Gift guides

Gifts for Teens They'll Actually Want

From the editors

Shopping for teens can feel like a test you didn't study for. Here are gifts we think will pass. We've rounded up our favorite ideas for teenagers, including tech, beauty, room upgrades, books and the cool stuff that makes them feel seen. When in doubt, scroll the picks together and let them "casually" point out favorites.

Explore the guides

The guides

90 guides
Gift guide · July 30, 2026

The best back-to-school tech for teens

From the archive · August 12, 2024

Lunch bags and totes for teens who have outgrown lunch boxes | Back to School Shopping

Gift guide

The coolest birthday gifts for teens

From the archive · December 1, 2024

28 unique personalized gifts for kids from toddlers to teens | Holiday Gift Guide

From the archive · July 29, 2023

20 cool backpacks for teens this year | Back to School Guide

From the archive · July 27, 2022

Cool plus-size clothes for teens: 8 of our favorite destinations | Back to School Guide 2022

From the archive · April 3, 2019

9 cool Easter egg ideas for tweens and teens who are over solid colors: Star Wars, pop art, fake cacti, and more

From the archive · July 29, 2016

23 cool backpacks for teens and big kids | Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2016

From the archive · July 29, 2018

30+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 2018

From the archive · November 15, 2023

20 wonderful Hanukkah gifts for kids from toddlers to teens | Holiday Gift Guide

Gift guide · March 11, 2025

Easter Baskets for Teens and Tweens: Look no further than these 28 amazing ideas!

From the archive · December 4, 2024

25 cool gifts for teens this holiday -- that kinda make you look cool too | Holiday Gift Guide

From the archive · August 20, 2015

The coolest backpacks for kids who carry more than a change of clothes | Back to school 2015

From the archive · November 3, 2023

24 of the absolute best 2023 Advent calendars for crafty kids, cool teens, and Christmas-loving adults

From the archive · November 9, 2022

25 wonderful Hanukkah gifts for toddlers to teens 2022 | Holiday Gift Guide

From the archive

Eco-friendly gifts for kids and teens who are fighting for our planet. For good reason.

From the archive

Cool music gifts for the tween or teen who actually knows who Bob Dylan is

From the archive

Our 10 Best Gifts for Teens | Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020

From the archive

Cool holiday gifts for teens and older tweens that won’t make them roll their eyes and say, “ok, boomer" behind your back

From the archive · August 14, 2017

29 very cool, very affordable back-to-school finds for tweens and teens

From the archive · January 29, 2024

Cool Valentine's gifts for teens on Etsy ... that they might actually like!

From the archive · May 7, 2024

12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Gift guide · January 26, 2025

10 anti-Valentine's gifts for people who hate Valentine's Day (you know who you are!)

From the archive · November 30, 2021

12 wonderful Dolly Parton gifts for the Dolly fans in your life. (A.K.A. everyone we know.)

From the archive · December 20, 2021

15 thoughtful DIY gifts for teenage girls | Holiday Gifts 2021

From the archive · November 7, 2024

18 of our favorite hygge gifts for everyone who needs more comfort and coziness right now

From the archive · November 25, 2024

More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.

From the archive · May 8, 2024

16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.

From the archive · November 30, 2020

We found the very best Schitt's Creek gifts for all the fans on your holiday gift list

From the archive · May 19, 2021

7 outstanding high school or college graduation gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)

From the archive · July 30, 2024

14 college dorm room essentials you might not have considered: Part I | Back to School Shopping

From the archive · November 7, 2024

22 of the best Taylor Swift gifts for your special Swiftie | Holiday Gift Guide

From the archive · May 4, 2023

10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.

From the archive · April 11, 2022

These gorgeous bracelets can help you manage anxiety and OCD with a little help from cognitive therapy techniques.

From the archive · May 6, 2018

8 of the sweetest mother-daughter necklace sets, from fancy to DIY | Mother's Day Gifts 2018

From the archive · March 10, 2024

Where to get your hands on the new Betsey Johnson x Peeps handbag

From the archive · November 22, 2022

The 10 coolest Ted Lasso gifts for fans who can't wait for Season 3.

From the archive · January 23, 2024

These Valentine's Day gift ideas are perfect for boys who aren't so into the hearts and romance stuff

From the archive · August 12, 2013

Cool backpacks for big kids: Back to School Guide 2013

From the archive · July 18, 2019

Presenting our NEW Ultimate Birthday Gift Guide: The coolest gifts of the year for kids of all ages

From the archive · November 10, 2022

Over 20 of the best Advent calendars for 2022: From the magical to the luxurious, to... goofy dad jokes?

From the archive · December 16, 2024

45 brilliant last-minute holiday gift ideas you can ship, make, pick up, or IOU. You've got this! | Holiday Gift Guide

From the archive · December 12, 2024

18 last-minute DIY holiday gifts for friends. And family, who you like enough to call friends. | Holiday Gifts

From the archive · July 31, 2024

14 college dorm room essentials you might not have considered: Part II | Back to School Shopping

From the archive · December 1, 2015

14 of the coolest art toys and gifts for kids of all ages: 2015 Holiday Toy Gift Guide

From the archive · December 5, 2022

21 great gift ideas for college students | Holiday Gifts 2022

Gift guide · March 14, 2025

One Cool Thing: An allergy-friendly chocolate bunny

From the archive · February 1, 2016

21 cool Valentine's Day gift ideas for kids of all ages | Valentine's Gift Guide 2016

From the archive · August 21, 2017

23 of the absolute cutest animal school supplies | Back to School Guide 2017

From the archive

Gifts for the VSCO girl who loves the label, uses the hashtag, owns her aesthetic. Sksksksksk.

Gift guide · December 17, 2025

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Last-Minute Gifts for Everyone On Your List

From the archive · August 20, 2017

23 of the coolest Wonder Woman school supplies | Back to School Guide 2017

From the archive · November 25, 2021

The best Black Friday Deals of 2021: From the big stores to small shops and indie makers

From the archive · November 23, 2023

Our top Black Friday Deals of 2023: From the big stores to small shops and indie makers

From the archive · November 22, 2020

Presenting our 100% entirely Small Business Holiday Gift Guide 2020: See our top 10 gifts for everyone on your list

From the archive · January 31, 2023

16 truly special Valentine's gifts for best friends who could use a little extra love right now

From the archive · November 29, 2015

14 of the best outdoor toys for kids of all ages: 2015 Holiday Toy Gift Guide

From the archive · March 28, 2021

50+ creative ideas for Easter Basket gifts from the drugstore. Easy!

From the archive · May 16, 2024

Symbolic keepsake jewelry for graduates: 7 thoughtful gifts with 7 meanings

From the archive · March 17, 2024

One Cool Thing: A thoughtful gift under $10 for an avid reader, teacher, or a new grad

Gift guide · March 20, 2025

Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!

From the archive · December 8, 2022

17 Gen Z gifts that give back to the incredible causes they care about | Holiday Gift Guide

Gift guide · December 7, 2025

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Our favorite food (and food-related) gifts for everyone on your list

From the archive · February 2, 2023

Cool Valentine's Day jewelry for women: 14 pieces that are edgy, funky, and anything but traditional.

From the archive · August 6, 2017

26 of the coolest unicorn school supplies that bring magic to the day | Back to School Guide 2017

From the archive · December 5, 2016

The great holiday cookie gift guide: Something for every sweet tooth on your list.

From the archive · October 10, 2024

Modern luxury gifts for less: Where the insiders shop for stunning home and fashion essentials at great prices. (Plus get an exclusive discount!)

From the archive · November 6, 2024

Guitar Center: Holiday deals for the musicians on your list

From the archive · August 31, 2017

Cool skull school supplies for our edgy kids | Back to School Guide 2017

From the archive · May 18, 2016

Keepsake jewelry under $75 that makes a meaningful gift for your favorite grad.

From the archive · December 30, 2017

Amazing Card Games for Family Game Night | Editors Top 10 of the Year

From the archive · November 14, 2014

It's here! It's here! Our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide has arrived.

From the archive · May 12, 2017

10 inspirational art prints for grads that will encourage them to work hard, be kind, and follow their dreams.

From the archive · January 28, 2018

15+ fun, affordable Valentine's Day gifts for kids all under $15 each

From the archive · May 16, 2014

Vintage lockets on Etsy that hold more than secret photos, they hold a secret message.

From the archive · March 4, 2018

The crazy awesome sidewalk chalk that suddenly has us coveting sidewalk chalk

From the archive · December 11, 2024

Stuck on a holiday gift idea? Here are 12 cool gift boxes for anyone on your list, up to 50% off!

From the archive · March 14, 2016

Over 20 of the best bunny gifts for Easter, whether you've got toddlers or tweens

From the archive · January 31, 2015

10 easy Valentine's Day crafts that make cool DIY gifts: Valentines Day Gift Guide

From the archive · November 17, 2009

Cool Gifts for the Holidays? Look no further than our Holiday Gift Guide!

From the archive · March 17, 2023

24 cool, creative Easter basket ideas for kids all under $20. (We love them all!)

From the archive · March 8, 2022

Sunflower earrings for Ukraine: A sweet purchase for a great cause.

From the archive · March 26, 2020

18 fantastic Easter gift ideas for kids, from Etsy shops that could really use the support right now.

From the archive · January 26, 2020

These no-carb dumplings on Etsy are perfect for your Valentine.

From the archive · January 22, 2020

Cool Galentine's Day gift ideas for your BFF, Leslie Knope style

From the archive · November 28, 2017

It's here! Our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. Whoo!

From the archive · November 19, 2015

It's here! Our 2015 Cool Mom Picks holiday gift guide! Whoo!

From the archive · July 20, 2015

The coolest back to school shopping finds on Etsy, all with cash back. Thanks, Ebates!

From the archive · November 25, 2010

The Cool Mom Tech Holiday Gift Guide is here!

From the archive · November 14, 2010

It's here! The 2010 Cool Mom Picks Holiday Gift Guide!

From our stories & Selling now
4 picks
Good questions

Frequently asked

What are good gifts for teens who have everything?

Experiences (concerts, classes, a day trip with friends), upgrades to things they use every day, and gifts tied to their hobbies are your best bets. A thoughtful gift card paired with something personal also works when you're stumped.

Explore Teens picks.

What do teens like for gifts?

Teens appreciate gifts that respect their taste and independence: tech accessories, room decor, beauty and style picks, books, and anything that supports a hobby. When in doubt, ask, or check their wish list.

Explore Teens picks.

What should I get a teen who likes to cook, draw or read?

Lean into the interest with a quality upgrade: a real chef's tool or cookbook, pro-level art supplies, or a beautiful edition of a favorite book. See our teen gift picks and birthday gifts for teens.