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Throughout the year, and especially the holiday months, there's no better feeling than finding the perfect gift for a person you love dearly — especially if they're a hard-to-please teenager. If you're shopping for a sibling, friend, niece or nephew, or classmate and don't know where to begin, we can promise you that these gift ideas for teens are the coolest finds of 2022. Whether they're into the arts and enjoy photography and music or they favor a good beauty product that will circle out their makeup routine, these gift ideas are certain to make them smile (and are much better than a gift card, am I right?).
From retro gift ideas like a polaroid camera and vinyl for their record player to cool tech gadgets like a sunset lamp and a phone scavenger-hunt game, they'll be blown away by the unique and meaningful ideas you've conjured up — there's even a monogrammed phone case! Don't waste another minute browsing the internet for presents that feel mediocre and hop on these gift ideas before they sell out. Keep reading to see the affordable finds that we know the teen in your life will appreciate.
— Additional reporting by Macy Cate Williams
Made with safflower oil, uplifting essential oils, and upcycled rose, the Being Frenshe Glow On Perfume Oil in Citrus Amber ($15) is a great way to incorporate mood-boosting aromatherapy on the go. All they need to do is roll it onto their skin and gently dab. It's clean and vegan, so you can rest assured this gift contains no bad chemicals.
Being Frenshe Glow On Perfume Oil in Citrus Amber
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If they love to look sun-kissed year round, this Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water ($32) is a great gift to give. The "water" simply sprays on and has a color-correcting formula that will boost their complexion. Plus, it's refillable, so they won't have to waste packaging if they choose to repurchase it.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water
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The cozy season isn't complete without a candle, and what better way to set the ambiance than with this Being Frenshe Reset Candle in Cashmere Vanilla ($14)? It's a warm and serene scent that will set the vibe for them to unwind. It has a 45-hour burn time and is made with clean essential oils and upcycled vanilla.
Being Frenshe Reset Candle in Cashmere Vanilla
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Image Source: Uncommon Goods
This modern take on the classic scavenger hunt requires your teen's favorite possession — their smartphone. Game of Phones ($12-$25) asks players to engage in a smartphone scavenger hunt in which only the fastest players will survive (just kidding, they'll win points). Not only is the gift great for any card game-lovers in your family, but it will also sneak your teen away from their social media for a bit (bonus!).
Game of Phones
$12
from uncommongoods.com
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It's pretty much common knowledge that kids will reach their ultimate sass level in their teen years (oh joy!). But if you're looking for a way to help them channel their newfound attitude, we're confident they'll get a kick out of this cute and sassy Peace Sign Wall Hook ($14) — which can hold everything from bookbags to jackets and more.
Peace Sign Wall Hook
$14
from urbanoutfitters.com
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The Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change
$30
from urbanoutfitters.com
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Reusable water bottles are another way they can help to save the planet by eliminating the need for plastic disposable water bottles. And this Hydro Flask Water Bottle ($45, originally $50) is a perfect one to keep in your teen's bag at all times. From school to sports practice and beyond, they'll be able to stay hydrated and keep the planet a little cleaner, too!
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
$45 from amazon.com
$50 $45 Now 10% off
from amazon.com
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Fujifilm UO Exclusive Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
$89
from urbanoutfitters.com
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Get the iPhone user in your life something cute and personalized like this BaubleBar All the Beige iPhone Case ($68). You can fit up to 12 characters, so customize it however you like. It features raised acrylic letters with a pearl-like finish for a luxe 3D effect. It's perfect for someone who loves a neutral vibe.
BaubleBar All the Beige iPhone Case
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The UO Pool Table ($46) is a tabletop-size mini billiard game they'll love to play with friends and family. It's something fun anyone would get a kick out off. Plus, it's portable, so they can take the game anywhere. It comes with two cues, a racking triangle, and 16 balls.
UO Pool Table
$46
from urbanoutfitters.com
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Drumroll, please . . . the TikTok-viral Everyday Cloudful 2-in-1 Flare Activity Dress ($40, originally $50) is here to make your teens day. It's made of Halara's classic cloudful fabric that's as soft as a cloud. You can count on this dress to be sweat-wicking, comfortable, and worth every penny. It comes in over 20 colors to choose from.
Everyday Cloudful 2-in-1 Flare Activity Dress
$40 from thehalara.com
$50 $40 Now 20% off
from thehalara.com
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They can take their coffee on the go with this cute W&P Design Porter Mug ($30). It comes in so many cute colors, but we love this fun terrazzo option. It's microwave and dishwasher safe and is made of high-quality ceramic for easy sipping. The mug has a matte silicone sleeve that's super easy to grip.
You can customize this adorable BaubleBar Custom Cutout Pisa Bracelet ($40) for them. All the fun colors will make them smile. The bracelet is designed with a stretchy material that makes it easy to take on and off. Pick a name, phrase, or symbol to create something original.
BaubleBar Custom Cutout Pisa Bracelet
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If they love listening to music as they doze off to sleep at night, this iScream Daisy Throw Pillow Bluetooth Speaker ($59) is a great option for them. The daisy-shaped throw pillow features a wireless Bluetooth speaker inside that pairs with their phone to play all their favorite songs. The pillow's reversible too, featuring pink on its front and orange on its back.
iScream Daisy Throw Pillow Bluetooth Speaker
$59
from urbanoutfitters.com
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The Sunset Projection Lamp ($17) takes mood lighting to a whole new level — its head can be rotated 180 degrees to adjust the size and shape of the projected light. It's small enough to be placed anywhere, whether it be a nightstand, dresser, or shelf, making it a great gift for practically anyone to enjoy — including a teenager.
Whether it's close friends and family or a truly complete stranger, the We're Not Really Strangers Game ($25) is an interactive game that lets your teen get to know the people they are playing with on a deeper level. It's all about empowering meaningful connections and growing the relationships in their life. Read our in-depth review of the We're Not Really Strangers Game.
We're Not Really Strangers Game
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Music-lovers deserve this "Harry's House" by Harry Styles Vinyl ($31, originally $40). The vinyl contains 13 tracks that run smoothly from beginning to end. The album is also available to purchase for streaming, MP3, and CD. If they own a record player, though, this vinyl is a modern-day must have.
"Harry's House" by Harry Styles Vinyl
$31 from amazon.com
$40 $31 Now 23% off
from amazon.com
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The Cushionaire Feather Recovery Pillow Cloud Slides Sandal ($25) might not be the most stylish slides they've ever laid eyes on, but they'll fall in love with their waterproof design and pillowy-soft sole. The nearly 4,000 five-star reviews speak for themselves — they're like clouds for your feet!
Cushionaire Feather Recovery Pillow Cloud Slides Sandal
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Braces often leave stains behind once they're taken off, and this Moon Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen ($20) is a great way to combat them. Its pen is filled with a whitening component that can be drawn onto their teeth as needed. It's 100 percent vegan and even backed by Kendall Jenner. It's a great gift for teens who are into beauty.
Moon Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen
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Breakfast-lovers will be all over this Mini Waffle Maker ( $20). Its small size is great for apartments that don't have a lot of counter space, and it's easy to store and will make delicious waffles whenever they want them (aka all the time).
The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24) offers extra moisture and hydration for those with dry lips. It contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and it's an Allure 2019 Best of Beauty winner. Give the gift of buttery soft lips with this sleep mask, which is infused with murumuru seed and shea butter.
Kick off your next party with a country-chic touch, provided by this Urban Outfitters Bootle Opener ($18). The daisy-adorned gadget is so cute, you'll be popping bottles just for the fun of it. And the bottle opener is also available to shop in a checkered pink print, too.
Urban Outfitters Bootle Opener
$18
from urbanoutfitters.com
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We didn't know candlesticks could get any more romantic until we saw this Winnie Floral Taper Candle Set ($14, originally $18). The candles are available to shop in a wide variety of colors, including an orange-hued and multi-colored set. And the bottoms are wrapped in a dried floral design that's as ethereal as it is completely adorable.
Winnie Floral Taper Candle Set
$14 from urbanoutfitters.com
$18 $14 Now 22% off
from urbanoutfitters.com
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The dust-proof, waterproof JBL Go3 Wireless Speaker ($30, originally $50) can fit into their pocket or as a keychain on any bike, backpack, or water bottle. Even though it's tiny, it packs a powerful sound with deep bass. It has up to five hours of battery life per charge and comes in several different colors like classic black and bold teal.
JBL Go3 Wireless Speaker
$30 from target.com
$50 $30 Now 40% off
from target.com
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If your teen is a side sleeper, a sweaty sleeper or they have trouble sleeping in general, upgrade their pillow to this The Casper Foam Pillow ($89). The pillow's combination of foam creates the perfect squishy and bouncy surface. It's breathable, too, so they'll never feel too hot sleeping on it.
