Shopping for teenagers at Christmas can be a challenge. When they’re little, you can usually find a dozen things they’d be excited to unwrap. But somewhere along the way, the wish lists get shorter, the requests get more expensive and suddenly everything you suggest is met with a shrug.
Some teens know exactly what they want, right down to the brand, color and size. Others insist they don’t need anything at all. And then there are the teenagers who seem to already have everything.
If you’re struggling to find Christmas gifts for a teenage boy or girl, you’re not alone! Whether you’re shopping for a 13-year-old who’s outgrown traditional toys or a 17-year-old who’s nearly impossible to surprise, here are some ideas that go beyond another hoodie or gift card.
Experience Gifts for Teens
Sometimes the best gift isn’t something they can put on a shelf. It’s something they can look forward to doing.
And one of the biggest perks of giving experiences to teens? Many of these gifts can include a friend, which might make them even more exciting.
Concert Tickets: Whether it’s their favorite artist, a local band or a music festival, concert tickets are a gift they’ll remember long after Christmas.
Sporting Events: Tickets to an NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL or college game are great options for sports-loving teens. Consider adding a little extra spending money for food or merchandise.
Amusement Parks: A day at a theme park, water park or amusement park is a great gift, especially if they can bring a friend.
Escape Rooms: Perfect for teens who love puzzles, mysteries or working together with friends. Gift cards or prepaid bookings make this an easy Christmas present.
Indoor Skydiving: For adventurous teens, an indoor skydiving experience is something a little different from the usual Christmas gift.
Ziplining and Ropes Courses: Give them an afternoon of climbing, balancing and flying through the trees. Look for adventure parks with courses appropriate for their age and ability.
Go-Kart Racing: Indoor or outdoor go-kart racing is a fun option for teens who enjoy a little competition.
A Weekend Getaway: Consider a ski trip, beach weekend, camping adventure or overnight stay somewhere they’ve always wanted to visit. Even a one-night trip can feel special when the teen gets to help plan it.
A Special Dinner: Let your teen choose a restaurant they’ve been wanting to try. Whether it’s sushi, Korean barbecue, a steakhouse or a fancy dessert spot, giving them control over the destination is part of the fun.
Classes and Lessons They’ll Actually Want to Take
Not every teen wants another extracurricular activity on their schedule. But if there’s something they’ve been asking to try, Christmas can be a great opportunity to make it happen.
- Photography or videography classes
- Pottery, painting or jewelry-making workshops
- Cooking, baking or cake-decorating classes
- Guitar, piano, voice or music production lessons
- Horseback riding lessons
- Skiing or snowboarding lessons
- Rock climbing classes
- Private sports lessons or specialty camps
- Sewing, fashion design or woodworking classes
- Coding, robotics or game development workshops
- Driver’s education or behind-the-wheel lessons for older teens
Gift idea: You don’t have to pay for an entire season of lessons or a full summer camp. Even a contribution toward registration fees or a few introductory lessons can make a meaningful gift.
Give Them a Head Start on College
Here’s a Christmas gift that could actually save money down the road!
Many community colleges allow high school students to take college-level courses before graduation, sometimes earning credits that can count toward a future degree. Depending on the school, teens may be able to explore subjects such as photography, business, psychology, computer programming or other interests that aren’t offered at their high school.
Parents and grandparents could offer to pay for a class, cover tuition for an existing dual enrollment course or contribute toward textbooks and fees. It’s a particularly meaningful gift for motivated teens who are already thinking about college or exploring possible careers.
For Arizona families: Maricopa Community Colleges offers concurrent enrollment opportunities that allow eligible high school students to take college courses online or on campus. Students can also earn college credits through dual enrollment programs offered at participating high schools.
Dual enrollment generally happens during the regular high school day, while concurrent enrollment allows students to take additional college courses on campus or online.
Before gifting a course, check admission requirements, prerequisites, tuition, fees and whether the credits will transfer to the college your teen hopes to attend. Because college classes become part of a student’s academic record, this is definitely a gift to discuss with your teen first.
Subscription Boxes for Teens
Subscription boxes give teens something to look forward to after Christmas. Depending on their interests, they can receive new books, beauty products, art supplies, snacks or hands-on projects throughout the year.
IPSY – For teens interested in makeup and beauty, IPSY offers personalized assortments of cosmetics and skincare products.
ArtSnacks – A fun choice for creative teens, with art supplies that encourage them to try different materials and techniques.
OwlCrate – Perfect for teenagers who love reading, with young adult books and themed bookish surprises.
CrunchLabs – Hands-on engineering projects for kids and teens who love building, experimenting and figuring out how things work.
MEL Science – Science experiment kits that let curious kids explore chemistry, physics and other scientific concepts at home.
Universal Yums – Each box features snacks and sweets from another country. A fun gift for adventurous eaters or teens who enjoy trying new foods.
FabFitFun – Seasonal boxes featuring beauty, accessories and lifestyle products that may appeal to older teens.
Before purchasing, check age recommendations, subscription terms and automatic renewals. A one-time box or three-month subscription can be a great alternative to committing to a full year.
Gifts for Teens Who Love Gaming
If your teenager spends much of their free time gaming, you don’t necessarily have to buy another video game.
Consider:
- Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass memberships
- Gift cards for their preferred gaming platform
- A new headset or controller
- Gaming accessories or desk organizers
- A comfortable gaming chair
- LED lighting for their gaming setup
- Tickets to a gaming convention or esports event
- An outing to a virtual reality arcade
If you’re unsure what equipment they already have, probe them before buying. Gaming accessories aren’t always compatible across different systems.
Gifts for Teens Who Love Music, Art or Photography
Creative teens can be particular about their supplies, but there are plenty of gifts that give them room to explore their interests.
Instant Cameras and Photo Printers: Let teens take photos of friends, school events and everyday memories, then print their favorites.
Art Supplies: Quality sketchbooks, paint markers, watercolor sets, drawing tablets or specialty pens can be great gifts for teens who love creating.
Music Accessories: Headphones, portable speakers, instrument accessories or recording equipment are useful for teens who love music.
Craft Kits: Jewelry-making supplies, crochet kits, embroidery projects and other DIY activities give teens something creative to work on.
A Creative Workshop: Sometimes a class with a professional artist, photographer or musician is more exciting than another set of supplies.
Gifts for Teens Who Love Sports and the Outdoors
For athletic teens, consider gifts that support what they already enjoy or introduce them to something new.
- Tickets to see their favorite team
- Team jerseys or merchandise
- New sports equipment or training accessories
- Private coaching sessions
- A gym or climbing membership, where age-appropriate
- Skiing or snowboarding passes
- Camping or hiking gear
- Fishing equipment and licenses
- A guided kayaking, paddleboarding or outdoor adventure
- Registration for a specialty sports camp
If your teen is serious about a particular sport, it may be worth asking their coach what equipment would actually be useful.
Practical Gifts Teens Might Actually Appreciate
Practical doesn’t have to mean boring. As teenagers become more independent, everyday expenses start adding up. Covering something they already pay for—or something they’ve been wanting but can’t quite justify spending money on—can make a great Christmas gift.
Pay Their Phone Bill: If your teen is responsible for their monthly phone bill, offer to cover it for three, six or even twelve months. You could also pay toward a new phone or help cover the cost of upgrading their current one.
Hair Salon or Barber Shop Gift Cards: Whether it’s a fresh haircut, highlights, a new hairstyle or regular trips to the barber, salon visits can get expensive! A gift certificate to their favorite stylist is something they’ll actually use.
Manicures and Pedicures: Treat them to a manicure, pedicure or both. You could even make it a day out together with lunch afterward.
For Teens Who Drive: Gas gift cards, car-cleaning supplies, a portable tire inflator, an emergency roadside kit, a car wash membership or money toward car insurance.
For Teens with Jobs: A wallet, work bag, lunch bag, insulated water bottle or comfortable shoes appropriate for their workplace.
For Teens Getting Ready for College: Luggage, a duffel bag, a portable charger, a quality backpack or money toward textbooks, tuition and other college expenses.
For Teens Who Love Their Bedrooms: Cozy blankets, bedding, lamps, photo displays, room organizers or decor they’ve picked out themselves.
For Teens Who Love Fashion: A gift card to a favorite store, personalized jewelry, a new bag or accessories that match their style.
Pay for a Subscription They Already Use: Cover a few months of their favorite music streaming service, gaming membership or another subscription they enjoy.
Contribute Toward a Bigger Goal: If they’re saving for a car, laptop, school trip or another expensive purchase, consider contributing to their savings instead of buying several smaller gifts.
Sometimes the best gift is taking an expense off their plate and giving them a little more freedom to spend their own money on something they enjoy.
Small Luxuries and Self-Care Gifts
There are also plenty of little things teens might enjoy but wouldn’t necessarily spend their own money on.
- A favorite perfume, cologne or body mist
- A gift certificate for a haircut, color treatment or blowout
- A manicure, pedicure or nail salon gift card
- A facial or other age-appropriate spa treatment
- Hair accessories or styling tools
- Cozy slippers, pajamas or a robe
- A favorite skincare or makeup product
- A specialty water bottle or travel mug
- A nice journal and pens
- A bookstore gift card
- A favorite snack or candy basket
- A specialty coffee, smoothie or dessert gift card
For younger teens, choose age-appropriate products and services. And if you’re purchasing a salon or spa gift certificate, consider letting them choose the treatment themselves.
Gift Cards That Feel More Personal
Gift cards might seem like the easy way out, but for teens who are particular about what they want, they’re often one of the most useful gifts.
The trick is making them feel a little more personal.
For the coffee lover: A coffee shop gift card with a reusable cup.
For the movie fan: Movie tickets with popcorn and their favorite candy.
For the foodie: A restaurant gift card with a note inviting them to choose a night out.
For the gamer: A gaming gift card tucked inside a favorite snack basket.
For the reader: A bookstore gift card paired with a cozy blanket.
For the teen who loves shopping: A gift card and a planned afternoon to go shopping together.
You can also divide a larger gift into several smaller gift cards for different outings, giving your teen multiple things to look forward to.
Arizona Experience Gifts for Teens
If you’re shopping for a teenager in Arizona, there are some great local experiences worth considering.
Flagstaff Extreme – Treetop obstacle courses and ziplining for teens who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Lowell Observatory – Stargazing, astronomy exhibits and telescope experiences in Flagstaff.
Arizona Snowbowl – Skiing, snowboarding and winter mountain adventures.
Sunrise Park Resort – Another option for skiing, snowboarding and lessons in Arizona’s White Mountains.
Verde Canyon Railroad – A scenic train ride through the Verde Valley, especially fun for teens who enjoy photography and exploring new places.
Kartchner Caverns State Park – Guided cave tours for teens interested in nature, geology and adventure.
Biosphere 2 – An unusual educational experience for teens interested in science and the environment.
SkyVenture Arizona – Indoor skydiving in Eloy for adventurous teens.
Pecan Lake Entertainment – A Queen Creek entertainment destination with activities such as go-karts, escape rooms and more.
And don’t overlook tickets to concerts, sporting events, theater productions and other special events happening throughout Arizona.
What to Buy a Teen Who Says They Don’t Want Anything
This might be the hardest category of all.
If your teenager insists they don’t want anything for Christmas, resist the urge to buy a bunch of random things just so they have something to open.
Instead, consider giving them something they can use later, such as money toward a larger purchase, tickets to an event, a special outing or a gift card to somewhere they already love.
You can also ask them to make a short list of things they’d enjoy doing over the next year rather than things they’d like to own.
A weekend trip? A concert? A new restaurant? A sporting event? A day shopping with Mom or Dad?
Sometimes teenagers have a much easier time telling you what they’d like to do than what they’d like to unwrap.
Creative Ways to Give Cash to Teens for Christmas
Sometimes the answer really is money. Especially for teens who are saving for a car, college, a new phone or something else they’ve had their eye on.
But handing over an envelope isn’t nearly as fun as watching them unwrap a present! If your teenager is asking for cash this Christmas, here are some creative ways to make the gift a little more exciting.
Money Pizza – Who wouldn’t want a pizza made of money? Arrange dollar bills inside a clean pizza box and add a note about giving them some extra dough. The Summit Federal Credit Union shares instructions for creating your own.
The Never-Ending Money Box – Tape bills together using removable tape, roll them up and tuck them inside a box with a small opening. When your teen pulls the first bill, the money just keeps coming! HGTV shares this idea along with several other creative cash gifts.
Boxes Inside Boxes – Make them work a little for their Christmas money! Wrap a series of increasingly smaller boxes, hiding a few dollars in each one. Karen Weese shares how she did this for her teenage nephew in Your Teen Magazine.
Money Christmas Tree – Arrange bills in the shape of a Christmas tree and place them inside a picture frame. HGTV has an example of this festive way to give cash.
Cash-Filled Balloons – Roll up bills, place them inside balloons and let your teen pop them to collect their Christmas money. Emily Fazio shares this idea in HGTV’s roundup of creative cash gifts.
A Money Maze or Puzzle Box – For the teenager who loves a challenge, hide cash inside a puzzle box they have to solve before they can get their money. HGTV includes this idea in its cash gift guide.
Cash Hidden in Their Favorite Snacks – Fill a basket with their favorite candy, chips and treats, then tuck envelopes of cash among the snacks. Your Teen Magazine shares this idea as another way to make a practical gift more fun.
A DIY Cash Gift Bag – Hallmark shares several ways to turn ordinary cash into a creative gift, including a pull-out money surprise hidden inside a gift bag.
No matter how you wrap it, the best part is that your teen gets to decide what to do with the money. And sometimes that’s exactly what they want for Christmas!
Don’t Underestimate the Gift of Time Together
As kids get older, family time starts looking a little different. They have sports, school activities, jobs, friends and increasingly busy schedules.
And while they might not be asking for another family outing, that doesn’t mean those experiences aren’t meaningful.
Consider giving your teen a planned day together doing something they enjoy. It could be breakfast and shopping, tickets to a game, a movie, a hike, a concert or even an overnight trip.
Let them choose the activity, within a budget you’re comfortable with.
The teenage years go by quickly. Christmas is a great opportunity to make a few more memories together before they’re grown.
And if your teen really just wants cash this year? That’s okay, too. Sometimes the best gift is letting them choose for themselves
