Some people think teens are tough to shop for, but we completely disagree. Wanna know why? Because teens love stuff. What can we say, it's a pretty acquisitive age. When we were teenagers, we were basically little hoarders ourselves — the stuff we had (and that our friends had) seemed like it was indicative of our whole personalities. It was as though we weren't really showing who we were unless we had the exact right object to show off that aspect of ourselves with. And while it's a good idea to combat some amount of consumerist glee in our kiddos, the holidays are a time to indulge a little bit, and give them the chance to own some things that feel like them this year. But a lot of the things teens want are expensive — like, for instance, cars and clothes, and beach weeks with their friends. It may feel like there just aren't any good teen gifts under $20, but it's not true. We've put together a list of the most awesome and affordable gifts for teens and tweens that they'll actually love.
Thinking about buying a teen something tasteful and practical? Honestly, we get the impulse to want to give a tween something he'll cherish forever, but really — a teen isn't going to be interested. Instead, think about cool tween gifts under $20: We're talking fun items they actually want to own. They don't have to last forever, and they don't have to be wildly practical — and to be honest, that's pretty great. For the rest of their lives, they're going to have to think in terms of being as practical as possible, so it's good to give them this time to just be kids and go for stuff that's fun.
We did a little sleuthing and found some great teen gifts under $20. We know there's not always a budget for the latest gaming system, a bike, all the stuff kids pretend they're going to die without — but there can be room in the budget for something frivolous, personality driven, and fun, especially at the holidays. And for anyone shopping for younger kids as well, consider toys moms grew up with. They're so cool for kids — and nostalgic for us. For those who want to get in on the hot trends of the year, take a look at 20 of the hottest holiday toys — then preorder and avoid a headache.
Romandle String Lights With Clips
These cool string lights aren't just holiday lights, they're also clips for hanging up memorabilia. They're beloved by teens for showcasing reminders of their great moments with friends. While we may think they're super into a digital lifestyle, teens are also still sentimental, and love these cool light-up clips. This gift is a great way to add some personality and fun to their room. Let them pick out some pictures to print and get this filled up!
Romandle String Lights with Clips ($13, Amazon)
Adjustable Initial Ring
These adjustable initial rings are super cute and super affordable — not to mention super chic. (A mom might have to pick one up for herself, too. No shame.) They're also available in uppercase or lowercase! These rings are so cool and unusual. They will help your teens wear something that can be special and remind them of who they are.
Adjustable Initial Ring ($8, BeadsLearnToRock/Etsy)
Glow-in-the-Dark Micro Stars
We all know kids love sticking stuff on their walls (and ceilings). Trust us, we've seen too many teen-inspired bedroom "collages." These glow-in-the-dark colorful twinkle stars are the perfect addition to any aspiring stargazer's bedroom. Many of us had something similar when we were kids. These will inspire their imaginations and add some fun to their rooms.
Glow-in-the-Dark Micro Stars ($9, Walmart)
Emoji Minimergency Kit
Speaking of gifts every mom will want to steal from her daughter, every purse — and school locker — should have an Emoji Minimergency Kit: It includes such travel-size essentials, such as hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, an emery board, lip balm, clear hair elastics, earring backs, double-sided tape, stain remover, a deodorant towelette, pain relievers, a tampon, breath freshener, dental floss, adhesive bandages, and even a sewing kit!
Emoji Minimergency Kit ($19, Pinch Provisions)
Girls' Cartoon Animal Over-the-Knee Socks
There is just something so cool about fun socks. Not just a boring pair of socks, these cutesy critters are a whimsical compliment to any outfit. Perfect for the teen who is obsessed with all things cute, and a cozy way to make sure she stays warm in the winter. And even better — a pack of eight is only $16!
Girls' Cartoon Animal Over-the-Knee Socks ($16, Amazon)
Touch Screen-Friendly Knit Gloves
This is a gift for both mom and teen: The teens still get to play with their phones all winter long, while mom isn't completely freaked out about the kids running around without gloves because their phone matters more to them. Total win/win, and inexpensive, to boot. You could also use them indoors if your hands tend to get chilly while working on a laptop.
Touch Screen-Friendly Knit Gloves ($10, Amazon)
Auxiwa Clip-On Selfie Ring Light
For any teen who is totally obsessed with looking excellent in selfies, this light is a perfect way to help her get her selfie game on point. It provides a soft illumination that isn't harsh at all — which is precisely the way to make those selfies way better. Your teen will love that her photos look more professional for the sharing.
Auxiwa Clip on Selfie Ring Light ($14, Amazon)
Mini Comfort Food Avocado
Teens may be too old for traditional stuffed animals, but they absolutely love cool squishables. Avocados are trendy as heck, and this counts more as "room decor" (that they can totally snuggle, because who is ever really too old for that) than it does as a traditional stuffed animal. It is soft, cuddly, and can be used as an extra pillow.
Mini Comfort Food Avocado ($20, Amazon)
60 Premium Velvet Hair Scrunchies
We can't claim to pretend to know how or why, but the fact of the matter is that scrunchies are back — and they are extremely trendy with the teens these days. Basically, anything that was cool in the '90s is cool with them, so this pack of 60, yes, as in sixty scrunchies for under $10 will make any mom a total hero.
60 Pcs Premium Velvet Hair Scrunchies ($9, Amazon)
'Stranger Things' Men's Pom Beanie Cap Hat
Got a teen who just loves Stranger Things? It seems like they're all obsessed with that show. Pick up a cool Stranger Things beanie and ensure the teen actually stay toasty this winter because he'll be wearing a warm hat that reps something he genuinely loves. The hat is super fun, cute, and at that $20 price point to keep within your budget.
Stranger Things Men's Pom Beanie Cap Hat ($20, Amazon)
FaceTory Soothe Me Tea Tree Sheet Mask for Acne-Prone Skin
For any teen who's gotten into the self-care movement — and especially one who deals with breakouts on a regular basis — face masks are a trendy, cool way to manage problem skin, and are seen as a way to take some time out from stress and studying, and give themselves a little treat.
FaceTory Soothe Me Tea Tree 2-Step Sheet Mask with Tea Tree Oil for Acne Prone Skin (Pack of 10) ($18, Amazon)
Cinema Lightbox
Your teens will love this lightbox that they can personalize, depending on their moods. There is an extra long USB cable, which lets you mount it on the wall, or it can stand on its own. It is made with warm, white LEDs, and you can see your message from afar. This product is a great way for your teens to make their own signs and express themselves in a decoration.
Aoutrow Cinema Light Box Personalized Neon Signs ($13, Amazon)
Retro Airpods Case
Teens may not be too familiar with the original Nintendo GameBoy, but they do know that this AirPods case is retro. Made to look like the GameBoy, this case is perfect for a product that they are familiar with, and it will keep the AirPods safe. The keychain lets them attach the case to backpacks and purses.
elago AW5 Compatible with Airpods Pro Case, Classic Handheld Game Console Design ($15, Amazon)
Large Hair Claw Clips
It might be a surprise to parents, but these large hair clips will be a hit with today's teens. Not only are they longer than the ones we had, which makes it easier to get all of your hair in them, but they also come in a variety of colors to coordinate with an outfit. They work great and will help keep her hair out of her face.
SHALAC Large Hair Claw Clips for Thick Hair (pack of 4) ($15, Amazon)
Tie-Dye Kit
Did you know that tie-dye is cool again? How fun is that? This kit has five different colors, so the possibilities are endless for your teen to create his own unique patterns! This activity is a lot of fun to do together. You can even mix the colors to create something entirely different.
Tulip One-Step 5 Color Tie-Dye Kits Ultimate, 1.5oz ($10, Amazon)
Holographic Fanny Pack
Speaking of another thing that is back in style, did you know that fanny packs are back in a big way, too? This purple holographic fanny pack takes the cool factor up a few levels from the fanny packs of the '90s. It also has three pockets, so your teen can store whatever she needs and carry it comfortably. It is water-resistant and durable. You may not be able to resist picking up one for yourself, too!
SoJourner Holographic Rave Fanny Pack (Transparent Purple) ($17, Amazon)
Bonsai Tree Light
This bonsai tree light is a perfect addition to your teen's room. It gives off just the right amount of light to brighten the room without being too harsh. You can even adjust the branches to create the exact look that you want for your room. Teens will love this beautiful decoration as a way to express themselves and make their room their own.
Bonsai Tree Light for Room Decor (Warm White, 108 LED) ($18, Amazon)
PopSockets PopGrip Cell Phone Grip & Stand Tidepool
I had no idea what this even was at first, but apparently PopSockets are super popular with teens! They can use them to prop up their phone for selfies or to watch a video. If your teen likes snow, this one is super cute and features a snowman. It will help your teen do whatever he needs to easily on his phone while making it even cuter.
Tidepool Snow Globe Wonderland ($20, PopSockets)
Nails Inc. Get Magnetized Nail Polish Duo
Teenagers will love taking their nail polish up a notch with this magnetic nail polish duo from Nails Inc. It will make the nails look like they were done in a salon! The polishes are easy to use, but the added magnetic effects add some fun to the activity. You could paint your nails together and add some much-needed bonding time, too!
Nails Inc. Get Magnetized Nail Polish Duo ($18, Sephora)
Adhesive Collapsible Laptop Stand
Teens are working on laptops for school more than ever these days, and it can be tiring on the body. This adhesive foldable laptop stand will help give your teen some relief while she is working hard on her schoolwork. It can help avoid shoulder and neck pain, which can be common with working long hours on a computer. It is a nifty gadget that comes in silver, pink, and space gray.
MOFT Adhesive Collapsible Laptop Stand ($20, Grommet)
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