11 Best Christmas Gifts for Teens for 2024

One of the toughest tasks for any adult during this busy holiday season — right up there with decorating that perfect Christmas tree while at the same time wrapping gifts and not burning those cookies — is shopping effectively for the teenagers in your life.

The tastes of a teen are a mystery to most adults, so to simplify your gifting quest we consulted Chassie Post, a television style correspondent on "Entertainment Tonight," E!, and "Live with Regis & Kelly," as well as an editorial stylist for Glamour and host of "Shop All Day," a new program from the "TODAY" show.

Who knows, with a quick study of Post's insider reports, a bit of imagination, and a few keen purchases, you yourself may even receive the priceless gift of the teens in your life viewing you as trendy.

The personal touch

“One big trend, really for girls and boys, is all things personalized," Post shares. “I don't know what it is, but all the teens' rooms I walk into have their names in it. This sort of gift just always feels unique and thoughtful as well."

Personalized gifts also allow the giver to include more details than just a birth name — a nickname, favorite color, writing styles that match certain personalities, or, depending on the size of the item, even short phrases. Personalized food gifts fit the bill as well, especially those that incorporate favorite themes and flavors.

TikTok trends

For the aspiring social media stars in your life, TikTok trends are always surefire wins. Don't want to download the app to brainstorm? A simple web search can instantly provide results of trending TikTok video topics.

Post says exposing yourself to the TikTok universe may even land you a bonus gift idea for an adult in your life. “You know the scenario: You're often really trying to rip the phone away from teens at dinner. And they'll say, 'Just look at this TikTok,' and you're like…'Oh, that's actually really cool!'"

Beauty & fashion

“All things beauty are back," says Post, noting it as one of the largest social media trends. "My teen niece, she and her friends talk about it all the time; they watch TikTok videos on it. Anything in that realm, you can't lose, and you'll definitely score some extra points if there's a little sparkle involved."

Though not cosmetic beauty based, Post also mentions that fashion-related gifts can be a winner with teen boys, as more young men are taking an interest in high-style athleisure products and jewelry.

T-Swift related

Taylor Swift is easily one of the most recognized entertainers on the planet (who became somehow even more so with her romance with one of the NFL's biggest names), and Post says Swift-y gifts are sure shots. “Any gift that can even possibly, gently have anything to do with Taylor will just make a girl's year."

Try a Taylor poster, one of her current massive-selling album reissues, or, due to Swift's proclivity for gleaming outfits and makeup, anything shiny and wearable, Post says.

Think outside the box

Gifts that include an element of surprise are big these days — in fact, Post notes, any teen gift cool factor jumps when a fun unboxing experience is included.

Also, gifts that demonstrate dry humor and involve seemingly random items, such as one certain universally loved pastry, are go-tos. “Cheeky gifts are great. I don't know what it is, but the donut itself is a mega-trend. Donut T-shirts, donut-shaped pillows and pool floats...donuts are just everywhere."

Specialty sweets

When in doubt, always aim for a teen's sweet tooth, Post says — especially treats that involve unique textures and luxury elements. Cake pops, she says, fall squarely within this zone, as do macarons, cocoa bombs, and any type of treat that involves interactive-opening elements — which, surprise, are all more social media trends!

Christmas gifts for teen girls

Christmas gifts for teen boys

Christmas gifts for all teens