Gift Ideas for Teens and Pre-Teens

Gift ideas for teens and pre-teens for crafters, athletes, gamers, fashionistas, makeup artists, room decor enthusiasts, creators, and musicians.

My oldest is juuuuust getting into the pre-teen years, and it is, to sum it up in one word, emotional.

If you have a pre-teen or teen yourself, you probably know this to be true, plus the fact that they can be really tricky to shop for when it comes to Christmas presents.

I scoured every resource possible and discovered 30 gift ideas for teen and preteen guys and girls.

Some ideas are a little more grown-up than others and some are on the slightly childish side, depending on your child’s maturity level. But they would all be big hits with kiddos age 10-18.

Some great ideas for teens are also in the Gift Ideas for Her and Gift Ideas for Him guides.

Gift Ideas for Teens and Pre-Teens Ages 10-18

Click any image in the collage below to shop.

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Gift Ideas for Teens and Pre-Teens Under $40

gift idea for teen girl playbill album for broadway programs

Theater Program Album

I got this for Olivia last year because she absolutely loves seeing touring Broadway shows when they come into town. If your teen is a theater/Broadway fanatic, this is seriously the best. Maybe even include tickets to an upcoming show!

Suction Mount Phone Case

Great if your teen likes taking selfies or wants to be able to view their phone screen hands-free.

gift idea for teen girl friendship bracelet kit

DIY Friendship Bracelet Kit

Thanks to Taylor Swift, these are big time trending with teens right now.

gift idea for teen girl mommy and daughter journal

Just Between Us Mother & Daughter Journal

Olivia and I got this journal last year, and it has been enlightening sharing messages back and forth to each other. The writing prompts encourage important conversations designed to strengthen your relationship and keep open conversations, especially in those challenging teen years.

gift idea for teen boy son and mother journal

Just Between Us Mother & Son Journal

If you have a son, this version of the mother & daughter journal we have receives rave reviews too.

gift idea for teen girl glitter freckles

Glitter Freckle Makeup Patches

This have had a meteoric rise in the teen makeup world. So cute and fun!

gift idea for teen girl custom slideshow viewer

Custom Viewfinder

Fill this retro style throwback with photos of your teen’s favorite memories. It’s like an interactive photo album.

Smart WiFi LED Strip Lights

Let your teen customize his/her room with an entire LED light show! It comes with a music sync mode setting, so the lights will dance to the beat as your teen listens to music.

Star Wars Owala Bottle

It’s practical for school, and it’s a gift they’ll actually use!

Light Up Ultimate Disc

Whether your teen likes playing disc golf or just enjoys tossing around a frisbee in the backyard, this one has a dose of extra fun.

Gooseneck Bed Phone Holder

Makes for easier phone watching in bed if your teen likes to watch videos or FaceTime with friends.

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gift idea for teen girl heatless curlers

Satin Heatless Curling Set

My 12 year-old daughter absolutely loves these curlers! She wakes up ready for school in record time each day when she puts these on before bed. And since it’s heatless, there’s no hair damage.

The Gym People Jogger Pants

It’s hard to go wrong with a nice pair of jogger pants for a teen athlete.

gift idea for teen girl sol de janiero fragrance set

Sol de Janeiro Perfume Mist Set

Olivia bought these with her allowance money, and I have to admit, they smell really amazing. Every teen girl out there seems to be obsessed with these scents right now.

gift idea for teen girl sunrise alarm clock

Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine

This has been a God-send for getting my pre-teen up and at ’em each morning! She wakes up much more energized and way less cranky since we got one for her nightstand.

How to Draw and Think Like a True Artist

If you have an artistic teen who wants to hone his/her drawing skills, this guide is the perfect place to start.

gift idea for teen girl mini purse backpack set

3 Piece Backpack Purse

For the backpack obsessed. I love that it can be used from preschool all the way into college years.

Retrospec Quip Mini Cruiser Skateboard

This skateboard is small but mighty. Lightweight, easy to carry, and a smooth ride.

Splurge-Worthy Gift Ideas for Teens and Pre-Teens

Free or Almost Free Teen Gift Ideas

Write a series of “Just In Case” letters to your teen. Write at the top “Read This When You’re Feeling Blue” or “Read This When You Need a Confidence Boost”, etc.
Make a scrapbook or keepsake box with some sweet artifacts from the teen’s past like favorite items from him/her as a baby, tickets stubs, past sports/club memorabilia, travel mementos, etc.
Make a playlist just for them on Spotify of songs you know they’ll love.
Raid your craft stash and assemble together a “Craft Kit” with paint, slime making supplies, friendship bracelet making supplies, etc.
Plan a day of semi-free fun together to visit a festival in your town, hike a nature trail, stop into a museum, or see a free concert in the park. Just Google “Free things to do in [your town]”.

See more DIY gift ideas here and cheap gift ideas here.