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15 Christmas Gifts Teens Actually Want (That Aren't Just a Gift Card)

15 Christmas Gifts Teens Actually Want (That Aren't Just a Gift Card)

By Karen Cicero

December 01, 2020

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Credit: Illustration by Francesca Spatola; Amazon (2); Barnes & Noble (1)

While you can’t go wrong with a gift card or a Venmo deposit, there are real gifts high-schoolers and college students want. It’ll just typically take multiple texts and DMs to find out what they are. To help you out, we scored some ideas (and even a couple of links) from a group of teens to create this roundup of fun gifts. #yourewelcome

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Lego Harry Potter Hedwig

They haven’t outgrown Legos or Harry Potter. (Proof: #Potterheadforever and #Potterheadforlife have 100,000+ tags on Insta.) This new set featuring Harry Potter’s beloved owl delivers wow factor without breaking the Gringotts’ bank.

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Taylor Swift Folklore Vinyl

If the teen on your list already has a turntable (it was last year’s hot gift), fill out their record collection. Swifties will be thrilled with the Target-exclusive red vinyl of Taylor Swift’s latest album. But you can find an exclusive pick for every teens’ musical taste.

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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Credit: Amazon

Trick out the gaming experience for a teen who already loves their Nintendo Switch. This larger controller is easier to use—especially for gaming marathons.

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The Comfy

Credit: Amazon

It’s the unofficial remote school uniform: This one-size-fits-all cozy wearable blanket is on many teens’ lists. No joke! We heard they’d even like a couple in different colors.

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Keds X Rifle Paper Co. Scout Boot

Rain boots for Boho fans: Teens might actually wear appropriate footwear around campus (so many activities have been moved outdoors!) if you pony up for these beauties with a dreamy wildflower print and water-resistant leather.

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Loungefly Wonder Woman 84 Cosplay Backpack

Credit: Amazon

At long last, the Wonder Woman 1984 movie debuts on Christmas. Superhero fans will geek out over this well-made mini backpack that looks just as good on a walk around the neighborhood as it does at a Comic Con (they’ll be back).

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Geode Puzzle

Credit: Uncommon Goods

This stunning puzzle brain teasers will keep their neurons firing during winter break.

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Amazon Fire TV Stick

The latest version of this college must-have offers faster HD streaming. And with the new Alexa voice remote, teens can easily search and launch their favorite shows.

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Travelpro X Travel + Leisure Luggage

Credit: Travelpro

A high-quality suitcase will last teens well into adulthood. Feed their wanderlust with a spinner or backpack from this well-made line plus an IOU for a trip later in 2021.

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Give ‘Em Face Masks Artist Set

Credit: Cest Moi

Remember when face masks were something you shopped for in the beauty aisle? This set from a teen-fave brand contains four colorful masks that each offer a targeted treatment, like brightening and hydrating. It’s like gifting teens an at-home spa day.

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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Credit: Amazon

Even though teens are digital natives, they still want to read physical books. Pick one from Parents Best Books for Teens list or go with a next book of a favorite series, like the latest Hunger Games novel.

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Document Dunk Mini Basketball Hoop

Credit: Amazon

Old papers and candy wrappers might actually end up in the garbage if your teen had this trash can in their room. It’s a win all-around!

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Bose Sound Link Micro

Credit: Amazon

For a music-obsessed teen: This small, durable speaker has awesome sound quality. Plus, it’s water-proof so they can bring it outside whether they’re shoveling snow or at the beach.

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Buydeem 3-Quart Dutch Oven

Credit: Amazon

Older teens who love to cook want their own good-looking, high-quality tools that they can eventually take to college or their own apartment. Teens can even make bread in this cast-iron beauty that will surely show up on their SnapChat. Treat yourself to one too!

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Dash Super Straw

Credit: Amazon

A Mother Earth-approved stocking stuffer: Eco-minded teens will use this magnetic stainless-steel straw in a cute carrying case to slurp up their Starbucks order.

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By Karen Cicero