Let's be real: shopping for little kids is easy. There are so many fun toys that are sure to delight them and, when in doubt, there is always a Lego set that will make them smile. Shopping for teens though? Yeah, that where things get a little trickier.
Finding the perfect gift for a teen can be downright challenging, especially for those who are looking to avoid buying big ticket items like phones or gaming equipment. It can be tempting to just give up and get a gift card, but we're here to help! We've found 20 of the hottest teen gifts for the 2020 holiday season, all for $50 or less. Everything on this list can be purchased online, perfect for avoiding pandemic crowds.
From sporty teens to makeup lovers to label lovers, we've got all teens covered for the holiday season!
HBO Max
Looking for a gift every teen will love? A subscription to HBO Max is the perfect present, especially with Wonder Woman 1984 coming out on Christmas Day. Wonder Woman 1984, starring Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, is set to release in theaters and streaming on HBO Max December 25. Sign up to stream at no extra cost!
Sponsored by HBO Max
10-Inch LED Ring Light
Perfect for the aspiring influencer or the teen who just wants to look a little more awake and alive during distance learning! This ring light is priced right for a first-time user and has an adjustable dimmer and can move to hit all the right angles!
Kanken Rainbow Keyring
$10
from
Fjallraven
At only $10, this is the perfect stocking stuffer for kids obsessed with the pricey Fjallraven brand. The rainbow design is in right now, both for teens who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who just love all things colorful and bright! They can put fun keychains on it or hand sanitizers.
Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle with Flex Straw Lid
If a teen doesn’t already have a Hydro Flask water bottle, she probably wants one! In addition to being trendy, these bottles are well worth the price because they are super durable and keep water cold for hours. Perfect for the outdoorsy teen or the one who just wants to look like one on Instagram.
Gabi Font Personalized Name Vinyl Decal
Another great stocking stuffer idea is a personalized vinyl decal for a Hydro Flask or other pricey water bottle. This is a great way to let a teen personalize his bottle and, hopefully, keep it from getting lost in the crowd of water bottles!
Microfiber Towel Scrunchie Set
$13
from
Anthropologie
Yes, as hard as it is for moms who grew up in the '80s and '90s to believe — scrunchies are in again! This set of three from Anthropologie is a bit more of a sophisticated vibe for brand-conscious scrunchy wearers. Looks cute in the hair and around the wrist.
Kryptonics Mini Fat 23" Skateboard
We love the fun colors on this entry-level skateboard that is perfect for younger teens. This is a great option for a newer skater who is interested in learning the basics and maybe a trick or two. It also has a cool, fun look as well. Just remember to get a helmet, too!
Schitt’s Creek Cast 500 Piece Puzzle
$14
from
Urban Outfitters
Schitt's Creek is no longer on the air, but thanks to streaming, there are tons of new fans among teens. It's no surprise why the bebes love it, it's an amazing show. This puzzle is a perfect staying inside project for fans of all ages, and a great excuse to re-watch and quote the show while doing it.
Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette
Teens who live for a YouTube beauty tutorial will love this Fenty Beauty set of mini lip glosses. This limited edition set from Sephora is sure to be a big seller this holiday season thanks to the universally flattering shades. Another instant classic from Rihanna's beauty line!
UA Sportsmask
$25
from
Under Armour
Sporty teens will appreciate these masks from teen favorite brand Under Armour. These masks (yes, 2020 means face masks on the holiday shopping list!) are designed for use while running or training, so perfect for any young athlete.
Go Go Studio Mixed Media Art Set
From doodling to painting to oil pastels, this big art kit is a great option for artistic teens who go through a lot of art supplies. The handy case helps keep supplies together so it will be easy for teens to keep their desk areas tidy, which is a great gift for parents, too!
'Children of Blood and Bone'
Teens who liked Harry Potter or are just into magic and fantasy should check out Children of Blood and Bone, the first book of the Legacy of Orisha trilogy by author Tomi Adeyemi. With a West African setting and vivid characters, readers will be sucked into this whole new world!
Gummy Bear Hair Pins
How cute are these? Gummy bear bobby pins are a cute hairstyle upgrade that will looks great in-person and in social media posts. These pins are made in the US and are perfect for holding back growing out bangs.
Men's Marl Calf Sock
Socks are classic stocking stuffers, especially if they are cool and high quality like Bombas. For every pair purchased, a pair gets donated, so social justice-minded teens will appreciate doing good while wearing this colorful pair. These are cool colors that that are fun but also muted.
Soft Pretzel Baking Mix With Mustard
$25
from
Uncommon Goods
Teens who are emerging foodies or just obsessed with snacks will love the chance to make their own delicious soft pretzels. This set (which would fit in most stockings) has everything they need to make a tasty afternoon snack for them and their friends.
Black Lives Matter T-Shirt
$14.99
from
TheTQueen/Etsy
Politically engaged teens will be proud to wear their values on their sleeves … or chest, in the case of these T-shirts. Woke teens will like the design and appreciate that it comes from a Black-owned Etsy shop. This one reads "Black lives, people, hopes, dreams, futures, votes, thoughts, news, opportunites, feelings, matter."
Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter
Just because a kid has moved into the teen years doesn’t mean that he can’t still love a good Lego set! Lots of Star Wars fans are also big into Lego, so there are always great new sets at almost every price point. The X-Wing set is great for the under $50 range.
LED Window Curtain Lights
$35
from
Zamorapparels/Etsy.com
Help teens make their rooms cozy and dreamy with these twinkle fairy lights! A teen’s room is such a personal space and this is an affordable way for them to give themselves an easy upgrade, especially if they are transitioning from kid room to teen room.
Fatboy Lamzac Original Lounger
$49
from
Bloomingdales
This fun chair is perfect for teens who are interested in upgrading their lounging game! This works for reading, hanging out at the park, or going camping for outdoorsy teens—or even to have inside to chill or have friends sit on. Easy to inflate and deflate and portable enough to take anywhere.
Assorted Sour Candy Gift Basket
$45
from
Dylan's Candy Bar
Looking for a gift that captures both the sweet and tart side of having a teenager? We’ve got it covered! This sour candy gift is perfect for teens with a sweet tooth and features a variety of tart flavors from Dylan’s Candy Bar. Sometimes the best gifts are ones that appeal to the taste buds.
Box of Goodies
$45
from
Kitschandfresh/Etsy.com
Teens have stress, too, especially this year! This spa day in a box is a great option for giving them some luxe relaxing times! This box is also great for those who love to do a little unboxing on their social media feeds. Plus, everyone loves getting fun goodies in the mail, teens, especially.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
