When the holidays roll around and it’s time to buy gifts for the teens or tweens in your life , it’s tempting to write a check and call it a day. Teens and tweens are difficult to shop for because they often want trendy items that don’t really make sense to anyone but themselves. And what’s “in” one minute is “out” before you know it.
If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the teens or tweens on your list, here are 11 ideas that balance fun and functionality with a side of quirk.
More Gift Ideas for the Holidays
Teen and Tween Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Succulent Trio
As if a trio of mini succulents ($39.99) weren’t fun and thoughtful enough, these three low-maintenance favorites arrive in trendy ceramic containers, each with a witty inspirational message in gold lettering. Send to someone with as much of a sense of humor as a sense of style (no green thumb necessary).
Photo: 1-800-Flowers
DIY Monogram Water Bottle
Who said you had to sacrifice function over fashion? Teens can hydrate in style with the STMT D.I.Y. Monogram Water Bottle ($19.99). This double-walled glitter water bottle can be customized with their name, initials or favorite phrase.
Photo: Horizon Group USA
Plasma Globe
The Discovery Plasma Globe ($19.97) responds to touch, music and sound, providing hours of entertainment. Simply touch the Plasma Globe to create an interactive light show as the electricity follows your every move.
Photo: Horizon Group
Power Poof USB Portable Charger
A dead battery might as well signal doomsday for the under-18 set! The practical becomes whimsically stylish with this power poof from BUQU ($19.99) a fun battery pack that helps keep your devices charged on the go.
Photo: Macy's
Activity Tracker
The iFiTNESS Pulse is a water-resistant, user-friendly fitness tracker any active teen in your life will love. The gadget features heart-rate tracking, GPS, a sleep monitor, and interchangeable silicone wristbands.
Photo: iTOUCH Wearables
Customized Starbucks Cup
Now the barista will actually get your teen's name right with this customized Starbucks cup ($13).
Photo: Arika Shabliss/Etsy
Portable Movie Theater
Let them create their own movie theater anytime, anywhere! This absolutely noiseless, 3” ultralight standalone projector ($399.99) converts any surface into a 12-foot magic cinema.
Photo: CINEMOOD
Mini Instant Camera
Your teen may be obsessed with Snapchat and Instagram, but there are some photos they’ll actually want to hold onto, and that’s where this Polaroid camera ($56) comes into play.
Photo: Amazon
Portable Photo Printer
"Sharing" photos takes on a whole new meaning with the HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer ($99.95). The device prints out two-by-three photos on sticky-backed paper for your teen to keep or hand out.
Photo: Amazon
Table Top Shuffleboard
Want them to find a way to pass time with friends that doesn't involve a screen? This table top shuffleboard ($99.99) is perfect for teens who are maybe past the board game phase but still enjoy some competitive game time.
Photo: University Games
Roller Skates
Totally retro and colorful, these roller skates might encourage a new hobby or at the very least, get them off their phone!
Photo: Urban Outfitters