Top Gift Choices for Teenagers, Suggested by TikTok Users
Teenagers are truly fascinating creatures. They're a blend of bewilderment and charisma: as they journey towards self-discovery, they effortlessly decipher the latest trends in pop culture. In essence, they're always ahead of the curve, knowing what's in vogue before the rest of us do. If you find yourself buying for a teenager during the festive season, here's a guide to what's currently trending in their world, with TikTok playing a significant role.
Gifts for a teenager's sanctuary
A teenager's room is their private haven. Although they don't fully own a house, they hold their personal space in high regard. These are the items they'd love for their revered domain:
- Desk vacuums have been a huge hit this year. The compact vacuum from Odistar ($12.98) will effortlessly clean up any debris a teenager leaves behind at their workspace, where they spend a considerable amount of their time.
- This holiday season, teens are hooked on a specific speaker brand: Turtlebox. Although it's a bit pricey, setting you back $399.99, it's incredibly popular. If your teenager has less brand loyalty and appreciates quality, check out Lifehacker's roundup of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market, offering options at various price points.
$399.00 at Amazon
Turtlebox Gen 2: Loud! $399.00 at Amazon $399.00 at Amazon * LED strip lights have remained in vogue for some time now, and their popularity hasn't waned even after several years. If you choose to gift LED strip lights to a teenager, make sure they're syncable with a smartphone for easy color adjustments, like this 100-foot set from Ksipze ($11.99).* Search TikTok for "birthday candle" and prepare to be swayed by the Teenager's fondness for these. You'll likely find yourself spending $48.99 on a personalized birthday candle.* Watching movies is a common pastime for teenagers. Projecting movies onto the wall in giant size is a new twist that this generation embraces. This AuKing projector ($67.99) will be a hit among teenagers.* New to this year's list is the Jellycat. These are a brand of plush toys, with Squishmallows losing some of their shine. If you're aiming to give your teenager a stuffed toy, a Jellycat is the way to go. Prices vary.
Gifts to promote a teenager's wellbeing
Everyone needs self-care, and this is especially true for teenagers who are just beginning their lifelong quest for self-presentation. Give them a helping hand (or foot) in this journey, or simply grant them some peaceful downtime, by gifting them these items.
- Brazilian Bum Bum Cream has gained notable fame and is now thriving on social media. This cream from Sol de Janeiro smells delightful, absorbs rapidly, is beloved by celebrities, and claims to firm the skin. TikTok influencers have been sharing their experiences with layering this cream under certain perfumes to achieve extraordinary scents. As a Sol de Janeiro devotee, I'd recommend their exceedingly popular body sprays. Get a 2.5-ounce bottle for $24.
- Any teenager with a passion for makeup loves lip oils, and this remains true for this year. Lip oils are all the rage, and one can never have enough of them. Not only are they glossy, but they also provide a soothing effect. Trust me, this is an excellent gift, whether you decide to opt for the highly praised NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip ($9) or the highly coveted Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil ($40).
- Lip balms are big at the moment, but Chapstick just won't do for a teenager with an appreciation for makeup and self-care. Learn two brand names: Summer Fridays and Rhode. The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is $24, and it's often hard to find. You may have to search multiple Sephora locations or settle for the color that's in stock online. Rhode Peptide Lip Tints and Peptide Lip Treatments are $18 each, and the real draw is a specially designed case that safeguards the teenager's iPhone and offers a compartment for the lip product. That's $38. (It's highly likely that the teenager already has this, so check first, but if they don't, this is a winning choice, as long as you pair it with a lip treatment or balm.)
- It's a bit challenging to grasp, but Stanley cups remain popular with teenagers. They're available in various colors. Buy a 40-ounce Stanley ($45), which is much cheaper than last year's prices.
- Stanley's reign continues, but there are some competitors suddenly making their way to the top, such as Owala FreeSip tumblers. These tumblers have gained significant popularity recently. Personally, I have a green and pink one, but the plethora of color options on the market ensures that you'll find something truly eye-catching for your teenager. They're less expensive and more spill-proof than a Stanley, making them a better choice in my opinion.
$27.99 at Amazon
Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle priced at $27.99 on Amazon, $27.99 on Amazon If you're shopping for a trendy or active lady, consider the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. It's a wrap! Just be cautious with other athleisure. Leggings might be out, and flared pants might be in, but nailing the right fit needs knowing the teen's precise height and preferences. Some, especially athletes, still prefer leggings. It might be wise to offer a Lululemon or Alo gift card if you're uncertain.
Additional teen gift suggestions beyond home goods and self-care
Despite not fitting into the categories of home goods and self-care, these present ideas remain vital for the teen population. They crave plenty of knick-knacks and baubles.
- The Fujifilm Instax keeps its position at the top of teens' wishlists this year. This body offers a tangible photo your adolescent can proudly exhibit, most likely in their bedroom. A bundle containing 40 photo sheets, a protective case, and the camera itself amounts to $139.95.
- We're crossing over into the meta realm here. Although all these gifts are buzzing on social media, this gift is for social media: The TikTok remote control ring is $19.99. This invention allows hands-free scrolling as well as filming from a distance. It's a more stylish update of the once-popular, millennial favorite, the selfie stick.
Prices are current as of the publication, but are always susceptible to change.
The best Bluetooth speakers for teenagers often come with a hefty price tag, such as the Turtlebox Gen 2 at $399.99. For those seeking more affordable options, sites like Lifehacker offer roundups of the best Bluetooth speakers with various price points.
If you're looking for the best gifts for teenagers during the festive season, consider setting aside some money for thoughtful presents.
