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41 Gift Ideas For Those Hard-To-Shop-For Teens In Your Life

AirPods, sneakers, skincare, and more cool products for even the most difficult-to-impress teenager.

What a year! The holidays are finally here! And while we’re doing our best to make sure the products we feature will arrive in time, shipping times are especially tricky this year, so we suggest shopping as early as you can.

Stock and shipping times can vary depending on where you live, which product you purchase, and more. So order earlier than you think you need to and be sure to double-check the retailers’ websites for shipping information to ensure that your gift will arrive in time for when you need it.

1. A keychain bracelet with a card holder so they can keep their keys, ID, and cash handy and easily accessible. This stylish bracelet is much cuter than a basic lanyard.

the keychain in leopard with a black and leopard print beaded bracelet

2. A pretty zodiac trinket dish for storing their fave rings and other small accessories.

The cream-colored dish with lid, and inside is "Libra charming, diplomatic, idealistic"

3. A Himalayan sea salt lamp to gift them some positive energy. This unique light fixture will be a great addition to their bedroom and it's meant to have a zen, peaceful presence.

4. A pack of 45 velvet hair scrunchies, because they're trendy, great for throwing their hair up in a messy bun, and make fun wrist accessories. Plus, this pack will supply them with one to match every outfit.

the scrunchies in various different colors displayed on a stand

5. A tube of Glossier's Balm Dotcom — a winter must-have — to help them soften and repair chapped lips with a combination of castor oil, beeswax, and lanolin, while leaving the perfect hint of color and/or shine (depending on the flavor).

6. An "I hate everyone" pin for the teen whose mood is pretty much this 24/7.

a red pin that looks like a name tag that says hello i hate everyone

7. A slouchy beanie with a faux fur pom-pom, because no one likes a cold head. It also makes a great solution for a bad hair day.

8. A pack of 16 Dermal Korea collagen sheet masks for the skincare-obsessed teen. The scents of these cult-favorite masks vary, but they each contain vitamin E and collagen to help make skin clearer, and more elastic (plus, they're mess-free).

9. A couple of cute frosted hair clips to easily jazz up a simple hairstyle. Plus, you can let them know their gift is supporting a small business. 💜

the set of frosted hair clips, one is more round and the other is rectangular

10. A 14-piece makeup brush set perfect for makeup beginners or those who can do a contour way better than you ever could. This set has almost everything they'll need and it'll look fabulous on their vanity.

reviewer's black and rose gold makeup brush set

11. An LED twinkle light curtain to give their room a nice, cozy glow that's worthy of an Instagram post.

reviewer's twinkle lights above their bed

12. A trio of Mario Badescu facial sprays so they can have a lovely, soothing spritz every day when they're in need of a pick-me-up.

the three face spray bottles

13. A pack of 156 super cute vinyl stickers for them to deck out their laptop, water bottle, notebooks, and anything else that seems a little too boring for their taste.

14. A TikTok viral mirrored digital alarm clock with USB ports that'll look way better on their nightstand than a typical alarm clock, PLUS it can charge their devices while they sleep.

15. A pair of silicone face mask brushes pretty much guaranteed to get used often by the teen who loves a good mask night. These will help spread face masks evenly and minimize the mess.

16. Some artificial vines to add a touch of lovely greenery to their space. No watering or sunlight necessary. My little sister is almost 14 and she loves having these in her room!

reviewer with the vines hanging on the wall next to their bed

17. An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perfect for gamers — it allows them to gain access to over 100 high-quality games so they never have to worry about getting bored playing the same couple of games on repeat.

Xbox Game Pass promotional photo featuring screen shots of various games

18. A chic faux-leather belt for the perfect finishing touch to any trendy outfit. They can wear it with jeans or layer it over dresses and jackets.

19. A face wash whip maker to transform any of their cleansers into a foamy, marshmallowy, luxurious experience.

The pink container with a pump top to fluff the cleanser and foamed up cleanser all around it

20. A pound of cereal marshmallows because no matter what their age, we all know the marshmallows are the best part! Trust us, any teen with a sweet tooth will appreciate this ~magically delicious~ treat.

21. A subscription to Book of the Month sure to be appreciated by any avid reader. This will ensure they always have something new on their bookshelf.

a stack of wintery books

22. A pair of retro-inspired sunglasses so they can look and feel like the main character at all times.

23. A pair of LED light saber chopsticks perfect for the teen who is always watching Star Wars movies on repeat.

24. A set of 12 handcrafted, moisturizing bath bombs made with natural ingredients perfect for teens who love a good #SelfCareSunday moment.

25. A pack of large hair clips so they can effortlessly throw their hair up while studying without compromising their cute outfit. They work for thick, thin, and curly hair types.

26. A cozy blanket sweatshirt for the teen in your life who is like, always cold. Speaking from personal experience, they will want to wear it every day!

27. A microwavable lavender scented plush sloth to be the best cuddle buddy for anyone who needs one. When heated, this little guy can help soothe aches and pains and the lavender scent just makes it that much more relaxing. This is ideal for anyone who deals with rough period pains and cramps, but would also be a great gift for a student athlete.

28. A birthdate candle that has a unique label and scent based on, well, their birthday. This'll surely be appreciated by any teen who is constantly reading their horoscope or asking people what their sign is.

buzzfeeder's candle in a jar that says "september twenty-eighth, the day of the fluttering candle" with small astrological sign details for that date

29. A budget-friendly lengthening mascara to pop in their stocking. It will give them a nice dramatic lash, and sometimes that's all you need to feel fabulous.

30. A pair of AirPods (3rd generation) because there's a good chance the teen you're shopping for has been begging for them for a while now. They have a new contoured design, are sweat- and water-resistant, and provide up to six hours of listening time with one charge.

31. A pair of popular Nike Air Force 1 Sage Lows because Forces are having a moment again — as they should! This versatile, clean pair of sneaks is the perfect everyday school shoe. 

model squatting wearing the Air Force 1s sage lows
the Air Force 1 on a foot
Nike

Promising review: "Love these shoes. They are cool, they are fun, they are comfortable, they are durable. SO FRIKIN' GOODDDDD! They make me tall without the discomfort and they just make any outfit look so cool. Don't even think twice sis, get them." —I N

Shipping info: For no rush delivery by Dec. 25, order by 10 a.m. PST on Dec. 13. Expedited shipping options are available at additional cost. Check out the rest of Nike's holiday shipping deadlines

Get them from Nike for for $100 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and three colors). Or check out the Nike Air Force 1 '07s in men's sizes 6–18.

32. A grapefruit and rose body scrub formulated with Mediterranean sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, and mango butter for a combination that both smells great and will leave their skin feeling smooth and hydrated. They can pamper themself with this relaxing treat two to three times per week.

the packet of body scrub with some poured out on a table

33. A highly rated microfiber hair towel that is honestly the best one I've ever used. It's thick, soft, and stays in place — perfect for helping their hair dry *fast* without the added heat. Plus, the microfiber material won't make their hair frizzy like regular towels do.

34. A copy of Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments by Ann Shen perfect for fashion-obsessed teens. It'll both inspire them and teach them about powerful, groundbreaking women throughout history.

the cover of the book with famous women in black dresses

35. An oversized scarf for keeping them warm and adding some cozy texture to any outfit — it's also big enough to wear as a shawl on especially chilly days!

36. A faux-pearl headband pack that'll give their outfit a classy vibe. Whether they're wearing a flowy dress or a blazer and pants, these will be the ultimate outfit topper.

model holding the pearl headband

37. A set of gel strips for the teen who loves to have their nails done. These are super easy to apply, mess-free, and last for up to 14 days.

38. A pair of platform Dr. Martens boots that are versatile, yet show-stopping. From skinny jeans to skirts, there are so many fun ways for them to rock these!

39. A four-piece Glossier shower set so they can feel super fresh and clean after a sweaty practice. The products work well and look cute, so they'll actually be excited for their daily showers.

Bottles of Daily Oil Wash, Dry-Touch Oil Mist, Daily Perfecting Cream and an Exfoliator Bar

40. A cozy teddy jacket for a warm, yet fashionable addition to their winter wardrobe. They'll love cozying up in this whether they're at home, at school, or hanging out with friends.

buzzfeed editor wearing the teddy jacket in tan

41. And a FP Movement puffy blanket made from the same materials as sleeping bags and puffer jackets, so you already know it'll keep them extra warm. It's great for everything from football games to sleepovers.

Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

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