Not Sure What to Give Your Teen This Holiday Season? Here Are 62 Ideas We Love

Maybe it’s time to transition to a “grown-up” backpack. Or maybe their sports bag could use a refresh. No matter the reason, your big kid will love this 18-liter backpack.

Our tester said the bag worked well, and she really appreciated the sustainability factor. “When I read more about the company, I kind of fell in love,” said Nicole Bonaccorso. “This is a small business that repurposes boat sails to make bags. It’s a really cool concept. You can even see little marks in the sail, which makes it even cooler. It makes you feel like you’re doing something good for the environment, but also it’s an awesome conversation piece.”

I’m always on the lookout for quality, high-capacity, and easy-to-carry travel bags that my kids will actually like. For times when you don’t need a whole suitcase, this weekender backpack is just the thing.

Our tester raved about this bag, which often goes on sale. “I love this product. It’s big enough for me to pack clothes for me and my two kids for a weekend. As it’s a backpack, it’s easy to carry. It opens up wide so it’s easy to pack, too,” said Bonaccorso. We highly recommend it.

If your kid is always complaining of cold feet or needs soles that can transition from indoors to outdoors, we think these fuzzy clog slippers will be a winner.

“They’re VERY comfortable and warm. I like the fuzzy style and that I can still wear them outside,” said tester Ashley Ziegler. She also found that they have great arch support, a rarity in most slippers. You may even catch your giftee sporting them at school.

My sons live in Crocs. It’s essentially all my 17-year-old ever wears. They’re soft and supportive, comfy, and surprisingly long-lasting. I’ve bought my kids slippers before, but they’re often not wide enough, or the soles are too stiff.

According to our tester, Lili Ladaga, “The footbed is super plushy and squishy, and the whole slipper is made from shearling, so they’re very warm and cozy.” She also says they’re great for wide feet.

This fuzzy plush version of traditional Crocs clogs will likely be making an appearance under our tree this year.

One minute your teen is refusing any type of jacket, and the next, they’re never taking their hoodie off (despite the 90-degree weather). It’s hard to keep up.

Find their next favorite hoodie in this cropped sweater fleece that’s available in men’s and women’s sizing in black, oatmeal, and bluish gray. Our tester loved the color and the woven pattern of the exterior. “This is a very cool, sporty-looking fleece pullover,” Bonaccorso said. “This is a really cute, fashionable pullover that’s great for the fall and winter.”

Soft enough to lounge in, yet stylish enough to wear to school, this Hollister X Crocs sweatpants and hoodie set is totes adorbs. It only comes in this pretty pink color and has a cute floral embroidering detail on the hip of the pants, and on the lining and pocket of the hoodie. Plus, the zip pull is the shape of a heart.

The pants come in short, regular, and long lengths to ensure you get just the right fit. Our tester loved the fabric and fit, and felt it was just the right balance of warmth and breathability.

If your teen prioritizes comfort and coziness like mine do, they’ll love this super-soft hoodie and matching bootcut sweatpants set. My two teens tried them out and found them soft, flexible, and just the right warmth.

I love that the hoodie is lined with breathable waffle fabric rather than the typical sherpa, since my older teen has sensory issues that make him detest being sweaty. The waffle lining is only on the hood and torso, not on the sleeves, so you won’t overheat. This hoodie is my 17-year-old’s new go-to daily jacket for the cooler months.

Can’t decide between a zip hoodie and a pullover? Split the difference with a half-zip. “This hoodie is very well-designed, and the distinct fit and styling make it feel leveled up. I can see myself reaching for this on a chilly day when a heavy coat would feel like too much,” said writer Steven Rowe. “Because it's so well-fitted, it can easily be worn under a heavy overcoat. I could pair this with my main winter jacket and stay extra warm. I also love the half-zipper. I tend to run extra hot and have trouble getting myself to just the right temperature. The half-zip helps me regulate my temperature without having to take it off and freeze my arms.”

If you’ve got a yoga lover or fitness fanatic you need to buy for — or someone who lives in leggings — this luxe set will make a great gift.

The leggings are high-waisted and 7/8th length. The sports bra features a pretty criss-cross back and a high level of support. Both are made of soft four-way stretch fabric that’s 80 percent nylon and 20 percent spandex.

In addition to the rose taupe color we’ve featured, it’s available in mauve, pale blue, and black. “The material is very soft and comfortable. They would be perfect for a hot day, since they are very lightweight,” said tester Ashley Rowe.

This small, portable speaker can liven up beach days, pool parties, or wet camping trips thanks to its IPX7 waterproof rating. “The sound quality is very clear, and I like its 12 hours of battery life and how easily it paired,” said tester Steven Rowe. After pairing, your audio will automatically jump from your device to the speaker when you turn it on. “I liked that I didn’t have to swap to a new app or press and hold the pairing button again,” he added. It features Bluetooth 5.4 with a range of up to 100 feet, has a 12-watt output, and weighs 1.2 pounds. Plus, you can pair it with a second speaker for surround sound.

Gen Z loves vinyl, and it’s easy to see why. The warm sound, the tactile pleasure of thumbing through your record collection, the experience of whole albums (as the artists intended) with nary a shuffle button in sight. This record player from Electrohome is a reliable, well-crafted introductory unit. It’s user-friendly and doesn’t take up a ton of space. I got the chance to test this, and it sounded great. I loved how easy it was to use and the sleek look that will fit with any decor. Just don’t forget the speakers!

When it’s time to share the music with everyone, this tiny but mighty portable speaker delivers impeccable sound in an easily transportable package. It offers 17 hours of playtime but weighs less than a pound. I really liked the classic style and was very impressed with the Bluetooth range of up to 100 meters (328 feet). It has a 100-hertz frequency response and a built-in microphone, so you can take calls on it. You can stand it up or use the rubber strap to attach it anywhere. It has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dust-proof and can withstand being submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

The Whirly Board is a great way to make fitness more fun for teens and young adults. It can help them build core strength, balance, stability, and coordination, or practice agility drills for hockey, pickleball, or tennis. The boards are made in the U.S. from premium 7-ply Canadian maple. They also feature high-traction grip tape and come with a lifetime replacement promise. “I like that it’s handcrafted with a lifetime warranty,” said therapist Riley Blanton, who tested this for us. She said it would make a great gift for people who are into fitness.

My kids are big-time sensory seekers, and these stress balls were a big hit with both my teens. They are very fun to squish and toss, and feel higher quality than similar squishy stress balls I’ve seen. It makes a great fidget toy for when you need to keep your hands busy but not be too noticeable.

They’re quiet and subtle — something you use at a desk without disrupting class or meetings, etc. The original size fits perfectly in your hand. The mini size is less squishy and has a satisfying amount of resistance. I appreciate how the outside isn’t as sticky as other squishes and doesn’t collect hair and lint as much.

Okay, I know this might not look like much, but hear me out. This is the only game my 17-year-old ever wants to play when I suggest a family game night. It’s a fast-paced blast, and he is brilliant at it. We even bought the expansion deck so we can play with more people when we visit our extended family.

I grew up playing this card game, so it’s an oldie but a goodie. My younger kid gets frustrated by the speed of the game, which is why I recommend it for teens and older. It doesn’t take too long to learn, but know that it takes up a fair amount of table space.

We love the idea of keeping some small fitness items around the house to promote a healthier lifestyle. Taking workout breaks is a great habit to start, and it doesn’t have to take forever. This set of hand weights in bright, cheerful colors makes it easy to strengthen and tone your arm muscles anytime.

Our tester tried an array of products from Balanced Body and found them to be a healthy, inexpensive investment. “These products can help you develop strength, mobility, and balance at home. They’re also compact and easy to store,” said Brittany Vargas.

Spalding is a trusted name in basketball, and this splurge-worthy smart ball is no exception. Testing found the ball to be well made and the accompanying app impressive.

“I love the concept of this device. The amount of data that’s collected is truly amazing,” said Swanson. “The app tracks the release angle, spin rate of the ball when it is shot, the arc of the ball — including release time and distance from the hoop — and made or miss rate. These are very important parts of getting better with the game.”

Our tester could not stop raving about this bike. She found it incredibly sturdy, yet lightweight with durable tires. It’s “well-crafted and worth every penny,” said Swanson.

“The ride is so smooth, like a hot knife through butter,” she said. Swanson found it comfortable and easy to ride, whether on pavement or dirt roads. “I was well balanced while riding it; the position of the handlebars is actually quite comfortable,” she said. “It was easy to change gears, and the dual brakes were a godsend as it is very fast.”

Inline skating is back in a big way. We loved the Rollerblades we tested. “They’re very secure and don’t wobble while still being comfortable,” said Ziegler. “They’re a fun way to stay active.”

Inline skating is also a great activity to do together as a family. They feature a padded lining, durable composite frame, supportive cuffs that help with balance, and 80-millimeter wheels with ABEC 7 bearings for moderate speed with less effort.

Choose what works best for the gift recipient, from men’s and women’s sizes and colors.

If your teen struggles to drink enough water or prefers drinking cold water, this triple-insulated, 34-ounce water bottle is the solution. It keeps liquids cold for 46 hours. Our tester appreciated its capacity and impressive cooling power.

“I took it camping, and the water stayed cold for a long time. It’s also leakproof, as long as you close the lid all the way, and durable,” said Scully. “We dropped it a couple times and it held up well, though to avoid scratches, I think it would be worth investing in the custom bumpers the company sells, especially if you’re taking it hiking, camping, or even to school every day.”

We found this 24-ounce water bottle great quality and just the right size for toting around every day. We love the carry loop and that it fits in most cupholders. It’s also triple-insulated.

“It kept my water super cold during my workout on a hot day,” said tester Alexandra Klausner. Liquids will stay cool for up to 30 hours. The locking lid is fully leakproof and, best of all, it’s dishwasher-safe.

For a girl who’s into pickleball, this is a gorgeous, top-of-the-line paddle. “This is a very good pickleball paddle. It’s lightweight, and the handle is not too thick with the grip,” said tester Swanson. The Snow White–inspired design made her smile, plus there’s Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, or villains if you prefer. The packaging is gift-ready; the box is designed to look like a storybook. “This was genius packaging,” said Swanson. It’s “something they will treasure for a long time — and they will be receiving a great pickleball paddle.”

Sensitive skin that’s also acne-prone is super-hard to shop for, but you don’t have to settle for plain drugstore brands. This cleanser from Glow Recipe removes makeup, cleanses, and clarifies without stripping skin, helping lessen breakouts over time. “Of all the Glow Recipe products I tried, this was my favorite,” said Scully. “The smell of the blueberry was actually the most grown-up. I also found the cleanser very effective. It got all my makeup off and made my face feel clean. It also was gentle — cleansers are hard for me because my skin is sensitive, but this one didn't bother me or cause a reaction.”

Snack smarter with Like Air Puffcorn. Your giftee will love finding this delicious snack in their stocking. The corn snack is gluten-free and nut-free. From sweet flavors like cinnamon bun and pancake to savory faves like white cheddar and sour cream and onion, they’ll find anything they’re craving.

“I like that it gives me the crunch/crisp of ‘junk food’ but is a healthy snack,” said tester Mary Sauer.

If your teen loves sour gummies but you don’t love all that sugar, meet in the middle with these keto-friendly Shameless Snacks gummies. “The taste and texture of these gummies were good, and they didn’t have a weird artificial sweetener flavor compared to other gummies that are marketed as being low in sugar,” said tester Sydney Greene, RDN.

These gummy candies are sweetened with sucralose. Note that they have high fiber content per bag and contain sugar alcohol erythritol, which can cause gastrointestinal issues, so be sure not to overdo it.

My 13-year-old is obsessed with these Chomps Beef Sticks. And so are all his friends. They keep them in their school lockers for a quick protein pick-me-up.

With 10 grams of protein and no sugar or gluten, it’s a snack that everyone can get behind. My son loves the jalapeño flavor, but there are also plenty of other flavor options, like habanero, smoky barbecue, salt and pepper, Italian style, and turkey. They come in packs of 10 or 24.

Help them keep their lips from drying out with Burt’s Bees Lip Milk. Several testers tried this product. They all loved it, reporting that it was like lotion for your lips.

“It isn’t just a Chapstick; it’s lip moisturizer, hydration for lips. It lasts a long time, and a little goes a long way,” said Swanson. “It doesn’t dry out your lips or make your lips crave more. This feels very hydrating on the lips.”

My kids tore into these before I was able to read the label, so when I tested them, I didn’t realize they were protein bars. I snagged a bite of the chocolate flavor and assumed they were healthier versions of Rice Krispies Treats. I think the strongest recommendation a protein bar can get is that it doesn’t taste like one.

These bars contain 15 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber. They are free of refined sugar, sugar alcohols, gluten, soy, grains, and artificial ingredients. Stuff a few in their stocking, or gift them a whole box to build their first pantry.

If your teen is interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle, they’ll love this refillable natural deodorant. Once you have the metal case, you just need to buy refills. The whole system is plastic-free.

The deodorant uses tapioca starch, baking soda, and zinc ricinoleate to prevent odors, while shea butter helps moisturize and makes for a smooth application. It’s free of aluminum and parabens. (Plus, there’s a sensitive version if baking soda irritates your skin.) Best of all, I tested it, and it actually works!

There are tons of pretty case designs to choose from, including seasonal picks, and the refills mean you can try all the teen-friendly scents, like watermelon, cola, and strawberries and cream.

Up their hairstyle game with this simple and sophisticated headband. It’s a classic, elegant style designed to suit all hair types, head shapes, and sizes.

It’s made of Italian materials in breathable 67 percent organic cotton and 33 percent premium nylon, and manufactured in the United States. There are nine solid color options, like olive, tan, and wine. It comes in three sizes for just the right fit; our tester noted it was a bit tight, so be sure to check the size chart.

Color them delighted with this 60-pack of dual-tip alcohol markers. One side has a flexible 1 to 6 millimeter (mm) brush tip for bold strokes and calligraphy, and the other side has a 1 to 4 mm soft-chisel tip for detail work. There’s also a colorless blender marker. The non-toxic alcohol ink is quick-drying, so you don’t have to worry about smudges. And the set comes in a convenient zip-close case.

“There's a wide variety of colors, and the carrying case is handy. I think it is a great gift for artists, aspiring artists, or anyone who has an interest in making art,” said tester Childs Heyl. “I think this is a great value — they're high-quality markers and the cost comes out to about $1 per marker.”

These awesome soaps wowed our tester. There are three types available: hydrating, exfoliating, and detoxifying, and they have amazing suds power.

“I like each scent, and I like that each bar has a specific purpose. I liked the exfoliating coconut nectar one a lot. It has coconut shell for exfoliant, so there’s no microplastics used,” said Bonaccorso. “Before use, these smelled pretty strong to me. I’m sensitive to scents, so I was a bit worried. But during use, they weren’t overpowering, and I quite enjoyed the scents.”

If you’ve got a teen who’s getting in to skin care, or one looking for their new go-to brand, we recommend Avatara and bundling a few goodies together, like the tinted lip jelly and a fun mask.

Our tester loved everything she tried from Avatara, a skin care brand aimed at younger folks. “Every product smells good. Good enough to use it again and again. The packaging is fun and gives good instructions on how to use,” said Swanson. “From the toner to the cleanser and mask — I didn’t break out from ANY product — and that is saying something.”

Shaving your face can be a daunting prospect, but it’s an exciting rite of passage in every boy’s life. Take the fear out of the equation with this high-quality shaving set.

We got this set for my oldest son when it was time for him to start shaving, and it’s been a great starter set. He never gets any nicks or cuts, and the shave butter leaves his skin smooth and soft. The set includes a heavy-duty metal handle, four six-blade razor heads, shave butter, and a razor cover.

Dr. Squatch makes smelling better more fun with its partnerships with major properties, like Marvel, Minecraft, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Alien vs. Predator, and seasonal offerings for limited-edition deodorants and soaps.

We tested Dr. Squatch’s natural deodorant and found it performed just as well as our regular deodorant, even during the hottest days of the summer. After hearing from our testers about how great this deodorant was, I bought some for my sons, and they love the scents and effectiveness.

Becoming an independent adult is stressful, whether you’re worried about grades, relationships, moving out, or life in general. We have a weighted blanket that helps bring calm when my kids are feeling stressed or need the sensory input they’re craving, but a large blanket isn’t always practical.

These Hugimals weighted pillows are the perfect size to keep on the sofa or bed and grab and cuddle anytime you need it. They are super soft and huggable, with a satisfying weight to them. My kids also loved tossing them back and forth.

A great way to help make sense of life is writing. Keeping a journal can help you process your experiences and understand yourself better. Some kids need a little help, and this journal gives you just that in the form of adventure suggestions and response prompts.

It’s a “fun way to get me out of the house, with some great suggestions,” said tester Amy Marschall, PsyD. “Every journal page is identical; the only difference is the adventures.” Marschall’s first adventure was trying a new restaurant, then explaining, “What did you learn?”

Combating teenage funk is no easy task, but this candle will definitely go a long way in improving the situation. The top notes are violet, blackcurrant, and mandarin; the middle notes are geranium, jasmine, and rose; and the bottom notes are sandalwood, amber, and vetiver.

According to our tester, it “has a really complex, relaxing scent that’s both floral, fruity, and grounded,” said Scully. “My husband also liked the scent, so it’s not too girly or floral. The glass jar is nice, and I appreciate that the paper tube it comes in is eco-friendly.”

Never be without a lip balm with this fun, organic three-pack. “My lips felt more hydrated with regular use. The texture is buttery and smooth. It’s easy to apply,” said tester Bonaccorso. “It lingers on the lips, which makes it feel even more hydrating.”

We also love that these are jumbo-sized. Choose from four flavor combo options: The originals pack is cherry, watermelon, and mint; the birthday pack is birthday cake, caramel, and strawberry frosting; the pool club pack is coconut, vanilla, and pineapple; and the limited edition Kool-Aid pack is tropical punch, grape, and blue raspberry lemonade.

Add some whimsy to breakfast with this wafflemaker, which our tester highly recommends. She found this waffle iron easy to use, and the fun patterns had her son wanting to help in the kitchen.

“My family has had several DASH wafflemakers over the years themed to different seasons or holidays because my son loves them,” said Scully. “But I have very limited cabinet space. That’s why I love this one. The plates are removable, which takes up way less space than a bunch of different waffle irons.”

DASH also sells a plate storage box to make storage even simpler.

“If you’re new to air fryers, this is a good intro option,” concludes our tester, Scully. It’s solid, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to use. It’s a good deal, too, and the slim profile is made to fit in small spaces.

“The food I made (potatoes) turned out great,” Scully reported. “It’s a good option for someone who is on the fence about getting an air fryer or a college student living on their own for the first time.”

Your first kitchen needs decent knives, and we recommend this pretty, affordably priced 14-piece set. It includes an 8-in chef’s knife, 8-in slicing knife, 5 ½-in serrated utility knife, 5 ½-in fine edge utility knife, 3 ½-in paring knife, 3-in bird’s beak parer knife, six 4 ½-in steak knives, all-purpose shears, and a slim wood block.

It’s “pretty much everything you’d ever need,” said tester Scully. “The knives are very sharp (truly sharp — I almost cut myself), which is nice for a relatively inexpensive knife set.”

This set is just the thing for anyone who’s taken up baking as a hobby or needs to kit out their first kitchen. It’s a solid starter set that can handle most basic baking needs, from muffins and meatloaf to cookies and cake. It also means all your bakeware will match nicely.

It includes a 9 x 5 in loaf pan, a 10 x 15 in baking sheet, two 9 x 9 in round cake pans, and one 11 x 16 in muffin pan.

“The bright colors were fun. The products were truly nonstick, and they were also quite light,” said tester El Wilson.

Young adults can save some dough by not buying coffee every morning. This Haden 12-cup programmable coffee maker is a great starter model and comes in at under $100. It brews enough coffee to share with roommates.

“I really like the 12-cup capacity, and the aesthetic is cute,” said tester Tori Martinet, RD. “I could see recommending it to someone who wants an aesthetic, large-capacity coffee maker without spending a huge amount.”

If you sleep hot like my oldest son, finding the right blanket can be tough. “Lots of them claim to be cooling but are still too thick or dense to truly be cooling. That’s not the case here,” said tester Scully.

“This comforter is thin and made with the same cooling material as the company’s sheets, so it feels more like a top sheet, only with some extra weight that you get with a comforter. This wouldn’t be my go-to in the winter, but if you sleep hot, get hot flashes, or it’s summer (and your house, like mine, has no AC), then this is the comforter for you,” she said.

This is hands down my favorite single-use kitchen appliance. It makes cooking the perfect egg so quick and easy. I use it almost every morning to make myself a gooey poached egg, and it’s done by the time my bread is toasted. It can also make boiled eggs and omelets.

I gave it to my 20-year-old nephew for Christmas last year to use in his first apartment. I highly recommend it to make protein-packed breakfasts more accessible. Plus, it’s very small, so it doesn’t take up much space at all in my tiny kitchen.

Make “girl dinner” feel like an event with this budget-priced bamboo charcuterie board. They can create an Instagram-worthy visual feast of all their favorite no-cook dinner staples, like smoked meats, cheeses, pickles, olives, crackers, pretzels, and nuts.

The 13 x 13 in board has a drawer that houses four cheese utensils. I tested this board and found it sturdy and high quality. It’s not too big: great for plating a simple meal for one or two, or an appetizer spread for a small gathering.