Nearly everyone with a teen on their holiday gift list is stumped about what to buy. Teens are notoriously fickle, hard to please and quick to show disappointment when they don’t get what they want.
To help identify the best gifts for teens this year, I assembled an expert panel consisting of my 15-year-old daughter and my 17-year-old son, along with their friends and other teens across the country.
Below is the definitive list of what teens really want this holiday season, straight from teenagers themselves.
Some elevated sweatpants
Many teens would live in sweats and athleisure if they could. Yet, there are times they need to level up their game and wear something just a little nicer, such as a clean pair of jeans. Now, they don't have to choose. The viral Rag & Bone Miramar pants (right) are ultra-comfortable sweatpants that are convincingly printed to pass as jeans. My 15-year-old and 17-year-old have told me that sweatpant jeans would be a dream come true. (I wouldn't mind unwrapping a pair of Miramar pants myself.)
If you’re looking for a more affordable version of this style, try Gap’s $90 baggy sweatpant jeans, pictured on the left.
A device that will turn any phone into a high-tech game controller
My 17-year-old son asked for an upgrade to an older controller he's been using for years. "Bigger controller and buttons are in the right place. Huge upgrade!" wrote reviewer Tyler.
Some cult-favorite PJs
Teens spend a lot of their lives in bed, so it's not surprising that kids like Miriam, 18, from New Hampshire, requested Roller Rabbit pajamas. It's hard to argue with the cult brand's original designs, including the blue-heart design Miriam requested. Roller Rabbit pajamas are known for being ultra-soft and breathable. If hearts aren't your teen's aesthetic, there are plenty of other options available.
"Obsessed with it!! Perfect fit so comfortable and SO SOFT. I already bought two more after this purchase," said Christine F.
A must-have cell phone accessory
Teens are never far from their phones. Using Octobuddy's silicone cups, teens can stick their phones to just about any smooth surface for selfies or video watching. It comes in a nearly endless supply of colors to fit any aesthetic.
My 15-year-old daughter uses her Octobuddy daily to mount her phone to make videos to send to her friends or catch up on TV shows while exercising after school on days off from track practice. Her older brother, 17, asked for his own Octobuddy for the holidays.
A retro fleece jacket
Some things never go out of style. The North Face Denali fleece is one of them – the iconic outer layer is as coveted by teens today as it was by their parents in previous generations. This is one gift your teen is almost certain to take with them when they fly the coop. And who knows? Since the Denali has staying power, they may pass their fleece along to their children one day. (The only downside is that my 17-year-old son told me that I'm not allowed to wear my Denali on the days he wears his.)
A sweet-smelling gift set
My 15-year-old daughter visits our local Lush store weekly. She tells me that the coveted scent among today's teens is none other than Sticky Dates, straight from Lush's Sticky Dates gift set. The set comes complete with body lotion, body spray, and shower gel infused with the scent of dates. The travel-sized bottles included in the set come in a pretty gift box ready to put under the tree.
"Please keep these available to us forever and always in all forms!" wrote reviewer Keys on Lush's website. They noted that they love the smell and consistency of the products in the set.
A stuffy to help them hold onto their childhood
When my 15-year-old daughter put a Jellycat stuffy on her list, I thought she was joking. She earnestly explained that Jellycats are decorations and she needs one for her room. Then I found out that other teens, like Margot, 16, from Maryland, had asked for one as well. A plush Jellycat croissant is an excellent choice for the sophisticated teen who wants to hold on to a bit of their childhood. If they’re not a fan of French pastries, pick up a Jellycat espresso mug, a pair of marshmallows, or an octopus instead.
"Super soft and the perfect size for a bedside decoration," wrote Caydence A. "LOVE LOVE LOVE no explanation needed buy it now," said Ruben Edwards.
Some upgraded camping gear
Sea to Summit's Ether Light XR insulated sleeping pad is a great choice that my family often uses for camping trips. It's light enough for long backcountry hikes yet sturdy enough to ensure growing teens get a good night's sleep.
A backpack as unique as they are
Boring backpacks are out, and colorful ones are in. The Cotopaxi Chiquillo Del Dia stands out from the crowd. These bags are made from leftover fabric that would otherwise end up in a landfill, so each one is unique. Not only will having a one-of-a-kind bag give the teen on your list major bragging rights, but the risk of someone accidentally walking away with it decreases dramatically.
"Such a unique bag made sustainably and ethically," wrote reviewer Ian. "I looked forever for a backpack that had what I needed. Cotopaxi did great with this one. It’s the perfect size: It holds my MacBook, Yeti water bottle, has pen pockets, and just enough space," said reviewer Steve.
Swedish sweets for even not-so-sweet teens
Candy is the perfect choice for the teen who has everything. Swedish candy from Bubs is the latest must-have treat for teens. Get the brand’s all-in mix so your teenager can have a taste of just about everything the candy maker produces, including Sweet & Sour Skulls, Ovals, and Tutti Frutti Rombs. Graham, 19, from Maryland, asked for Bubs by name. As a bonus, this is one gift that's guaranteed to disappear quickly and not create any clutter.
An on-trend necklace
"I bought this with the intention of adding charms. Looks great plain as well. I highly recommend since you can wear it as a choker or lengthen it to wear with a crew neck t-shirt,” said one reviewer.
Over-ear headphones with four levels of noise cancellation
"These Skullcandy headphones honestly surprised me! The sound quality is super clear with deep bass that makes music sound great. The Bluetooth connection is quick and stable, and the battery life lasts way longer than I expected. They feel durable but still lightweight and comfy enough for long use," wrote reviewer Jonathan Chen.
A barely-visible phone case
Despite their parents' best efforts, teens often treat their phones as an extension of themselves. My 15-year-old daughter and her friends are switching to clear phone cases like the Otterbox Symmetry. Contrary to what I originally thought, the reason isn't to show off their phone's color or pretend they don't use a case at all. Clear cases are popular because teens can customize them by adding a photo underneath. As a bonus, these cases are ultra-protective. If clear isn't your teen's style, don't worry. The Symmetry is available in a dozen colors.
"My daughter loves this phone case. She displays her photos in it," said reviewer The Boss. "I’ve been a loyal OtterBox customer for years, and they never disappoint! Their cases are incredibly reliable — I’ve put the drop protection to the test more times than I’d like to admit, and my phone always comes out safe," said Rebecca W.
A winter pullover
Dropping temperatures get teens thinking about updated winterwear. Talia, 17, from Washington, DC, asked for a new pullover. She requested the W Explorer tech henley, which is available in sizes XS-XL and comes in two colors. This pullover is an ideal choice because it is made with Polartec to provide extra warmth. It’s perfect for any teenager who’s infamous for refusing to wear a coat.
