65 Gifts for Teens That Are Actually Cool

One quick scroll through TikTok and it's obvious that the girlies love the lululemon Scuba hoodie. Particularly the oversized cut, which keeps the signature ribbed paneling while using the brand's updated SuperLoft Light fabric. The material has been brushed on both sides for a supremely soft feel, with a cozy fleece lining that's still breathable. The sweatshirt has hand pockets, plus a hidden card sleeve for those who don't want to lug around a wallet or bag. Idea for the couch potato who runs out occasionally to find snacks.

A little logo goes a long way when you're in middle and high school, and these Adidas slides fit the bill while also being under $50. A great gift for the student athlete, since they're easy to fling off and slide on before and after practice. They're also, for some, great everyday wear, and if they pair them with the Scuba hoodie above, they're probably set.

"When I was in middle school, my first 'grown up' bag was a fuchsia leather tote from Coach," recalls PureWow editor Marissa Wu. "I felt so cool. It's totally embarrassing now, but a great memory."

If your teen is also starry-eyed for the world of fashion, they're sure to be over the moon to find one of the brand's most iconic bags in their gift pile. The Tabby features the signature "C" logo affixed to the snap closure, with two detachable straps that allow the wearer to choose between a flirty shoulder bag or practical, hands-free crossbody. While there are plenty of neutral hues to choose from, your teen may appreciate the bolder colors like Magenta, Marigold, Biscuit and Poppy.

Pheromone perfumes have been popular lately, with people loving the addictive, clean quality of a "skin" scent. Glossier You is one of the most popular, with its pink pepper and iris profile tempered by the sweet Ambrette/Ambrox base that melds to the wearer. For the young adult just coming into the world of fragrance, this unique pick—which smells a little different on everybody and isn't overpowering—is just the thing. 

This summer was an epic one for basketball fans, with the underdog Knicks careening to their first NBA championship since 1973. No matter who you were rooting for, the run-up to the victory was nail-bitingly spectacular. If your teen has hopped on the Knicks bandwagon, then this T-shirt is for them.

The teenage bedroom is a mecca for their self-expression, and right now, one of the biggest (fluffiest) cool factors one can have is the viral Lola Blanket. Known for offering a spectrum of vibrant colors and signature, double-sided faux fur, the blanket promises zero shed, "life-changing softness" and four-way stretch. Oh, it's also machine-washable, which is great for those susceptible to crumbs in bed.

Despite the fact that the Pocket Blush does not fit into one's back pocket (though a hoodie pocket will do), that doesn't stop it from being a highly sought-after product among the TikTok gen. The creamy, hydrating formula from none other than Hailey Bieber's brand yields a satin finish in 13 shades, from hot pink to a bronze-y terracotta.

Gaming consoles have made leaps and bounds over the last decade. Gone are the chunkier outfits (RIP, Nintento Wii) in favor of portable consoles like the Switch. But with Backbone, even your teen's iPhone can become a gaming console with the addition of these magnetic adapters. Connecting to the Backbone app allows players to organize their content library and game streaming services, supporting multiple genres of gaming. You can choose between consoles that use either Apple's lighting connector port or the traditional USB-C.

The maker behind the wildly popular analog-style digital cameras released a Super 8-style camcorder to much fanfare. Last year, Taylor Swift was spotted with it in her hands during a Chief's game. Wu, who is a photography enthusiast herself, also owns and loves the digital camera.

"This is definitely going to be a hit with any teen who's trying to get offline," she says. "There's literally one button for recording, and you can't play back the footage, giving it an authentic film feel. You just have to trust the process!"

Your aspiring Spielberg can record in four aspect ratios with four film-style filters (plus a standard setting). Unlike many old film cameras, this one has a built-in microphone, as well as a cold shoe mount for accessories like lighting and external microphones. Camp Snap also made some improvements after last year's launch; the camera now comes with a lens cap to protect against scratches, and is available in three additional colors: Espresso, Rose and Champagne.

Jeans can be uncomfortable, so it's no wonder that sweatpants reign supreme in a teen's closet. There's nothing digging into their waist to leave an imprint later, and with some savvy styling, they can be worn almost anywhere. Alo's best selling unisex style is the aptly-named Accolade sweatpants, with a loose, straight leg in a fleecy French terry fabric. They'll love the feel—and the cool cred that comes with the brand name.

"When I visited some family friends over the summer, I walked into the 13-year-old daughter's bedroom and nearly tripped over her pile of Jellycats," Wu says. "While there are tons of iterations to choose from, the Amuseables food-themed plushies proved to be quite popular."

Wu got a kick out of seeing this croissant-shaped Jellycat, but also found the marshmallows, peanut and cup of coffee particularly amusing (see what we did there?). Anyone who has a soft spot for these adorable—and super plush—stuffed toys will be just smitten. 

The teen years are rife with angst and...acne. Face it: It’s kind of a 15-year-old’s worst nightmare to wake up with a giant red zit. (Honestly, same.) This handy little acne spot treatment by Solawave can help treat sensitive skin by delivering red and blue light therapy to affected areas. (Blue light therapy can help fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce sebum production, while red light works to reduce inflammation, correct hyperpigmentation and brighten complexions.) The tool is also easy to use: All they have to do is hold it over the blemish and set the automatic timer for three minutes.

You can't go wrong with a personalized gift, and this BaubleBar bracelet is both tasteful in its gold-plated finish and fun with the bubble letters you can choose to spell their name or initials with. (The maximum is nine characters.) The bracelet is easily adjusted by a pull tie—no struggling with a lobster claw clasp here.

If your teenager is trying to fight the brainrot, they're going to appreciate Brick. The smartphone blocker requires the user to physically tap it to unlock access to apps, so once they've locked their phone, it's bye-bye to TikTok until they've walked back over to tap on the Brick. That means if they lock their phone and walk out the door, they can't access social media until they get home (gasp!). But trust, they'll appreciate all the extra brainpower they'll gain once it's free of digital distractions. (That said, you might want to pick up one for yourself, too.)

For tweens and new teenagers, this starter set from Sincerely Yours is a great introduction to the world of skincare. The products are non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, and include a hydrating cleanser, a soothing serum mist and a barrier-friendly daily moisturizer. The travel-ready trio also comes with an exclusive (and too cute) Cloud Case bag for storage. Needless to say, there is a reason why this set—and brand—has all the mini beauty gurus in a tizzy.

Chances are they're not going to have the vinyl edition from this global superstar since streaming services are the listening preference of choice. However, they'll appreciate this "Sweat and Vanilla Perfume Portofino Orange Glitter Vinyl" edition of the record as a decorative object, pore over its imagery and trust me, whip it out to show friends. And, hey—maybe your teen does have a record player. In that case all the better.

No matter your teen’s age, they will love the ubiquitous and stylish lululemon belt bag. It’s available in a ton of colorways, including gender-neutral tones, with an adjustable strap and interior pockets. With a 1-liter capacity, this bag can pack away quite a bit (including their phone and emergency credit card). The water-repellent fabric, made from recycled materials, also makes it an ideal accessory for active lifestyles.

One PureWow editor’s teenage cousin reports that the Stanley cup remains a hot-ticket item. The Adventure Quencher, with its 40-ounce capacity and ability to keep drinks at optimal temperatures (two days iced, 11 hours cold and seven hours hot) will keep your teen sipping in style all day long. It’s also dishwasher safe (always a plus) and is available in several colors for all genders.

This regulation-size and -weight basketball has two LED lights which make the entire ball glow upon impact. For shooting hoops after all the schoolwork is done, this will be a welcome way to blow off steam during the darker months. The ball’s glow dims automatically when it’s not in use, and it comes with a spare set of batteries to keep the ball bouncing brightly after the 30 hours of the pre-installed batteries elapse.

Everyone has been going bonkers for friendship bracelets over the past few years, so now’s the time to replenish your teen’s stash. This affordable kit packs in 1,200+ beads, including the entire alphabet and 96 different colors. Cord, clasps, string, scissors, tweezers and jump rings are also included.

One tenth grader told me she’s currently in the process of revamping her childhood bedroom, which inspired her to ask for a set of fairy lights from her parents. The flexible wires make it easy to place them around picture frames, mirrors or other decor for a pretty effect (that won’t ruin your walls). This particular set offers a plethora of fun color options and a handy remote control. The latter controls the multiple modes and brightness levels for your teen to customize to their liking.

The only thing better than pretty jewelry is meaningful jewelry, and Crafted Harmony Create's birthstone ring checks both boxes. Choose from 18-karat gold, silver or rose gold plating, with sterling silver also available. The dainty band features your desired stones (up to eight), with each piece handmade to order in New York.

When Wu asked her family friends (with teenagers aged 14 and 16) what the hot commodity was among them, there was a very specific callout to Dae's cactus fruit styling cream and taming wand. Taming wands are game changers and the secret to the popular slicked-back look that's going around. They can help corral the baby hairs, control the frizz and style edges. Dae's formula is packed with dragon fruit (moisture and antioxidants), cactus flower extract (strengthens hair elasticity and improves manageability) and prickly pear seed oil (shine and hydration).

Film photography is having quite the resurgence, and it’s the instant cameras that deliver the old-school vibe with the necessary dose of 21st-century instant gratification. “The picture quality is pretty crisp and I think the joy of the Instax camera is that it all looks a bit retro. Bonus: It’s incredibly easy to use,” raves PureWow’s Senior Director of Special Projects and Royals, Rachel Bowie. The Fujifilm Instax line packs in the value, with affordable film (that produces great colors) and cute camera designs. The Mini 12 is a portable delight that your teen will always want to have in their bag to document moments with friends.

“I’m asking for a movie projector this year so I can have my friends over for football Sundays. When it’s nice out, we can watch the game on the garage door, or project it onto the whole basement wall if it gets cold out,” says one 17-year-old. This projector is compatible with many devices, including smartphones and USB drives, and has dual stereo speakers. It can project up to 200 inches, which means it’ll make for some pretty epic movie nights.

With hundreds of 5-star reviews, the Kindle Scribe is a great tool for students, writers and artists. The latest model boasts a pen that gives the feel of writing on actual paper. It also never needs charging (yay) and has a built-in eraser. The 11-inch display will automatically adapt itself to its lighting conditions, while the AI tool allows users to quickly comb through their notes and generate summaries. It also has the ability to import documents from Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, mark up existing documents and export them as PDFs. Don't be surprised if they ditch their laptops for this bad boy when note-taking.

For the teen who has a pencil pouch stuffed with only the best gelly roll pens for the *optimal* note-taking experience, the new (retractable!) Gelly Roll pens will be a must-have addition. They come in various colors with different effects (including metallic, stardust and pastel) and will write on matte or glossy paper. Who said taking notes couldn’t be fun?

What better gift for a gym rat (or athlete) than a smart watch? The new Samsung Galaxy Watch9 has all the bells and whistles you might expect, while being lighter and slimmer than its predecessors. Expect a larger battery, Google Gemini for voice control and full access to the Google Play store.

In terms of health metrics, it's got all the features of the Galaxy Watch8, with the additions of the Fitness Index, Running Coach, Vitals, Heart Health Score and Hearing Protection. For the teen tracking their gains in the gym, this one is a must.

If Mabel Mora from Only Murders in the Building deems this worthy of being on permanent rotation in her wardrobe, then you can rest assured that your teen will love it just as much. After all, who doesn’t want to emulate the ever-fashionable Selena Gomez? Rellery’s marigold initial necklace comes in 18-karat gold vermeil or sterling silver with a delicate engraving of the flower, representing the month of October, along with your initial of choice. (You can also opt for a different flower to represent their own personal birthday month.)

For athletes or champions of athleisure, lululemon’s Align leggings fit both bills. They’re lightweight, quick drying and sweat-wicking, making them ideal for long runs and intense workouts. This high-waist pair also comes in tons of fun colors with a hidden pocket and soft waistband. So, whether they throw them on for a workout or to plop on the couch for a movie night with friends, one thing’s for sure: they’ll look exceptionally cool while doing it.  

Candles are fun, but those empty jars can pile up quick—and end up being more wasteful than they're worth. For the avid candle collector, Siblings' DIY candle is a more sustainable (and interactive) way to light up. Buy a starter kit, which includes a reusable ceramic vessel, 9 ounces of coconut-soy wax, wooden wick and a blend of fragrance oils (including bergamot, black currant, white rose, oakmoss and musk). All it takes is a couple of minutes for them to create their own candle and at least two hours for it to settle before they can take in the wonderful scent. Once it's all melted out, they can just do it all over again!

Any avid photographer would be thrilled to receive this fancy camera as a gift. The digital device offers a premium picture-taking experience that is immersive, fun and creative as they hone and develop their skills. Just know that they won't be able to put it down once they unwrap it.

Quarter-zip pullovers were having a bit of meme moment last year, but they're timeless for a reason. That said, your cool guy will appreciate this snappy fleece from Custom Ink, which you can personalize with custom embroidery ranging from his school logo to his initials or last name. The site even has an AI designer tool you can use to create instant illustrations based on whatever you can dream up, then position it onto the garment. The options are quite literally endless—and they'll ensure he's getting a truly one-of-a-kind piece that he'll actually use.

This cornucopia of products from cult personal care company Lush is the ultimate gift for a teen who appreciates a bathtime ritual. Among the dozens of holiday-themed bath bomb and soap shapes are the Arctic Fox, Candy Cane, Magical Santa, Unicorn Horn and Reindeer. Get ready for 25 days of holiday cheer.

Former editor Delia Curtis gave this body mist a 5-star rating when they did a comprehensive review of the entire line. "Vanilla Skin is a body mist that’s loved by the masses—and for good reason," they wrote in a review, adding "I loved testing this particular scent out because it thrived on its own and made for a great layering fragrance." For the newbie fraghead, it's a great pick to spritz on post gym class or soccer practice—especially since they can be a lot less precious about keeping it in their locker or stashing in their bag than they would the more expensive eau de parfum version.

It’s no secret Bandolier is a celeb-favorite accessory, loved by the likes of Blake Lively, Zooey Deschanel, Selena Gomez, Oprah and even Taylor Swift. One of the most popular styles is the Hailey Crossbody, with an adjustable, detachable strap and button-snap card holder. The leather phone case comes in a variety of colorways and contrasts to best fit their taste. Teens will love the ease of having their phone, money and keys on something way cooler than a lanyard and less bulky than a bag.

Minimalist with a dash of boho-chic, this pretty jewelry organizer has a pull-out drawer, eight compartments and parallel standing bars to store necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and other pieces. Say goodbye to the tangled clump on the vanity.

Your adventurous teen will have a blast cruising down the street on this 27.5-inch electric bike with a 350-watt motor. Power and speed aside, it has durable, grippy wheels that can handle rough roads and dual disc brakes for reliable stopping power. Still, you'll probably want to get them an upgraded helmet, too, while you’re at it.

Whether you want to help him step up his personal grooming routine or send a gentle nudge that it's time to part ways with his wispy "mustache," this pivoting-head shaver will do the trick. It features thoughtful details like a pop-up sideburn trimmer and is designed to shave dry or wet—with foam or gel—so he can experiment with his new-to-him shaving regimen.

Nintendo Switch's popularity has soared, in part thanks to the console's easy portability. It’s a perennial favorite for kids who want to game while being chauffeured by their parents or waiting at the bus stop—because playing Mario Kart 8 seems like a way better deal than reading To Kill a Mockingbird to a 9th grader. It supports three play styles—TV mode, tabletop and handheld—with detachable controllers and a battery that can last up to nine hours. Of course, it’s also compatible with all the iconic Nintendo games.

Yes, Crocs are cool—and you can't go wrong gifting a pair of the brand's classic, comfy, durable clogs. Choose from 24 colors, ranging from black to all shades of pink and blue. These iconic shoes are known for being super comfortable, plus they can be accessorized with charms and chains for a personal, teen-friendly touch.

Three of the teen girls we spoke to said they’re hoping to receive a hair waver this year—and this TikTok-famous tool from Tymo is the number one best seller on Amazon right now. The clamp-style waver is equipped with three barrels that heat up in just 30 seconds, and make achieving beachy waves a breeze.

Instax’s smartphone printer will allow your teen to print any photos off their phone. The company makes three models to accommodate different sizes of film (mini, square, wide). Printing requires connection via the Instax App, which also gives access to InstaxAiR, which allows the photographer to add shapes and doodles to their image before printing. Fun scrapbooks and photo wall incoming.

Apparently, room decor is a major theme this year, because one junior told us she’s also looking to revamp her bedroom with a few wish list items. She sent us a link to this art print in particular, saying, "I just love the font and the message behind it." Indeed, we could all use the reminder these days. This particular print is available in five sizes and printed on cotton archival paper. Just add a pretty frame and it’s ready to wrap.

Behold, the ideal gift for any high schooler with a creative side. A 14-year-old tells us that she used to love paint-by-numbers when she was little, and she just started to get back into them. “Painting really helps me relax,” she explains. And since you just have to fill in the spaces with their corresponding colors, these cotton-and-linen canvases are great for aspiring artists looking to build their confidence. Choose from a slew of different canvases, including flowers, landscapes and surreal art. Each kit includes paints, brushes and a guide to help them create a masterpiece.

The latest drop from Beats by Dre are the Beats 360 Bluetooth headphones, featuring plush ear cups made from a soft, breathable performance knit. The ear and headband are interchangeable based on one's mood; colors include black, cream, pink and sky blue. They're also sweat- and water-resistant. The battery will last for up to 32 hours, meaning they can stream music, chat on the phone or work in quiet mode for hours on end. Updated features include improved noise cancellation, personalized spatial audio and adaptive EQ that customizes sound. Ideal for escaping into their tunes during a study sesh or for their commute to class.

Another teen girl I spoke to said she’d love to receive stationery. Sure, you could fill her writing desk with sets from Rifle Paper Co. (not that anyone is complaining). Or, you could introduce your aspiring Emily Post to the joys of monogrammed stationery. (Because even Taylor Swift can’t resist a good letterhead.) Paper Culture’s classic monogram option is printed on recycled paper and available in multiple colorways, trims and papers—envelopes included. Throw in a fountain pen and the gift is complete.

When asked what she’s eyeing, one 17-year-old immediately pulled up the image of these classic huggies on her phone. “I just got my second holes pierced so I have to wait a couple of months, but I can’t wait to put cool little hoops like this in them,” she says. The Max Pavé Huggie earring features a row of glittering white stones in a 14-karat gold hoop, perfect for stacking with other jewelry.

Sure, lots of students have access to school computers these days. But most don’t allow them to access the important stuff—like Netflix and Hulu. Hook them up with a MacBook Air so they can watch TV from the comfort of their own bed and also use it for non-schoolwork-related internet needs (you know, like researching new ways to be embarrassed by you). Plus, Macs are known to be long-lasting, so if they take good care of it, it just might last them through college. Wu's did, finally croaking its last breath seven years later, well into her mid-twenties.

So, your teen has decided they want to start a band. Or, at least, start playing an instrument. The Fender California Debut guitar is a great starter instrument, coming in at under $150. Buyers have noted that it’s good value for the money, marrying sound and build quality with a reasonable price. And it won't feel like a huge loss if the rock band dream fizzles within a couple years.

When you adopt an animal at Earth Rangers, you fund conservation efforts and research to protect them. For example, this caribou plushie (Rudolph's cousin, perhaps?) helps to fund the work Wilfrid Laurier University is doing in Canada's Northwest Territories. Other animals up for adoption include the red panda, beaver, lynx and flying squirrel. Adorable—and impactful.

Multiple high schoolers told me that they wanted a case for their AirPods, making it a foolproof option if you’re stumped on what to get your trendy cousin for Christmas. One teen I asked was partial to this silicone option from Kate Spade that doubles as a cute bag charm.

The flexible deck on this skateboard has slip-resistant pivoting decking and 76mm urethane wheels with precision sealed bearings that result in smooth riding. Net result: Riders carve better and faster than ever before (but newbies can have a gentle ride, too).

Nothing will get your teen more excited for a family vacation than a shiny new suitcase from cool-girl luggage brand Béis, founded by actress and social media star Shay Mitchell. This sleek carry-on has all sorts of thoughtful design details to keep them organized and on track (a built-in weight indicator is sure to come in handy for the overzealous packer).

Experiencing the joy of vinyl has never been more colorful, thanks to Crosley’s selection of sunny record players. A teen with a budding vinyl collection is going to want this totally groovy portable version. It’s got Bluetooth connection, plays three speeds, offers pitch control and has built-in speakers. Great for toting to a friend’s house or adding a pop of color to their room décor.  

Shopping for a bookworm? You can’t go wrong with a Book of the Month subscription. Each month, they'll get to choose one of five just-released Young Adult titles to be sent their way. And if none sound appealing, they can always surf through past months’ offerings.

“I’m asking for a portable speaker so I can use it to blast music while I shower, or in the basement when my friends come over. I like that it has 24 hours of playtime per charge because I’m horrible about remembering to plug things in,” one 18-year-old tells me. This one is dust- and water-resistant, and reviewers say it’s impressively durable, too, just in case your teen isn’t exactly known for being careful.

Teenage sneakerheads can’t get enough of these Adidas sneakers. The leather shoe features the brand's signature three stripes, plus a clear gum sole for a modern twist on the classic Gazelle kicks. The style also boasts a lace-up closure that'll keep 'em secure whether they’re walking to school or running around on the basketball court.

Elevate their gaming sessions with this futuristic headset from Logitech. Boasting advanced microphone filters for a cleaner sound, multicolored reversible suspension headbands and dual-zone RGB lighting amongst other cool features, it also provides up to 29 hours of battery life, which is great for avid gamers. Just make sure they don't get too carried away!

High school senior Bella has her eye on something beauty related. "I think that a mini-cosmetic makeup fridge is a must-have for teen girls," she says. "Not only can you keep all of your products in there, but there is also even some room to hide some chocolates!" This desk-sized one (its footprint is only 7 by 9.5 inches) comes with a sleek mirrored front so she can check her makeup before snapping a selfie. At the flick of a switch, it becomes a fridge for skincare and cold drinks, or a place to warm her coffee.

This shoe is arguably just odd-looking enough to take the teen nation by storm, as TikToks and trend watchers attest. So when 18-year-old Peter had to have a pair to take to college in upstate New York, our only comment was “hope you have some thick wool socks.” The oiled leather uppers and signature molded Birkenstock footbed should, at least, keep him comfy on those hikes to class.

Sports card collectibles are a whole thing, with TikToks devoted to starting and growing a collection. Stoke your young friend's fandom—along with educating them about markets and the collectible economy—with this monthly box that contains three autograph/memorabilia cards, three unopened packs and 50 bonus cards. There is also a monthly special themed item, and you can choose between football or baseball. Just mention your teen’s favorite team.

“I got my 14-year-old this wallet and it was a hit,” says one Los Angeles-based mom. “I liked that it wasn’t so expensive that if his underdeveloped pre-frontal cortex lost it, it would be a tragedy.” This simple folded wallet is a classic and is popular for hipsters of all ages, with six card slots and a money sleeve. Plus, there’s a built-in radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking liner to protect card data, so you’ll have more chance of your young guy keeping their identification, a debit card and cash handy.

This is a gift for your out-and-about teen and really, your own peace of mind, since it sounds a blistering alarm and flashes a strobe light when activated, thereby scaring off any dangerous strangers who come too close. It works for 40 continuous minutes, so you can feel safe in the knowledge this siren has their back on close calls.

Socks? The wrong pair is akin to coal in your stocking, but Cozy Earth's array of happy hues (like this Daisy yellow) and plush, bamboo-blend softness make them the ideal under-$20 stocking stuffer. Watch your teen happily pull on a pair and style them with all the athleisure on this list.