Finding the perfect gift for a teenager (or a soon-to-be teenager) can be daunting. Their interests are as diverse as the stars, and it often feels like you need a decoder ring to understand their latest obsessions.
Fear not because we're here to make your gift-giving mission a breeze. At the Parenthood Cohort, we know the challenges of parenting, and we're all about helping parents find the right resources. In this blog post, we dive into teen-approved gifts under $60 (most well below, before any holiday deals!). Whether your teen is a budding artist, a tech enthusiast, a bookworm, a socialite, an adventurer, or if you don't know - we've got you covered. And, in the spirit of our inclusive brand voice, these gifts cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Shopping for a teenager doesn't have to be an uphill battle. These thoughtful gift ideas for teenagers under $60 cater to various interests and will bring a smile to your teen's face. As part of the Parenthood Cohort's commitment to supporting parents on their journey, this gift guide makes your life easier. Remember, it's not just about the gift itself but the thought and care behind it.
What do you think about these ideas? Anything you'd add? Anything you'd take off? Please comment below; the Cohort would love to hear from you!
Gift Ideas for The Teenage Artist
There are so many talented teens out there these days! Teenage artists are creative visionaries who express their unique perspectives and emotions through various art forms, from painting to music. Consider fostering that creativity by giving a young artist in your life a gift for them to showcase and grow their talent!
A high-quality sketchbook with vibrant color tools will inspire their artistic talents and provide a soothing escape from the daily hustle and bustle. This art kit is an excellent option because it includes a case to keep things handy and allows teens to toss it in their backpacks. The books are a convenient 6x9 inches, so they will easily fit with school items! |  |
Vlogging Kit - For Phones or a Camera Kit
Unlock a teenage artist's creative potential with this comprehensive vlogging kit to capture their artistic journey and inspirations in stunning detail. Perfect for young content creators, this kit includes a high-quality camera, microphone, and accessories to help them craft and share their artistic vision with the world. Let their imagination run wild and turn their passion for art into captivating vlogs!
Elevate your artistic teenagers' and music lovers' creative process with this Bluetooth speaker that delivers crystal-clear sound for their music. Its sleek design and superior audio quality will inspire and energize their artistic endeavors, making it an essential tool for any budding artist's toolkit. Let their imagination soar to new heights with the perfect soundtrack, courtesy of this exceptional Bluetooth speaker. |  |
Unlock a teenage artist's full potential with this comprehensive guide. Over 30 days, they'll embark on a transformative journey, mastering fundamental drawing techniques and bringing life to their sketches, from intricate flowers to dynamic animals and beyond. With clear step-by-step instructions and vibrant illustrations, each day's practice will unveil visible progress and a growing sense of accomplishment. Whether seeking creative inspiration or a calming escape, this book promises to be the ultimate daily companion for skill enhancement, artistic expression, and a moment of relaxation, making it a must-have addition to their creative toolkit. |  |
Unleash a teenage artist's creativity with this digital graphic tablet, offering an innovative Battery-free stylus for uninterrupted drawing and a remarkably enhanced performance, making every stroke smoother and more dynamic. Perfect for online education, compatible with various platforms and applications, transforming note-taking and sketching into seamless experiences. This is a fun and essential tool for every young aspiring artist. |  |
Elevate a teenager's creativity with these captivating art dice. These dice are crafted to inspire and unleash their artistic potential; they are the perfect tool for adventurous young artists. Each roll leads to a new combination of colors, styles, and techniques, making creating art a thrilling adventure. Watch your teenager's imagination come to life with each dice toss, turning ordinary artworks into extraordinary masterpieces. Surprise them with a gift that sparks innovation and fosters their passion for art. Unlock their limitless artistic potential! |  |
Loop Experience Plus is the ultimate high-fidelity, noise-reducing earplugs. With a noise reduction rating of 18 or 23 decibels, these stylish earplugs come in four chic colors to suit any taste. Crafted for comfort and fashion, they are available in different sizes for the perfect fit and boast a distinctive shape that sits snugly in the ears. The additional Mute filter lets you teen customize them with two color options. Ideal for concert-goers, festival enthusiasts, and musicians, Loop Experience Plus preserves sound quality while protecting hearing from noise pollution. With Loop Experience Plus, your teenager can enjoy music fully without compromising style or hearing safety. |  |
Unleash the musician in your teenager with Sphero Specdrums, a revolutionary way to create music. Whether a budding artist or a seasoned musician, these app-enabled rings turn any surface into a musical canvas. Just tap to produce beats, loops, and sounds, making music on-the-go a breeze. These sleek rings are packed with cutting-edge technology; they are portable and endlessly creative. Give the gift of inspiration and innovation to a budding musician in your life, combining art with technology. |  |
Gift Ideas for The Teenage Bookworm
An enchanting world awaits within the pages of a favorite read for the teenagers who devour books as quickly as they can get their hands on them. It's always hard to keep track of what they have and have yet to read, so here are some gifts for the teenage bookwork that are (mostly) not books - but will enhance their reading experience!
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Give the gift of inspiration with Randy Pausch's timeless book, The Last Lecture. Professors often ponder what wisdom they'd share if it were their last chance. When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, was asked to do the same, he delivered a lecture on 'Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.' This book, an embodiment of his humor, intelligence, and inspiration, isn't about dying; it's about embracing life, overcoming obstacles, and seizing every moment. With the power to impact generations, The Last Lecture is a heartfelt reminder that we can't change the cards we're dealt, but we can always choose how to play the hand. |  |
Elevate their reading experience with the UnHide Lil Marsh Traveler blanket, a perfect gift for your book-loving teenager. Y'all - these blankets are SO SOFT! This travel-friendly version of the beloved Lil Marsh offers the same cozy comfort in a lightweight, portable design. Crafted with the softest, cruelty-free faux fur, this Blanket provides a warm and stylish layer of comfort while promoting eco-friendliness. Let them enjoy the luxurious feel of this Blanket while diving into their next literary adventure! |  |
This unique folding book lamp, encased in high-quality redwood, adds an artistic touch to their reading adventures. With three enchanting colors, including cold light, warm yellow, and soothing orange, they can set the perfect ambiance for any environment. With its 360-degree foldable design, this portable, pocket-sized lamp can sit on a desk or attach magnetically to a wall, serving as a captivating nightlight. Plus, it's rechargeable and can illuminate their world for 4-6 hours on a single charge. As both a practical light source and a stunning decor piece, this book lamp is a great gift they can enjoy for years. |  |
This one may strike you as a bit odd as a gift suggestion for a teenager, but trust me - it would be the perfect gift for your favorite teenage bookworm! This weighted heating pad is a thoughtful and practical choice that feels like a warm hug! This heating pad uses 2ls of pure stone seeds as the weighting material. This unique feature allows the heating pad to conform naturally to the body, delivering superior comfort – perfect for those long hours spent engrossed in a captivating book. It's a gift they'll appreciate, making their reading adventures even more enjoyable! |  |
Loop Experience Plus is the ultimate high-fidelity, noise-reducing earplugs. With a noise reduction rating of 18 or 23 decibels, these stylish earplugs come in four chic colors to suit any taste. Crafted for comfort and fashion, they are available in four different sizes for the perfect fit and boast a distinctive round shape that sits snugly in the ears. The additional Mute filter lets your teen customize their earplugs with two different color options. These earplugs will help readers block out the world and focus on the land in their book. Easy to use and discreet when worn, these earplugs are available in an eco-friendly package, complete with multiple ear tip sizes and filters and a convenient carry case. |  |
Gift Ideas for The Teenage Tech Guru
Technology is the language of many teenagers. Technology changes rapidly and can be so costly that it's hard to keep up with (and afford!) what a teenager may enjoy. Here are a few gifts for the technology-inclined teen that it would be good for them to have multiples of or that they may not even have heard of!
Elevate their workspace with the Logitech Pebble Slim Mouse, a perfect gift for the style-conscious, tech-savvy teenager. Choose from various fresh and vibrant colors, or keep it minimalistic to match their aesthetic. The Pebble's modern, slim, and beautiful pebble-like shape feels incredibly comfortable in your hand and is easy to carry around. Its ultra-quiet clicks and scrolling, with over 90% noise reduction, make it perfect for libraries, classrooms, or quiet spaces. With a long-lasting battery life of up to 18 months on a single AA battery, they won't have to worry about frequent replacements. Gift this beautiful and functional accessory and enhance your favorite teen's digital experience in style. |  |
Give the gift of peace of mind with the Apple AirTag, a handy device that keeps track of their belongings and offers convenience. With the built-in speaker, they can easily play a sound to locate their misplaced items or ask Siri for assistance. The AirTag offers precision finding, leading them straight to their nearby belongings. If their things are further away, the other Apple devices in the Find My network will help pinpoint their location. It even has a Lost Mode, which automatically notifies them when it's detected in the Find My network. Gift the convenience and peace of mind with the Apple AirTag. |  |
Apple Airtag Holder Keychain
Designed to be the perfect fit for Apple AirTag, these cases are easy to install and provide a secure hold, ensuring that the AirTag won't fall off during use. The holders come with an anti-lost keychain design, making it incredibly convenient to attach the AirTag to valuable items like bags, key rings, car keys, wallets, pet collars, and more. |  |
This incredible portable charger gives the gift of convenience and power to the teenager in your life. It's a slim, portable powerhouse with four built-in cables – three output cables and one input cable. This charger can juice up almost any mobile device with three output cables. It's an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need to carry various cables and adapters. They can charge up to six devices simultaneously, and the charger has three input options for recharging the battery pack. This is perfect for multi-device users with iPhones, Android devices, or micro USB gadgets. |  |
Unlock the world of sound and music for the teenager in your life with this fantastic DIY Bluetooth Speaker kit. It's an engaging and educational gift that allows them to explore the inner workings of speakers while building their very own. The package includes:
To power it up, add four batteries (not included), and then it can be connected to a mobile phone or computer. It's a fun project and an opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of audio technology. |  |
Gift Ideas for The Teenage Adventure Seeker
Is your favorite teen a passionate adventurer with an insatiable wanderlust? Whether it's exploring ancient ruins in far-off lands, embarking on thrilling backpacking expeditions, or seeking out hidden gems in their own backyard, these gifts will be great for them to use on their next great adventure. Support their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for travel so they can uncover the world's wonders one journey at a time.
A stylish, functional backpack can be a game-changer for the teen who's always up for an adventure. This option has many features to help a new traveler learn how to move about the world with finesse! It expands to allow room for several outfits, includes packing cubes, meets carry-on requirements, has several organizing pockets, a padded laptop section, is water resistant, and has an external charging port (which would pair perfectly with the charger listed above). |  |
unHide Blanket
Elevate their travel experience with the UnHide Lil Marsh Traveler blanket, an exceptional gift for the adventurous teenager in your life. This travel-friendly version of the popular Lil Marsh blanket combines all the comfort they love with a lightweight, portable design. Weighing only 1.7 lbs, it's the ultimate companion for road trips, camping, or long flights, ensuring they stay cozy wherever they roam. It comes in various colors to match their style. Gift them the luxury of comfort as they embark on their travel adventures! |  |
Toiletry Bag / Dopp Kit
Elevate the adventures of your teenage explorer with this spacious and meticulously organized travel companion! It boasts a generous main compartment that accommodates an array of toiletries. Inside, you'll discover three small mesh pockets and a long mesh zipper pocket, ensuring all your essentials remain perfectly organized. An additional front zipper pocket provides extra storage for your convenience. This gift would be great to give them packed and ready! Keeping a kit packed will allow young adventurers to grab their essentials and go! Some of the basics you can include are:
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These little beauties are a must for any world traveler. They can be placed in your checked bags, carry-ons, rental car, and anything you need to keep track of (travel companions included)! Gift peace of mind with the Apple AirTag. AirTags offer precision finding, leading you to your missing belongings with an iPhone. If their items are further away (like lost luggage), the vast network of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network will help pinpoint their location. Gift an adventurer in your life with the convenience and peace of mind they deserve with the Apple AirTag. |  |
Discover the ultimate travel companion with this versatile silicone water bottle. If you're searching for the perfect gift for a teenager who loves to explore the world, look no further. It will not leak or spill, making it ideal to carry in a backpack or a computer bag. It's suitable for all activities and sports, keeping your beverages at the desired temperature. The foldable design is for staying hydrated during travels, hikes, and any adventure. After a refreshing drink, fold it compactly and stow it away quickly. |  |
Gift Ideas for The Teenage Foodie or Chef
Is a teen in your life a culinary prodigy in the making! Or a "Foodie" with a taste for edible adventures? The kitchen is their canvas for this exceptional teenager, and every meal is a culinary masterpiece. Nurture their culinary dreams and watch in awe as they continue to craft extraordinary dishes that enchant both the palate and the soul.
Unlock the joy of making mouthwatering sushi rolls with this Sushi Making Kit – a perfect gift for teenagers that delivers creativity and delicious results! Support a budding chefs as they dive into the world of sushi making with this entertaining and easy-to-use kit. Whether you're a rookie or an experienced chef, this kit makes sushi creation a delightful, creative adventure. This all-in-one kit equips you with everything needed for at-home sushi making. From the bazooka sushi roller and bamboo sushi mats to various sushi molds, a sushi knife, avocado slicer, chopsticks, and more – it's all here. You'll also receive a detailed booklet with photos and recipes to unlock six different types of sushi. Give the gift of culinary creativity! |  |
Allow a teen in your life to experience the future of gardening with the AeroGarden Sprout Indoor Garden – a perfect gift for a gardening enthusiast. The AeroGarden Sprout boasts a contemporary design that enhances plant growth and elevates your indoor garden's aesthetics. With a sleek, modern appearance, this garden is an elegant addition to any space. Grow up to three plants at once, reaching heights up to 10 inches. Unlike traditional soil-based gardens, the AeroGarden uses a water-based system that simplifies the gardening process, making it ideal for indoor use. Gift your favorite teenager the AeroGarden Sprout Indoor Garden for an exceptional gardening experience, and watch their green thumb flourish! |  |
Every chef needs good tools! This set includes a deep skillet/pot that can effortlessly transform into a Dutch oven simply by using the included shallow skillet as a lid. It's the ultimate kitchen companion, perfect for roasts and crafting mouthwatering, no-knead bread recipes. It is pre-seasoned and ready for use right out of the box, providing a natural, healthier cooking surface. The set has a secure 4.8-inch main handle and a secondary ear handle for safe and convenient handling. Gift your aspiring chef this Cast Iron Cookware Set, and watch their culinary horizons expand. |  |
The Socialite
Introducing the teenage socialite extraordinaire! This remarkable young individual is a natural host, effortlessly bringing people together to create memorable moments. With an uncanny ability to turn any gathering into a social masterpiece, they thrive in the spotlight and genuinely enjoy the art of hospitality. They're the life of the party, the conversation starter, and the one who ensures everyone is having a fantastic time. With a gift tailored to their passion for hosting, you'll enable this extraordinary teenager to continue creating unforgettable experiences and fostering connections among friends and family. So, let your thoughtful gift be a part of their journey towards becoming an even more exceptional host!
This game is a rollicking good time with 250 prompt cards to help groups of friends decide who's 'Most Likely To...' in various entertaining scenarios. This family-friendly version of the beloved classic offers fun without crossing any boundaries. It's the ultimate icebreaker for any gathering, ensuring memorable moments that will have everyone talking. This game shines with larger groups, and the atmosphere will light up as players share their thoughts and judgments. Gift 'Most Likely To' to the teenager in your life and unleash the laughter and fun at their next gathering. |  |
Elevate Game Night with the Ultimate Glow in the Dark Adventure! Turn any night into an unforgettable experience with 'Capture the Flag' in glow-in-the-dark style. With 12+ hours of long-lasting batteries, they will have thrilling and replayable excitement! 'Capture the Flag' accommodates 4-8 players, with room for up to 16 participants when you explore game variations. Players can team up, strategize, sneak, and sprint to victory. Say goodbye to the usual suspects and give this incredibly excellent gift that will light up their world with joy and adventure! |  |
Decades Gear
This one takes a bit more creativity, but it would be a fun way to pass along some old gear you may have lying around to someone who could put it to use! Most teens will encounter a Decades dress-up day at some point in their Junior High through College careers - save them some shopping time (and money), swallow your pride by admitting that past decades' attire now includes "the 1900" (as my kids refer to it) and early 2000's, and pull out those old clothes or accessories you have buried in a box to pass on like the heirlooms they are!
If you aren't a pack-rat and keep your closet clean, there are some great things out there on the interwebs, or hit up your favorite thrift or vintage store! I guarantee this creative gift will be fun for the recipient and those around to see them open it!
To get those creative juices flowing, here are a few things that my boys have in their wardrobe for when these days pop up:
Bonus points if you find your best (or worst) school photo to frame and match the outfit!
Unleash an inner superstar (and a lot of laughs) with a Karaoke Microphone! This microphone does much more than amplify your voice; it's a versatile device that doubles as a wireless speaker, an MP3 player, and a recorder, making it compatible with various singing applications. This microphone's high compatibility extends to supporting micro SD cards up to 32GB (not included) and song switching. With a remarkable Bluetooth range of 10 meters, it allows you to move and groove as you perform. |  |
Gift Ideas for The Teenage Athlete
Football Athlete
This is an official-sized football and something that the Football Player in your life can never have too many of! Whether they're a seasoned player or just starting out, this Wilson football is an ideal gift that promises hours of fun, skill development, and excitement on the field. Get the official NFL experience and make their day with this exceptional football gift! |  |
This Official Size 9 football is perfect for teenagers with aspirations of becoming the best on the field. It can be thrown against any flat, sturdy wall to practice throwing and catching when you don't have the luxury of a buddy to toss the football around with. We have had one for years, and it's an excellent gift for any budding football star - and one that they are not likely to have already! |  |
Soccer Athlete
Official Soccer Ball
Looking for the perfect gift to ignite the passion of a teenage soccer enthusiast? The FIFA Quality Pro Soccer Ball is ideal, offering premium performance that matches the most competitive games. Stamped with FIFA's highest rating, this ball has passed rigorous tests on factors such as circumference, weight, rebound, and water absorption. It's a ball that meets the standards of professional play, delivering top-tier quality for young athletes. |  |
Searching for a fantastic gift to boost a teenager's soccer skills? Look no further! Our new evolution soccer kick trainer is here to help them achieve their goals and enhance their solo training experience. The belt strap is designed to be adjustable, fitting waist sizes from 33 to 39 inches. It's an excellent training aid for kids and adults, ensuring a comfortable fit for all. It is compatible with ball sizes 3, 4, and 5 and is a valuable tool for developing essential skills like ball control, passing, touch, and reaction. Gift your teenager the ultimate soccer training tool and watch them reach new heights in their soccer journey! |  |
Volleyball Athlete
Wilson volleyballs crown game champions from the court to the beach and everywhere in between. This is the Volleyball used in most compitition settings, so will be a hit for any Volleyball player! |  |
This Volleyball Training Kit is here to help aspiring players hone their skills, and it's the perfect addition to their training arsenal. This kit is designed to help players master their serves with pro-level precision. Its innovative ball rebounder eliminates the hassle of chasing down the ball after every serve, allowing players to focus on perfecting their technique and swing motion. Whether a beginner or an expert, this serving trainer is your key to improvement and a quick warm-up before the game. Give the gift of skill improvement with the VbStar Volleyball Training Kit, and watch your teenager transform into a volleyball sensation! |  |
Baseball & Softball Athletes
Are you seeking the perfect gift to enhance a teenager's baseball skills? Look no further! This Baseball Swing Trainer is the ultimate tool to help budding players take their hitting abilities to the next level. This Swing Trainer emphasizes the crucial correct hand positioning. This critical technique ensures a better connection and improves the accuracy and power behind each swing. This Baseball Swing Trainer is the ideal gift for any teenage baseball enthusiast. Watch them refine their technique, elevate their game, and become a standout player on the field. Give them the edge they need to succeed and excel in the game they love! |  |
Basketball Athlete
The Wilson NBA Forge Pro combines the high-performance Pure Feel Cover and Real Grip Coating for enhanced ball control and responsiveness. Ever Bounce Construction and Inflation Retention Lining ensures consistent, predictable bounce over time and durability suitable for outdoor and indoor courts. |  |
This Weighted Regulation-Size Basketball is the ultimate tool to help aspiring players level up their game. It is designed to help players build strength in their fingers, wrists, and forearms. Using a regulation-size ball with added weight is an excellent way to develop muscle power in critical areas, contributing to improved ball-handling skills. Empower the teenage basketball enthusiast; our Weighted Regulation-Size Basketball is the ultimate gift choice. |  |
Track & Field Athletes
This Sandbag Sled Trainer is a game-changer for those looking to boost their speed, explosive power, leg strength, and endurance. This trainer can significantly enhance speed, explosiveness, leg strength, and overall endurance by towing a weighted sandbag. It's a fantastic tool for athletes looking to step up their game. It includes four PVC sandbags, that can be filled with up to 10lbs of sand each. This trainer would be great for any teenager passionate about sports and fitness. Watch as they enhance their athletic abilities and transform into a powerhouse on the field. Elevate their workouts and help them reach new heights in their fitness journey! |  |
Swimmer
Swimming Push Plate
A great addition to any swimmer's training regimen! This push plate offers another option for a low-impact, high-return way to improve movement in the pool! |  |
General Fitness Buff & Off Season Athletes
This catch trainer helps athletes (or anyone!) improbe hand-eye cordination, reaction time, and rapid decsion making skills. It's small and light enough to easily slip into a backpack or gym bag and it can be used alone or in a group. It's a great option! |  |
Encourage teens to embrace an active and social play experience as they team up, strategize, sneak, and sprint their way to victory. They will put aside phones and virtual experiences and enjoy the genuine social connection 'Capture the Flag' offers. With 23 brilliantly glowing game pieces, 12+ hours of long-lasting batteries, and 12 bonus challenges, they will have hours of excitement and compitition! Perfect for team building, 'Capture the Flag' accommodates 4-8 players, with room for up to 16 participants when you explore game variations. | |
Gift Ideas for The Teenage Mystery
I just took this charger on a trip to Chicago, and it was so handy! There was no need to bring any extra cables, and it could charge a few different devices. Each of my kids is getting one this year! |  |
This brand of water bottle is a hit in our house! This is a very hydrated generation (and the water hose won't do). Still, water bottles can be very elusive to some teens. I constantly have to send my boys to their school's lost and found to retrieve theirs! This brand comes in many colors; you can buy replacement lids if needed - excellent! |  |
I don't know why these are on trend....but they are! You can get them in various colors or play it safe with a basic white - but the teen in your life will surely enjoy these comfy slip-on shoes! |  |
Funko POP!s are small vinyl figures with oversized heads representing various characters from movies, TV shows, games, and pop culture. A Personalized Funko POP! will transform these iconic figures into one-of-a-kind treasures. These custom creations are designed to resemble the recipient, a beloved character, or a unique concept. The possibilities are endless, whether it's a miniature version of your child or their favorite superhero. |  |
These cute little refrigerators are a great addition to any teen's room! Perfect for storing drinks or makeup and cool packs for sore muscles! |  |
I purchased three of these recently, and my kids have all stolen them! Project Repat does a fabulous job; they are cozy and very well-made! This would be perfect to give to a graduating senior or to a student leaving middle school, to commemorate the closing of a chapter! |  |
This is a fantastic option if you want something unique or a fun way to gift cash. It comes with the code programmed "ILoveU" - but there are directions to change it with the box! Make it a challenge and let that teen put that brain of theirs to work! |  |
There it is! I hope this list helped or inspired an idea for someone in your life! I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below! What do you think about these options? What do I need to add?
Happy shopping, friends!
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