Gift Ideas for Teens

Looking for Gift Ideas for your Teen?

Around 15 years old, my teens started drawing a blank when it came to gift ideas, and it became really difficult to find them gifts. They went from being kids who would circle items in gift guides, or point out toys on TV, to not being able to name a single gift that they would like! They didn’t want useless items (understandably), and I didn’t want to not get them gifts, but I knew there were things they could use.

So I started taking note throughout the year as to items they frequently use and would spend money on. Perfect gifts are ones that are used frequently, they are grateful for, and fill a need. Here are some ideas that I’ve come up with over the years, I hope they’re helpful for you when you are seeking gifts for teens.

Gift Cards

Video Game Gift Cards
Most teens love playing video games. Most games have in-game purchases so getting them a gift card will allow them to spend their gift card to purchase items in-game or even purchase a new game. So, how do you know what gift card to get them without just asking outright? Try asking them what their favorite game is. Keep a mental note and then ask “So where do you play it? On your computer or a console?” If it is a console then a Xbox gift card or PlayStation gift card is what to get. If they say a computer, ask them what games they play to help you narrow down what gift card to purchase.

Food Gift Cards
If your teen is old enough to drive, even if they have a job, food gift cards come in handy throughout the year. Maybe they wouldn’t normally stop to grab lunch to save a few dollars. Or, maybe they use the gift card to splurge guilt-free on a special meal or a dessert. Are they a coffee drinker? A Starbucks gift card or Dunkin Donuts gift card goes a long way. There’s just something better about guilt-free money aka gift cards that can make you feel like you are splurging on yourself. They might not seem grateful when they get it, but trust me they will be. Ask them where they like to eat in passing conversation.

Phone Gift Cards
A little less personal is a phone gift card but whether it’s for their favorite game or music it will be appreciated.

Amazon Gift Card
An Amazon gift card gives teens opportunity for them to shop for themselves to pick out something that they would really enjoy. I like this option over cash or check as I feel it really allows them to feel good about spending that money guilt free.

Visa Gift Card
A Visa gift card allows teens to buy whatever they want, wherever Visa is accepted. Whether they shop offline often or visit places that you can not buy gift cards for online, this gives them the freedom to spend that money pretty much wherever they want.

Food

From M&Ms to energy drinks, if you’re a parent you can take this time to spoil them with their favorite treats that you normally would not splurge on for them. It’s once a year and a really special treat. For the more health-conscious you can stock up on protein drinks, protein bars, or other frequently used products that will help them save money by not having to purchase them.

Displate

If you haven’t seen Displate posters before, they’re really cool metal posters that are attractive and cool for any teen.

Car Items

Whether they have a car or are just driving, there are plenty of items that you can buy. For the car owner, you can make a care package of windshield wiper fluid, an emergency kit if they don’t have one, and other necessities. For a teen who is a driver but doesn’t own a car yet, a travel mug or car phone charger are great gifts.