With Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to get organised – and that means tackling the present-buying list. While some giftees are straightforward to shop for, teenagers can be notoriously tricky.
As a parent to two teens, I know first-hand how hard it is to keep up with the latest trends or know exactly what they’re into – yes, even if you are the coolest aunt, uncle or family friend.
This is where I come in. Equipped with my own expert shopping insight, I enlisted my teenage son and daughter, alongside their friends, to choose the presents they’d actually like to open on Christmas morning, and give their honest opinions.
Spanning tech, fashion, and fun, consider this your crib sheet for buying teens' gifts. From personalised phone cases and a mini speaker to a game, plush toy, beauty sets and more, you can expect to unwrap brands including Casetify, Glossier, Marshall, New Balance, Smeg and Lush in this guide.
From fashion finds to tech gifts, these ideas span every category
Helen Wilson-Beevers/The Standard
My testers range in age from 13 to 18, so all the gifts on this list have been put through their paces by an actual teenager. Each item has been used, worn, played and thoroughly reviewed. Keep reading for my roundup of the best gifts for teenagers, as tried and tested by teens themselves.
Casetify custom pebble case
Casetify
This hard-wearing phone case is a practical and stylish gift, and our teenage testers are huge fans of the personalised custom pebble case. With a tactile and robust finish, it merges everyday use with classic aesthetic points. We also love the seashell case (£66, Casetify.com) for its fun graphics on a transparent background. Our teens have used Casetify phone cases for several years now, and they protect the handset while impressing their friends. Suitable for a range of phones, just be sure to check what model they have first.
Lush intergalactic bath bomb
Lush
This celestial-themed bath bomb creates blue, pink and yellow swirls when it fizzes in water, making for a fun and relaxing wind-down (suiting any age). Infused with peppermint and grapefruit oil, it releases an invigorating scent and creates a shimmery finish. While the scent lingers in the bathroom long after use, the blue residue left in the bath easily washes away. We also like the fact that the product doesn’t arrive in plastic wrap, making it a great gift for the eco-conscious.
Jellycat amuseables s’mores
Jellycat
This 7cm x 12cm x 7cm plush toy is a cute addition to their room, combining the signature Jellycat smiley face with a fun s’mores element. My teen has a Jellycat rabbit which she’s had since babyhood, so she’s a big fan of the brand. The super-soft toy depicts marshmallows, biscuits and dripping chocolate, and it has pride of place in my teen’s bedroom. The toy is tactile, with a different texture to the biscuit element. A popular brand among this age group, it’s sure to make a teen smile on Christmas Day.
Merit flush balm
Merit
This dome-shaped blush can be used on cheeks and lips for a quick pop of colour. Available in pink, brown, red and taupe shades, it has a natural, creamy finish and is buildable for a bolder look, too. Because of its cream blush composition, it does fade with wear, but being so easy to top up, that isn’t an issue. Infused with vitamin E, it is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, and my teen tester finds it doesn’t feel heavy or block pores, either.
Glassette x Papier coastal tile hardback lined notebook
Glassette x Papier
This smart A5 notebook can be personalised, making it an extra special stationery gift. We found it is robust enough to pull in and out of your bag without getting battered, and my teen tester liked the chic blue, burgundy and brown coastal tile pattern. There are different formats (and Papier patterns) available, including a larger A4 spiral-bound option. Be sure to check the lined, plain or bulleted pick you think your giftee would prefer, with these choices meaning the notebook could be used for art, studies or journalling.
Alohas sway leather ballet flats
Alohas
For a teenage fashion connoisseur, trending brand Alohas’s ballet flats tick all the gift boxes. The square-toed shoes have a cushioned insole and a sturdy 0.5cm heel, and after a few weeks’ wear, we noted they combine good-quality design with comfort. Available in a range of colours, including cream, brown and green, our teenage tester particularly likes the stitching detail, tie finish and the hardy sole. After wearing them to college and on evenings out, they paired the ballet flats with jeans, tights and even joggers.
Marshall Willen II portable speaker
Marshall
A lightweight, compact speaker for carrying around or keeping in a small room, this 3.96in x 3.96in gadget comes in black or cream. Our tester is a music fan and has been impressed by the audio quality, noting there were zero tinny sounds (an achievement for such a small speaker). As well as playing music, you can take hands-free calls with the Bluetooth device as it has an inbuilt microphone. With up to 17 hours’ use on a single charge, that means you don’t need to regularly check its battery. It features a handy carry handle for use on the go, and the stylish design is aesthetically pleasing, too.
You Know It!
Waterstones
A fun trivia game with question cards, a main board, player boards, tokens and chips; this is an interactive way to find out how much your teenage recipient knows about their friends and family. With betting elements, players write down both answers and predictions to keep everyone on their toes. We played this as a family with our teenagers, and there were laughs aplenty. Whether for Christmas entertainment or to just hang out together, up to six people can play at a time, so it suits families or groups of friends.
Glossier you duo
Glossier
The beauty of this eau de parfum is that it adapts to the wearer, so the pink pepper, ambrox and iris tones smell different on everyone. The refreshing, warming, powdery scent is my teenage daughter’s favourite as it is long-wearing, and the stylish pink and red Glossier bottle completes its appeal. The set includes a 50ml bottle of perfume and a travel-size 8ml option with the signature thumb-shaped indent featured on both.
In the holiday range, we also love the balm dotcom gifts (£16 each, Sephora.co.uk) in yummy seasonal flavours like toasty nuts and just baked.
We The Free baby Emerson tote bag
Free People
This slouchy 20cm x 27cm x 15cm tote bag is big enough to easily fit a notebook, umbrella, make-up bag and phone in, without being at all cumbersome. It’s lightweight, includes a longer detachable cross-body strap, and has comfy padded shoulder straps. Plus, the multiple internal and external compartments are super practical. Complete with its zips, buckles and studs, it is an excellent dupe for Balenciaga’s city bag. Available in a wide range of colours, my teen’s been wearing the on-trend tan saddle shade daily. Made from a buttery-soft leather, it has a vintage-style finish that is especially popular with fashion-focused teens.
New Balance active premium graphic crew socks
New Balance
Available in sizes S-XL, you can choose between black and white or navy and blank colourways. Featuring prominent New Balance branding and a fun slogan, this midweight pair of socks has cushioning on the footbed and is made from moisture-wicking fabric. Our tester has trialled them for both sports and everyday wear, noting their comfort and style, and finding they wash well too. Our teen testers are also fans of New Balance’s active premium stripe crew socks (£22, Newbalance.com), coming in a three-pack with white, grey and black options.
Smeg 24Bottles clima stainless steel bottle
Smeg
This 500ml stainless steel bottle keeps drinks hot or cold and has an airtight seal to prevent the risk of leaks or spillage. Available in colours including white, blue and red, the collaboration between Smeg and 24Bottles makes for a practical gift from a classic brand. Its compact shape slots easily into a bag for use on the move, and it is cleverly designed not to draw condensation to the exterior either. This luxurious bottle is a great gift for everyday use.
What are the best Christmas gifts for teenagers?
Or, for the beauty and fashion fans, our teens highly recommend Merit’s flush balm and Free People’s baby Emerson tote bag. Whatever you choose, rest assured that every single gift we’ve included has been tried and approved by teenagers.