Gifts for Teens Under $50 2024

Q&A

THE BEST GIFTS FOR TEENS

Over the years, we’ve seen a ton of searches for teen gift ideas, and as a result, we’ve noticed enough trends to put together multiple guides for the best gifts for teens that are guaranteed to put a smile on their face. Our team utilized some of these frequently searched terms and questions to compile our recommendations to help you find the gift you’re looking for!

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR TEENS?

If there were one word to describe teenagers, it would be “unique.” They change their minds and try new things more often than anyone can keep track. So, if you’re looking for the best gifts for teens, don’t try to pinpoint what they’re into now. It’s always better to skew older, rather than younger. Get them something that respects the fact that they’re growing up, something that might teach them a skill that will be useful as an adult. Or, give them something that lets them express their creativity in a new way. Just don’t box them in with anything you think is trendy and they’ll appreciate the effort.

HOW TO FIND THE GIFT IDEAS FOR A TEEN’S BIRTHDAY?

Whether they’re turning 13 or 19, teenagers are a tough audience unless you’ve got the perfect gift. Birthday gifts for teens can be a challenge, that’s why we like to suggest giving something that you liked when you were a teenager (if you’re older than they are). You can tell them about what it was like for you to be a teen and share something that inspired you at that special time of your life. If you’re not much older, you can go with something that they can put at their desk like a cool desk accessory or a book of reasons that you think they’re awesome.

WHAT ARE THE RIGHT GIFTS FOR A YOUNGER TEEN?

Children who are just entering their teen years have a lot to learn and a lot getting in the way of that. Try finding a gift that will appeal to the kid that’s still inside of them. If they’re more on the silly side, a fun game or something that will make them laugh, is a solid option. If they have a favorite sports team, score a gift that helps them show their support. The best gifts for teens are the ones they’ll use each day!

SHOULD YOU CONSIDER PERSONALIZED GIFTS FOR TEENS?

A simple option that we think makes for one of the best gifts for teens is a personalized gift. At this age, they’ll love seeing their name on the gift you give them, and you have so many options to choose from. Whether it’s a personalized leather-bound book of the history of comics, or a personalized gold record, there are tons of personalized options that will show them that they are making their place in the world

WHAT ARE THE BEST GIFTS FOR YOUR TEEN?

If they’re your child, you know their sweetest side and their biggest challenges. You know who they are beyond the trends that they’ve latched on to today. We recommend going with what you know about them instead of their passion of the week when looking for the best gifts for teens. We love the books that you can fill out with a reason why you love them or why you love being their mom or dad.

Expert Tips

HOW TO DISCOVER TEEN GIFT IDEAS THAT WILL TRULY IMPRESS

Teens are tough - and we don't just mean when they're being defiant. They're tough to shop for because their interests vary and because you run the risk of getting them something that's simply not cool enough. Give it the old college (or high school?) try with these tips for teen gift ideas that rock.

BOOST THE BEDROOM

When they're not at school, participating in extracurricular activities, or out with friends, teens spend a lot of time in their rooms. Their bedroom can be a teen's sanctuary, so when searching for the best gifts for teens, consider looking for a gift that makes their room more comfortable. The more colorful, interesting, or unique, the better.

RUSTLE UP SOME FITNESS GEAR

Whether they play sports or prefer to hit the gym, teens like to - or at the very least should - stay fit. Keep it fun with yoga gear, outdoor sports equipment, bicycles, or group sports gear. A healthy body equals a healthy attitude, and fitness gear makes great gifts for teens.

EXPERIMENT WITH CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

Everyone knows that teens have grown up with electronic devices, so play it safe here. First, find out what your teen already has, then gift her with a new gadget on the market. Is the budget not so big? Don’t worry, you can still take advantage of these teen gift ideas. Stick with an accessory like a cool smartphone case, a charging station, or a Bluetooth accessory. The right accessory can make an old device feel like new!

GET PERSONAL

Teens are known to be self-focused - and it isn't the worst thing. They're getting to know who they are and solidifying their identities. If you choose to play into this rather than avoid it, your teen will be ecstatic. Anything emblazoned with their name (or nickname) - from a jersey to a keychain - is in the top tier of great gifts for teens.

HELP THEM DOCUMENT THEIR LIVES

Some teens love to journal – so a leather journal might just be the right train of thought for these teen gift ideas! But there are even more creative things that can help your teen keep tabs on her day-to-day (which can be very dramatic, mind you). A scrapbook to document everywhere they’ve gone and everything they’ve done, or a photo collage frame to keep pictures with their friends are bound to be major hits. One service even offers a way to write letters to their future self!

ENCOURAGE A NEW HOBBY

When looking for the best gift ideas for teens, trying to get them a gift related to their favorite hobby is a great choice! Whether it's a musical instrument, sports equipment, or a model kit to bring out their inner engineer. You could even set your teen's sights on a new interest, this thoughtful gift could end up making a major impact.

PREPARE THEM FOR COLLEGE

For those teens that are dorm-bound, some of the best gift options can help prepare them for college. Get them ready with a monogrammed laundry bag, a cozy robe, a set of brand-new towels, cool dorm-room décor, or a personalized photo album to stave off homesickness.

TOP TEEN GIFT IDEAS FOR GIRLS

It can be tricky to buy gifts for teens as they start to grow up, and 19-year-old girls can be some of the hardest to buy the right gift for. Not quite in her twenties, but close, she’s not a younger teenager, but she still isn’t old enough to drink. She’s likely living on her own and may even be in college. She could use some gifts that blend cool with useful and we’ve found the perfect list of gifts that will help you find what’s right for her! Review our blog post for TOP TEEN GIFT IDEAS FOR GIRLS.

FINDING THE RIGHT GIFTS FOR THE TWEENS IN YOUR LIFE

Shopping for tweens can be tricky, because you never want to give a gift that feels too childish. But remember, they’re not teenagers yet, so you don’t want to choose a gift that’s beyond their age. We’ve put together a list of gifts that tweens will love that fall within these two ranges. Review our blog post for FINDING THE RIGHT GIFTS FOR THE TWEENS IN YOUR LIFE

GIFTS TO GIVE A NEWLY 19-YEAR-OLD BOY

When teenage boys were little, they were easier to figure out in many ways. They loved wrestling with you and teasing their sister. You step into murkier waters once your little dude turns into a teenager. Then, what he likes is less clear — in part because teenagers don't tend to share very much with grownups. So, where does that leave you? Our guide will help you find the best gifts for teen boys. Review our blog post for GIFTS TO GIVE A NEWLY 19-YEAR-OLD BOY