Let’s be honest, teens and tweens may be almost the worst on your gift list to shop for this year. BUT (!) don’t let that discourage you. If it’s one thing we know, it’s that you’ll never give them everything they want – and their “friends” will probably always one-up them, so why not buy them something with a bit of a “cool” factor. The fact that we put “cool” in quotes, means we are not. This demographic can definitely be tough to buy for, especially if you’ve got a teen boy on your shopping list.
There really are so many gift ideas out there that it can be pretty overwhelming. We’ve done all our teen research from a variety of sources, asked our own teenagers (and their pesky friends), and have truly come up with the ultimate guide no matter if you’re looking for the perfect present for their birthday, the Christmas season, the fact that they’ve “completed” learn from home, or just because you’re feeling nice.
To help you get through your gift-giving list, we’re including a well-rounded list of inspiration and ideas like:
→ LED Strip lights that change colors for total vibes
→ A cold case murder mystery game for family game night with teens
→ A portable charger so they can’t use the old “my phone died” excuse
→ A portable waterproof bluetooth speaker so they can take their tunes anywhere
Check out the official list of some of the best gifts for your teens (and your tweens) in 2021. Teenagers. Am I right?
1.
4 Pack of Diamond Paint by Numbers Art
hand picked favorite for the arts and crafts type
Diamond painting has become increasingly popular and is a great way to destress. This includes 4 sets of 5D full drill diamond art painting kits by number, 4 waterproof painting canvas, round resin stereoscopic diamonds, 4 diamond sticky pens, adhesive clay, and 4 diamond plates. Pick it up here.
2.
LED Strip Lights with Remote Control
hand picked favorite for the kid who loves to step up their room decor game
$14.99
$11.89 (21% Off!)
Available in 16.4 feet, or 32.8 feet, these LED lights instantly change the whole vibe in their space. And as we all know, vibes are everything. Choose the primary red, green, blue (RGB) and white, 16 multicolored options, 6 DIY colors, and adjustable brightness. Adheres with sticky tape and is cuttable between every 3 LEDs. Pick it up here.
3.
“Great Day” Snap Tote Bag
hand picked favorite for the one who needs to carry it all
$30.00
Move over lame backpacks because totes is where it’s at this year! Not only can they toss all their school stuff inside, but it’s perfect for sleepovers, heading to a friend’s house for some outdoor social distancing, and everything in between. You can even add their name with a custom embossed tag. Add a little sunshine to their life! Pick it up here.
4.
Unsolved Case Files
hand picked favorite for the crime solving teen
$29.99
This murder mystery game is great for a non-lame game night, with families who have teens and older kids. Figure out who the best detective in the family is (mom). In order to solve this cold case murder, players need to find 3 separate clues that crack open the case. First prove why the convicted man must be innocent. Then disprove a key suspect’s alibi, and finally identify the clue that will put the real killer behind bars. Includes over 50 investigation documents and photos, and online answer keys. Available in other cases to solve as well. Recommended ages 13+. Pick it up here.
5.
The NFL Pullover Hoodie
hand picked favorite for the sports fan
$54.99
Root for the home team in (comfortable) style. Pick it up here.
6.
For the Football Fan: GlowCity Light Up Football
hand picked favorite for the football after dark fan
$27.95
A little Friday night lights. Pick it up here.
7.
For the Lego Lover: Lego Ideas Friends Central Perk
hand picked favorite for the Lego lover
$84.00
I KNOW! This super cute buildable Central Perk café studio set, includes Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Chandler Bing, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Phoebe Buffay and Gunther minifigures with cool accessories. Thinking of hanging out at Central Perk after dark? Pick it up here. And for a little extra extra, Snag this lighting kit here.
8.
‘Elwood the Unicorn’ Cereal Bowl
hand picked favorite for the cereal loving ‘tween
$42.00
Because what’s better than having a bit to eat with a mystical creature? We’ll wait… Pick it up here.
9.
Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker with Clock
hand picked favorite for Alexa
$59.99
If they love the latest tech picks, they’ll love this one! Ideal for a nightstand, they can tap the top to snooze an alarm. Listen to music, answer questions, play the news, check the weather, set alarms, and more. Again, better they ask Alexa their endless questions than you! Pick it up here.
10.
The Popular 32oz Hydro Flask
hand picked favorite for the one who always needs their (cold!) water on the go
$49.95
Perfect to have on their desk at school throughout the day – they really do keep cold water, cold. Several colors available, as well as other sizes. Pick it up here.
11.
For the Decor-Lover: Indoor Neon Cactus Desk Lamp Light
hand picked favorite for the decor obsessed
$14.99
It may not be their name in neon lights – but it’s still neon lights. Pick it up here.
12.
The Totally Over It Teen: I ‘Donut’ Care Tee
hand picked favorite for the totally over it teens and ‘tweens
$24.99
Because, yes, they totally donut care. About everything! Pick it up here.
13.
For The Singing Tween: Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
hand picked favorite for the singing ‘tween (and yes, you can borrow it)
$30.99
Because they already think they’re a star. Pick it up here.
14.
Hearing Things Game
hand picked favorite for the game player
$24.99
$10.54 (58% Off!)
Guess what you think your teammate is saying by reading their lips – while wearing noise-canceling headphones of course. Pick it up here.
More to Love:
The Top Selling Toys of 2021 are Officially Here!
14+ Creative Stocking Stuffer Ideas This Christmas
10+ Gifts Your Kids Will Actually Love in 2021
15.
For the Music-Loving Teenager: JBL Clip-On Wireless Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker
hand picked favorite for the music on the go loving teenager
Music on the go. Sweet. Pick it up here.
16.
Apple AirPods Pro
hand picked favorite for the Apple lover
$249.00
$209.00 (16% Off!)
They can tune in, and tune out. Without wires. These are sweat and water resistant, noise cancelling and includes three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit! Pick it up here. If they’re out of stock you can also find them here, here, and here.
17.
Foreo Luna 2
hand picked favorite for the beauty fan
$169.00
A 100% waterproof, silicone facial-cleansing brush that deep cleans and removes 89.5% of dirt, oil, and makeup. It’s the perfect pick for the beauty gift lover who can’t seem to get enough! Pick it up here.
18.
Clip-on Rechargeable LED Ring Light
hand picked favorite for the selfie taker
$33.99
$26.86 (21% Off!)
But first….You know the rest. Never experience poor lighting again. Pick it up here.
19.
For the Game-Loving Tween: Rainbow ‘Jenga-Like’ Wooden Blocks Game
hand picked favorite for the game loving ‘tween
$12.99
Like Jenga, with a plot twist. Roll the dice and pull the color you land on. The stress! Pick it up here.
20.
Trapped in a Video Game (The Complete Series)
hand picked favorite for the avid reader
$49.00
$44.10 (10% Off!)
A book series about a 12 year old boy and his epic adventures inside a video game. Recommended for ages 8-12. Pick it up here.
21.
For the Personalized: Casetify iPhone XS Mirror Case
hand picked favorite for personalized phone case
$40.00
Personalized mirror cases? Yaaas! Pick it up here.
22.
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
hand picked favorite for the one who’s always on a low battery
$23.99
A charger on the go means they can’t tell you their phone was dead. Perfect. Pick it up here.
23.
Makey Makey
hand picked favorite for the techie
$49.95
Transform almost anything into a simple, working computer keyboard. Thank God for the internets! Pick it up here.
24.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
hand picked favorite for the makeup lover
$19.00
Fenty Beauty is all the rage and this is a universally flattering shade. Makes a great stocking stuffer too. Pick it up here. If they’re obsessed with all things Fenty Beauty, take a look at their latest sales.
25.
Herschel Supply Company Backpack
hand picked favorite for function meets cool
$99.94
Perfect for stashing all their necessities. Pick it up here.
26.
Not Parent Approved: A Card Game
hand picked favorite for family fun
$29.99
$25.99 (13% Off!)
A PG version of Cards Against Humanity and even named one of the top tween gift ideas of the year. You can’t go wrong with a little family fun, right? Pick it up here.
27.
Patagonia Los Gatos Fleece 1/4-Zip
hand picked favorite for a comfy pullover
$69.00
Soft and cute. And warm to boot! Seven other colors available. Pick it up here.
28.
For the Tween with an iPod: iPod Touch Case
hand picked favorite for an iPod touch case
$7.99
A protective case available in tons of color combinations. Because they drop iPods, too. Pick it up here.
29.
For the Money Saver: The ATM Bank
hand picked favorite for the money saver
$29.99
$27.99 (7% Off!)
Password protected, so good luck siblings! “Can’t you just go to the ATM?” takes on a whole new meaning. Pick it up here.
30.
For the Unicorn Lover: Unicorn Rainbow Tape Dispenser
hand picked favorite for the unicorn lover
$19.60
$13.00 (34% Off!)
Think of the fun you’ll have stealing their tape. Just like they always do to you. Pick it up here.
31.
For the Laugher: ‘Speak Out’ Game from Hasbro
hand picked favorite for funniest family game
$21.99
$12.28 (44% Off!)
Lolz for days. Players simply put in a game mouthpiece, pick a card, and try to say the phrase on the card until someone guesses it. You look funny while being funny. It’s a win-win. Pick it up here.
32.
Amazon Gift Card
hand picked favorite for last minute gift idea
Choose Amount
Not sure what to get? Amazon has a thing or millions. Pick it up here.
33.
Pizza Fridays T-Shirt
hand picked favorite for the kid who loves Fridays
$20.00
Because it really is the best day of the school week. Other colors available. Pick it up here.
34.
For the Book Series Tween: Land of Stories Box Set
hand picked favorite for the ‘tween who needs a new book series
$99.99
Written by Chris Colfer, this series features Alex and Conner…and follows their adventures in a land full of magic and enchantment. They come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about. Recommended ages 8-12. Pick it up here.
35.
Pura Vida Bracelets
hand picked favorite for surfer vibes
$45
Handmade in Costa Rica, these bracelets always look cool – whether they wear them alone, or mix and match. Pick it up here.
36.
Color Changing Cinema Lightbox
hand picked favorite for their name in lights
$59.97
For anyone who’s always wanted to see their name in lights. And we think it’s a great idea to slide your own message in before you gift it….something eye-roll worthy like, #MOM RULES? A smaller version is available as well. Pick it up here.
37.
HoopSwagg Neuron Magic Custom Nike Elite Socks
hand picked favorite for the sock obsessed
$26.99
Because cool basketball socks are a thing. Pick it up here.
38.
For the Inspired: Mint Green ‘You Got This’ Journal/Notebook
hand picked favorite for the inspired teen
$13.25
Because getting it all out in writing is therapeutic. Pick it up here.
39.
NHL 21 (PlayStation 4)
hand picked favorite for the gamer
$59.99
$34.99 (42% Off!)
Now’s their chance to pull the moves they always talk about. Pick it up here. Also available in Madden NFL 21.
40.
The Messless Chocolate Milk Mixing Mug
hand picked favorite for chocolate milk obsessed
$19.95
Add milk and chocolate syrup (or powder) to the tumbler, then press the button. Perfect consistency! Works with hot chocolate as well. Pick it up here.
41.
For the Outdoor Sporty One: Kan Jam Game Set
hand picked favorite for the outdoor sports type
$39.99
This one is fun for the whole family. Pick your team and get a game going anywhere outdoors. Perfect for the beach, family BBQ, camp, etc. Pick it up here.
42.
Nike Kawa Slide
hand picked favorite for comfy slides
$21.85
Comfortable and convenient as they bolt from practice to just about anywhere. Pick it up here.
43.
For the Pampered: DIY Bath Bomb Kit
hand picked favorite for spa loving teens and ‘tweens
$49.95
Includes pre-measured baking soda, corn starch, citric acid and epson salts, along with gloves, a spray bottle, and a dozen cupcake mold liners. You can add the Perfect for girls night in. #Goals. Pick it up here.
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