Shopping for teens and tweens can feel like walking a tightrope. They’re not little kids anymore, but they’re not quite adults either.
The key? Finding gifts that are equal parts cool, practical, and just indulgent enough to make them feel special. Whether you’re looking for trendy accessories, skincare essentials, or creative gadgets, this guide is packed with ideas that will earn you serious cool points while keeping everyone happy.
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From self-care treats to tech-savvy must-haves, there’s something here for every teen and tween on your list. While there are some more expensive items, many of these are under $50, and some fab ideas are $20 or less.
Nex Playground
The Nex Playground is the perfect family gift, especially for the cold and snowy winter months when families are spending less time outdoors. The Nex Playground will keep all members of your family moving while having fun. It is an interactive gaming device that is geared for adults and kids from pre-school to teens.
Nex Playground uses no additional equipment, yet allows users to play interactive games, dance, and even puzzles and brain teaser type games from one unit. It comes with five games, but you can sign up for the Playground Pass that allows you to access the complete game catalog; new games are added monthly. The Nex Playground is small and portable; pick up the Travel Case and you can bring the entire system with you when you travel to Grandma’s house or take a vacation. No matter what your interest, Playground has a solution for entertainment of the whole family.
Friends The Complete Series DVD Set
My tweens have become obsessed with Friends in the past year. Luckily for them, they can now watch it to their hearts’ content with the Friends The Complete Series DVD set. It has all the episodes from all 10 seasons of the iconic show that’s remastered in 4K UltraHD. That means the colors are so vibrant, and the images are so crisp. It truly looks like the show was filmed recently instead of 30 years ago. There’s also a ton of behind the scenes content – like hours and hours worth. You can also stop the disc, and come back to it later, and it pops up where you left off. You know how handy that is.
JanSport Half Pint FX Backpack
If your tween isn’t really ready for a purse, there’s another option. The JanSport Half Pint FX Backpack is super cute, at about half the size of a regular backpack. It’s not so small that it’s a mini, and you can only carry the basics, but not so huge that It looks like they’re bringing everything they own with them. There’s plenty of room for the items they need. Plus, the Silver Shine color is so fun.
Jacques Torres Hot Chocolate Bombs
What’s better than a really great warm beverage? When it’s interactive, of course. These Hot Chocolate Bombs from master chocolatier Jacques Torres are just what Santa ordered. The set of 4 is enough to last for a few weeks, or for sharing, They’re loaded with the Classic Hot Chocolate Mix, star sprinkles, and marshmallows. These make a great stocking stuffer.
Made+ Custom Sneakers
What’s better than a new pair of shoes? How about a pair of shoes that can be totally customized. Made+ Custom Sneakers to the rescue. They’re a newer brand of shoes that allows you to customize literally every aspect of your shoe, from the sole to the eyelet colors to the mesh colors and more. There are literally tens of thousands of possible combinations, so no one will have shoes like theirs. Not into customizing, or find it overwhelming? That’s okay – Made+ also offers several styles in popular premade combos.
Striped Oversized Sweatshirt
This striped oversized sweatshirt is taking the internet by storm, and our house is no exception. It’s an easy top to dress up or dress down, and looks cute with jeans, leggings, or even sweats and joggers. There’s a ton of colorways, from subtle neutrals to vivid brights, and I have to say, the brights and neutrals really look like different tops. If you have a long torso, you may want to wear a bodysuit underneath, and if you’re busty with broad shoulders, consider sizing up.
Beurre Whipped Body Butter
Looking for a luxurious yet affordable gift idea? How about the affordable treat of Beurre Whipped Body Butter. This line of whipped shea butters absorbs effortlessly into your skin, leaving it feeling irresistibly soft and deeply moisturized. Perfect for combating winter dryness (and nourishing your skin year-round), the gentle, non-overpowering scents provide a subtle touch of luxury. Plus, with eco-friendly biodegradable packaging and 100% vegan ingredients, you can feel good about treating your skin—and the planet. Proudly Black-owned, Beurre is a brand that cares as much about your skin as you do.
Stackable Rings
Wearing a ton of rings is currently very in. This collection of stackable rings are a perfect stocking stuffer type gift. There are a ton of options, with most sets having somewhere between 12 and 20 rings. Set options include crystals, enamel, moons, stars, waves, boho, and so much more. Are they the best quality? No, but you won’t have to worry about them getting lost along the way, either.
Pureology Shampoo and Conditioner Set
When I was a tween and teen, I loved getting those big bottles of my favorite high-end shampoo and conditioner. It’s such a thoughtful, practical gift that’s perfect for the holidays, especially if you’re following the 4 or 5 gifts rule. Pureology offers a range of shampoo and conditioner sets, each formulated for different hair types and packed with luxurious, color-safe ingredients. Plus, each set includes a full-size Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Spray, adding even more value to this already perfect gift. It’s the ultimate treat for anyone who loves healthy, beautiful hair.
Looking for a similar, but smaller gift? Try the travel size versions. At just $20, this makes a great gift for a babysitter, dogwalker, or a stocking stuffer.
