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Christmas List Ideas for Teens
Gift ideas for teens, from bigger gifts to stocking stuffers, with add-ons like label tape and typewriter ribbon.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Design Mom's old-school label maker comes pre-loaded with one roll, and she says you'll want more tape. A vintage typewriter needs a ribbon that works with its model. Over 50 of her 94 teen gift ideas are $20 or under. This list assumes you know the teen a little and have set a budget. It leaves out prices, which move, and reminds you to check holiday shipping dates before you order. Put the small extras on your list early, so nothing is missing on the day.
Why these items are on the list
- Ask your teen for their list. The Strategist chatted with over a dozen teens and parents about wish lists, so ask yours first.
- Retro tabletop arcade console. Design Mom's pick has three classic games and full-size arcade controls; she says the whole household will use it.
- Electronic air drum set. Makes full drum kit sounds without the kit, works with headphones and can record.
- Mini portable projector. Streams movies and shows onto the walls or ceiling of a bedroom.
- Mini fridge for their room. The Strategist says the goal for lots of teen boys is a private space.
- LED strip lights with remote. The Strategist's Daybetter strip has a remote that adjusts brightness, with up to 17 colors.
- Bluetooth record player. Design Mom's Victrola pick has built-in speakers, vintage styling and great reviews.
- Vintage typewriter. Settle the model first: read listings for a working one, then buy a ribbon that fits.
- Label maker with spare tape. Design Mom's pick comes with one roll, so she suggests buying more tape; she finds teens can't resist it.
- Portable phone charger. For when a phone dies right as they need to call you about new plans.
- Wireless earbuds. Comfortable, moderately priced, and a favorite among Design Mom readers.
- Photo clip string lights. Design Mom's pick is a string of 50 clips that are the lights, for hanging photos.
- Cozy blanket. A premium option and a cheaper fluffy one both turned up.
- Eno hammock. Good for the backyard or a camping trip.
- Wreck This Journal. Comes with instructions to paint, poke and wreck it into something unique.
- Fineliner or brush pen set. Good for journaling and hand lettering. Add a roll-up pencil case to keep them together.
- Friendship bracelet kit. For concerts and birthdays. Design Mom says her kids are often making bracelets.
- Retro Uno deck. A stocking stuffer Design Mom calls the coolest Uno deck by far.
- Bubble tea kit. A drink-making kit with a 4.8-star rating from 259 reviews on Uncommon Goods.
- Gift card puzzle box. One buyer used it to hand teenage relatives money in a more fun way.
- Inkless photo and label printer. Prints small photos and labels without ink.
- Tea sampler set. Design Mom's Teas of the World set has 80 teabags in 8 flavors.
- Mini drone with camera. Design Mom calls it a good way to try drones and see if they're really into it.
- Bluetooth shower speaker, certified waterproof. Design Mom suggests it for a kid who sings in the shower.
- Check holiday shipping dates. Settle delivery dates before you order. The Strategist updated its teen list on December 18 for shipping times.
Share the list with whoever is buying alongside you so nobody doubles up, and tick each item off as it arrives.
When to use it
Useful once you have a teen to shop for, so check shipping dates before you order.