Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

2022 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 and teaching middle schoolers provided an interesting perspective on ages 13+. We tend to think that teens are closed off and moody but they’re always trying to tell us things­— we just have to listen carefully.  

The things I hear from my own teens 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.

Now is the time to listen and figure out what your teen is trying to tell you. What are they looking at when they’re on their phones? Are there things they’re talking to their friends about when you’re driving them to the mall? 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

Teens are always giving you subtle clues that can help you with your gift buying. If you’re still not sure, this year’s Best Gifts for Teens gift guide can help. My Best Gifts for Teens list features products that are tried and tested by my own two teens and others I know.

Patagonia Ultralight Hip Pack ($35)

Yes, teens love hip packs. This Patagonia Ultralight is not the fanny pack of yesteryear that you may remember from your childhood. This modern version is lightweight, yet durable, thanks to ripstop water resistant fabric. The 1 liter size carries essentials and packs into its own pocket when not in use. It’s adventure ready whether your teen is going on an urban adventure to the mall, skateboarding downtown, or heading out to dinner and movies with friends.

Spotify Premium ($99/year)

If your teen has been using free Spotify, upgrade them to Spotify Premium for ad-free listening and the ability to listen to their favorite music offline. Use this Amazon link to email your teen a 12 month Spotify Premium subscription and they’ll be forever grateful to listen ad-free for a year.

Herschel Classic XL Backpack (currently $45 from Amazon, regularly $59.99)

Herschel’s Classic XL Backpack is ready for a day in the life of your teen. The spacious 30L interior features a fleece-lined tech sleeve that fits laptops up to 15”, front storage sleeve with a clip for keys, and dual water bottle pockets to fit everything textbooks, sports gear, or essentials for a weekend adventure.

Victrola Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable ($54.99)

Today’s digital music streaming teens do appreciate vinyl so give them the retro gift of a record player that’s been updated with Bluetooth. The Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Portable Suitcase Record Player has built-in Bluetooth speakers so teens can listen to records or stream favorite songs from Spotify. Retro looks combined with the convenience of modern technology makes this affordable record player ideal for teens and a gift they’ll treasure.

Mint & Lily Name Necklace (currently $39, regularly $78)

Last year we gifted Emily a Mint & Lily Tiny Initial Script Necklace (currently $29) for her birthday and she loved it! You can’t go wrong with the Initial Script Necklace or as someone with an unusual name, I’m a big fan of their Name Necklaces that come in a variety of script fonts and finishes. Each made-to-order necklace comes on an 18” chain (with an adjustable 16” option) and is available in 18k gold plated, rose gold, or silver that are designed to never rust, fade, or tarnish. Mint & Lily jewelry also comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns ($69.95)    

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is a must-have holiday game for Marvel fans who want to befriend and live among their heroes to take on the forces of evil and save the world. This is the ultimate crossover event combining the rich story, character relationships, customization and progression of a role playing game (RPG) with the tactical strategy and combat mechanics of a revolutionary new card-based tactics game. Set in the darker side of the Marvel Universe, players will forge unbreakable bonds with legendary Marvel Super Heroes and dangerous supernatural warriors in the fight against the world’s greatest threat yet…the demonic forces of Lilith and the elder god Chthon. Currently available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Coming December 2 to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Slipper Socks ($24)

Teens love cozy and these cable knit slipper socks from Lemon Drop Gifts are ones they’ll want to slip on after a day at school. They come with a tag that reads “You’ve been so busy showing love to the world… Let the world love you back today. Soak in the goodness that exists around you and give yourself a great, big, awesome hug… Just like you deserve.” Such a perfect message of positivity for today’s teens!

Wouf Pencil Case ($35)

Elevate the way your teen carries pencils, pens, erasers, and whatever else they need for homework thanks to Wouf’s Camila Floral Pencil Case. It’s perfect for organizing their supplies and keeping them contained in their backpack as they go to and from school.

AAA Plus Membership ($76/year)

Give your teen driver (and you!) peace of mind with the gift of a AAA membership and roadside assistance. For a limited time, you can purchase a Plus gift membership at the Classic level price and get a FREE upgrade from 5 miles of towing to 100. Your gift of a Plus membership will provide up to 100 miles of free towing, free fuel if they run out, jump starts and battery service, tire changes and lockout service, identify theft monitoring, and $100 auto lockout credit. When you give the gift of Plus, you’ll get a bonus $10 gift card to the merchant of your choice.

Chenille Chunky Knit Blanket ($59.97 on Amazon after $30 off coupon is applied)

Weighted blankets are so last year! This year gift the gift of a chenille chunky knit blanket that’s perfect for cozying up and snuggling in for a good night’s sleep. These chunky machine washable throws are hand-knitted from chenille fabric with love and care. Choose one in your teen’s favorite color and it’s sure to become their new favorite thing!

Stranger Things x Vans Red Monsters ($200)

Teen fans of Stranger Things who are particular about their ‘fit, will love these exclusive Stranger Things x Vans Red Monsters that are hand painted by Stefan Meier, an artist who works in painting, drawing, collage, and textile design and is fan of Stranger Things. Looking for other merch from their favorite Netflix shows? Shop merch from via the Netflix Shop. Get FREE shipping on all orders at Vans.com!

Wondering what other shoes teens love?

You can’t go wrong with Doc Martens, Adidas Ultraboost, Vans, Crocs and Jibbitz to accessorize them! Get FREE shipping on all orders at Vans.com!

2022 Holiday Gift Guides

2022 Holiday Gift Guides

AGE APPROPRIATE GIFT GUIDES

SPECIALTY GIFT GUIDES:

FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES FROM LAST YEAR

2019 Holiday Gift Guides

Need other ideas? Here’s a look at last year’s gift guides :

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

Samples were received to facilitate this post and affiliate links are included. No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.

Note to PR: The period for accepting items for age specific gift guides has ended but I am happy to accept items for review to consider for specialty guides. Please be specific about the products you’d like me to consider reviewing in your pitch and thanks for understanding I’m on a short deadline to get most gift guides wrapped up before Thanksgiving and do not have the bandwidth to return samples during this extremely busy time of the year.