The 23 Best Gifts for Teens of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Beats By Dr. Dre Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones at Walmart

"These wireless headphones feature award-winning sound, a cool, sleek design, and up to 40 hours of battery life."

Tryone Gooseneck Tablet Stand at Amazon

"Teens can use this clever tablet stand to secure their tablet to their desk, headboard, or nightstand for hands-free viewing."

UGG Genuine Shearling Slipper at nordstrom.com

"Whether they’re at home or in a dorm room, teens will appreciate the comfort and warmth of these cozy slippers."

Kindle Paperwhite at Amazon

"This compact and easy-to-hold Kindle is the lightest and thinnest version yet."

Personalized Makeup Bag at etsy.com

"These adorable makeup bags are durable but also have a personal touch with the heat transfer vinyl name."

Wobble Balance Board at Amazon

"It's a simple, easy way for teens to improve their coordination and build core strength at home."

Patagonia Micro D Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover at dickssportinggoods.com

"Patagonia is a popular brand with teens, so this quarter-zip pullover will definitely be a hit with them."

Quip Skateboard 22.5 at Amazon

"This commuter skateboard is small enough to conveniently fit into a backpack or stash in a locker."

Fjällräven Kanken Water-Resistant Backpack at Amazon

"Available in a wide range of both fun and basic colors, it’s durable, water resistant, and fits many laptops."

Apple AirPods at Amazon

"For gadget gurus and music lovers, you can’t go wrong with a pair of AirPods."

Teens are always up on the latest cool gadgets and fashion trends, so shopping for a cool gift they’ll love can be tricky. To help avoid a gift gaffe, we've rounded up suggestions for teen boys and girls, whatever their interests and hobbies may be. From unique finds to tech gifts and more, you’re sure to find something to impress even the pickiest teen.

Here are the best gifts for teens.

Our Top Picks

Beats By Dr. Dre Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones

Need a can’t-miss gift for a teen? They’ll flip over these wireless headphones that feature award-winning sound, a cool, sleek design, and up to 40 hours of battery life. The on-ear controls make it easy to control music, take calls, and use Siri.

Tryone Gooseneck Tablet Stand

Whether they want to play with their Nintendo Switch, watch videos, or read a book, teens can use this clever tablet stand to secure their tablet to their desk, headboard, or nightstand for hands-free viewing. The flexible gooseneck arm makes it easy to adjust and get the right angle, while the durable base clamp holds it tightly in place.

UGG Genuine Shearling Slipper

UGG Shearling Slipper — Courtesy of Nordstrom

Whether they’re at home or in a dorm room, teens will appreciate the comfort and warmth of these cozy slippers. Made with a soft, genuine shearling lining, they have a durable, sturdy sole that also makes them suitable for outdoor wear.

Kindle Paperwhite

This compact and easy-to-hold Kindle is the lightest and thinnest version yet. Teens will love that it’s waterproof and works well in both dim light and daylight.

Personalized Makeup Bag

Made of a heavyweight cotton canvas, these adorable makeup bags are durable but also have a personal touch with the heat transfer vinyl name. They’re perfect for presenting your teen with a gift card from their favorite store.

Wobble Balance Board

This wobble balance board is a simple, easy way for teens to improve their coordination and build core strength at home. Lightweight and easy to carry, it can be used indoors or outside for balance moves, stretching, and strengthening workouts.

Patagonia Micro D Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover

Patagonia Better Sweater — Courtesy of Nordstrom

Patagonia is a popular brand with teens, so this quarter-zip pullover will definitely be a hit with them. Made with soft, recycled polyester fleece, it’s versatile, comfy, and even has a convenient mesh-lined chest pocket where they can stash their phone and keys.

Quip Skateboard 22.5

This affordable skateboard is the right size to use for commuting to school, and it’s also small enough to conveniently fit into a backpack or stash in a locker.

Fjällräven Kanken Water-Resistant Backpack

The stylish yet practical Fjällräven Kanken backpack is a hit among teens of all ages, from middle schoolers to college kids. Available in a wide range of both fun and basic colors, it’s durable, water resistant, and fits many laptops.

Apple AirPods

For gadget gurus and music lovers, you can’t go wrong with a pair of AirPods. They come with a charging case, and as of 2019, they feature hands-free access to Siri using just your voice.

LED Photo String Lights

String lights are a must-have item for many teen’s rooms, and this set allows them to also show off their favorite photos, cards, or artwork in a unique way. They run on 3AA batteries, so teens don’t have to worry about their display being near an outlet.

PowerPic Charging Picture Frame

Looking for a charger that your teen won’t lose? This picture frame features a hidden wireless Qi charger tucked behind the glass. Just place any wireless charging phone up against it to start charging. When it’s not being used for charging, it doubles as a contemporary frame that holds any standard 5-inch by 7-inch printed photo.

Huanuo Lap Desk

Whether they want to binge-watch in bed or have a comfy place to do their homework, teens will love this convenient lap desk. It features slots for your phone and tablet, as well as a mousepad, cushioned wrist pillow, and handle for easy carrying.

Pura Vida Bracelets

Handmade in Costa Rica, these trendy bracelets look nice alone or stacked with others. Teens can wear them to show off their school colors or support one of their favorite causes.

Echo Show 8

Teens will love using the Echo Show to ask Alexa questions, video chat with friends, show off their photos, manage their schedule, and more. The 8-inch HD screen and stereo sound are perfect for all their entertainment needs, from watching TV and movies to listening to radio and podcasts.

Not Parent Approved Card Game

Dubbed an “inappropriately appropriate game for mischief-makers,” this card game will have teens looking forward to family game night. Recommended for ages 8 and up, it’s fun, easy to learn, and the perfect way to convince teens to unplug and get off their phones.

Playful Sports Mug

Sports fans will love these unique mugs that let them score using anything from cereal to mini-marshmallows. Fun and durable, they’re available in basketball, hockey, baseball, football, and soccer themes.

Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

Great for sleepovers or nights in with family and friends, this microphone will have teens discovering their inner rock star. They can simply connect their phone to the singing app using Bluetooth and then pick from thousands of karaoke songs.

Travel Stub Diary

For the explorer at heart, this diary comes with clear sleeves to store and protect mementos and memorabilia—including postcards, ticket stubs, photos, and maps. There’s also space in the margins to write down trip details and highlights.

Urban Decay Born to Run Palette

With 21 shades in a wide range of finishes—from silky mattes to metallics—this versatile, all-in-one eyeshadow palette is a favorite among teens. They also love that the Urban Decay line is cruelty free and contains no parabens.

YnM Weighted Blanket

According to the Cleveland Clinic, using weighted blankets at nighttime may help lower anxiety and reduce sleeplessness. If your teen has anxiety or is feeling particularly stressed, a weighted blanket could help them relax.

This popular, affordable weighted blanket comes in a variety of weights, colors, and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that’s perfect for your teen.

Wekapo Portable Inflatable Lounger

These lightweight loungers are ideal for chilling in the back yard, on the beach, or at a campsite. You just wave it around a few times and it’ll fill with air, and it’s just as easy to collapse and pack up.

Anker Bluetooth Speaker

Perfect for hanging with friends outside, this portable speaker has impressive sound and battery life for a small, affordable device. It’s a cinch to set up and uses Bluetooth to connect to your teen’s phone, tablet, or laptop.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Christine Luff is a freelance writer who covers fitness, health, parenting, and other topics. She’s also mom to a 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, as well as an aunt to eight teenage nieces and nephews. When shopping for teens, she sometimes opts for gift cards, but prefers to research and seek out the perfect presents.