, and everything else you need to treat cuts, burns, and other minor injuries. If you live somewhere that gets cold, they’ll also need an effective ice scraper like the Hopkins SubZero 80037, our pick for the best ice scraper. The durable Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket, our runner-up pick for the best puffy blanket, comes in a handy stuff sack and will keep them warm during impromptu pit stops. Among the car accessories we recommend is an inexpensive 2-gallon “carbage can,” which straps onto the back console to help keep their car tidy (one can hope, at least).

—Ellen Lee

This article was edited by Kalee Thompson.