Many people think that teenagers are the hardest age group to shop for, and that has some truth to it. They have varying interests that their parents and even the next generation to them are trying to keep up with. (Seriously, we are just getting into TikTok dances). So it can be tricky to buy gifts for them. But that's where we come in. We spent a lot of thinking about Gen Z and its varying interests and came up with some items they'll love, in all price ranges.
And to be clear: this is not a one-size-fits-all gift lists for teens. It takes trends and their passions or interests into account. Whether it's art, fashion, beauty, sports, or reading, we found items from many different retailers that we know can do something that's hard to do these days: put a smile on their face.
Eat. Sleep. Art. T-Shirt
Whether kids took up art during the health crisis and lockdown or were always creative in their free time, then gifting them a T-shirt that helps define their relationship with the hobby they love is a great idea. This T-shirt says "Eat. Sleep. Art." across the front of it and is available in a bunch of different colors and sizes. This would look so cool with jeans or shorts.
BoxyCharm Subscription
Gen Z love to put on makeup and try on skin care, especially now that mask restrictions are easing as more of them get vaccinated. Instead of trying to pick out something they may not like, get them a BoxyCharm subscription. It's a month-to-month box that has full-sized beauty products from sheet masks to mascara that can help them build their skills.
Treat People With Kindness Pillow
Comfort was, and still is, a priority for lots of us right now, both parents and kids, especially after long months doing virtual school. So why not give the teen a fun pillow with a cute saying to have as a comfort tool or to decorate their bedroom with. Gen Z-ers are all about treating people with respect, as they should be, so this will fit right in.
Metal Basketball Hoop
From
$99
to $179
from
Pottery Barn Teen
A back-of-the-door basketball hoop isn't the most original "toy" but it's definitely a fun one that kids may not otherwise get unless it's gifted to them. It can allow them to have some fun while inside their own room and if they have friends over. Pottery Barn Teen allows buyers to select the kind that goes over the door or one that can be mounted for easy use.
World Map Tapestry
$39
from
Pottery Barn Teen
Got a teen with a case of wanderlust? If a plane ticket somewhere isn't affordable or safe just yet, that's OK. This world tapestry will keep them interested and dreaming big. It's a black and white image of the world that can be hung up in their room as decoration that isn't a poster or traditional piece of wall art. This one is made of 100% cotton.
Harry Potter Golden Snitch Clock
$49
from
Pottery Barn Teen
Millennials are the generation known for their love (er, obsession) with Harry Potter but they're not the only ones. If you have a teen that loves the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and/or the books then this golden snitch alarm clock will make a great gift. They'll feel like they won the game every morning when they wake up.
Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Starting at
$24
from
The Little Market
Self-care is important for everyone, teens included. That's why they'll love being gifted this peppermint sugar scrub. It'll help them exfoliate their bodies for baby smooth skin, and smells really good, too. Great for the teens who love the holidays, as well. Plus, it's made by a sustainable company that sells products from small businesses.
Glossier Balm Dotcom Trio
Teens who love makeup and skin care love Glossier, and getting them anything from the brand will always be a good idea. They'll particularly love this Balm Dotcom trio set of skin salves/lip balms. The original, mint, and coconut varieties go on clear, but the others give a slight tint to the skin.
Sustainable Gift Box
It's no secret that Gen Z-ers are some of the most passionate people when it comes to climate change and the environment. Help support the cause and their interests at the same time by gifting them a zero waste gift box that's completely sustainable. It comes with bathroom staples including reusable makeup remover face pad wipes, a shampoo bar, a toothbrush, and more.
Olive & June Manicure Starter Set
$28
from
Olive and June
Makeup and skin care aren't the only aspects of beauty that Gen Z teens are into. DIY nails are totally in now, and easier than ever to do thanks to kits like this one from Olive & June. This starter set from the company will come with The Poppy, which helps ensure a neat paint job, a sheer polish, and a top coat to keep the nails looking shiny and pretty.
YA Novel 'In Five Years' By Rebecca Serle
There's a reason the YA (young adult) genre of books is so popular — teenagers love to read, and they also love great storylines, too. Gift them a good book for their birthday. We recommend this novel by Rebecca Serle called In Five Years about a character who "spends one hour exactly five years in the future before she wakes again in her own home on the brink of midnight — but it is one hour she cannot shake."
Phone Tripod
OK, so teens may already have this but if they don't you'll make their day by getting it for them, plus it can't hurt to have more than one tripod, especially if they enjoy making videos or taking photos. It has three adjustable legs that makes it easy to carry and set up just about anywhere. It's universally compatible with smartphones and cameras, too.
Oak & Luna Throwback Name Ring
Starting at
$100
from
Oak & Luna
Jewelry fashions come and go, but it seems that teenagers really are into their rings these days. And not just any rings, a lot of rings and ones that are chunky or have words on them like this throwback style one from Oak & Luna. Customize it with their name on the ring in one of five different metals and sizes 3 through 10.5.
DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit
$34
from
Uncommon Goods
Some people in the world just really love ice cream, and if the teen is one of those people, they'll love making their own. And not just any standard kind of ice cream either (although we certainly love that kind), but mochi ice cream. This DIY mochi ice cream kit has everything needed for the sweet and chewy treats, like sweet rice flour and matcha green tea powder.
The Box of Emotions
$20
from
Uncommon Goods
Kids like to box their emotions up. And teens who just went through puberty or are going through it now have a lot of hormones to manage on top of that. Make that experience lighthearted by giving them a box of their own emotions. According to Uncommon Goods, "Each card features a specific emotion, a miniature essay on its nuances, and stunning graphics to match."
Rainbow Pop-Up Cake Kit
$60
from
Williams Sonoma
For the teens who have a sweet tooth, this is the gift for them. It's a DIY baking kit to make rainbow push-up cake pops. With Pride Month in June, it's a perfect way to celebrate your teen's birthday and the LGBTQ community, too, at the same time. It also comes with everything needed to make the treats, including the plastic push pops. Makes 12.
Baked by Melissa Birthday 25 Pack
$45
from
Baked by Melissa
Yes, we know we just included a cake pop kit for the dessert lovers but if your teen just likes to eat dessert instead of baking it (no shame in that game) then a package of Baked by Melissa's Birthday Cupcakes is literally the perfect treat. It comes with 25 mini cupcakes that range in delicious and different Baked by Melissa flavors.
Sugarfina Coffee Candies With Mini Bag & Cup
$22
from
Neiman Marcus
Coffee is something some people consider to be a grown-up thing, but these gourmet candies provide a sweet coffee-flavored treat. This Sugarfina gift pack comes with trendy cold brew flavored vanilla latte gummy bears, a mini coffee cup and a cute coffee bag. It might not be actual coffee, but we think teens will love it.
Anything From Shein
Last but not least, we recommend a cute rainbow sweater from Shein, but anything that's your teen's style from the online retailer will make a great gift. It's an insanely popular store among teens, and prices are super affordable. They have everything, from shirts to pants, sweaters and more. When in doubt, just go to Shein is our advice.
*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.
