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58 Best Gifts for Teens That Are Right On-Trend

Teenagers are hard to impress, but these gifts will do the trick.

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Massimo Gammacurta. Prop Styling by Lis Engelhart and Alex Mata

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Even if you're around teens every day, it's hard to keep up with their ever-changing taste in music, skincare and accessories. Any gifts that are cringey will definitely earn you an eye roll — just one of the many reasons that shopping for teens can feel daunting. But don't worry: I've rounded up dozens of the best gifts for teens (that hard-to-shop-for 13–19 age group!) that'll actually impress them — and I've got the evidence to back it up.

Not only did I spend hours scouring social media and online reviews for viral and best-selling finds, I've tried (and loved!) a number of these products myself. I also tapped into our Good Housekeeping Institute experts for their favorite top-tested products, as well as my 16-year-old nephew and his friends to learn about their must-have items right now. I also made sure to include winners from our Best Toy Awards, along with a ton of the most popular gifts of the year.

1

Plush Backpack Charm

Plush Backpack Charm

They'll love clipping this happy plush on their backpack or house keys. The fluffy cloud is available in four colors, but there's also an ice cream cone, Siamese cat, star and more.

2

Gold Initial Bracelet

On Sale
Gold Initial Bracelet
Now 20% Off

Bubble charms are everywhere right now, and this gold bracelet costs less than $10. It's made from 14K gold plating and the band is stretchy.

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Encourage your teen to run around with his friends (or siblings) with this immersive laser tag set. It includes target vests and the four laser guns shoot up to 150 feet. There's also invisibility mode, voice-guided play and night vision.

4

Evereden Clear Skin Duo

Clear Skin Duo

Teens are all about skincare, and Evereden created this skincare duo specifically for them. This set includes a balancing cleanser and gel-cream moisturizer for a two-step routine that's ideal for blemish-prone, oily skin.

RELATED: Meet Evereden: The Dermatologist-Backed Skincare Brand With Gen Alpha in Mind

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5

Checkered Makeup Bags

On Sale
Checkered Makeup Bags
Now 25% Off

Made from soft knitted fabric, these trendy cosmetic bags are perfect for storing makeup, skincare or art supplies. This affordable set is available in a range of stylish colors and includes two bags (10.6 × 7 inches and 7 × 4 inches), but there's also a set of three, four or six.

This two-on-two volleyball-style game is perfect for beach days, backyard barbecues and after-school hangouts with friends. I bought this game a few months ago, and it assembles quickly and the rules are easy to learn. You can even pack it up for travel.

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7

Glossier Cloud Paint Cream Blush

Cloud Paint Cream Blush

Glossier is popular among teens, and these cream blushes look subtle and are easy to wear. As someone who has tried Cloud Paint, you only need a small drop to deliver beautiful pigment, so the product lasts several hours.

8

Phomemo Portable Inkless Printer

Best Seller
Portable Inkless Printer

With this mini printer, your teen can print photos, stickers or study notes instantly from their devices — without ink. Instead, the thermal printer uses heat to create black images on white paper.

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9
Seal-Holder

LEGO R2-D2 Droid Building Set

GH Seal
R2-D2 Droid Building Set

When they're ready for more of a LEGO challenge, this is the droid you seek. The set, which earned a Good Housekeeping Seal, is more than 1,000 pieces, and it comes with a display plaque and minifigure.

10

Small LED Mirror

Best Seller
Small LED Mirror

They can toss this folding mirror in their backpack for class, or slide it into their purse when hanging out with friends. It has tiny LED lights, which online reviewers say are bright. Pick one up in their favorite color (there are 13 options).

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11

Big Joe Dorm Bean Bag Chair

Dorm Bean Bag Chair
Credit: Big Joe

Seating? Sorted. They can use the handle on top to drag this chair any place they need to take a seat, and the side even has pockets for devices and water bottles.

12

KODAK Digital Instant Camera

Best Seller
Digital Instant Camera

This affordable digital camera instantly prints 2 inch x 3 inch photos, which online reviewers say have an old, vintage look. The KODAK camera is available in a range of fun colors, including pink, yellow, green and blue.

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13

Portable Charger

On Sale
Portable Charger
Now 37% Off
Credit: Charmast

They'll never be able to say "my phone died!" as an excuse for not texting again. This portable power bank works with iPhones and Samsung phones, among others, and the charging cables are attached.

14

Custom Name Neon Sign

Custom Name Neon Sign

Help your teen redecorate their bedroom with a personalized LED neon light. Choose their favorite color, font and shape, then add your text — we suggest sticking with a first name. Even though this is a custom gift, the sign still claims to ship within two to three days.

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15

PowerUp 4.0 Smartphone-Controlled Paper Airplane

4.0 Smartphone-Controlled Paper Airplane
Credit: POWERUP

Who needs a drone? With this kit, they can create their own paper airplane, and then use an app on their phone to control it like a real pilot would.

The Good Housekeeping Institute named this versatile bag their overall pick for best belt bag because it keeps everything close, and it can be worn while on the move. No wonder it's amassed a huge, cult-like following, even among teens.

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17

Magnetic Pen

On Sale
Magnetic Pen
Now 11% Off
Credit: TTzycc

When it's time to take notes, they can use this a pen. Then, during downtime, it separates into 13 segments that connect with magnets. It's a great between-period fidget toy.

18
Editor Favorite

Summer Fridays Lip Butter

Summer Fridays Lip Butter

We swear, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is so popular right now. From pink sugar to vanilla, the balms are designed to soothe and relieve parched lips. "This lip balm in particular is one of my favorite formulas EVER," said Wnek. "It is so creamy and comforting on the lips and I love that it comes in a squeeze tube."

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19

Oversized Blanket Hoodie

Oversized Blanket Hoodie

Whether you settle on a solid or playful print, like this sushi design, your teen will love lounging in their new blanket hoodie. According to online reviewers, it's super soft, cuddly and warm.

20

Life Skills 101 for Teens

On Sale
Life Skills 101 for Teens

They may roll their eyes when they first open this gift, but they'll soon be poring over this book's easy-to-read, visual guides to all sorts of "soft skills" from how to manage time effectively to how to set a goal and actually achieve it.

Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

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