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As you begin holiday shopping for all of your loved ones, you might be stumped on what to get the hardest person to shop for on your list—a teenager. Finding the best gift for the teen traveler in your life can be quite the challenge—no one stays up to date on the latest trends quite like them. But don’t worry, we have plenty of gift ideas that your teenage daughter, grandson, or niece will appreciate.
From the latest electronics and outdoor gear to TikTok famous beauty products and shoes, these gifts will earn you plenty of points with even the hardest to impress teens. Whether the teenager in your life is just getting into travel and could use some fresh gear or is already a pro at mapping out their next adventure, we've got you covered with travel-friendly gift ideas they'll actually use at every price point. From noise-canceling headphones and digital cameras to heatless hair curling sets and viral tumblers, there's something on this list that every teen will love. Read on for our picks of 55 unique and trendy gifts to spoil the teen in your life with.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Find the best gifts for teens by category:
- For the tech-obsessed
- For the outdoor enthusiasts
- For the beauty gurus
- For the fashionistas
- For the budding travelers
- Even more gift ideas
For tech-obsessed teens
Chances are, any teenager you know will have their sights set on a few cool tech gifts this holiday season. Gamers will enjoy the Nintendo Switch or a pair of noise-canceling headphones, while social media savvy teens might better appreciate a clip-on ring light for their phone or a mini portable charger they can easily keep in their backpack. Looking for a safe bet? We recommend gifting the teen in your life a new digital or Polaroid camera that lets them capture fun memories with their friends. And for the budding traveler, carry-on essentials like a Kindle or Apple AirTags will definitely come in handy. No matter what their interests are, it's hard to say no to a new gadget.
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For teens who spend most of their time outdoors
If your nephew or granddaughter spends a majority of their time in the great outdoors, we've got gift options for them. An inflatable lounger or portable hammock is ideal for camping trips and backyard fun (and will no doubt come with them to the collage quad), but you also can't go wrong with a trendy tumbler for staying hydrated on the go, like the sleek Hydro Flask All Around tumbler or the mega-popular Stanley cup. If your teen loves hiking or biking, a compact belt bag or water bottle sling will be greatly appreciated. The Lululemon Everywhere belt bag is a favorite among teens (and our editors) for its size, style, and versatility.
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For teens who follow TikTok beauty trends
If the teen in your life spends their free time watching makeup “get ready with me” videos on TikTok, they'll love any of these best-selling lip products from viral brands Summer Fridays, Rhode, or Dior. These lip balms, treatments, and oils are great stocking stuffers, too. If your teen is trying to perfect their first skincare routine, we suggest a silk sleep mask or Peace Out Skincare's acne dots—which really do get rid of blemishes ASAP. If a gift set is more your speed, go for the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum jet set: this travel-size trio is smoothing, moisturizing, and smells amazing. For the teen who's a little more into their hair care routine, gift them some a heatless curling set that makes getting ready in the morning easier than ever. But if you really want to spoil the teen you know, surprise them with the Dyson Airwrap or the Shark FlexStyle. (Not sure which of these hair tools is right for your giftee? Check out our in-depth comparison here.)
For fashion-forward teens
New clothes and shoes are probably toward the top of every teen's wishlist, but these can be hardest items to buy for someone. Below, shop the top-trending shoes from New Balance, Veja, and Ugg. You can never go wrong with the classics—a pair of Nike Air Force 1s will always go over well. For clothing options, we're eyeing the mega-popular Super Puff from Aritizia and Lululemon's Define cropped jacket. Any teen would appreciate some new loungewear—like comfortable joggers or leggings to wear on their next flight.
For teens planning a trip next year
Any traveler will appreciate a durable piece of luggage or a versatile duffel bag as a gift this season. We recommend a carry-on from one of our tried-and-true luggage brands, like Béis, Monos, July, or Away. Want something extra light for your teen to carry through the airport? Go for the July Carry-On Light—the suitcase that weighs less than four pounds. We've also gathered some of our favorite duffel bags for weekend trips and sleepovers with friends. Maybe you're thinking of gifting them a new backpack for school? Consider Dagne Dover's ultra-soft and sleek Dakota backpack.
Even more gifts for teens
If you're still stuck on what to get, here are a few options most any young traveler will be grateful to receive. We suggest something that will make their busy morning and nighttime routines a little less hectic, like the Hatch Restore alarm clock that gradually wakes them up much more gently than their iPhone does, or the Five-Minute Journal that encourages daily mindfulness—even when you don't have a lot time. When in doubt, give them something that will help upgrade their bedroom: a 3D galaxy moon lamp, an essential oil diffuser, a cozy blanket, or an interactive map to help plan their next adventure.
Need some more inspo? Check out Traveler's Amazon Storefront for even more of our favorite travel gifts.