46 Best Christmas gifts for teenagers 2021, including last-minute ideas | The Sun

CHRISTMAS may be a few months away, but you'll want to make sure you get started on your shopping early especially if you're shopping for teens.

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a teenager in your life then we're here to help.

Admittedly, buying for teenagers at Christmas – or any time of year – can be difficult (as their personal interests change so quickly it can be hard to keep up) but we have found the best Christmas gifts for teenagers to stock up on.

The best Christmas gifts for teenagers, which we predict will go down a storm, range from fashion and beauty to tech gadgets.

Whether you are shopping for the sporty teen, an artsy youngster, music lover, gamer, or fashionista in the making, we have found the best Christmas gifts to suit teenagers' every interest.

We have left no stone unturned when it comes to Christmas gifting, whether you are buying for your own kids, a grandchild, niece or nephew, or even a friend.

This selection of gifts will prove you’re “down with the kids”, with minimal stress and panic for you, plus it means shopping early you can keep an eye on the best deals and bargains to get the best price for your gift.

If you also want to save some extra pounds during the festive season, make sure you sign up to TopCashback.

So, if you're stuck for inspiration on what to buy the teens in your life this Christmas then keep reading.

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Last-minute Christmas gifts for teens

1. Young Driver Experience

Though your little one may not be ready to get behind the wheel just yet, this is perfect for budding petrolheads.

Red Letter Days has a variety of gifts, including this young driver experience, suitable for 10 to 17 year olds.

• Young Driver Experience, £44.99 from Red Letter Days – buy here

2. Spotify gift card, from £10

Teenagers don't always have the money to pay into a regular subscription – so they'll likely hugely appreciate a gift card such as this one for Spotify.

The music streaming service normally costs £9.99 each month, and you can just to gift £10, £30 or £60 to them.

• Spotify Gift Card, from £10, Amazon – buy here

3. Audible subscription

Another great choice of online last-minute gift (and one that doesn't need delivering) is an Audible subscription.

This will give your teenage giftee access to millions of audiobooks: the perfect choice for anyone who prefers listening to books over reading them.

After a 30-day trial period it costs £7.99 a month: why not agree to pay for a few months, and see whether they want to take over the costs afterwards?

• Audible subscription, from £7.99 a month – buy here

4. Glossybox subscription

• Glossybox subscription, £13.25 for one month from Glossybox – buy here

If you're buying for a beauty-obsessed pre-teen, this beauty subscription gift will make their day come Christmas.

Inside every box each month is a mix of products from top beauty brands as well as items from Glossybox's own beauty range.

Every box features five products worth at least £50, delivered straight to the recipients door in the iconic pink box. 

Best Christmas gifts for teenage boys

1. Motion Control Drone Yellow

For the teens who fancy themselves as a bit of a tech wizard and who likes all the latest gadgets, this affordable drone will be a hit.

It comes with a motion remote controller that fits neatly onto your hand, which also makes for easy use.

It has six axis gyro stabilisation, four channels, blade protectors, as well as coloured LEDs, for a swish exterior.

• Motion Control Drone Yellow, £24.99 from Robert Dyas – buy here

2. Nike Air Max 90 Premium

A stylish pair of new trainers are always a safe bet with teenagers.

The Air Max trainer shape is ideal durable design for everyday wear, and the cushioning from the Air unit and midsole means they will never want to take them off.

We love this neutral colourway, because it will go with every outfit. 

• Nike Air Max 90 Terrascape, £145 from JD Sports – buy here

3. Apple AirPods With Charging Case

Airpods are the latest must-have trend no matter what age, or music you enjoy listening to, these are what everyone is after. 

The charging case not only protects your wireless earphones when not in use, but also keeps them protected to make for easy charging, so they can listen to your favourite tracks for hours on end. 

• Apple AirPods with Charging Case, £109 from Currys – buy here

4. Paco Rabanne 1 Million For Men Eau de Toilette

Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million fragrance is hugely popular, and a great first scent for teen boys. 

The luxe packaging is designed to replicate a gold ingot, while the scent itself is one you won’t forget.

It boasts deep notes of leather, amber and patchouli, blended with blood mandarin, peppermint and musk aromas.

• Paco Rabanne 1 Million For Men Eau de Toilette, £73 from Lookfantastic – buy here

5. Herschel Supply Co. Retreat Backpack

Whether they are returning to school or university, or just need a trusty backpack to see you through all year round, no matter the weather, Herschel is the go-to. 

This design has a fully lined interior and a reinforced base, which makes this super durable. 

It can hold contents in the main pouch, but there is also a laptop sleeve too, all protected by magnetic-button fastening straps.

• Herschel Supply Co. Retreat Backpack, £85 from Herschel – buy here

6. Bose SoundLink Micro Water-Resistant Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Bose Bluetooth Speaker is a must for serious music or podcast lovers. 

The stylish portable speaker is lightweight and compact, so is perfect for those on the go.

It's also great for travelling with too thanks to the water-resistant design. We love the bright orange and midnight blue colourways that it comes in along with a black option too.

• Bose SoundLink Micro Water-resistant Portable Bluetooth Speaker, £119.95 from Bose – buy here

7. The North Face Reversible Andes Jacket

Christmas means one thing – wrapping up all season to stay cosy and warm!

So it is no surprise a new jacket is always on the wish list come December to see you through the coldest months until spring.

The North Face is to the go-to shopping destination for a trusted, weatherproof jacket, for adults and children, with more and more teens spotted wearing vibrant designs from the outerwear brand.

• The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, £225 From The North Face – buy here

8. Bumper Retro Sweets Gift Box

Nothing says Christmas more than tucking into plenty of indulgent sweets and chocolates. 

Whether you are looking for a stocking filler or an affordable gift for a teen, this hamper filled with retro confectionery is a no-brainer. 

Sweet-toothed fans will be able to work their way through the Dip Dip sweets, classic Drumstick lollipops, Wham chewy bars and Jazzles.

You will definitely bag some mega brownie points with this gift.

• Bumper Retro Sweets Gift Box , £12.95) from Amazon – buy here

9. XBOX Wireless Controller

The gamer in the family will go head over heels for the XBOX wireless controller, which has been given an update in the form of a redesigned hybrid D-pad.

You may not be able to tear the teens away from the XBOX after opening this gift – but that could be a good thing for those wanting some adult time after Christmas dinner.

• XBOX Wireless Controller, £54.99 from Currys – buy here

10. Harry Potter Box Set: The Complete Collection

Whether you know a teenager who is a bookworm, fantasy fanatic, or Harry Potter super fan, this complete box set is hands down a winner.

This new edition is perfect for teenagers of all ages to dip into time and time again – plus it will look great taking pride of place on their bookshelf too.

• Harry Potter Box Set: The Complete Collection, £35 from Amazon – buy here

11. Luckies Deluxe Scratch Map

Budding travellers, or youngsters who are taken with geography, will love this interactive map.

After you visit a country simply scratch off to uncover the area.Not only is it fun and interactive for youngsters, it is educational, and also works as a creative art piece for the wall too.

• Luckies Deluxe Scratch Map, £24 from John Lewis & Partners – buy here

12. Emirates Stadium Tour for One Adult and One Child

Extend the Christmas treat with an experience you can enjoy with your teen when the festive chaos calms down – plus, what could be more special than making memories together?

Virgin Experience Days has a whole host of events to suit every child's interests and your budget, but this one is ideal for the football fanatics out there.

• Emirates Stadium Tour, £45 from Virgin Experience Days – buy here

13. Argos Home Blanket

Cosy up this Christmas with this super affordable winter essential.

This fleece throw is the affordable must-have so you can settle down in front of the telly watching the festive films.

• Argos Super Soft Fleece Throw, £8 from Argos – buy here

14. LEGO Marvel Sanctuary II: Endgame Battle Avengers Set

No matter how old you are, a new LEGO set will go down a treat.

This set allows you to recreate your own Thanos Spaceship, so your teen can imagine they are in the Marvel universe.

• LEGO Marvel Sanctuary II: Endgame Battle Avengers Set, £35 from Argos – buy here

15. Nintendo Switch

Children, and even adults, love the latest gadget and the Nintendo Switch is the must-have to have to while away the hours.

While shoppers can buy just the control, Currys also has bundles to include games too.

• Nintendo Switch, £259 from Currys – buy here

16. Bestand 3 in 1 for Apple Stand and Charging Dock

Children, and adults, love their gadgets and gizmos.But making sure everything s fully charged can be tricky, which is why this dock is a must.

Not only can it charge iPhones, Air Pods, iWatch, and tablets or iPads, but it also can work as a stand to make watching your shows a breeze.

• Bestand 3 in 1 for Apple iWatch Stand and charging dock, £24.98 from Amazon – buy here

17. Pocket Movie Projector

Movie buffs will go head over heels for this gadget, which transforms any space into your very own big screen cinema.

All you have to do is link to your smartphone, computer, gaming devices, or other tech gadget and stream your favourite film, or series.So, grab the popcorn, sit back and watch.

• Kodak Luma 150 Pocket Projector, £249.99 from Urban Outfitters – buy here

18. Crocs Clogs

Some say Crocs are like Marmite, you either love then or you hate them, but it seems they are the trendiest shoe around.

You can wear with socks, or barefoot in the summer months.

• Unisex clogs, £22.50 (Was £44.99) from Crocs – buy here

19. PlayStation Alarm Clock

For most teenage boys they are obsessed with gaming, and if you know a certain someone who loves whiling away the hours on their Playstation, so this alarm clock, which resembles the controller is ideal.

The best part, is it is on sale and very affordable, but also practical.

• PlayStation Alarm Clock, £20 (Was £25) from Menkind – buy here

20. 100 Movies Bucket List Scratch Poster

Kids and adults are often fans of Marvel comics, and the Marvel Universe, and DC.

But theres a whole world of other movies out there worth watching.

If your child, or teen friend, is a film buff, or getting into movies, why not gift a poster so they can scratch off the most iconic films.

• 100 Movies Bucket List Scratch Poster, £13 from Menkind – buy here

Best Christmas gifts for teenage girls

1. Sketch Your Style: A Guided Sketchbook for Drawing Your Dream Wardrobe

Whether the teenager in question has a general flare for creativity and fashion, or is studying textiles or even fashion design, this sketchbook could help them on their way to being the next Donatella Versace or Alexander McQueen. 

It features over 50 tasks to help perfect your drawing and understand iconic fashion trends through the eras.

• Sketch Your Style: A Guided Sketchbook for Drawing Your Dream Wardrobe, £16.42 from Amazon – buy here

2. Kylie By Kylie Jenner Lip Kit

Kylie Jenner is a firm favourite with teenagers.

Teens who are delving into the beauty for the first time, or wanting to experiment with their make-up looks, will love this top-rated Lip Kit from her popular beauty line. 

This kit contains a matte liquid lip stick and matching lip liner, which you can use as a combo together, mix and match with other lip products, or even wear solo.

• Kylie By Kylie Jenner Lip Kit, £26 from Selfridges – buy here

3. GHD Original IV Hair Straightener

GHD is a popular haircare brand that has stood the test of time. 

Teenagers are experimenting with hair styles and GHD straighteners are often the first hair tool to start off the collection.

Not only are these hair straighteners lightweight, but the ceramic plates will also create sleek styled hair in seconds and will last for years on end.

• GHD Original IV Hair Straightener, £119 from GHD – buy here

4. Stackers Mini Jewellery Box Lid

Some youngsters may have started to collect a few jewellery items by the time they reach their teens. 

With jewellery it is easy to misplace items, or lose the butterflies to a favourite pair of earrings, but not when you have a safe and stylish jewellery box to stash your collection in.

This stackable case makes sure their earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets all have a special home.

• Stackers Mini Jewellery Box Lid, £20 from John Lewis & Partners – buy here

5. Glossier You Eau De Parfum

Glossier is one of our go-to beauty and skincare brands.

While the Boy Brow, Lash Slick mascara and Future Dew highlighter are bestsellers, the Glossier fragrance is a cult buy.

The distinctive light scent features spicy top notes of pink pepper and sweet, woody notes of ambrette seeds and warm, ambery ambrox, with a hint of iris floral freshness.

It is ideal for those looking for a subtle everyday scent, and a great way to start off young teenagers who are finding their feet when it comes to discovering fragrance.

• Glossier You Eau De Parfum, £49 from Glossier – buy here

6. Frill Pyjamas

Pyjamas are always a firm favourite come Christmas, and a popular gift to buy for everyone of any age.

This stylish long pyjama set boasts 3/4 length sleeves and trousers, and extra feminine frill detail on the cuffs.

• Chiffon frill revere set, £45 from Boux Avenue – buy here

7. Sienna Hoodie Blanket

Christmas is about comfort, no matter what age. 

For those who love to snuggle up in the winter months, you can’t get any better than the Sienna Hoodie Blanket.

This design is made to fit all sizes and is so soft to the touch thanks to the sherpa interior lining and luxury micofibre exterior.

It is suitable for all ages and is unisex, so it may just be the easiest gift you’ve ever bought.

• Sienna Hoodie Blanket, £13.99 from Amazon – buy here

8. Merci Maman Personalised Pastille Chain Bracelet

A personalised gift is always a popular choice, especially around Christmas. 

This chain bracelet is a simple yet stylish design, which has a little extra luxe because it is made from 18 carat rose gold plated material.

You can engrave up to 10 characters on the front and reverse of the disc, so choose your words wisely for an extra special touch. 

• Merci Maman Personalised Pastille Chain Bracelet,£59 from John Lewis & Partners – buy here

9. Intergalactic Bath Bomb

Whether you are gifting to a friend or young family member, Lush is always a great place to look.

For those on a budget who still want to get something nice, this Lush vegan bath bomb is sure to be a huge hit.

The invigorating peppermint scent and shimmering stardust are perfect for unwinding in the bath at the end of a long, cold winter day.

• Intergalactic Bath Bomb, £5.50 from Lush – buy here

10. Instax SQUARE SQ1 Instant Camera

Budding photographers will love this fun Instax Square instant camera that allows them to capture fun moments forever.

Selfie fans will also be able to make good use of the camera which also features a selfie lens and mirror.

You can also pick up some fun themed square film from Instax too, so hey can make use of their new gift on Christmas Day.

• Instax SQUARE SQ1 instant camera, £101.68) from Amazon – buy here

11. Old English Name Necklace

Love Island’s 2021 winner Millie Court’s Sagittarius necklace inspired many to jump on the nameplate necklace trend.

For those who look up to this year’s champion for style inspiration, or are a jewellery buff, a personalised necklace will be a keepsake for years on end. 

Whether you have the teens name, nickname, initial, or star sign on a pendant, that extra personal touch will make this present even more sentimental.

• Old English Name Necklace, from £20.31 from Etsy – buy here

12. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk On-The-Go Makeup Gift Set

We all love Charlotte Tilbury, especially teens.

Whether they are younger teenagers dabbling in the beauty world, or older and have perfected their make-up look, this bundle will be a huge hit.

It comes complete with Charlotte Tilbury's most popular buys from the Pillow Talk range, including Push Up mascara, Lip Cheat lip liner, Matte revolution Lipstick and an eyeshadow stick.

• Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk On-The-Go Makeup Gift Set, £39 from Charlotte Tilbury – buy here

13. Derwent Metallic Mixed Media Set

Buying for the arty kids? This mixed media kit, complete with various paper, paints and pencils will encourage them to channel their inner Van Gogh.

• Derwent Metallic Mixed Media Set, £44.99 from WHSmith- buy here

14. Revlon Salon One- Step Volumizer for mid to long hair 

Revlon's volumiser is a top-rated beauty buy we are a huge fan of, as it takes the hard work out of styling your locks.

This device works on wet hair, as it dries your tresses and styles them at the same time so you can achieve a salon-like blow dry at home.

• Revlon Salon One- Step Volumizer for mid to long hair, £39 from Amazon – buy here

15. Lumie Bodyclock Rise 100

Struggling to get your teenager up for school in the morning, or in general? This may help.

The Lumie Bodyclock works to simulate sunrise and sunset, while also combatting SAD, which can leave us feeling groggy on those cold, wet and dark winter mornings.

• Lumie Bodyclock Rise 100, £99.99 from Boots – buy here

16. Studio Creator Deluxe Video Make Kit

Know a teenage Tiktok, Youtube fan? This fabulous Studio Creator has everything they need to get started including stand, green screen and lights.

Best of all, it's only £30.

• Studio Creator Deluxe Video Maker Kit, £30, Argos – buy here

17. Silk Sleep Mask

Winter, spring, summer, or autumn, catching those all important z's is a must.

If your child struggles to settle at night, this lightweight, and breathable, yet silky soft eye mask is a must.

• THE DROWSY SILK SLEEP MASK, £47.96 (Was £59.95) from Drowzy Sleep – buy here

18. Treetop Adventure at Go Ape for Two

For those who like being outdoors, or consider themselves an adventurer, or thrill seeker, this experience gift is one to impress.

There are plenty of Go Ape sites across the UK, which allow you to climb through the tree tops, swing from the trees, and zipline through the forest, depending on the site.

• Treetop Adventure at Go Ape for Two, £36 from Red Letter Days – buy here

19. Personalised Sleepover Weekend Bag

If your teenager loves a sleepover, then what better way to make those days or weekend all the more fun than with a personalised weekend bag to keep all of their essentials?

You can select from different colours, fonts, and extra embroidery, as well as the option for a wash bag to be included.

• Personalised Sleepover Weekend Bag, £39.50 from Not On The High Street – buy here

20. Personalised Mini Desk Lamp With Name

When children hit the teenage years they start to show some interest in the decor of their rooms, and may wish to put their own personal stamp on their favourite space.

If that's the case, or if your child wants to add a little extra touch to their desk space, a mini personalised lamp may be the answer.

• Personalised Mini Desk Lamp With Name, £24 from Not On The High Street – buy here

21. Slip Silk Minnie Scrunchies

Slip is the go-to for many for scrunchies, and the brand prides itself on top quality scrunchies and hair accessories, which are not damaging to the hair.

With 12 in a pack, that makes an average of £3.25 per scrunchie, which we think is reasonable for this quality – and for a gift.

• Slip Silk Minnie Scrunchies, £39 from Lookfantastic – buy here

22. Mylee The Full Works Complete Gel Polish Kit 

Teenagers may be at the age where they want to experiment with beauty, whether it is heir nails, make-up or hair, and Mylee has an array of kits to help your teen.

Whether you are looking for gel polishes, top and base coats, nail care kits, or the full gel manicure sets to create the salon mani-pedi in the comfort of your home, this is the must have.

• Mylee The Full Works Complete Gel Polish Kit, £129.99 from Mylee – buy here

Sun Christmas GIFTS

What should I get a 13 year-old for Christmas?

Buying for a younger teen can be tricky.

You don't want to buy something too childish that they won't like, but on the flipside buying something that is too grown up will equally be as disappointing.

Asking the recipient what they would like is obviously the best tactic, but if this isn't an option start by getting an idea of their interests and hobbies.

If you're still at a loss, vouchers and experiences are also a great options that give the gift receiver some flexibility over what they choose to buy.

What should I get a 16 year-old for Christmas?

There are a multitude of options if you are buying for a 16 year old.

The easiest place to start looking for inspiration is to have a think about what sort of things the person you are buying for is into.

If you're buying for a makeup fan you can't go wrong with a beauty gift set, or if you have a tech fan to gift, why not opt for a mini portable speaker or activity tracker.

Experience gifts are also a great option, with a wide variety to choose from, ranging from spa days to hot air balloon rides. Retailers like Virgin Experience Days, Buy A Gift and Red Letter Days are a great place to start your search for the right gift and they often have great discounts and offers on popular experiences.

What's a good Christmas present for a teenage girl?

It all depends on what the teenager is into.

If she's into make up, there are a number of affordable must-have beautybrands that she will love (Fenty, ELF and Glossier are all great options)

Or if she's a pro already picking up treats from Huda Beauty will go down well this Christmas.

If you're really stuck, a voucher for ASOS or Amazon means she can get whatever she wants.

What do you get a teenage boy for Christmas?

If you're looking for a Christmas gift for a teenage boy, try opting for some affordable tech, sporting accessories or some fashionable clothing or trainers.

Wireless headphones are a great buy, perfect for gaming andlistening to music or audio books, plus they and will work with any smartphone.

For boys into sport, finding accessories, games or merch for their favourite sports teams will no doubt be a winner.

Or you can't go wrong picking up some stylish trainers from Nike or Adidas.

MORE ABOUT CHRISTMAS

Countdown to Christmas with the best beauty advent calendars for 2021.

If you're buying gifts for younger children too, here are the best Christmas gifts for kids worth buying this year

Planning to do your Christmas shopping in the sale? Here's everything you need to know about when Black Friday will take place and who is taking part.

Want to find more savings on your online shopping? Then head to Sun Vouchers where you can get discounts and voucher codes on hundreds of top retailers including B&Q, Boots, Iceland, Lookfantastic, Dunelm, adidas and more.

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