Christmas Gifts for Teens and Tweens: Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

From style and comfort to games and electronics, here are this year's best Christmas gifts for teens and tweens.
Christmas Gifts for Teens and Tweens (Photo: Shutterstock)
Christmas Gifts for Teens and Tweens (Photo: Shutterstock)

Let’s be honest: Finding the right Christmas gifts for teens and tweens is a lot more challenging than buying the top toys for Christmas for little kids, who are already primed to love everything they find under the tree. Teens and tweens are picky. And while gift cards and video game download codes are usually welcomed, they’re not exactly the most exciting things to give or receive, either.

Christmas Gifts for Teens and Tweens

This year, we’ve sorted our picks for the best Christmas gifts for the teens and tweens in your life into three categories: fun and games, entertainment and electronics, and style and comfort. When it comes to choosing something your teen or tween will actually thank you for, we’ve got you covered.

Fun and Games

Game of Phones

Game of Phones (Photo: Uncommon Goods)
Game of Phones (Photo: Uncommon Goods)

Instead of fighting the fact that they’re glued to their phone, give your teen this card game that uses the ubiquitous device for a fun-filled scavenger hunt-type of competition. Play with family or friends to see who can search, text, and navigate their phone the fastest.

Cooluli Mini Fridge

Cooluli Mini Fridge (Photo: Amazon)
Cooluli Mini Fridge (Photo: Amazon)

Available in a variety of colors and even a playful cow-print, this mini fridge can be used to store soda, sparkling water, sports drinks, and even nail polish and skincare products. Your teen will be the coolest kid on the block.

TeeTurtle The Original Reversible Octopus Plushie

TeeTurtle The Original Reversible Octopus Plushie (Photo: Amazon)
TeeTurtle The Original Reversible Octopus Plushie (Photo: Amazon)

This plush sea creature has already trended on TikTok, so you know it’s scored cool points among the teen and tween set. The reversible mood octopus helps show the world whether you’re feeling happy or sad and comes in a slew of different color combos.

Pick-a-Palooza DIY Guitar Pick Punch

Pick-a-Palooza DIY Guitar Pick Punch (Photo: Amazon)
Pick-a-Palooza DIY Guitar Pick Punch (Photo: Amazon)

Teens can make their own custom guitar picks using the included starter strips or from old gift cards or hotel room key cards they might have sitting around. The kit also comes with a leather pick holder key chain that can hold up to 10 picks so there’s always one at the ready.

Entertainment and Electronics Gift Ideas for Teenagers

Intoval Wireless 3 in 1 Charger

Intoval Wireless 3 in 1 Charger (Photo: Amazon)
Intoval Wireless 3 in 1 Charger (Photo: Amazon)

This wireless charger helps teens keep all their technology ready to go, with spots for iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods all in the same charging device. It won’t take up much space on a desk or nightstand, so even if their room is a mess, their tech can be tidy.

Red: Taylor’s Version

Taylor Swift’s rerecording of her album Red will be released in November on vinyl and CD. Your favorite Swiftie will definitely want to add it to their collection, especially since it has all 30 songs that were intended to go on the original recording, including nine unreleased songs from Swift’s “vault.”

Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player

Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player (Photo: Amazon)
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player (Photo: Amazon)

Know a teen who’s interested in delving into the world of vinyl? Start them off with this basic option from Victrola to see if they’re serious before investing in more expensive equipment. It comes in a slew of colors to match any space, has a headphone jack for solo listening sessions, and is easy to take to a party or friend’s house.

The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Dubbed “the first-ever, fully authorized, all-access history of Marvel Studios’ creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” this two-book set features stories from more than 200 interviews with the writers, directors, costume designers, and stars of The Infinity Saga. Hundreds of photos include previously unpublished behind-the-scenes images and personal photos and memorabilia from cast and crew members.

Style and Comfort Gift Ideas for Teenagers

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette in Smokey Eyes Are Forever 

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette in Smokey Eyes Are Forever (Photo: Sephora)
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette in Smokey Eyes Are Forever (Photo: Sephora)

A dozen metallic, shimmery, and matte eye shadows help teens create a whole range of eye-catching looks with this Instant Eye Palette from Charlotte Tilbury. Your favorite teen will have fun playing around with the long-lasting, crease-proof, and blendable shades.

Roxy Always Vintage Corduroy Wallet

Roxy Always Vintage Corduroy Wallet (Photo: Roxy)
Roxy Always Vintage Corduroy Wallet (Photo: Roxy)

Made of soft corduroy and faux leather, this retro-cool wallet from Roxy is available in two colors and can also double as a wristlet. An internal zippered pocket and card slots help keep everything safe and in the right place, whether that’s their all-important driver’s license or the cash they made from babysitting.

Urban Outfitters Amped Fleece Throw Blanket

Urban Outfitters Amped Fleece Throw Blanket (Photo: Urban Outfitters)
Urban Outfitters Amped Fleece Throw Blanket (Photo: Urban Outfitters)

The teens on your list will love wrapping up in this soft fleece blanket during a holiday movie-watching session or when heading off to bed for the night. It’s machine-washable and available in six different color options to work with a variety of decor styles and bedding.

Hollister Sherpa-Lined Slippers

Hollister Sherpa-Lined Slippers (Photo: Hollister)
Hollister Sherpa-Lined Slippers (Photo: Hollister)

These comfy closed-toe slide slippers from Hollister will keep teens’ feet nice and warm thanks to the fuzzy sherpa lining. Available in a red-and-black check or a black version imprinted with the Hollister logo, they’re definitely a lot cooler than your grandfather’s slippers.

Vans Allover It Snapback Hat

Vans Allover It Snapback Hat (Photo: Vans)
Vans Allover It Snapback Hat (Photo: Vans)

This six-panel snapback hat from the legendary skate and surf brand features an adjustable back snap and logo leather patch on the front. It comes in solid black with a printed floral visor or a green tie-dye print.

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Beth Luberecki is a Florida-based freelance writer who writes about travel, business, and lifestyle topics for a variety of publications and websites. She enjoys exploring destinations close to home and farther afield with her husband and teenage daughter. Visit her website at bethluberecki.com or find her on Instagram at @bethluberecki and @findingfloridafun.

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