When we were teenagers, we’d be happy with a Tamagotchi and a handful of Reese’s in our stocking. Today, it’s a totally different gifting strategy. While we’ll most definitely still put some random toiletries in there (they can never have too much deodorant and toothpaste), we’re upping the game with actual presents, pre-vetted by Gen Z. Here are 25 of the best stocking stuffers for teens, as told by teens.
The 25 Best Stocking Stuffers for Teens, According to Actual Teens
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
“Ear cuffs are the best, because you don’t even need to get a crazy piercing to get the look. Plus, my ears always hurt when I wear anything but real gold, which can be super expensive.” —Kelsey W., 14
“Everyone knows the stocking is really the best part. Especially if I happen to get the new Apple Airpods Pro in there. I know they’re practically sold out everywhere, but I think Santa might be able to pull through…” —Tim B., 16
3. AtomXS 3-Hour Key Chain Emergency Charger
“I hate it when my phone dies in the middle of the day. I have a portable charger, but it’s so big and not convenient. I like the idea of a charging keychain, so it’s really always with me.” —Zoe P., 15
4. Brandy Melville Mini Heart Earrings
“I love anything from Brandy Melville, especially the earrings!” —Samantha D., 16
5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Purple Holiday Bundle 2022
“The iPhone takes nice pictures, but these old-school instant film cameras are way more fun. It can get annoying to scroll through Instagram anyway. Oh, and I’ll put my favorite ones on the wall behind my bed with these cool picture-hanging string lights.” —Amanda L., 17
6. Gmyle Apple Airpod Case Keychain
“Kids in my class are always dropping their AirPods and losing the case in their backpack. I just want a keychain case so I can find them easily between classes.” —Jake B., 13
8. Free People Heavy Metal Hair Clips
“Hair clips are so easy. They make my hair look presentable, no matter how late I am.” —Kim Z., 17
“Everyone loves Glossier, and I have been really wanting to try this lip gloss. I’m not a lipstick girl, but I like that there is a red gloss for days when I want a little something extra. The sparkly one is amazing too.” —Ana J., 15
10. Strawexpert 3-pack Foldable Silicone Reusable Straws With Travel Case & Keychain
“We all know about strawgate. I definitely don’t want to contribute to plastic waste in the ocean, but I can’t drink an iced coffee without one. I want this reusable set that I can always have with me.” —Kenzie H., 18
11. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer
“It’s the middle of winter and my family doesn’t have any beach vacations planned, so I need a good bronzer. My beauty-obsessed friends all rave about this one, so I need to try it!” —Maura O., 16
12. Marc Jacobs Snapshot Crossbody Bag
“Does this count as a stocking stuffer? I really want a mini bag that I can carry around everywhere. I like the bright colors and thick strap on this one a lot.” —Sarah H., 17
13. Que Bottle
“All of my friends are trying to use things that are more sustainable, but it gets annoying to carry around a million reusable containers. I want this collapsible water bottle so it can fit into my backpack at the end of the day.” —Jane E., 18
“I go to school in New York, so I’m walking to and from class outside in the cold every day. I already have one of these hats in orange, but I want a different color this year that goes with more things. It’s so warm and I like the way it fits.” —Brian Q., 19
“I just recently got into skin care, and I’ve been loving this matcha cleanser from Milk Makeup. It comes in a stick, so I never have to worry about it spilling if I want to bring it to school or if I’m staying over a friend’s house. And it gets really bubbly, which makes me feel like it’s doing a good job.” —Olivia F., 15
“I tried this perfume when it first came out and I loved it so much that I used a whole bottle. Now I need a refill!” —Alexa B., 19
“My mom gets me a pair or two of fuzzy socks every year and it’s kind of a running joke in our family. But I actually really love getting them, because my feet are always cold. And they’re kinda cute.” —Charlotte K., 15
“I got my ears pierced later than usual, at 16, so now that they’re healed, I’m obsessed with trying different earrings. I love these tiny studs that I can wear to school (even when I have gym) because they’re cute and dainty!” —Kate C., 17
“I am never not wearing hair clips, so I’d appreciate any new ones! These initial barrettes are fun, and because my name is only two letters, I could wear them both at one time. (Maybe the Starbucks lady will get it right.)” —Vi N., 17
20. Sysrion Weighted Sleep Eye Mask Pillow
“Well, I really want a weighted blanket. But since that won’t fit in a stocking, this weighted eye mask sounds cool and it says it’s relaxing.” —Kevin S., 16
21. Necessaire The Body Lotion
“I’m sensitive to scent, but this is fragrance-free and made with natural ingredients. It would look so cute on my vanity, too.” —Amy R., 19
22. Mahli Galaxy Essential Oil Diffuser
“I meditate and practice yoga. The one thing my room doesn’t have that my yoga studio does? An essential oil diffuser. This set has a scent for energy and one for sleep, which will be great for practicing first thing in the morning or to wind down before bed.” —Nellie I., 17
23. Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Flask
“Everyone in my school has one of these coffee mugs. They come in so many colors and you can even get a few cents off coffee in the cafeteria if you bring a reusable mug.” —James R., 17
24. Nuuly Clothing Rental Subscription
“I love shopping at Urban Outfitters, Free People and Anthropologie, but this new clothing rental service has a lot of the same things that I can wear on a rotating basis. And it’s more sustainable!” —Clare M., 18
25. Razorx Eletric Skateboard Cruiser
While a skateboard is too large to fit in a stocking, we've included this gift request since, technically, it also has to do with feet...just like a stocking. “I wouldn’t hate if I got this electric skateboard. It goes up to 12 miles per hour, so it would make getting around campus fun (and quick).” —Michael P., 18
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.