Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Best Christmas presents for teenagers 2023: your ultimate gift guide
When searching for the best Christmas gifts for teenagers, it's easy to feel daunted, as our young people can often be mysterious creatures! However, take heart – our Christmas ideas for teens will help you to wow the trickiest customer on your gift list.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Dec 13, 2023
On the hunt for the best Christmas gifts for teenagers? The trick to making your favourite teen smile this December is paying attention to what they love. Whether it's gaming with friends or perfecting their beauty regime, spending hours on meticulous LEGO builds or playing fun board games with the rest of the family, think about what they really engage with and enjoy. They are all different after all, and that’s the key.
How to choose the best Christmas presents for teenagers
The best Christmas gifts for teenagers don’t have to be expensive or at the height of cool; they do need to be thoughtful and tap into their interests. Our top picks - as recommended by real parents on the Mumsnet forums and online reviewers on various retailer sites - include stocking fillers and budget buys, high-tech gadgets as well as the best retailers to shop for clothes and shoes, as well as a selection of outside-the-box practical gift ideas.
Plus, if you're still on the lookout for gifts for other members of the family, don't miss our guides to the best stocking fillers, best kids' tablets, and top toys for Christmas – you can find all our gift guides on our Christmas hub too.
So whether your budget's £10 or £1000, or shopping for teen boys or teen girls, here are the best Christmas presents for teenagers 2023.
Best Christmas Presents for Teenagers: under £40
Not exactly wacky but definitely zany and fun, Exploding Kittens card game! Fab, quick game for even just two players. The box size (from memory, my teen son and his gf nicked it last night to play in his room) is about the size of a hand... Probably one of the best games I've bought.
Best Christmas presents for teenagers: great gift for stocking
Exploding Kittens
£17
Best Christmas presents for teenagers 2023: top tech gifts
Tech can encompass such a huge range of presents which the vast majority of teenagers are sure to love this Christmas. Whether you're shopping for an avid gamer looking for the best tech accessories to enhance their gameplay or if you're on the hunt for a new phone, tablet or laptop for them, we've made every effort to cover all tech-related bases in our listings below. From the best laptops and Chromebooks to the top tablets, smartphones and games consoles, if a device is on their list, Mumsnet has you covered with our pick of the best tech presents for teens this Christmas.
Best Christmas presents for teenagers into gaming
The best Christmas gifts for teen gamers 2023
If PC, one of the greatest things you can buy them is a gamers mechanical keyboard. If they are not the type to rage and smash it, they will get years of use out of it. Ask them and if they are already aware of the benefits - they would probably love one.
Best Gaming Accessory for PC Gamers
RedThunder K10 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
£56
Best Christmas presents for teenagers: new phones
The Samsung tabs are fab if you don't want to spend as much as an Apple iPad.
DD has had her Galaxy Tab A for almost 3 years and its great, battery still holds well and updates fine.
Best Christmas presents for teenagers: new tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 - 31% OFF
Was £219, now £148
Best Christmas presents for teenagers: tablets and phones rated by Mumsnetters
Nokia C21 Plus Smartphone... £79 | Buy now from Amazon
Xiaomi Redmi 10 (2022) Smartphone... £140 | Buy now from Amazon
Google Pixel 6a Smartphone... £293 | Buy now from Amazon
Lenovo Tab P11... £210 | Buy now from Amazon
Apple iPad 2021... £459 | Buy now from Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite... £245 | Buy now from Amazon
Read next: Shopping for little ones too? We've got you covered. Check out our guides to the best toys for 2-year-olds and the best toys for 3-year-olds
Best Christmas presents for teenagers: tech accessory stocking fillers
Electronics organiser for travel
Cable bag oraniser for tech gadgets
including power back case
Stylus pens for phones and tablets
S-Pens for touch screens
Pack of 4
Flashdrive for all devices
Sunany USB Stick 4 in 1 Flash Drive
256GB
Best Christmas presents for teenagers: laptops
Fossil Smartwatch Gen 6 - now 60% off
[My son] has a Fossil hybrid smart watch - analogue hands with a digital background. They're pretty cool, I'm a bit jealous tbh.
Fossil Unisex Smartwatch Gen 6 Wellness Edition
£79
Best Christmas presents for teenagers: gifts for beauty lovers
Whether your teenager is obsessed with the latest makeup influencers on social media or they're in need of new staples for their morning hair and beauty regime, we've put together some of the best Christmas presents to suit every beauty lover. From Vegan-friendly application brushes to this year's must-have beauty advent calendar for the ultimate in skincare gift set luxury, here are our picks of the best beauty-themed gifts for teenagers this Christmas.
Best beauty gifts for teenagers: at a glance
Best gift for teens with long hair
Remington Shine Therapy
Advanced Ceramic Hair Straighteners
Best face brush for makeup application
Glossier Stretch Face Brush
Blend and Diffuse
Best beauty stocking filler for teens
Hima'la Reusable Cotton Pads
for makeup removal
I got a really good deal on one of the body shop calendars for my 13yo. It's one of her Christmas presents as I wouldn't usually spend that much on one but I just couldn't resist.
Best beauty advent calendar for teens
The Advent Calendar of Wonders
£95
More beauty gift ideas for teens
Remington D3190 Ionic Conditioning Hair Dryer... £27 | Buy now from Amazon
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser... £48 | Buy now from Amazon
Bomb Cosmetics Luxury Bath Melt Gift Pack... £12 | Buy now from Amazon
Ariana Grande Cloud Perfum... £30 | Buy now from Amazon
Makeup Vanity Mirror with Lights... £16 | Buy now from Amazon
MAC Great Brows All-in-one kit... £34 | Buy now from Amazon
Best Christmas gifts for teens: clothing gift ideas
My DS(15) actually loves getting clothing as a present because he wants a few higher-end things which he knows would not come out of our usual clothing budget.
Huge range of designs to suit all interests
Super soft and warm
Currently on sale
Pricey
Not recommended for tumble drying
Price on writing: From £53 | Size range: One size, but kids' ranges are available too | Colour options: Too many to list! | Material: Toastytek™ flannel fleece and sherpa fleece
An Oodie is a snuggly, wearable blanket hoodie that feels super soft and will keep your teenager warm and toasty. The patterns available are fantastic; there are pink unicorns, cute animals and this fun chicken nuggets and chips design.
Oodies are machine washable and quick-drying; unlike cheaper dupes, they don’t fade or pill. In addition, they come with a 30-day no-quibble guarantee, free delivery and gorgeous gift wrapping included in the price. Even better, one size fits all.
Oodie are currently having a site-wide sale, with up to 40% off a lot of their most popular bestsellers!
Nike Air Max - my DD(16) would love those too, actually DS would and have no idea what to get for him.
Price range: from £54 to £140
Range of colours and styles
Where to buy the best clothing gifts for teens: Christmas 2023
-
£££
Urban Outfitters'My 15 yr old DD is not in the slightest bit edgy but she is very fussy. She likes a lot of Urban Outfitters stuff.' - Bumdealoftheweek
Best retailer for a wide range of options
Shop now at Urban Outfitters
-
£
H&MOne [teenager] loves Primark and H&M. And wearing shorts which are basically pants with a massive hoodie of her dads. She loves vintage and charity shops too. The other wears leggings and T-shirts. In black. From H&M. In black. Sometimes with a bit of jewellery. In black. -vestanesta
-
£
Sports Direct'Ds will be 14 at Christmas. I’m thinking: football kit, new football, goalie gloves, North Face hoody...' -MissyB1
-
£
M&M DirectM and M Direct is a place I usually have a browse [for teen male gifts]. - Riverlee
Best for teens who love designer brands
Shop now at M&M Direct
-
££
EMPEMP has good alternative wear & some kids sizes (and plenty of adult). -BurntOrangeAutumn
Best retailer for alternative style
Shop now at EMP
Best board game gifts for teenagers: Christmas 2023
Best Christmas presents for foodie teens
I also made a crisps hamper for Dd 16 which went down very well. Things like the more obscure flavours of Pringles as well as her favourites. Walkers Sensations and different Pop Chips etc that I'd picked up when on offer. I had a basket already so just tissue paper, cellophane and a bow needed.
Best food gift for teens: DIY hamper
Fill with their favourite treats
£15
More food gift ideas for teens 2023
Best foodie gift under £25
American Originals
Popcorn Maker
Mumsnetter-favourite luxury foodie gift for teens
Hotel Chocolat
The Velvetiser
Best recipe book gift for teens
The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook
75 internet-breaking recipes
Best practical gifts for teens
Power bank, not exciting but very useful, I bought one for a teen last year,it’s in daily use and he thinks it’s great.
Sometimes the best gifts for kids of any age are the ones that they might not necessarily ask for, and might not look the most flashy, but prove themselves the absolute best in terms of how often they are used and how much the kid in question gets out of them. Here are some of the best practical gifts for teenagers we've found for Christmas 2023:
Practical gift ideas for teens 2023
-
£15
Driving Theory Test Pack 2023Best for teens who are learning to drive.
Theory Test Pack 2023
Buy now from Amazon
UK Driving Theory and Hazard Perception -
From £10
Best storage staple for smart devicesIdeal for android smartphones and tablets.
SanDisk microSD Memory Cards
Buy now from Amazon
From 32GB - 1TB -
From £10
Cover all bases with a gift cardShopping for a teen who just can't decide what they want? Let them choose!
Full range available from Amazon
See range from Amazon
including Roblox, H&M, Costa and more -
£8
Essential stocking filler for teens'I don’t know any teen/tween girl that doesn’t like fluffy socks of any description!' - snowmanshoes
2pk Recycled Velvet Cosy Socks
Buy now from Marks and Spencer
Range of colours/patterns available
What does a 14-year-old kid want for Christmas?
It really depends on the 14-year-old in question! Are they a gamer, a fan of the latest tech and gadgets? Are they fashion-conscious or in need of some good wardrobe essentials? Or are they into LEGO? Think about the teen, then think about the gift!
What's a good Christmas present for a teenage girl?
Every teenage girl will have a different idea of the perfect gift. And while that doesn’t make it easy to decide what to buy, it does mean that the best way of getting it ‘right’ is to ask. Does she love chilling out at the end of the school day with crafting? Is she obsessed with a particular TV show or is gaming more her thing? Is family board game night secretly her favourite day of the week? Have a think on what she enjoys the most, and buy a gift for YOUR teenage girl, not a generic one.
What do you get a teenage boy for Christmas?
It depends on what they enjoy! Most boys love gadgets and tech, so a gift that will enhance their gaming experience, such as a specialist mouse, will be well received. Alternatively, replacing the battered trainers you know they love wearing because they are falling apart will be met with thanks. Food is good too. Teenage boys are constantly hunting for nourishment, so a popcorn machine or waffle maker would be ideal.
What do you get the teenager who has everything?
Teenagers can be tricky to buy presents for. They can be hard to read, and many older teenagers earn their own money from part-time jobs, so they can buy the things they want and need.
Most teenagers have a hobby or interest, be it gaming, sports, music or a favourite TV show, and a gift focused on this part of their lives will be welcomed. Pay attention to what they already own and, if in doubt, ask!
Another good idea is to buy a present that will remind them of a happy memory, holiday or much-loved pet. Then, despite appearances, they will appreciate the thought that has gone into the gift and cherish it forever.
Remember, teenagers aren’t adults yet; sometimes, reintroducing an old favourite toy, such as the latest LEGO set, will make them smile.
How we chose our recommendations
When Christmas and birthdays arrive, Mumsnet community members are determined to make their brood smile and buying gifts they will love is a big part of that. So, we have carefully weighed up our Mumsnetters' recommendations on the presents they have purchased for their fussy teenagers that were well received. We have also investigated the products on best buy lists and checked authentic consumer reviews from various trusted retailers to ensure we were bringing you an honest round-up you can trust.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've analysed, tried and reviewed thousands of products. We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles.
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising several pages related to parenting, pregnancy and lifestyle. As a parent of three primary school-aged children and aunt to eleven (including three teenagers) Jenny has extensive experience researching the best Christmas presents for kids of all ages. She is passionate about making Mumsnetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews and buyers' guides such as this one.