62 Gifts for Teens That Are Actually Cool, According to Real High Schoolers

2. Case-Mate Geo Print AirPod Case

Best for Air Pods Users

Multiple high schoolers told us that they wanted a case for their AirPods, making it a foolproof option if you’re stumped on what to get your cousin this year. One teen we asked was partial to this glittery option, but Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters also carry a ton of different styles to choose from.

Buy It ($25)

3. DreamCraftersStudios Hot Chocolate Bombs

Best for Sweets Lovers

Fourteen-year-old Liza S. says she’s been seeing these hot chocolate bombs all over TikTok. “I’ve been dying to try them, but it kind of seems like a pain to make them at home. Hint hint, Mom.” For the uninitiated, they’re chocolate spheres filled with marshmallows that break apart when you pour hot milk over them to create—yup, you guessed it—a delicious cup of hot chocolate.

Buy It ($15)

4. Manna Kadar Lash Glossary 18-Pair Lash Set

Best for Glamour Types

We have fielded questions from our niece who is wondering about what kind of false eyelashes would be best on her, to which we say, gosh, like so many things about coming of age, you just have to experiment and see what you like. This set of multi-hued party lashes, including a tube of lash glue, is a great start for a teen girl's self-discovery.

Buy It ($39)

5. CINCOM Leg Air Compression Massager

Best for Future Performers/Athletes

A performing arts-obsessed teen told us she'd seen this on her favorite ballerina's Instagram feed. Athletes also enjoy this tech, which you slide on over your legs and your feet, calves and thighs are treated to an automated massage that you control with a remote.

$109 at Amazon

6. GlowCity Light-Up Basketball

Best for Active Types

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 early dark of wintertime. Plus, it looks cool on social media.

$25 at Amazon

7. Smoko Potato Light

Best for Kawaii Enthusiasts

One friend's daughter tells us that she’d be happy to get any of Smoko’s cute lamps. So we're thinking, what's cuter than a chubby little glowing potato? Nothing.

Buy It ($22)

8. Champ-Chest Subscription Box

Best for Sports Fans

“My whole family knows I’m obsessed with the Packers, so I don’t even really have to ask. They just know to get me new gear every year,” Max L., 15, tells us. If you want to really go above and beyond for the football fan in your life, gift them a subscription to Champ-Chest, which delivers five to 10 pieces of team gear every three months.

Buy It ($80/Box)

9. Madewell Tie-Dye Swing Sweatshirt

Best for Hippie Chic Girls

If you thought the tie-dye trend had run its course, think again. Multiple teen girls tell us they’re hoping to add some more dip-dyed sweats to their collection this winter. Treating her to this relaxed fit crewneck sweatshirt is sure to win you some brownie points.

Buy It ($80; $56)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XL}

10. Sony PlayStation 5

Best for Gamers

The latest PlayStation was released on November 12 and, unsurprisingly, it immediately sold out, with long online wait times and vendor sites crashing. However, this most popular wish list item among the teen boys (and a couple of the girls) we talked to is available resale at StockX, a trusted site that verifies the authenticity of its items before shipping. Note: this certification might take a few more days before the item arrives, but a guarantee of this hardware in your teen's hot little controller-wielding hands should be worth it.

Buy It ($904)

11. BlissLights Sky Lite Laser Star Projector

Best for Stargazers

Another product that’s gone viral on TikTok? These galaxy projectors, which make any ceiling look like a mesmerizing night sky. “I’ve been wanting one for my room ever since I saw this video, but I don’t really want to spend $60 on it so I’m hoping I get it for Hanukkah,” Monique V. explains.

$60 at Amazon

12. Spotify Premium

Best for Audio Enthusiasts

It’s rough out there when every third song is interrupted with an ad, so we’re not surprised that two freshmen mentioned asking “Santa” for Spotify Premium. This card is redeemable for a full year of the streaming service, which means your music aficionado can jam out without fear of interruption.

$99 at Amazon

13. Fujifilm QuickSnap Disposable Cameras (Set of 2)

Best for Scrapbookers

“I really want a disposable camera for Hanukkah this year. My friend had one over the summer and the pictures turned out so cool when she got them developed,” says Leila B., 14. These cameras from Fujifilm apparently take great quality pictures, earning them over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

$28 on Amazon

14. Adidas Logo Rib Beanie

Best for Stylish Guys

Here’s a practical gift one senior told us he’s hoping to receive this year. He explained that his Carhartt beanie from last winter is looking a little worn out and this Adidas one is more his style these days anyway. Sounds like someone raised him right.

Buy It ($26)

15. Ugg Fluff Yeah Genuine Shearling Slingback Sandal

Best for Cool Girls

Given that everyone from Selena Gomez to Gigi Hadid has been spotted wearing these open-toe slippers from Ugg, we’re not surprised that one 16-year-old told us she wants a pair. “They’re so cute, and I’m hoping they won’t make my feet sweat like my other slippers do,” Rachel W. candidly tells us.

Buy It ($100)

16. AuKing Mini Projector

Best for Sports Party Hosts

“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 Chris V., 17. Sounds like it’ll make for some pretty epic movie nights, too.

$86 at Amazon

17. Starbucks Gift Card

Best for Coffee Lovers

Multiple teens mention that a Starbucks gift card would make their lives a little easier. (C’mon, have you seen the price for a grande Frappuccino lately?) And thanks to Amazon, you can load a gift card up without ever having to set foot in a store. The retail giant will deliver it to your doorstep, and you can pop it right in their stocking. Done and done.

From $25 at Amazon

18. Birthdate Candle

Best for Astrology Believers

Whether your 15-year-old cousin is a budding astrologer, or she just enjoys reading her horoscope every morning, she’ll love this personalized gift. Select her birth date, and the brand will send a candle with a scent that’s made to appeal to them. It’ll come printed with info about her astrological sign, as well as personality traits of people with her birthday.

Buy It ($38)

19. Apple Pencil

Best for iPad Users

If your teen’s a devoted iPad user, he could probably benefit from an Apple Pencil. 17-year-old Blake O. told us he has one on his Christmas list because he wants to be able to draw and take notes on his iPad Pro. A gift that might make them more willing to do homework? Sign us up.

$95 at Amazon

20. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizing Hot Air Brush

Best for the Hair Style Obsessed

We’re obsessed with the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and the salon-worthy blowouts it produces, but we had no idea teens were into it, too. Apparently they are now, thanks to TikTok. “It’s all over my For You page and everyone’s hair looks amazing after they use it. I’m really hoping it’ll tame my frizzy waves,” says Leslie H., 15.

$30 at Amazon

21. Bombas Men’s Originals Calf Socks

Best for Jocks

As it turns out, some kids actually do want socks for Christmas. One teen boy we chatted with says he’d love another pair or two of Bombas but can’t justify spending his own money on them. What makes them so special, you ask? The long-staple cotton is supersoft and sweat-wicking, and the special stay-up technology ensures he won’t be yanking them up every five minutes. Stocking stuffers, made easy.

Buy It ($12)

22. Kate Spade New York One in a Million Initial Pendant Necklace

Best for Jewelry Lovers

At the top of 14-year-old Caroline R.’s list? A simple initial necklace that she can wear every day. And while she didn’t specify which brand (if any), this Kate Spade style has racked up almost 700 five-star reviews, making it a sure winner. This more affordable option from Anthropologie is popular too.

Buy It ($58)

23. Vont Starry Fairy Lights

Best for Room Fixer-Uppers

One tenth grader told us she’s currently in the process of revamping her childhood bedroom, which inspired her to ask for a set of fairy lights for the holidays. The flexible copper wires make it easy to place them around picture frames, mirrors or other decor for a pretty effect (that won’t ruin your walls).

$12 at Amazon

24. GoPro Hero 9 Streaming Action Camera

Best for Aspiring Spielbergs

“My grandparents usually get me one big gift every year, so this year I’m asking them for the newest GoPro. It has way better picture quality and stability than the previous ones which will be perfect for my snowboarding videos,” says Matteo N., 18.

Buy It ($450; $400)

25. Glossier Cloud Paint

Best for Beauty Buffs

Chances are, you’ve already overheard her discussing this wildly popular makeup brand with her friends. But she could always use another product for her ever-growing makeup collection. Cloud Paint is a gel-cream hybrid blush that she can sweep on with her fingertips. It’s subtle, glowy and virtually foolproof.

Buy It ($18)

26. DrinkSammee The Boba Kit

Best for Boba Drinkers

Making your own bubble tea at home is actually way easier than you might think. Gift your boba addict this DIY kit—which includes loose leaf tea, uncooked boba, milk tea base, brown sugar, straws and a recipe—and maybe she’ll finally stop spending her allowance at the tea shop every weekend.

Buy It (From $25)

27. Lululemon Align Pant 28’’

Best for Luxe Legging Wearers

Buying Lululemon leggings on a babysitter’s paycheck isn’t easy, Georgia V., 16, tells us. That’s why she’s hoping her parents come through and put a new pair or two under the tree this year. “They’re basically the only leggings I wear because they’re so comfortable...but they’re so expensive,” she explains.

Buy It ($98)

^{Available in sizes 0-20}

28. Indah Long Cardigan

Best for Sweater Lovers

This is a sweater that is comfortable enough to wear around the house but pretty enough to throw on last-minute after our teen remembers she has to turn her camera on for her Zoom study group.

Buy It ($145)

^{Available in S/M, M/L}

29. Sephora Gift Card

Best for Makeup Experimenters

She loves spending Saturday afternoons roaming Sephora’s aisles and swatching the newest products. Get her a gift card and she’ll be able to actually buy a few. Multiple teens we spoke with cited these gift cards as the number one thing they’re hoping to find in their stocking.

Buy It (From $10)

30. Isle of Paradise Own Your Glow Kit

Best for the Aspiring Beach Bunny

One mom says her 17-year-old daughter is always experimenting with self-tanner, but the bottles from the drugstore always leave her covered in orange streaks. So, for Christmas, she’s giving her this set from Isle of Paradise which comes with face and body self-tanning drops, self-tanning water and a tanning mitt, to ensure that her hands don’t end up splotchy.

Buy It ($35)

31. HyperX Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headset

Best for Group Gamers

Any avid Fortnite player will tell you the best part of the game is being able to talk to other players. This comfortable gaming headset offers surround sound to make the experience that much more immersive. Just know that he might never leave the game room once he opens this gift.

$106 at Amazon

32. Stargazer Plush Throw Blanket

Best for Room Hibernators

She’s always holed up in her bedroom, so you might as well make sure she’s comfy up there. Get her one of these super soft throw blankets to cocoon herself in during her Netflix binges. Based on the reviews, there’s a good chance she’ll love it so much that she brings it to college in a couple of years.

Buy It ($49)

33. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer

Best for Tech Creators

After using a 3D printer at school, freshman Harry Z. says he’s begging his parents to get him one he can use at home. Reviewers say this one is great for first-time users since it’s easy-to-use and more affordable than most advanced models.

$236 at Amazon

34. Zella Live In Pocket Joggers

Best for Stylish Sweatpants Fans

“Since my school’s hybrid this year, I only go in twice a week...which means I obviously wear sweats the rest of the week. I’ve been wanting a pair of black joggers and I’ve heard Zella’s are super comfy,” says Cleo V., 16.

Buy It ($59)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XXL}

35. Bitty Boomers Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Best for Mandalorian Addicts

Have a fan of The Mandalorian on your hands? Surprise them with this miniature Baby Yoda speaker. It can connect to their phone via Bluetooth and offers four hours of playtime per charge. Yup, they’re gonna want to show this gift off to their friends.

Buy It ($20)

36. Book of the Month Subscription

Best for Book Lovers

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

Buy It (From $50/3 Months)

37. Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver Generation 2

Best for Future Hairstylists

Relax, crimpers aren’t making a comeback (at least not yet). But this similar-looking device has gotten really popular among teens. In fact, three of the girls we spoke to said they’re hoping to receive a hair waver this year. Opt for an affordable model with impressive reviews, like this Bed Head number, to avoid spending the big bucks on what’s probably just a fad.

$26 at Amazon

38. Olive & June The Mani System

Best for the Nails Obsessed

Our teen cousin told us she wants some new nail polishes, but we’re going to go ahead and gift her this full manicure set from Olive & June. It comes with six of their no-chip polishes, plus seven tools to help her shape and polish her nails, just like the pros.

Buy It ($80)

39. Umbra Tesora 3-Tier Jewelry Stand

Best for Neatniks

A gift so chic, she’ll never guess you only bought it to make the top of her dresser look a little bit neater. Now, she can hang her necklaces, bracelets and earrings in one place, almost ensuring they never end up in a tangled mess again.

$32 at Amazon

40. Billie Smooth Operator Gift Set

Best for Smooth Skin Aspirants

“This brand’s ads keep popping up on my Instagram and I’m dying to try out their razors. The cute packaging has totally sold me,” says Ameera K., 17. This set comes with a razor, four blade refills, shave cream and body lotion, so your gift recipient can get the full Billie experience.

Buy It ($35)

41. Magneto 44 Inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard

Best for Skater Wannabes

If you’re lucky enough to live in a climate where it’s not absolutely freezing in December, your adventurous teen will have a blast cruising down the street on this longboard. Get him a helmet too, while you’re at it…

$80 at Amazon

42. Smoko Heated Slippers

Best for the Barefoot

Made by the same brand as that adorable potato lamp we mentioned above, these dumpling-shaped slippers have built-in heating pads to keep her feet nice and toasty. They do have to stay plugged in, though, so she can’t venture too far from the couch in them.

Buy It ($38)

43. Gotrax XR Ultra Electric Scooter

Best for the Neighborhood Gadabout

“My thirteen-year-old has been hinting at wanting an electric scooter for months now,” one dad tells us. This one can reach speeds of 15 mph and travel up to 17 miles on a single charge, so he’ll obviously ride it around town for hours.

$360 at Amazon

44. Thread & Supply Wubby Pullover

Best for the Plush Wearer

Cozy clothes seem to be top-of-mind for everyone this season—including teens. One told us she’s asking for this super soft sherpa pullover that apparently feels “like being wrapped in a fluffy cloud.”

Buy It ($78; $40)

45. Philips Norelco Wet/Dry Electric Shaver

Best for the Face Shave Newbie

Whether you want to help him step up his personal grooming routine or send a little nudge that you’re really hoping he gets rid of his wispy “mustache,” this wet/dry shaver should do the trick.

$100 at Amazon

46. Nintendo Switch, Limited Edition Animal Crossing Design

Best for the Mobile Gamer

Nintendo Switch systems are finally coming back in stock after being sold out everywhere for the past seven months. But with holiday shopping on the rise, we have a feeling it’s only a matter of time before they sell out again. In other words, get this one n-o-w.

Buy It ($376)

47. L.L. Bean 8-Inch Bean Boot

Best for Snowy Puddle Jumpers

She’s been saving up her allowance for a pair of these Bean Boots for few months, but she’d definitely appreciate if “Santa” just dropped them under the tree. And you can feel good about the investment—they’re a practical winter boot she’ll use for years (L.L. Bean products are made to last)—just as long as her feet don’t grow anymore.

Buy It ($139)

48. Bloomscape Tough Stuff Collection

Best for Fledgling Green Thumbs

This set includes a Sansivera, ZZ plant and Hoya, three of the most low maintenance plants on the market. Even if she’s managed to kill succulents before trust us, these varieties are almost indestructible.

Buy It ($65)

49. Respawn PC & Racing Gaming Chair

Best for Desk Sitters

If he’s going to insist on sitting in front of the computer for four-plus hours a day playing video games, at least you can ensure that he has good posture. This adjustable chair tilts, pivots and offers lumbar support to help him stay comfortable while gaming.

Buy It ($450; $183)

50. Slip Large Slipsilk Scrunchies

Best for Hair Fiddlers

Not only are they pretty but these 100 percent silk scrunchies will also ensure that she doesn’t get that annoying ponytail crease in her hair after having it up for a few hours. Plus, the gentle material protects against damage and split ends.

Buy It ($39)

51. 10-Foot-Long iPhone Charger Cable (Pack of 2)

Best for the TikTok Scroller

This charging cable is so long, he can lay in bed and scroll through TikTok for hours, even if the closest plug is all the way across the room. This will make for a great stocking stuffer, trust us.

$14 at Amazon

52. Bread Beauty Supply Wash-Day Essentials Kit for Curly & Textured Hair

Best for the Curly Haired

“I’m always experimenting with new products to keep my curls looking their best. Next on my list? Bread Beauty Supply. I’ve heard their Gentle Milky Hair Cleanser is amazing,” says Ashley O., 17. This set contains that product, plus the brand’s Creamy Deep Conditioner and Everyday Gloss hair oil.

Buy It ($58; $50)

53. Men’s Patagonia Retro-X Fleece Jacket

Best for Outdoorsy Guys

Sherpa is everywhere this season, and one 16-year-old we talked to swears this vintage-inspired jacket is at the top of his list. Psst: The windproof material has Patagonia’s HeiQ Fresh technology, which will keep it odor-free, no matter how many weeks he waits before finally throwing it in the wash.

Buy It ($199)

^{Available in sizes M to XXL}

54. Cool to Be Kind Art Print

Best for Art Lovers

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 of her Christmas 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.”

Buy It ($22)

55. Starface Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches (Pack of 32)

Best for Clear Skin Experimenters

“My favorite YouTuber, Brooke Miccio, has talked about these pimple patches a few times and I’m curious to see if they actually work. Fingers crossed I get them as a stocking stuffer,” says Maya C., 15. Plus, we love this brand’s messaging about ending the stigma around acne, too.

Buy It ($15)

56. PJ Salvage Thermal Print Pajamas

Best for Cute Jammies Devotees

Jo S., 16, says she hasn’t gotten new pajamas in a hot minute. Take a hint, Mom and Dad! This printed set made it on her list for 2020 because, “matching sets are so cute and I like the fitted style,” she says.

Buy It ($88)

^{Available in sizes XS to XL}

57. Cloud Neon Sign

Best for the Décor Fan

“I’ve wanted a neon sign to hang on my bedroom wall for so long and I have a feeling my parents are finally going to get me one for Christmas,” says Clare K., 13. Her favorite design is this simple cloud outline. We kind of want one ourselves, now that she mentions it…

Buy It ($70)

58. Baisite DIY Paint by Numbers Kit

Best for Art Therapy Practitioners

Behold, the ideal gift for any high schooler with a creative side. Bridget A., 14, tells us that she used to love paint by numbers when she was little, and she started to get back into them during quarantine. “Painting really helps me relax,” she explains. And since you just have to fill in the spaces with their corresponding colors, these projects are great for aspiring artists looking to build their confidence.

$12 at Amazon

59. Flybold Slackline Kit with Training Line

Best for Future Circus Acts

TBH, we don’t really get the appeal of learning how to walk across a tightrope-like slackline in the backyard. But apparently teens are really into it. Two parents told us their sons are asking for slacklines this year after trying one out at a friend’s house. This particular kit comes with a training line they can hold onto overhead while they’re still newbies.

$70 at Amazon

60. ProsourceFit Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar

Best for Home Workout Types

If gym is their favorite class at school, they’ll be psyched at the idea of being able to do pull-ups in the doorway. Don’t worry, Mom, it’s made from high grade steel that can hold up to 300 pounds so it’s not going to come loose mid workout (as long as it’s installed properly, that is).

$30 at Amazon

61. Studs Lightning Bolt Huggie Earrings

Best for Ear Stack Wearers

When asked what she wants to unwrap on December 25, Faye L., 17, immediately pulled up the image of these lightning bolt 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.

Buy It ($40)

62. Apple MacBook Air

Best for Computer Lovers

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.

Buy It ($1,000)

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