It can sometimes be difficult to know what a teenager would want to receive for Christmas and often it seems like the easier option to just give them money to buy their own gifts instead. However, had a think about what the older kids in my extended family would like and have come up with some festive present ideas for teens. I hope this helps!
Tech treats
I usually know that something’s a winner if I’d want it myself – the majority of my Christmas list probably looks like a teenager’s letter to Santa! So, when I saw this Retro Instant Camera by Photo Creator (and actually oooo-ed!) I knew it would probably be something a younger teen would enjoy. I love the retro styling and cool aqua colour, I just wish I could keep this for myself!
Looking at the high-school-aged kids that I know, they still don’t have mobile phones so they wouldn’t have any other way of taking photos. Therefore, a camera that offers instant photo printing, as well as PC connectivity for digital pics and videos, would allow them to get creative. It may also spark an interest in photography, but without exposing them to using a smartphone/apps etc at a too-young age.
Another tech item that would go great with this gift or would be ideal for older teens who do have a mobile phone is a data transfer and multi-charger connector such as this Connex adapter hub. It allows super-fast data transfer so that teens can transfer their photos and school files quickly plus it also provides charging options for all different types of gadgets so they’ll never have to run low on battery again.
Gaming gadgets
Something that I am sure would go down well with the teens I know is a pair of ANC wireless headphones from Menkind. I’ve actually got a pair of over-ear headphones on my own xmas list as they’re great for travelling, but I know that teens will use them for so much more; music, gaming, phone calls with friends, watching shows, listening to podcasts and so on.
The headphones can connect to devices wirelessly and the active noise cancellation technology makes the audio clearer without needing to turn up the volume to damaging levels. Instead, it fades out background noise from the train, traffic or other kids in the house to allow for uninterrupted listening, which can also be helpful for sensory processing/overload. Definitely something I like the idea of myself.
And here’s something that literally goes hand-in-hand with the headphones: a Cable Guys holder. This desktop holder is ideal for storing gaming controllers but it could also be used for holding headphones when not in use. Plus, when kids are watching something on their phone and listening through their headphones, the holder is the ideal stand for a smartphone in landscape orientation.
These fun holders are designed in the shape of famous characters from Warner Brothers, DC, Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Hasbro and more, so you can choose one to suit your teen’s interests. With a specific place to store their tech items, your teens will never lose their remote controls, earbuds or gaming joypads again.
Choose their own
Even though it’s lovely to get a gift that can be unwrapped on Christmas day, for older teens it can be really tough to know what they would like. That’s why I’d recommend a gift voucher from a shop such as Scaramanga. That way, they can choose whatever present they like from the range of luxury leather goods, unique gifts and accessories.
I’ve previously got a leather backpack from Scaramanga and I’ve used it every time I’ve left the house for the past 5 years and it’s still in great condition – which I think is fantastic value for money. So, whether your teen chooses to spend their voucher on a wallet, make-up case, travel accessories or coin purses, you can be sure that it’ll last them for many many years to come.
Cosy clothing
One thing I know about teens is that they like to be cosy and – although it sounds like a cliché – they are very good at lounging! That’s why I think some cosy loungewear would go down well as a gift if you’ve got kids to buy for. They’ll probably want to choose their own clothing if it’s something they’ll be wearing outside of the house BUT if it’s just for chilling at home, they’ll be more than happy with a Kudd.ly hoodie blanket.
You see, it’s not just a hoodie – it’s absolutely massive so it’s ideal for snuggling under as a blanket too. Plus, you don’t need to worry about getting the right size or whether your teen will grow out of it – a hoodie blanket is one-size-fits-all and is super-oversized for the ultimate in extra-soft cosiness. There are plenty of different colours and patterns too, from understated cool navy to trending tie-dye or glow-in-the-dark stars, so you’ll be sure to find one your teenager will love.
Creative books
If you know that the teenager in your life has an interest in art, I’m sure they’ll appreciate some books on the topic for Christmas. This is particularly true if they’ve chosen art or design for their GCSEs or further education courses, as books on the topic will not only help them with their coursework, but will be so interesting to fans of contemporary art.
I’ve seen two new books on the subject that have been released this year and I think teens will enjoy them. The first is How Banksy Saved Art History by Kelly Grovier. After having seen a few Banksy pieces in real life in our local area, I’ve been much more interested in street art and I know that older kids often find the spray-painted murals and guerrilla art fascinating.
For those teens who are really into their PC/laptops and love computer-generated works, this new Digital Art book from Thames & Hudson is ideal for aspiring graphic designers and virtual artists. The book discusses the history of the movement right up to the innovative work of today, so it’s a great resource as well as being full of inspiring artwork.
Classic games
I’ve played the game of Guess Who? for my whole life and it’s certainly something that kids of any age can understand and enjoy playing. However, there’s a version of Guess Who available now that might appeal to your high-school aged kids more than the original game; it’s the Dinosaur edition from the Natural History Museum.
I actually got this present for my nephew a couple of years ago and it went down really well so I know that any kids who are really into dinosaurs would enjoy this game. Plus, anyone who remembers the classic original game would also enjoy a quick game of Guess Who? with this new twist. There’s also dinosaurs Monopoly and Dinosaurs Top Trumps available on the NHM Shop website so it’s a great place to buy gifts for youngsters.
A new game from Ginger Fox is the rowdy guessing game Bangarang. It can be played by up to 8 people and it’s suitable for ages 8+ so any high-school aged kids will enjoy it, along with the adults too! The idea of the game is to provide clues for the teammates to guess the word, using noise, mime, drawings or any other ways you can think of. The best part is that it takes teens away from their screens for a while, which is a great added bonus!
Active activities
I’m aware that not all teens are bedroom-dwelling gamers, so here’s an idea for those youngsters who are more outdoorsy; these epic Forest School and Forest Craft Handbooks from GMC Books. They contain hundreds of outdoor activities and forest-craft techniques, which would be ideal for scouts or teens doing their Duke of Edinburgh award who love to go camping and explore the great outdoors. You can buy these books from Gifts to Me for 20% off the usual RRP! (+P&P). Visit giftstome.co.uk to use the offer code R5772, which ends on 28th February 2025.
I hope that these gift ideas have given you some inspiration for your own festive present shopping this year. Please let me know in the comments below if you choose any of these items for your own teenagers, or please share your ideas for other things older kids would love for Christmas.
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Some items in this blog post have been gifted to me and the pink links indicate a gifted product, affiliate link or information source. All thoughts and opinions in this post are based on my own experience and I am not responsible for your experience 🙂
