62 Gifts for Teens That Are Actually Cool, According to Real Gen Z-ers

For some reason unbeknownst to me, every teen seems to be obsessed with anything neon/LED, which makes this customizable neon sign the perfect addition to their bedroom. Available in sizes ranging from 16 inches to 59 inches, this pick is so cool, their siblings will be wondering why they didn't get one for themselves.

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 one-liter capacity, this bag can pack away quite a bit, but some buyers have noted that it can feel small. So if your teen wants to tote more than just the essentials, think about sizing up. The water-repellent fabric, made from recycled materials, makes it an ideal accessory for active lifestyles.

One PureWow editor’s teenage cousin reported that the Stanley cup remains a hot-ticket item. The Adventure Quencher, with its five-cup 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, including rose quartz and peony.

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 went bonkers for friendship bracelets this year, so now’s the time to replenish your teen’s stash. This affordable kit packs in 1,200 glass beads, including the entire alphabet and 24 different colors. Cord is included, but you’ll have to supply other materials for rings, earrings and key chains.

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 Birthdate Co.’s Birthstone Ring checks both boxes. The sterling silver piece is coated in 14k gold and features 15 hand-set gemstones. Three marquise cut birthstone gems represent the past, present and future, while the white accent stones evoke images of the stars. Each ring is handmade by a family-run caster, lending each one a unique look and feel. To ensure the ring stays brilliant, it’s recommended to take it off when exercising, swimming and bathing.

A new beauty product to add to their collection, coming right up. The TikTok-favorite e.l.f. Highlighter Glow gives you radiant skin thanks to its hydrating squalane formula and lightweight nature. Plus, it's easy to apply and melts right onto the skin for a natural, dewy look. With the super affordable $9 price tag, you can snag her two of these, so she's well stocked for the year ahead.

They’ll want to cozy up day and night in this cozy rugby sweatshirt that’s just the right level of oversize. The high-low hem and ribbed cuffs are perfect for pairing with their favorite leggings, and the polo collar and placket are a majorly trendy upgrade from a classic henley.

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 on school picture day. (Honestly, same.) This handy little acne spot treatment by Solawave can help treat sensitive skin. It delivers 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, according to the brand.) The tool is also easy to use. Simply hold it over the breakout and set the automatic timer.

“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. It's dust-and water-resistant, and reviewers say it’s impressively durable, too, just in case your teen isn’t exactly known for being careful.

Whether your teen is tall or petite, chances are a pair of Vuori joggers will fit them well. (Just ask PureWow's former beauty director, who raves about them.) The performance jogger comes in a swath of colors with inclusive sizing. The tapered leg lends a sleek look without being clingy. Bonus—the pants are made from recycled materials.

Teenage sneakerheads can’t get enough of these chunky performance sneakers, according to my 14-year-old sister. Its curved design, coupled with the vintage look (not to mention the low-cut collar and brand's reputation), make it a fun new sneaker on the market. The grippy CPU outsole ensures it's a great all-purpose shoe, whether they’re walking to school or running to around on the basketball court.

Elevate their gaming sessions with this gaming headset from Logitech. Boasting advanced microphone filters for a cleaner sound, multicolored reversible suspension headbands and dual-zone RGB lighting amongst other cool features, they'll automatically get 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 this year's 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 mirror front to check your makeup before that next Zoom session. Plus, it holds more than just a few treats: There’s room for up to six 12-ounce cans. At the flick of a switch, it becomes a fridge for makeup and cold drinks, or a place to warm your 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 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. “He liked the camo print, and 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 one is a gift for your favorite teen and really, the whole family, since it sounds a blistering alarm and flashes a strobe light when activated, thereby giving everyone peace of mind. And it works for 40 continuous minutes, so you can feel safe in the knowledge this siren has their back on close calls.

In case you totally missed it, soft goth has been trending. If your teen is having a Wednesday (or Pugsley) Addams phase, then a pair of Dr. Martens is absolutely essential. Opt for the Service Boots, which feature the original 1460 design. Chunky, slip-resistant lug soles, moisture-wicking memory foam and the iconic yellow stitching ensure these shoes are as functional as they are fashionable. 

Film photography is enjoying an unprecedented popularity, 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. The 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 numerous 5-star reviews, the Kindle Scribe is super compact and easy to travel with, and a great tool for students, writers and artists. Offering a 300 ppi glare-free, front-lit display and note-sharing, they bang for your buck is totally worth it considering how much they'll love it.

If Gen Z is all about originality, the Motorola Razr+ will definitely help them stand out. The reimagined flip phone makes the style look cool. The large screen folds in half, giving the phone freestanding capabilities. Plus, the size means you can access tons of apps without having to open the phone. It also kicks the experience up a notch with Dolby sound (that’s the stuff you get in the movie theater).

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 12 colors with three effects (metallic, white, stardust) 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 Watch6 has all the bells and whistles you might expect: 40 hours of battery life, fitness tracking on over 90 exercises, heart monitoring capabilities and even sleep coaching. The display is large and durable, with water resistance up to 164 feet. The device synchs with other Galaxy devices so you can call, text, play music access your phone camera and more.

If Mabel Mora 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 poppy necklace comes in 18k gold vermeil or sterling silver with a delicate engraving of the flower, said to represent imagination and strength of character.

For athletes (and 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 come 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.  

From Paris to Oakland, Copenhagen to Brooklyn, these slouchy cotton sweatshirts promise a comfy journey through airports to their next destination. Other locales include Philadelphia, Nashville, Savannah, Ibiza and Positano.

Candles are fun, but what’s an avid collector to do with all the jars that inevitably pile up? Meet Notes. Buy a starter kit, which includes a reusable glass jar and silicone insert, plus two candle refills. One PureWow editor tested it out and loved the ease of assembly, range of scents (like vanilla and pepperwood, plumeria, citrus and violet) and the natural wax blend (soy, rice bran, beeswax).

Any avid photographer will tell you the best gift is a photographer. This tech-savvy 8k camera offers a premium picture taking experience 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 opens this gift.

This Anthropologie Advent calendar has an ever-growing fan base on TikTok, and comes with 24 different beauty products from some of the best brands on the market, like Lanolips, Supergoop and Phlur. Your teen will be able to unwrap one gift each day leading up to Christmas, which will definitely give them something to look forward. Plus, they will be stocked with enough products to get them through the year (or halfway through the year, at least).

When you adopt an animal at Earth Rangers, you fund conservation efforts and research to protect them. For example, adopting a polar bear helps to support work conducted at the University of Alberta in Canada, where researchers are studying polar bears in the Beaufort Sea. Other popular adoptions include the Harbor Seal and Common Loon.

These best-selling pants were designed for lounging and unwinding, but with the sweat-wicking tech jersey material, she could easily rock these for after-school gymnastics or weekend yoga. And if you really want to be on her good side, add this signature crop tee ($55) to her gift to make it a complete set.

Assistant editor Delia Curtis gave this perfume a 5-star rating when they tested it over the summer. "Vanilla Skin is a body mist that’s loved by the masses—and for good reason," they wrote in her review, adding "I loved testing this particular scent out because it thrived on its own and made for a great layering fragrance. Plus, the body mist has become such a cult-favorite that it’s made its way to an eau de parfum formula, meaning we’ll be smelling like Vanilla Skin a whole lot longer."

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. It comes in a variety of colors including black, red and floral. 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.

There’s nothing like a nice bath and a book on Self-Care Sunday. Gift your teen a set of six handmade bath bombs—perfect as stocking stuffers. The bath bombs come in a variety of scents, like orange and rose, and are made with coconut oil and shea butter. Plus, the eco-friendly packaging uses absolutely no plastic.

Minimalist with a dash of boho-chic, this elegant 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 9-inch wide, 44-inch long longboard made in California. It has nice, thick, grippy wheels that can handle rough roads and a maple core for stiff durability. Get them a helmet (from $28), too, while you’re at it.

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 pivoting-head shaver should do the trick. It's got little extras such as a pop-up sideburn trimmer and allows him to shave dry or wet with foam or gel, so he can experiment with his grooming 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 chauferred 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.

It feels like all the cool kids are wearing Crocs these days, you can’t go wrong with the brand’s classic clogs as a stocking stuffer. Choose from 28 colors, ranging from black to all shades of pink and blue. These iconic shoes are known for being super comfortable, plus, you can accessorize them with charms for a personal touch.

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—and this one heats in a mere 60 seconds. As one former editor attests, the Mermade gave her hair, which normally doesn’t hold any shape, all-day waves in about ten minutes, and even withstood an evening workout.

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.

Teens and puffer coats are a match made in heaven. Aside from its chic Y2K-trending design, it's made with a cozy polyester that will keep her warm and toasty on cooler days, and has front zipper she can wear open or closed. The banded ribbed hem and cuffs are a tribute to the 2000s, and the taupe color is one she'll able to pair with a range of bottoms.

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.

Teens are raving on TikTok about this device, which not only cleans your teeth, but also pairs with an app to show where you need to brush better. This electric brush is powered by batteries so there’s no need to keep it charged up, and even comes with a travel case so she doesn’t have to bring that free toothbrush she got from the dentist on her next trip. When shopping, keep in mind that some reviewers found the bristles to be soft. While not necessarily a bad thing, it can be a downside if you prefer something firmer.

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 22 different canvases, including flowers, landscapes and surreal art. Each kit includes paints, brushes and a guide to help them create the masterpiece.

Beats Studio pro headphones come with all the bells and whistles your teen needs to get lost in the music (or the podcast). That means Bluetooth capabilities, spatial audio with great bass and a battery that lasts up to 40 hours total.  There are three different audio settings for the wearer to experience, and ANC (active noise cancelling) mode keeps outside noise from butting in, disturbing their listening experience. However, if they're out and about, they can switch to "aware' mode, which lets the wearer hear their surroundings.

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 indoctrinate your teen on 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 a row of glittering white stones in a 14k 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.

So, your teen has decided they want to start a band. Or, at least, start playing an instrument. The Yamaha FD01S is a good intermediate pick, but also a good first guitar that can grow with the player. Buyers have noted that it’s good value for the money, marrying sound and build quality with a reasonable price.

It’s rough out there when every third song is interrupted with an ad, so we’re not surprised that two freshmen mentioned wanting 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.

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 their birthday. One teen I asked was partial to this glittery option with its dog clip key ring and magnetic closure, but Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters also carry a ton of different styles to choose from.

This portable laptop desk has something(s) extra. It's large (17 inches by 13 inches) and 4.5-inch thick. It includes three inner compartments easily accessed by the sliding surface and the carvings pay homage to the four Hogwarts houses. A pencil lip keeps everything from sliding off. It's enough to keep your giftee's nose out of their novels and into their studies.

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). Just be sure to gift a helmet (from $24).

For tweens and new teenagers, this starter set from Sol de Janeiro is a great introduction to the world of beauty. The products are suitable for all skin types, ranging from a body wash to iconic Brazilian Bum Cream.  It also comes with a perfume she will able to spritz on as the finisher, featuring a vanilla and amber scent teens rave about. Needless to say, there is a reason why this set is so highly rated.

For your budding YouTuber or TikTok star, a great mobile setup is a must. Lume Cube’s highly rated Mobile Creator Kit packs up the essentials for great content into a handy travel case. Included are a compact, telescoping tripod, Bluetooth remote, various cold shoe mounts, a microphone and creator light. Whether they're filming makeup tutorials or daredevil hikes, this setup will help them do both.

This set of fine fragrances from this Los Angeles-based perfume and candle company is gender-neutral, so you need not worry about the scent being overly flowery or woodsy or citrusy for your giftee, since there are notes of all of that in these little vials. In the box are six scents, ranging from Flor De La Virgen (Sicilian pomelo, jasmine, musk) to Hinoki Fantôme (cedarwood, hinoki, fir).

Vinyl has never been more colorful, thanks to Crosley’s slew of happy-hued record players. For the teen with the budding collection (how could they not pick up every new Taylor Swift release?), they’re going to want this 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, she’ll get to choose one of five just-released YA titles to be sent her way. And if none sound appealing, she can always surf through past months’ offerings.