Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

2021 Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Teens (ages 13+)

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The links in this gifts for teens post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link. 

Parenting high schoolers while teaching middle schoolers provides an interesting perspective on ages 13+. We tend to think that teens are closed off and moody but many times they’re telling us things– we just have to listen carefully.   

The things I hear from my own kids and see my students looking at in between classwork is always fascinating. You may think all teens want is gift cards and money but many times the best gifts for teens go beyond the envelope.

This year stop and listen to figure out what your teen is always talking about. How do they spend their time when they’re not at school? Are there certain games they’re always playing with their friends? What are the things they are never without that could use an upgrade? What are their hopes and dreams for the future that you could help support?

Best Gifts for Teens 

2021 Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Teen

Now is the time to listen and figure out what your teen is talks about most often. Chances are they’re always giving you subtle clues about their interests that can help you with your gift buying. If you’re still not sure, this gift guide can help.

My Best Gifts for Teens list features products that are tried and tested by my own two teens and others that I know they’d love based on the things they love to do.

Allett ID Wallet ($44)

Upgrade their wallet with the super slim Allett, a perfect wallet for men or women who carry everything they need on the go. This high-capacity minimalist wallet has space for 3-12+ cards and a divided pocket so your teen can stash their student ID, cash, and credit cards. It’s perfect for stashing in front or rear pockets, in a purse, or in a backpack. It features a clear ID pocket, RFID blocking technology, and weatherproof, bluesign(R)-certified ripstop nylon. It weighs only 0.8 ounces and can carry whatever you need for any adventure in a slim, minimalist package.

Ventev Wireless Chargepad+ ($35.74)

The Ventev Wireless Chargepad is the perfect desk accessory for teens because it allows them to charge their phone and Airpod Pros all at once by simply laying both down on the gray charging pad. It is a fully certified fast charge wireless charger that works with Apple (7.5W) and Samsung (10W) devices. It includes a 5ft power adapter so it can be put anywhere and plugged in to nearby outlets with ease.

Happy Foolproof Blending Sampler Set from Demeter Fragrance ($25.60 but $19 on Amazon)

Demeter Happy Foolproof Blending Sampler Set

What does your teen’s Happy Place smell like? Demeter is sure that they will find it with this group of fragrances, all chosen because their scents are known to promote happy feelings. When your teen smells these fragrances, they’ll have no choice but to smile – at a very special price. Wear them alone or blend them in any combination or proportion to create a unique and individual scent. The set includes Pink Grapefruit, Fuzzy Navel, Grass, Vanilla Cake Batter, Fresh Brewed Coffee, Bulgarian Rose, Apple Blossom, Pixie Dust

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Speaker ($99.99)

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is a wireless Bluetooth speaker with surprisingly bigger 360 degree sound and additional bass that allows teens to share their favorite music without swapping Airpods. It features a 13 hour battery life so the music can keep playing whether they’re hanging in the yard, on the beach, at the pool, or biking around town. Wonderboom 2 comes with an IP67 rating which means it’s waterproof, dustproof and it floats. It also sports a convenient loop and is dirt resistant and drop-proof. It’s also incredibly easy to use and control- just play, pause, and skip right from the speaker so teens won’t have to reach for their phones.

Oddict Twig Pro Ear Buds ($149) 

Oddict Twig Pro Ear Buds

Not all earbuds are created equally nor do they fit the same so buying what’s popular might not work for your teen. I was recently introduced to Oddict’s Twig Pro Ear Buds and instantly became a fan of the world’s first active noise cancelling aluminum earbuds. Twig Pro features fast wireless charging, dual 12mm carbon drivers for distortion-free sound, smart proximity sensors, and three different sets of eartips for a customized fit.  The round exquisitely designed aluminum housing fits in the palm of your hand or in your pocket and the packaging is sleek and modern, perfect for gift giving. The free app allows teens to customize their listening settings. Get 20% off and free shipping with the code ODDICTBF20. 

Luci Solar String Lights from mPowered ($49.95)

BOGO Solar Luci String Lights

My 15 year old spent 7 weeks as a counselor in training at Scout camp this past summer and one of his must-haves were his Luci Solar String Lights to decorate his tent. Whether you’re decorating a tent, your room, or just want some mood lighting when outdoors with friends, Luci Solar String Lights are a portable and eco-friendly solution that provide just the right amount of light.

Hidden inside the expandable unit, Luci Solar String Lights pack 100 lumens into 10 nodes on an 18 ft cord. Simply twist to open, unravel the cord, and string up for light wherever you need it. Luci Solar String Lights shine for up to 20 hours on a single charge so they’re always ready whenever you need light. Luci also makes a string of Luci Color Solar String Lights that provide 6 colors of ambiance- blue, violet, turquoise, green, pink, cool white + color cycle mode for the same price of $49.95.

Cocoon Graphite Laptop Sleeve with Built-In Grid-It Organizer ($34.99)

Minimalist teens who like to stay organized will appreciate the Cocoon Laptop Sleeve with the Built-in Grid Organizer that allows them to have what they need, wherever they go. The padded interior of the compartment is lined with plush faux fur. The gunmetal hardware and unique wood zipper pulls add an extra element of style that is sure to keep your teen on top of their fashion game. And the built-in Grid-it is one the world’s most versatile organization systems so  hardware and accessories are protected and organized in one sleek sleeve.

LEGO Stranger Things The Upside Down ($199.99)

As your tween anxiously awaits the release of Stranger Things Season 4, gift them with the LEGO Stranger Things Byers’ house and The Upside Down. This Stranger Things set includes 8 Stranger Things characters (Eleven, Mike Wheeler, Lucas Sinclair, Dustin Henderson, Will Byers, Joyce Byers, Chief Jim Hopper and the Demogorgon) and 2287 pieces. The Stranger Things Byers’ house measures over 12 inches tall, 17 inches wide and 8 inches deep. It’s the perfect gift for teen fans of the series and makes an ideal Stranger Things collectible!

Logitech G935 Wireless Surround Sound Gaming Headset ($169.99 but currently $109.99 from Amazon)

Those who love to immerse themselves in virtual worlds with friends will appreciate the Logitech G935 Wireless Surround Sound Gaming Headset to take game play to the next level. Called the most advanced wireless gaming headset from Logitech to date, this headset delivers premium sound and freedom from wires. The large cushiony over the ear style features 50mm drivers that let you hear more details during game play and the enhanced 6 mm microphone provides more clarity to your gamer’s communication. Gamers can customize the lights on their headset using the downloadable Logitech G hub software and turn lighting on and off. With default lighting on, this wireless headset has a battery life of 8 hours and a full 12 hours when switched off. 

Aerobie Sonic Fin Football by Spin Master ($14.99)

Encourage outdoor time with a friendly competition of how far can you throw it with the Aerobie Sonic Fin Football. This innovative hollow gyroscopic that creates ultimate lift and max distance in the air so every player can go long with throws up to 100 yards. It features a customizable calibration ring to allow right and left-handed athletes to throw like their favorite NFL quarterback. Adjustable plastic fins also increase the spin rate for pro-level speed and distance, and the precise balance makes it easier to toss perfect spirals.

Livall EVO21 Bluetooth Helmet ($139.99)

Livall EVO21

We want our teens to be safe when biking, skateboarding, and scootering and the features of the LIvall EVO21 Bluetooth Helmet can help keep them safer on the road. Smart lighting, SOS alerts, Bluetooth helmet speakers, ability to take hands-free phone calls, and a walkie talkie function are built into this smart helmet.

Built-in LED lights with 270-degree angle can indicate as flashing lights or as stopping and warning lights to help cyclists communicate effectively with other road users. The SOS feature is based on built-in accelerometers in the helmet that alerts emergency contacts of the rider’s GPS location when the rider falls off the bike and does not respond within 90 seconds. The SOS feature is very useful if the rider find himself totally alone in a remote location. Bluetooth helmet speakers and ability to take hands-free phone calls can be useful as well as the Walkie-Talkie function that allows for easy communication with fellow cyclists by pressing the bottom button on the remote control when riding in a group.

Google Nest Hub Max ($179.99 before Thanksgiving, otherwise $229)

After a year and a half of school being interrupted and virtual learning, most teens could use some help getting organized again. Google Nest Hub Max can help organize the chaos with a simple “Hey Google” command. Teens can use Google Nest Hub Max to set reminders and timers to keep your teen on task and on time, sync task with Google calendar so they don’t miss any important dates, and make calls on Google Duo or Zoom to stay connected with friends and family. It features a 10” screen, a camera, and powerful speakers in a modern design that goes with any teen’s room décor.

Travel Jet Set from Cocofloss ($44)

This holiday season give the gift that will inspire good hygiene thanks to Cocofloss. If you’re not familiar with Cocofloss, the company was developed by a Northern California dentist and her sister who admitted to not flossing. Together they developed Cocobrush and Cocofloss. Cocobrush beats out other brushes in cleansing power thanks to thousands of micro-bristles that are nearly 40% finer than regular bristles, making them better able to sweep under your gums and between your teeth. Cocofloss has 500+ soft textured threads that sweep away gross yellow plaque with cleansing coconut oil and a light coating of vegan wax that clean better than regular floss. The Travel Jet Set contains everything a teen needs for great hygiene whether masked or not. Choose your Cocobrush color, floss fragrance, and refill fragrance (choose from fun ones like summer watermelon, pure strawberry, fresh coconut, delicious mint, and holiday flavors) and all comes in a zippered pouch perfect for gift giving. All orders over $20 ship free.

Laser Cut Earrings ($16-28)

 With 29 different styles of laser cut cherry wood earrings that vary from feathery dangles, geometric shapes that go with every outfit, to darling studs, Pew Pew Lasercraft’s Etsy store has a pair for every teen. Also check out fun pencils with sayings from their favorite shows and movies like Friends, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Hamilton, The Office, and more.

Colorful Keyboard and Mouse Combo ($39.99)

Teens will love this wireless keyboard and mouse combo that comes in an assortment of color combinations that fits their aesthetic. It be used at school with their Chromebook and at home to increase their productivity at a budget friendly price point.

I hope you enjoy this year’s picks and wish you happy and stress-free holiday shopping!

2021 Holiday Gift Guides

2021 Gift Guides

AGE APPROPRIATE GIFT GUIDES

SPECIALTY GIFT GUIDES:

In case you wanted to start making your shopping lists now, here’s a look at last year’s gift guides that are full of great ideas:

NEED MORE IDEAS? VISIT MY PAST GIFT GUIDES FOR TWEENS:

Samples were received to facilitate this post and affiliate links are included. No compensation was received for this post or hosting this giveaway and all opinions are my own. Images courtesy of the companies featured.