Teen gift guide - perfect gifts for the special teen in your life© Getty Images

Teen-Approved

Trendy gifts for teens that will earn you major cool points

From skincare to speakers, makeup to journals (and even cool pens), these trendy finds will have your teen smiling


UPDATED DECEMBER 15, 2024 6:15 PM EST

Shopping for teens can be challenging, but this year, we’ve done the legwork to bring you a cool list of gift ideas that are as trendy as they are practical. From cute beauty products and adorable journals to TikTok-famous skincare and Gen Z and Alpha-approved fragrances, these gifts are sure to impress even the pickiest teenage girls. Whether you get them a portable speaker to listen to their favorite Taylor Swift or Olivia Rodrigo tracks, colorful Owala tumblers to stay hydrated in style, or French-inspired hair accessories to channel a little 'Emily in Paris' charm, we’ve curated a selection that balances fun, style, and function.

Our recommendations aren’t just based on what’s trending—we’ve got the inside scoop. Not only do our editors stay on top of the latest products and viral trends, but some of us have daughters, nieces, and little sisters in their teens, so we know firsthand what they’re loving right now. This guide is here to spark ideas and get you thinking about the perfect gift for the special teen in your life. 

Scroll down and see which of these might make your teen say, ‘Wow, you actually get me!’

Bubble Holiday Kits

Bubble, the TikTok-loved brand with 2.9M followers, has teens totally obsessed—and honestly, we get it. With edgy, colorful packaging, these holiday gift sets are as fun to use as they are to look at. We tried pretty much everything—cleansers, serums, moisturizers, lip balms—and it was so hard to pick favorites. Your teen would probably love it all, but these sets are packed with best-sellers and wrapped in festive, super cute packaging.

Take the Polar Pair: Fresh Start cleanser keeps skin balanced, and Slam Dunk moisturizer brings fluffy, cozy hydration. Think marshmallows and hot chocolate, but for your face. Or the Snow Globe set: Day Dream brightens skin, Morning Rays wakes up tired eyes, and Tell All gives lips a minty, mistletoe-ready boost.

And if the set you pick doesn’t include the Tell All lip balm? Definitely add it! It comes with a matching keychain (and optional charms!) they can clip to their backpack, locker, or keys—practical and adorable. These are just a couple of the fun sets Bubble has to offer, so check out the rest on their site—you’ll want them all!

Big & Colorful Owala 40oz Tumbler

Yeah, there’s another tumbler stealing the spotlight, but if your teen’s all about bold color blocks and cool design, the Owala 40oz Tumbler is the real winner. 

It’s perfect for carting around the house while they’re studying, chilling with friends, or trying to out-hydrate mom (because you know she’s got her own giant tumbler). Fun, functional, and totally their vibe!

Cute Makeup Sponge Collection

For the teen who’s all about that flawless, airbrushed look, the M2U NYC Makeup Sponge Collection is a fab gift that will get used. This set comes with four super-soft, latex-free sponges in fun animal packaging (seriously, how cute is that?). Each sponge has a different shape to help perfect everything from foundation to contouring, plus a heavy-duty holder to keep them neat and air-dry ready.

The Lavender Rabbit gives you that perfect glow, the Pink Panda is made for precise contouring, the Orange Fox contours those tricky curves, and the Blue Cat covers all the bases for a flawless finish. No more worrying about splotches, foundation lines, or creasing—this set has them covered. It’s a great addition to their beauty routine and the perfect stocking stuffer!

milk_shake Hair Products

For the teen who loves perfect hair, milk_shake Incredible Milk is the secret to soft, shiny, and healthy locks. This leave-in treatment hydrates, detangles, adds shine, and protects from heat—all in one! Plus, the smell is so amazing that you’ll want to use it on your hair every day.

milk_shake has a whole line of hair products, like their Whipped Cream—yes, it sounds like a treat, and no, it’s not edible, but it’s perfect for giving your hair extra nourishment. Think of it as a tasty treat for your hair!

Baguette Barrette in Toast by MLE

If she’s on the older side of her teens and binge-watching Emily in Paris, the Baguette Barrette by MLE is the ultimate way to channel those Parisian vibes. Shaped like a French baguette (yes, bread!), it has a caramel-toned tortoise pattern that’s cute and quirky at the same time.

Perfect for pinning back her hair, it’s like giving her a little slice of France—no passport needed!

Gelly Roll Pens

For the crafty teen who’s all about pens and cool stationery, the Gelly Roll Retractable Craft Pack is a great gift. They come in a ton of colors, but the silver, gold, and white inks are perfect for pairing with a black paper notebook—hello, next-level doodling! Smooth, bold, and super fun, these pens make any creative project extra cool.

Vanilla Vice by Snif

Vanilla has always been a classic, but now it’s everywhere—and with Vanilla Vice by Snif, it’s cooler than ever. This isn’t your grandma’s vanilla—this fragrance is a bold mix of rich caramel, bourbon, and a touch of spice, making it sweet with just the right amount of sass.

Perfect for the teen who loves a little edge in their scent game, this perfume brings all the cozy vibes without being too basic. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, and it’s ready to make a statement—because who says vanilla can’t be a little rebellious?

Adorable Journal with Pen

For the emo teen who’s always jotting down song lyrics, poetry, or diary entries, this journal will keep their creativity flowing. With its gorgeous lavender cover and dreamy floral design, the Rifle Paper Co. Violet Garden Party Journal with Pen is as thoughtful as the ideas it will hold.

It’s perfect for those late-night moments of inspiration, with a matching pen that’s ready when they are.

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Holiday Scrunchies

These SEEN Limited-Edition Holiday Scrunchies are the perfect gift for any teen who loves to keep their hair up in a ponytail without the frizz. They’re gentle on hair, preventing breakage while minimizing creases and dents. 

Whether for sleeping, exercising, or just pulling your hair back, these scrunchies are a little gift or stocking stuffer. Plus, the festive colours make them a fun addition to any New Year’s Eve outfit!

Strawberry Wine Lip Kit

For the teen who loves soft, smooth lips, the Strawberry Wine Luscious Lip Kit is a winter must-have. The sugar scrub gently buffs away dryness with organic strawberries and a splash of Texas wine (they might even feel like outlaws with that one!). At the same time, the Blissberry Lip Therapy hydrates deeply and adds a natural pop of color.

It smells amazing, battles winter chap, and makes the perfect stocking stuffer for teens who love a little extra self-care!

L’eau de Parfum by Cirque du Soleil

If she’s into TikTok’s vanilla fragrance craze, this one will definitely catch her eye. L’eau de Parfum by Cirque du Soleil is a sweet, dreamy mix of vanilla bean, spun cotton candy, and buttery popcorn, with hints of caramelized amber, red apple, soft florals, and warm sandalwood for a scent that’s as magical and unique as she is. Inspired by the wonder of Cirque’s shows, it’s like stepping out of a bakery and into a whimsical performance.

It might even be one of those gifts moms want to borrow (if they love sweet scents too), and while it’s a bit of a splurge, it’s worth it for such a special fragrance. Perfect for teens who want a fragrance that’s as magical and one-of-a-kind as they are!

dearcloud x Miffy Gifts Sets

The dearcloud x Miffy Skin Purity Essentials Travel Set is a total win for teens who love skincare with a side of cuteness. This K-beauty collab brings the iconic Miffy bunny to life with a bright, puffy travel bag packed full of skincare goodies: a clarifying cleanser, hydrating serum, and collagen cream loaded with glow-boosting ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Matcha.

It’s perfect for road trips, sleepovers, or just keeping their glow game strong at home. Fun, cruelty-free, and ridiculously cute—this set makes self-care feel like a treat! And if you want to splurge, add the dearcloud x Miffy Lip Serum Jelly, another fab option!

Wet n Wild Gift Set

The Wet n Wild countdown calendar set is perfect for teens just starting to explore makeup. With seven days of surprises—sparkling nails, bold lips, and plush brushes—it’s everything your favorite teen needs to play around and find their style. 

Fun, easy, and cruelty-free, it’s a budget-friendly gift that’ll add a little extra glam to their holiday season!

Tocca Wonders Mini Perfume Set

For the romantic teen who loves all things pretty and dreamy, the Tocca Wonders Mini Perfume Set is a cute gift she’ll adore. Featuring two beloved scents, Florence and Lucia, this duo is perfect for exploring fresh florals and soft, cozy vibes.

It comes packaged in a gorgeous ornament box, ready to hang on the tree or stick into her stocking. And it truly is a fun way for her to dive into the world of perfume.

Available on Amazon for those last minute shoppers!

MCo Beauty Endless Summer Kit No. 1

For the teen who loves that sun-kissed glow, the MCo Beauty Endless Summer Kit No. 1 is the perfect pick—packed with everything to create a beachy, glowing look—from bronzer to highlighter, all in one handy kit.

It’s a dupe but this one is pretty great! The cute packaging makes it a great gift, and if you’ve got a beach-loving teen or surfer girl, she’ll love tossing it in her bag as she heads out with her besties. Summer vibes all year long!

Caliray Blurry Blush

This is one of those TikTok makeup obsessions everyone’s posting about. If your teen is into beauty, she’ll know all about cloud cheeks—and Caliray Blurry Blush delivers. This clean, liquid-to-powder blush gives a soft, velvety pop of color while blurring pores and keeping skin shine-free with ingredients like niacinamide and Kaolin clay.

It comes in five shades and is perfect for adding that “just right” flush. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, so it’s a win for her and the planet!

Grace & Stella Gift Set

Looking for the perfect gift for the teen who’s all about skincare? The Grace & Stella Beauty Gift Set is where it’s at. It’s basically a spa day in a box, packed with everything they need for glowy, refreshed skin—think hydrating face masks, rejuvenating eye masks, and more.

Available on amazon, in case you are super behind on your holiday shopping!

Portable Speaker

The JBL GO 3 Bluetooth Speaker is the ultimate gift for a teen who loves their music loud and clear—wherever they are! It’s super compact, but don’t let the size fool you, it packs some serious sound. 

Whether they’re studying with some background tunes, hanging out at the beach or pool, or vibing at a picnic with friends, this speaker is ready for anything. Plus, it’s waterproof, so it can take on any adventure, rain or shine.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Balm

The description says it all! If your teen loves the cozy vibes of the fall season, they can extend it with the Winky Lux Pumpkin Spice Latte Balm—no need for a red cup! This sheer, neutral tinted balm is packed with Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil to moisturize lips while giving them a gorgeous nude-brown shine. The perfect little Christmas gift for any pumpkin spice lover!

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