Holidays
15 Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens
Shopping for a teen girl or boy can feel like a head-scratcher. To combat the picky tastes that come with adolescence, we’ve put together the most stylish and keepsake-focused list we could: one that looks past the latest Apple iphones, water bottles, phone cases and kitchy stocking stuffers, and instead brings a thoughtful experience they can enjoy for literal years to come. Whether it’s a cozy pouf perfect for hours of Spotify-listening or Nintendo Switch-ing — or a memory foam pillow that will up the quality of their sleep through their high school years — these gifts go beyond portable chargers and face mask tchochkes to deliver more than fleeting moments, but rather, a cozier, more comfortable and personalized lifestyle of happiness.
1. A Purple Pillow
The craze around the Purple mattresses has now reached the brand’s pillows. Made with a unique Grid core, these head-and-neck-cradling superstars will make sure your teen gets the support and comfort needed for a night of sleep. This gift makes teenage dreams – literally – and will become their new best friend in no time.
2. The Best Sleep Money Can Buy
Research shows that teenagers need their sleep for optimal brain development. This year, make a quality mattress at the top of your list – if for no other reason than to encourage healthier sleep habits. For a growing teen, we recommend a Full mattress size, which is small enough to fit into most bedrooms and large enough to grow into.
3. A Make-the-Bed-Worthy Quilt Set
Speaking of developing healthy habits, making the bed can be one of the easiest ways to jumpstart a morning routine before school. Whether your teen already has her daily planner filled out to the minute or needs a bit of a prompt in the right direction when it comes to organization, a new bedding set can bring inspiration in more ways than one.
Full/Queen Quilt-Cocoa Brown Cotton Waffle Weave 3 Piece Set With 1 Quilt + 2 Shams | Machine Washable
$100
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Full Queen Comforter-Grey Ethan Faux Fur 4 Piece Set With 1 Comforter 2 Standard Shams & 1 Accent Pillow
$111
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Full/Queen Comforter | 3 Piece Set | Crinkle Textured Charcoal Cotton | Rectangle | Solid | Comforters Sets
$159
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Full/Queen Quilt-Grey Serene Hand Quilted Cotton 3 Piece Set with 1 Quilt & 2 Shams | Machine Washable
$132
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Full/Queen Comforter-Grey Kara Cotton Jacquard 3 Piece Set With 1 Comforter & 2 Standard Shams | Machine Washable
$100
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Full/Queen Quilt-Grey Cotton Waffle Weave Grid 3 Piece Set | 1 Quilt | 2 Shams | Machine Washable
$100
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4. A Dresser to Match Their Style
Storage and organization go hand in hand: you can’t have one without the other. In the years of studies, college applications, sports and class exams, assignments and projects, nothing’s more welcoming than a room that’s fresh and tidy. Gift a dresser or accent chest that contains enough drawers for their items – and style for their personality.
5. Reading Lamps for the Bookworm
Gifting books is a perfect way to get your teen’s eyes off the screen and onto the page. Whether it’s wizards, vampires, romance, history or future dystopias, there are thousands of stories any teen can get into. Gifting a book may just turn off the binge-watching and crack open a paperback. (While you’re gifting books, throw in a bedside lamp – added protection for young eyes as they read well into the night pays health dividends down the road.)
6. Trendy Makeup Vanity Mirror
Even a small new addition can get them to see their space in a new light. And with the vanity aesthetic taking over social media hashtags, a bedroom decked out with the same is an easy, affordable way to gift them the latest trends. Go with soft colors like cream to cozy up her space. (Psst — this also makes a great birthday gift for the skincare routine-lover!)
Deliah Bedroom Makeup Vanity Desk With USB & 1 Drawer With Vanity Mirror Lighting & Hidden Side Storage & Stool
$820
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Apolo Bedroom Makeup Vanity Desk With USB & LED Lighted Vanity Mirror & Hidden Side Storage
$520
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Draper Brown 1-Drawer Wood Bedroom Makeup Vanity Desk With Flip Top Glass Mirror & Storage
$495
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7. Focus Lights for the High Achiever
For the future professor, scientist or author: a light designed for long hours of reading and focusing is a win-win. Gift one for their desk, nightstand or wherever else they lose themselves in books or DIY projects. Snag one for your own home office, too – these preventative tools for eye health aren’t just for teens!
8. A Gaming Desk
If your teen is past board games and onto RPGs, consider furntiure to match. Gaming chairs are uber popular gift ideas right now. The less popular but still quite necessary are gaming desks – designed more widely and ergonomically for the gamer’s comfort. For the ultimate surprise setup on Christmas morning, gift desk and chair together – and throw in a mini fridge (because, why not?).
Sync Gaming L-Shaped Computer Desk With RGB Led Lights + USB + Power Outlet + 1 Shelf Storage | Writing
$350
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Zone Gaming 48" Computer Writing Desk | RGB LED Lights | USB | Power Outlet | 1 Shelf Storage
$295
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Gridline Black 72" Gaming Computer Desk | LED Lights | Shelves | Cup Holder | Headset Hook
$415
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9. A Rolling Chair for the Serious Studier
Rolling chairs heighten the look and feel of a study space. (After all, nothing says official like the ability to lean back, ruminate and spin your seat in a rhythm to match the percolating of your thoughts.) For the 13-going-on-30-year-old, an executive seat is a must.
Dundee Brown Natural Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back | Adjustable
$750
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Glendower White Natural Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back | Adjustable
$650
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Natural Beau Brown Natural Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back | Adjustable
$595
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Macadam Natural White Faux Leather Rolling Office Desk Chair | Ergonomic | Swivel | Adjustable | Reclining
$285
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Zeus Black Natural Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair with Natural White Trim | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back | Adjustable | Lumbar
$375
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Branson Sand Leather Executive Office Chair With Wheels | Ergonomic | High Back | Adjustable
$425
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Skagen Natural White Faux Leather And Chrome High Back Rolling Office Desk Chair | Ergonomic | Swivel | Gaming | Adjustable
$452
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10. New Storage to Build Organizational Habits
The older your child gets, the more stuff he or she will accumulate. Gifts, school supplies, clothes, hobbies – life happens to be pretty materialistic, no matter how minimalist one might seem. Having drawer space enough for all categories of their belongings will help keep their space neat and organized, freeing up their mental space for more creative endeavors.
11. A New Bed With Built-In Book Drawers
If a new bed is a necessary – but boring – gift for your growing teen, consider making it more appealing. Built-in drawers along the sides and foot of the bed will give them the option of keeping their favorite items, like books, close at hand. Perfect for the reader or collector.
12. A Nook for Reading
Sure, you can give a gift card to a bookstore, but if you want to put a little more thought into their holiday, consider a piece that will allow them to truly enjoy their books. A bedroom chair – one that’s actually comfortable – will make your teen love his or her space. Whether they’re a gamer or reader or simply like to host friends for sleepovers, a new nook in their bedroom corner will make Santa suddenly cool again. For Gen Z, a sherpa-upholstered chair will be sure to fit the on-trend cozycore vibe.
13. A Chair for Gaming
When your teen is in the zone, the world around him disappears. A chair that cradles to his neck, supports the lower back and adjusts to every ergonomic angle needed for high comfort will help bring his A game – even if he’s not aware of it. Getting lost in the world of gaming never felt so good.
Zyair Black Faux Leather Natural With Grey Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back | Adjustable | Reclining
$205
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Zeus Black Natural Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair with Natural White Trim | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back | Adjustable | Lumbar
$375
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Theory Black Natural Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair Natural With Red Trim | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back | Adjustable | Lumbar
$275
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Zyair Black & Red Multicolor Faux Leather Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back | Adjustable | Reclining
$205
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Modern Black Natural Faux Leather Flip Arm Office Gaming Desk Chair | Ergonomic | Adjustable | Swivel
$285
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Zulu Black Multicolor Rolling Office Gaming Desk Chair With Blue Accents & Adjustable Height Armrests | Ergonomic | Swivel | High Back
$295
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Modern Black + White Natural Gaming Office Executive Desk Chair With Wheels | Ergonomic | Adjustable | Swivel
$305
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14. Giraffey Art
All work and no play makes for dull teenage years. Show them they don’t have to lose touch with their inner kid to remain cool – with giraffe wall art. In muted pastel palettes, the vibe is understated whimsy: not too kiddish, yet not too grown-up to feel void of their playful personality.
42X52 Giraffe With Birch Frame | Vertical | Made in the USA | Framed Art | Animals | Photography
$270
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42X52 Giraffe With Black Frame | Framed Art | Animals | Photography | Made in the USA | Vertical
$270
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42X52 Giraffe With Gold Champagne Frame | Framed Art | Animals | Photography | Made in the USA | Vertical
$270
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42X52 Jungle Friends Giraffe With Gold Champagne Frame | Framed Art | Animals | Print | Made in the USA | Vertical
$270
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42X52 Jungle Friends Giraffe With Silver Frame | Vertical | Made in the USA | Framed Art | Animals | Print
$270
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42X52 Jungle Friends Giraffe With Black Frame | Vertical | Made in the USA | Framed Art | Animals | Print
$270
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32X42 Giraffe With Birch Frame | Vertical | Made in the USA | Framed Art | Animals | Photography
$242
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32X42 Jungle Friends Giraffe With Silver Frame | Vertical | Made in the USA | Framed Art | Animals | Print
$242
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42X32 Giraffe With Black Frame | Vertical | Made in the USA | Framed Art | Animals | Photography
$242
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15. A Gift to Make Life Cozier
If buying a winning present for a teen still feels like grasping at straws, we’ll leave you with this banger: A cozy life is a happy life. Cozycore and hygge are the most sought-after trends on all the feeds – and with touchable, lovable materials like sherpa, boucle, chenille and faux fur, it’s easy to see why. Gift a snuggly bean chair to make their TikTok dreams, and Netflix-and-chill ideals, come true.
Common Questions About Christmas Gifts for Teens
What are some trendy gift ideas that teenagers will actually love this holiday season?
Teens today are all about experiences and personalization, so think beyond the usual. Consider tech gadgets like portable Bluetooth speakers or stylish wireless earbuds, or opt for items that fuel their hobbies, like art supplies for the creative teen or gaming accessories for the gamer. Subscription boxes tailored to their interests, from beauty to snacks to books, also offer a gift that keeps on giving.
How can I find gifts that are both cool and budget-friendly for a teenager?
Don't let a tight budget dim your gifting spirit! Look for on-trend accessories like phone cases with popular designs, graphic tees from brands they admire, or trendy water bottles. DIY kits for crafts or even a curated "favorite things" box filled with affordable snacks and small, personalized items can be incredibly thoughtful and well-received.
What are some unique gift ideas that will stand out from typical teen presents?
To truly impress, think outside the box. Personalized items, such as custom phone cases, engraved jewelry, or a star map of a significant date, add a special touch. Consider experiences like tickets to a concert or a local event, or even a gift certificate for a fun activity like an escape room or a pottery class.
Are there any gift ideas that encourage teens to be active or develop new skills?
Absolutely! Encourage a healthy lifestyle with gifts like a quality yoga mat and resistance bands for home workouts, or a new water bottle and fitness tracker for outdoor adventures. For skill development, consider a beginner's coding kit, a musical instrument, or a subscription to an online learning platform that offers courses in photography, graphic design, or even cooking.
What are some safe and appropriate gift ideas for teens if I'm unsure of their specific interests?
When in doubt, go for universally appreciated items that offer comfort and versatility. Cozy loungewear sets, stylish and practical backpacks, or high-quality headphones are always a hit. Gift cards to their favorite clothing stores, online retailers, or even a popular coffee shop also give them the freedom to choose exactly what they want.