The ultimate teenager gift ideas guide
Remember when you were a teenager, and there was always an older relative – usually your nan – who’d get you the same, predictable gift year in, year out. Usually socks or underpants. Useful? Yes. Thrilling to unwrap? Not so much.
Fast forward to today and, with respect, you are that older relative. Only now, you have no idea what presents to buy for teenagers. In fact, you realise that buying gifts for teenagers is a pretty tough mission. What are they even into these days? How do you find a gift that doesn’t look like you just wandered into a shop and panic-bought the first thing under £30? And if you find something they’ll like, how much is it gonna set you back?
Luckily, this teenager gift guide has the answers. Whether you’re on the hunt for cool gifts for teenagers, meaningful presents or last-minute miracles, our teens gift guide has you covered. As the youths say, we’re about to 'put you on' (but please, don’t say that in front of them).
First step: ask the right questions
Before deciding what to buy a teenager, let’s start with a bit of research. What are they obsessed with? What do they talk about non-stop at dinner? What’s going to earn them a nod of approval from their mates?If the teen is yours, you probably know a few of these answers. But if not, text their parents (or older siblings) for intel – but do it a week or two in advance so you’ve got time to actually find the thing.
If they’re being deliberately mysterious (teenager mode activated), or you’ve left it a little late, don’t panic. Our tried-and-tested teenager gift ideas will still steer you right.
Gifts for teenage girls
General rule of thumb: gifts for teenage girls should include fashion. Why? because no matter how often they shop, it is a universal truth that teenage girls never feel like they have enough clothes. Yes, they wear a school uniform five days a week, but that just makes their off-duty wardrobe even more sacred. And as the cool aunt/uncle/insert-relation-here, it’s your duty to find teenage girl gifts that deliver.
A few tips: have a rough idea of their size now, and maybe what they’ll grow into over the next year. Luckily, oversized is in so leaving room to grow is fashion-forward, not a faux pas.
If you’re stuck on style, go designer. A designer gift basically guarantees your place in their personal hall of fame. And thanks to us, you can look like you splurged without actually splurging. Just remember: price tag off, smug smile on. ht.
A few tips: have a rough idea of their size now, and maybe what they’ll grow into over the next year. Luckily, oversized is in so leaving room to grow is fashion-forward, not a faux pas.
If you’re stuck on style, go designer. A designer gift basically guarantees your place in their personal hall of fame. And thanks to us, you can look like you splurged without actually splurging. Just remember: price tag off, smug smile on. ht.
Gifts for teenage guys
They act like they don’t care about fashion... Lies. When it comes to teenage boy presents, style matters – even if they pretend otherwise.
Whether it’s a brand-name hoodie, a logo cap or a fresh pair of trainers, anything that signals status is a win. Don’t stress if they haven’t figured out their personal style yet – most haven’t. That’s why brands are a safe bet. The label does the talking.
Again, get the right size, or at least give them some room to grow. There’s nothing sadder than a perfect sweatshirt they’ve already outgrown.
Want some no-fail teenage boy gifts? Accessories. Think caps, crossbody bags, wallets or even aftershave. There’s no sizing stress and they’ll still feel like you nailed it.
Whether it’s a brand-name hoodie, a logo cap or a fresh pair of trainers, anything that signals status is a win. Don’t stress if they haven’t figured out their personal style yet – most haven’t. That’s why brands are a safe bet. The label does the talking.
Again, get the right size, or at least give them some room to grow. There’s nothing sadder than a perfect sweatshirt they’ve already outgrown.
Want some no-fail teenage boy gifts? Accessories. Think caps, crossbody bags, wallets or even aftershave. There’s no sizing stress and they’ll still feel like you nailed it.
Tech gifts for teens
Buying tech presents for teens can feel like playing Minesweeper on hard mode (so they say). Is it the right one? Will they already have it? Will they think it’s cringe? Will it be obsolete by next month?
Start by checking what they already own. Got a phone? Great – look at accessories like cases, wireless earbuds, a power bank or a mini Bluetooth speaker. Already into gaming? Upgrade the experience with cool merch, a comfy gaming chair or LED lights for their setup. You don’t have to remortgage your house for teenager tech gifts – you just need to shop clever (and we happen to know a place…).
Gifts for tweens
Tweens are in that weird limbo between kids and teens – too old for toys, too young for tech. But gifts for tweens still need to feel exciting and fun. For that reason, the sweet spot for this group is toys for teens: fun gadgets, colourful crafts, or entry-level beauty and fashion bits.
Some of the best teenager toys include karaoke mics, nail kits, cool stationery, games they can play with friends, or wearable tech that doesn’t require a full app ecosystem. Basically, tween presents need to let them feel a bit more grown up without actually being grown up.
Some of the best teenager toys include karaoke mics, nail kits, cool stationery, games they can play with friends, or wearable tech that doesn’t require a full app ecosystem. Basically, tween presents need to let them feel a bit more grown up without actually being grown up.
Perfect Christmas gifts for teens
They might be past the ‘wide-eyed wonder’ stage but when it comes to teen Christmas gifts, they’re not immune to the festive magic – especially if the gift’s right. The same goes for stocking gifts for teens. Think cosy, Instagrammable loungewear, novelty socks with a side of sarcasm, fancy skincare, sweets and TikTok-approved bits.
Pro tip: wrap it well. The unboxing matters. Add a bow. Maybe a handwritten tag. They’ll pretend not to care – but trust us, they do.
And if in doubt? A voucher to spend on whatever’s trending in their world this week.
Pro tip: wrap it well. The unboxing matters. Add a bow. Maybe a handwritten tag. They’ll pretend not to care – but trust us, they do.
And if in doubt? A voucher to spend on whatever’s trending in their world this week.
Birthday presents for teenagers
Birthdays are the one time of year teens expect a bit of a fuss – especially when it’s a big one (13, 16, 18…). That means getting presents for teenagers that make it personal. That could mean a wearable staple they’ll associate with turning that age, or a piece of tech they’ll remember as the birthday present.
Birthdays also allow for gifts with a bit more meaning. Something that says 'I know what makes you, you.' Whether it’s a book by their favourite YouTuber, a pair of trainers they’ve been saving for, or a piece of jewellery with a personal touch, the goal is the same: to make them feel seen, celebrated, and just a little bit cooler.
Birthdays also allow for gifts with a bit more meaning. Something that says 'I know what makes you, you.' Whether it’s a book by their favourite YouTuber, a pair of trainers they’ve been saving for, or a piece of jewellery with a personal touch, the goal is the same: to make them feel seen, celebrated, and just a little bit cooler.
