We Found the Gifts Teens Actually Want. Here's What Made the Cut
Shopping for teens is hard. So instead of guessing what to get them, our editors asked the experts -- real-life teenagers -- to find out what gifts they hope to get and won't roll their eyes at.


- Desiree's previous work has appeared in various print and online publications including Search Engine Land, PCWorld, Wired magazine and PBS MediaShift.
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Best gaming gifts for teens
Nintendo Switch 2
The highly anticipatedNintendo Switch 2 was released in June, and after massiverestock shortages, now you can finally get your hands on one. The Switch 2 offers a nice-size 7.9-inch screen, cool magnetic attaching controllers, and better graphics than previous generations. Sure, you could pay less for the stripped-down Switch Lite, but you won't be getting the versatility and premium build of the Switch 2.
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gaming Mouse
A decent gaming mouse for the money, the SteelSeries Rival 3 is surprisingly comfortable and ambidextrous. It has six programmable buttons and three zones of RGB LED lights for a great gaming experience.
HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless gaming headset
Any PC gamer will tell you: A high-quality headset is essential for a totally immersive gaming experience.CNET gaming expert Lori Grunin tested a number of headsets, and the HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless gaming headset came out a clear winner, thanks to its long battery life and superb comfort.
Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 is ourtop pick for the best VR headset and won a CNET Editors' Choice Award. This headset is a step up from the Quest 2, allowing for more-intuitive interactions and realistic sensations. It plays a wide variety of games, from shooters and puzzles to aircraft simulation. Plus, you can do more than just play games, like go to concerts, attend workout classes and more.
- Atari Gamestation Go: $180 (Read more)
- Belkin Travel Case for Switch 2: $20 (Read more)
- Backbone Pro mobile game controller: $170 (Read more)
- Lenovo Legion R25f-30 gaming monitor: $130 (Read more)
Best tech gifts for teens
Bose SoundLink Plus
A portable Bluetooth speaker will let your teen take their music with them wherever they go, whether it's a pre-game tailgate, a bonfire at the beach or just hanging out in the backyard. The Bose SoundLink Plus offers impressive sound for its compact size and isCNET's top choice for the best Bluetooth speaker. Available in three colors -- black, blue dusk and citrus yellow -- CNET audio expert David Carnoy says it "strikes the right balance of performance and price."Read our review.
Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air portable projector
Yes, it's pricey, but this portable projector from Anker is worth it for teens who love movies, TV shows or video games (which is pretty much all teens) and want to enjoy their entertainment anywhere. Despite its compact size, theNebula Mars 3 Air delivers strong audio and a bright picture, giving your teen an impressive big-screen experience, even if they're outside. It tops our list of thebest portable projectors and is the recipient of a CNET Editors' Choice Award.
M4 MacBook Air (13-inch)
The latest MacBook Air is CNET's top choice for thebest laptop of 2026. It's also our favoritelaptop for college students. With a speedy M4 processor and lightweight design, it's easy to see why it's perfect for students.Read our review.
Hatch Restore 3
Waking up in the morning is hard. But it's especially hard when you're a growing teen and you need more hours of rest. A sunrise alarm clock makes for more peaceful mornings by mimicking the natural light of dawn. No more anxiety-inducing shrill beeps. Read more about why theHatch Restore 3 is CNET's pick for thebest sunrise alarm clock of 2026 and a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner.
Baseus 5K Qi2 Picogo power bank
Tired of your teen saying they couldn't text because their phone ran out of juice? The Baseus 5K Qi2 Picogo power bank with kickstand tops our list for thebest portable charger for iPhones. This MagSafe-enabled battery sticks onto the back of your phone and offers an impressive 15W wireless charging speed. It's compact -- about the size of a credit card -- and weighs only 4.8 ounces, perfect for slipping into a pocket or backpack.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
AirPods are a teen staple, so if you know a teen who doesn't have a pair yet or needs an upgrade, this gift is a sure bet. TheAirPods Pro 3 are the newest AirPods in Apple's lineup, and the improvements in sound and noise cancellation make them a worthy upgrade, according to CNET's David Carnoy.
JBL Go 4
This mini Bluetooth speaker from JBL won't deliver as much volume and bass as the Bose SoundLink Plus, but it costs considerably less and still offers decent sound for its size. Its small design also makes it ultra-portable: You can easily clip it to a backpack or a bike or even fit it in a large pocket.
Beats Studio Pro headphones
While earbuds are great, a good set of noise-canceling headphones like theBeats Studio Pro can offer more immersive music listening and help with focused productivity during long study sessions.CNET's Macy Meyers especially appreciates the comfort of the Studio Pro: "The earcups are plush, the clamping force is just right, and the memory foam actually makes a difference. I can wear them for hours without fatigue, which is saying something when you log multiple hours a day in them."
- Bambu Lab A1 Mini Combo 3D printer: $219 (Read more)
- iOttie Auto Sense car phone mount and charger: $23 (Read more)
- EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds: $53 (Read more)
- Govee LED strip lights: $70 (Read more)
Practical gifts for teens
Apple AirTags, 4-pack
Help them keep track of all their essential items, from keys and wallets to backpacks and even bikes. With this convenient four-pack of Apple's item trackers, you can keep track of everything. Connecting it with your iPhone or iPad is easy, and you can share anAirTag with up to five people.
Huanuo portable lap desk
Even if your teen has a desk in their room, chances are they don't use it. This portable lap desk lets them comfortably do their homework anywhere, whether they want to study in bed, on the living room couch or even the floor.
Owala FreeSip water bottle
The Stanley is officially out. So replace their old water bottle with theOwala FreeSip, which is a top choice for teens who want to keep their drinks cool throughout the day. The 32-ounce size isn't as bulky as a Stanley, so it's easier to carry around. And unlike the Stanley, it's leakproof, so you can help keep their electronics safe from spills.
Oral-B Pro 1000
An electric toothbrush might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're looking for a gift, but it's actually something that will be thoroughly appreciated. The Oral-B Pro 1000 rechargeable electric toothbrush tops CNET's list of thebest electric toothbrushes, thanks to its powerful cleaning and affordable brush head replacements. It has three brushing modes (daily clean, whiten and sensitive) and a built-in 2-minute timer to make sure you brush long enough, with the toothbrush pulsing every 30 seconds to remind you to switch brushing spots.
- Logitech MX Keys Mini minimalist keyboard: $100 (Read more)
- Gerber Gear Dime 12-in-1 Multitool: $37 (Read more)
- Chipolo One Point Android Bluetooth tracker: $23 (Read more)
Best fitness gifts for teens
Apple Watch SE 3
The latest version of Apple's budget-friendlyApple Watch SE sports many of the features that were once reserved for its more expensive smartwatch models, like temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, sleep score and more.
Spikeball
Spikeball is a super-trendy, fast-paced game that combines elements of volleyball and four-square. Instead of hitting a large ball over a straight net, you're smacking a softer, grapefruit-size ball onto a bouncy, ringed one, sort of like tetherball but without the string. This is a physical game, one that requires fast movement and probably some diving if you want to score points. You wouldn't want to play it indoors, but it's easy to set up in a backyard, a nearby park or even the college quad.
Theragun Mini
If you know a teen who's really into sports or goes to the gym regularly, they'll appreciate a massage gun to ease the muscle soreness that comes with intense exercise. The Theragun Mini is on our list of thebest massage guns for 2026. It's easy to throw in a gym bag, and it delivers an impressive 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute.
Adidas Team Issue 2 duffel bag, medium
This lightweight duffel bag is durable and is just the right size for holding sports gear or even to use for a weekend getaway. It's got three zippered pockets on the outside, along with a smaller inside pocket for holding keys and a phone.
Best gifts for unplugging
Plufl
The Plufl, also known as the "human dog bed," has gotten a lot of attention on TikTok and other social media channels, soCNET's David Watsky decided to try it out. The verdict? Not only is it more comfortable than it looks, but it's bound to become your teen's favorite lounging spot in the house.
Simple digital camera
What's old is new again. While it's easy for teens to take pics with their phones, it's way more entertaining to capture stuff with a retro digicam. This compact digital camera is easy to stash in a pocket or backpack. While you're not going to get the top-notch shots that you would from aniPhone 16 Pro, this isn't a bad little camera for the price.
Grabie watercolors
Coloring books are out. Watercolor paint sets are the new TikTok favorite, and they're a great way to relax, unwind and promote mindfulness.
Wemore weighted blanket
What's even better than a weighted blanket? Afuzzyweighted blanket. If your teen likes to sleep in on the weekends (who doesn't?), this blanket will keep them cozy and relaxed. It also adds a touch of style and texture to a teen's bedroom. This great gift comes in white, cream, gray, brown, navy and pink.
What are the best gifts for teens who already have everything?
Teens can be tricky to shop for since they all have different tastes and interests as well as strong likes and dislikes.A personalized gift can make a present stand out, whether you give them custom-made clothing or jewelry with their initials. These kinds of gifts hold sentimental value and show that you went the extra mile. Experience gifts are another great option. Unlike a material gift, an experience, like aconcert or acooking class, will create lasting memories.
What are the best retailers to shop for a gift for a teen?
Amazon,Target andWalmart offer a wide variety of practical gifts likewater bottles and lap desks, along with tech gadgets likeheadphones andgaming gear. If you're looking for popular makeup, skin care and hair and beauty products,Sephora is a good option. And if you're looking to tap into teen fashion trends, it's worth checking outUrban Outfitters,PacSun,Abercrombie and Fitch,Nike,H&M andZara. Keep in mind that a lot of teens also enjoy thrifting and purchasing vintage wear. In that case, you might want to consider giving them a gift card to an online secondhand clothing store likeThredUp.
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