Gifts for teenagers
Updated · Prices and stock from UK shops, checked daily
Teenagers are the hardest to surprise and the easiest to disappoint, so the best tactic is not to guess. Ask for three or four things and buy one of them. If they won’t give you anything to go on, the ideas below are a good prompt.
Prices and stock are from UK shops today.
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Tech
Wireless earbuds, a portable charger or a speaker for their room. Check which phone they have before you buy anything that has to pair with it.
Belkin Boostcharge 20,000Mah Powerbank - 3 Port, 15W Output, Fast Charging - Black
£27.99Gaming
A headset, a spare controller or a proper gaming mouse. Find out which console or PC they play on first — it matters more than which game.
Their room
A galaxy projector, a neon sign or fairy lights. Teenagers spend a lot of time in their rooms, so making it nicer is a present they notice every day.
Hobbies
An instant camera, a skateboard, a proper set of paints. Back whatever they’re into this month — it might just stick.
Fujifilm instax™ Mini 99 Instant Camera with Built-In Flash & Shoulder Strap, Black
£174.99Something to wear
Hoodies, a decent backpack, a beanie. Clothes are risky without a list, so ask for links and sizes.
Questions people ask
- What do you buy a 15-year-old for Christmas?
- Ask them for a short list and buy from it. If they won’t say, earbuds, a gaming accessory, bedroom lights or a hobby kit are safe bets.
- Are gift cards OK for teenagers?
- They’re often the most wanted present of all. Pair one with something small to unwrap.
- How do I get a teenager to tell me what they want?
- Send them a link to make a list. It takes a minute, they can share it with everyone at once, and nobody else sees who’s buying what.
More gift guides
- Christmas gift ideas for kids, by ageChristmas present ideas from toddlers to tweens, from UK shops like LEGO, Argos and John Lewis — plus the easy way to stop the “what does she want?” messages.
- Stocking fillers under £10Cheap and cheerful stocking fillers under £10 for kids and grown-ups: games, puzzles, beauty treats and sweets, from UK shops.
- Secret Santa gifts under £20Secret Santa ideas under £20 that people actually want: mugs, cosy socks, games and desk treats, from UK shops.