By Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff
Ready to take on anything, teenagers are growing into their identities as young adults. They’re attuned to what’s happening around them and ripe for new experiences and challenges. And they value their friendships more than ever.
Teenagers are also exploring and wrestling with more-serious adult themes. But even as they’re engaging more with the world around them (think first jobs, community service, social activism), they’re still kids at heart, and they find joy in the silly and the absurd.
We relied on experts—as well as on the collective experience of parents and other caregivers on our staff—for gift ideas that can help teenagers relax, laugh, and grow. Some of our other guides may also help you locate an ideal gift. For gaming enthusiasts, check out our gaming guides for the best Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite accessories and the best gaming headsets. Athletes may appreciate something from our health and fitness guides, perhaps a yoga mat or a gift for runners. Or they may like a gift that will last forever, a gift for girlfriends, or a gift for boyfriends. We also have more kids gift suggestions.
A high-concept card game
This thrilling strategic card game is full of deception and intrigue.
A role-playing card game, Coup takes place in a dystopian future that’s all about greed, ruthlessness, and power—which may resonate with many teens. Up to six players take on two characters apiece, each imbued with particular traits. For instance, the assassin—as the name implies—can eliminate others. (There are no weapons involved; being assassinated merely entails losing your card.) With every turn, you try to amass more money and influence, oftentimes by bluffing. The final objective? To overthrow your rivals and be the last one standing.
—Ellen Lee
A cool wallet
From quirky to classic, this slim wallet comes in plenty of styles to suit your teen’s taste.
Call us old-fashioned, but though we’re moving toward mobile everything, we still think it’s handy to have a nice wallet to store a student ID and a few spare dollars. Luckily the Mighty Wallet is not only durable but also stylish and fun. Its patterns range from a ramen noodle packet to a cassette tape (wait, what’s that?), plus other bold and artsy designs. One of our picks for the best slim wallets, it’s minimalistic but still has plenty of storage, offering two expandable card pockets, two cash pockets, and two hidden pockets along the edges.
—Jason Chen
A sharp-looking water bottle
This 24-ounce metal bottle is sturdy, keeps drinks ice cold, and can be taken everywhere—from the classroom to the playing field, and beyond.
A reusable water bottle is a must for teens on the go. One of our favorite water bottles, the 24-ounce Takeya Actives has a wide mouth that makes adding ice easy. And this model comes in more than two dozen bright colors. The Takeya bottle keeps drinks cold for long stretches, and it has a spout lid that’s simple to drink from (it can be swapped out for a straw lid, if you prefer).
—Ellen Lee
Sassy socks
These cute, embroidered socks look great paired with strappy shoes.
A pair of sheer, chic socks can help the fashion-loving teen slay the latest trend in visible socks. Sock Candy’s nylon socks are embroidered with bold, colorful, and funky designs, from a pretty floral look to a fierce snake pattern. The toes and cuffs are reinforced in cotton, but the socks require some careful maintenance (washing them inside out in a mesh bag is best). They can go with sneakers, loafers, heels, and other dress-up shoes—for a special night out or another day of school.
—Ellen Lee
Affordable beauty
This budget-friendly mascara leaves leashes long, shiny, and black.
These small stickers can cover up blemishes and help make them go away.
Teens may be flocking to Sephora, but we’ve found some of our favorite beauty essentials at the drugstore. One of our top picks for teens, Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara lengthens lashes at an affordable price, and it’s one of our favorite mascaras. If your teen is prone to acne (a normal rite of passage as they go through puberty), the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Patch can come in handy. The little pimple stickers help teens keep their hands off their skin so they don’t irritate it more.
—Hannah Morrill
Comfy sweats
Great for sleeping or lounging, these sweatpants are long-lasting and cozy, and they come in lots of sizes.
Wearing sweatpants is the best, and Uniqlo’s Sweatpants are likely to become a favorite item in your teen’s wardrobe rotation during relaxing times or any time. A pick in our guide to the best pajamas, these inexpensive, terry-lined midweight sweats are unfailingly comfortable and cozy. They’re flattering, too, with a slim but easy cut and a gently tapered leg. Note that these have a unisex fit and come in men’s sizes XS to 3XL; if you’re shopping for someone who usually wears women’s sizes, size down. For those who prefer a less body-conscious style, Uniqlo also makes the baggier Women’s Sweatpants, which are available only in women’s sizes XXS to XXL.
—Ellen Lee
A literary puzzle
A 500-piece puzzle that’ll raise almost as many questions.
Mudpuppy makes lots of fun and unusual puzzles, but this one prompted more questions and conversations in my living room than any other. Like many designs from this company, it is a 500-piece puzzle that’s really multiple smaller puzzles in one (so it’s easier to complete). The grid of books includes well-known controversial titles like Maus, The Bluest Eye, and The Handmaid’s Tale, as well as more head-scratching ones (at least to my household) like The Giving Tree. What are the reasons this book might be banned? We wondered, debated, and then looked it up.
—Kalee Thompson
Style-forward lip balm
This luxe lip balm is a treat from start to finish with its chic packaging, subtle scents, smooth feel, and long-lasting sheen.
We love a classic drugstore lip balm. But when it comes to expanding a discerning teen’s lip-balm universe, something special is in order. Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Balm comes in 12 lovely shades (including untinted) and has an ultra-smooth, wearable formula. We’re partial to the soft-pink Rosé, but all of the colors are buildable and long-lasting, and the tube feels as luxe as the balm itself.
—Caira Blackwell
So polished
Butter London nail polishes—available in a range of elegant-yet-interesting hues—produce a gel-like, shiny finish.
May be out of stock
Butter London Nail Lacquers go on smoothly, with just the right thickness and opacity, and this polish resists chipping and stays fresh-looking for a long time. The colors are sophisticated and pretty, and some are a tad edgy. Butter polishes are also free of formaldehyde and parabens, and they’re not tested on animals. If you’re looking to give your teen a full at-home pedicure experience, we have advice on foot spas and more recommendations for nail-care products in our guide to the best gifts for tweens. We’ve seen these sets go in and out of stock. Butter London sells several other gift sets, including various two-polish pairings, like English Par-Tea and Bohemian Crown, and the extravagant Legends of London: Branwens Adventure set, among others.
—Ingela Ratledge Amundson
Breakfast scents
This hand-poured candle releases a creamy, fruity scent that’s reminiscent of a favorite breakfast cereal.
For teens who love sugary breakfast cereals—and really, who doesn’t?—Mala the Brand’s Cereal Scented Soy Candle infuses their favorite space with a sweet scent that’s something along the lines of Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, or Trix. One of our favorite scented candles, this fun option looks like a paint can, is made with a soy and coconut wax blend, and should last for about 60 hours. Bonus for environmentally conscious Gen Alphas: Both the candle and the packaging are recyclable and compostable, and the company plants a tree for every purchase.
—Sarah Witman
The BFF test
Four or more players can show off—and deepen—their knowledge of one another by answering probing questions from a 250-card deck.
Think of The Best Friend Game as a play on The Newlywed Game—with friends (instead of couples) pairing up and competing to see how well they know one another. The game comes with six dry-erase boards and markers. And it has a stack of cards with 250 questions, ranging from probing ones (“Who’s my celebrity crush?”; “What’s my least favorite place I’ve ever traveled to?”) to hypothetical questions (“What’s the first thing I would buy if I won the lottery?”; “Who would I call if I had to get rid of a dead body?”). Meant for players who are 14 and older, the game doles out some queries that may not apply to young teens (“How many speeding tickets have I received?” Me: “The answer better be none!”), but the rest should spark some good-natured fun.
—Ellen Lee
A colorful carryall
These lightweight totes are both utilitarian and fun: They can fit in a pocket or backpack, and they come in a variety of colors and cute patterns.
The Standard Baggu is one of our favorite reusable shopping bags. It’s convenient (folds into a 5-by-5-inch pouch), durable (just wipe it down or throw it in the wash to clean), and practical (it carries up to 50 pounds of stuff). Choose from tons of different colors and whimsical prints.
—Ellen Lee
A criminally good game night
Murder! Mayhem! Suspects on the loose! In this cooperative board game, players use both physical game pieces and a virtual reality app to solve a murder or heist.
Incorporating a smartphone app, QR codes, and virtual reality, the board game Chronicles of Crime feels like a modern version of Clue for the tech-savvy teen. Players are presented with an unsolved murder or heist, and they work with their friends (or solo) to determine who committed the crime, which weapons were used, and why. Each scenario is a story, with a full cast of characters and motives, and navigating one of them is much like traversing a choose-your-own-adventure book. Because of this game’s dark nature—there are occasional references to drugs, murder, and sex—it is recommended for teens and not younger kids, said Brian Mayer, a gaming, learning, and library specialist in New York. Note that part of the experience involves stepping into a 3D crime scene using virtual reality. If you don’t own a mobile VR headset, you’ll need a pair of Chronicles of Crime glasses. (I happen to own a cheap Google Cardboard VR Kit, which also worked.) Like an escape room, it’s pretty much a one-off thing once you figure out the mystery. But the game comes with several crimes to solve, and you can purchase additional stories in the smartphone app or pick up an expansion pack (with new characters, locations, and crimes), such as Chronicles of Crime Noir or Welcome to Redview.
—Ellen Lee
Toasty toes
Thanks to their superior materials and construction, these elegant wool slippers are the most durable we’ve tested, holding up to years of daily use.
These super-soft, warm, and durable moccasins are fluffier and more breathable than other sheepskin shearling slippers we’ve tried.
The same plush shearling and hearty outsole, in a slightly different cut and men’s sizing.
A long-standing pick in our guide to the best slippers, Glerups Wool Slippers are a gift likely to follow teens into adulthood. Made of soft, 100% felted wool and supple leather, they’re cozy for padding around the house—or loping around college dorms. Odor resistant and breathable enough for year-round wear, these admittedly pricey (yet remarkably durable) slippers come in around a dozen marled, tonal colors and three styles—open-heeled, boots, and shoes, all available in rubber-sole versions as well. For a warm, sheepskin shearling slipper that’s a bit less expensive than styles from Glerup, we recommend L.L.Bean Wicked Good Moccasins (women’s, men’s). These fluffy slippers are toastier than the woolen Glerups slippers and have a sturdy, rubber sole for outdoor jaunts. The women’s style comes in nine colors and the men’s in six.
—Sarah Gannett
Your face in lights
The LED lights on this small, tabletop vanity mirror have three color adjustments and stay cool to the touch.
For any teen who follows makeup tutorials on TikTok or just likes to experiment with different looks, a glam mirror is a must. The simple and petite countertop Thinkspace Beauty Hollywood Mirror is the perfect size for a desktop or bureau. My daughter took one to her college dorm, and it lives comfortably on her desk with about 1,000 other things. The plug-in mirror includes nine LED lights that change from cool to warm to natural light with the touch of the screen, and it stays cool to the touch. The entire mirror—a bit larger than the average binder—rotates 360 degrees so teens can perfect their every angle. It’s strictly for young eyes, however, as it doesn’t have a magnifying feature.
—Samantha Schoech
Celebrity sighting
Connect your teen with celebrities of all stripes, from sports and movie stars to beloved zoo animals. Prices vary for personalized videos or a live call.
Teens might be cool customers, but they can still become starstruck. Cameo is a digital service that connects mere mortals to celebrities, from actors and athletes to artists and social media influencers. The celebrity of your choice will record a short, personalized video addressing your teen, or even hop on a one-on-one video call. Thousands of celebs are on the service, including David Iacono from The Summer I Turned Pretty and Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies. Ranging from about $10 to hundreds of dollars (and beyond), the video can be as silly or serious as you want it to be. Soccer star Mia Hamm, for instance, offered encouragement to a student who was heading off to college. You’re not charged if it falls through, and the message can be viewed on the Cameo app or downloaded to save forever—or until your teen’s next celebrity crush comes along.
—Ellen Lee
Soothing scents
This long-lasting and colorful essential oil diffuser can help a teen turn their bedroom into a relaxing oasis.
The scented mist of an essential oil diffuser can help create a calm, soothing ambiance. Though the health benefits of essential oils are inconclusive, the Urpower, our pick for the best essential oil diffuser, dispenses a comforting scent (based on the chosen oil) for up to seven hours—longer than most of the diffusers we tested. (Note: If your teen shares a home with younger kids or pets, there are some safety concerns to consider before buying, which you can read more about in our guide). The Urpower has a simple, compact design and can be programmed to shut off after one, two, or three hours. Plus, it lights up in seven pretty colors.
—Ellen Lee
For a relaxing bath
These stand-out bath bombs can transform a mundane soak into a special event with their fantastic fizz, soothing scents, and captivating colors.
Lush Bath Bombs—our pick for the best bath bombs—won us over with their lingering fragrance, long-lasting fizz (an average of three minutes), and skin-softening oils. They’re available in a wide variety of shapes and scents, including the cult favorite Intergalactic and the energizing Avobath, so you can tailor your choice to your teen’s tastes. Given their ephemeral nature, Lush Bath Bombs are a splurge. But they’re also luxe, and they feel very special.
—Ellen Lee
A bonsai build
The branches in this Lego bonsai tree can be swapped in and out to mark the changing seasons, from green leaves to pink and white cherry blossoms.
The Lego Bonsai Tree building kit is part of a line that’s aimed mostly at adult Lego lovers (recommended for ages 18 and up) and is one of our favorite botanical Lego sets. After I selected it as a gift for my older son’s birthday, it successfully rekindled an obsession with Lego that had waned a couple of years earlier, and this little tree is now proudly displayed in our living room. The tree is just 7 inches high, including the traditional pedestal it sits upon. But the detail is lovely, down to the cherry blossom leaves that—as we discovered upon close study—are actually diminutive Lego frogs. We loved that the set comes with a second set of leaves, in case you want to change the color scheme seasonally. (For more grown-up Lego ideas, see our guide to the best Lego sets for adults).
—Kalee Thompson
Smells like teen spirit
This kit includes 11 mini spritzers of designer fragrances; redeem the included voucher for a full-size bottle of your favorite.
May be out of stock
When staff writer Samantha Schoech’s son came home from his freshman year of college, his cologne was so strong that she wanted to take a shower after their reunion hug. And that tracks. Teenage boys love designer fragrance and have big opinions about them. But rather than go out on a limb and spend a couple hundred bucks on a scent you’re not sure he’ll like, the 11 mini-vials in the Sephora Collection Cologne Sampler Set are a safer and more exciting bet. The .05-ounce heavy-hitter atomizers, from brands including Burberry and Yves Saint Laurent, feel like a true splurge, especially since they come with a redeemable voucher for a full-size bottle of his ultimate fave.
—Hannah Morrill
Weighted comfort
Like a hug on demand, burrowing under this soft, 12-pound blanket is soothing and cozy.
This affordable weighted blanket outperformed more expensive options in our testing.
Snuggling under a weighted blanket can feel like getting a comforting hug—and sometimes that’s exactly what a teen needs. The 12-pound, 42-by-72-inch Baloo Weighted Blanket (one of our top picks for the best weighted blanket) is soft and sturdy, like a combination of a quilt and a comforter. It’s machine-washable and comes with a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship. (You can choose to cover the Baloo with its washable duvet cover, sold separately.) The kids version of our favorite budget-priced weighted blanket, the Luna, also feels smooth and of high quality, despite costing much less than other weighted blankets we tested.
—Ellen Lee
Healthy escapism
This meditation app offers celebrity-narrated bedtime stories, guided meditations, and playlists to help teens wind down.
This app includes guided meditation sessions for beginners and less-structured programming for pros.
These days, our phones are rarely a source of profound relaxation. But a subscription to Calm or Headspace, two of our favorite meditation apps, may help the teen in your life take a reassuring timeout. Calm leans into de-stressing with some appealing twists, such as bedtime stories narrated by beloved celebrities—Harry Styles, Idris Elba, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are among the stars lending their voices. Headspace offers guided meditations and playlists for sleep, exercise, and focus (the company provides some free options and has a discounted $10 a year subscription for teens who sign up directly). Both apps feature curated music, ambient sounds, and, hopefully, access to better overall mental health. For those who want to really lean into their meditation with a post-session nap, our expert advice on how to take a comfy couch nap has recommendations for supplies that can help, including the Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask, one of our favorite sleep masks.
—Ellen Lee
A tech organizer
This roomy zippered pouch corrals your tech accessories, keeping them tangle-free and organized.
The Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer can help the teen in your life wrangle all the cords, chargers, and accessories that come with being a digital native. One of our favorite bag and cable organizers, this pouch is about the size of a large paperback and has a combination of loops, flaps, and pockets to organize and secure their tech gear. It’s also water repellent, protecting against accidental spills, and can also hold a few toiletries and cosmetics.
—Kaitlyn Wells
A thrifty gift
Available in multiple denominations, this gift card lets teens find something they love among ThredUp’s millions of accessories, shoes, and women’s clothing items.
From Hoka running shoes to Cuyana handbags, this online store sells secondhand clothes, footwear, and accessories.
My teenage daughter and her friends have gotten into thrifting. In addition to saving money and keeping clothes out of the landfill, it provides the thrill of the hunt: You never know if you’ll find a flannel shirt from the 1990s, a pair of classic Doc Martens at a steep discount, or something else that’s Instagram-worthy. An online consignment store such as Poshmark or ThredUp expands that field even further. Both sell e-cards starting at $25, and both offer millions of listings of clothes, shoes, and accessories from brands like Gucci and Brandy Melville. And if your teen is tired of the clothes in their closet, they too can purge or sell their castoffs. (A Wirecutter staffer funded a trip to Tokyo in part by offloading her old clothes on the resale site Depop.)
—Ellen Lee
Ear play
These lightweight earbuds may be tiny, but they produce clear sound and are also waterproof.
Our pick for the best wireless earbuds, the Soundcore Space A40 lets teens tune out the world and immerse themselves in their favorite beats. They produce excellent sound, block outside noise, and last up to 10 hours on a single charge. Note, though, that headphones can be an extension of a teen’s personal style, so you may want to consult them first. On the other hand, if your teen tends to lose things easily, perhaps consider our budget pick, the EarFun Free 2S. These earbuds also produce solid sound quality and last eight hours, but cost half as much.
—Ellen Lee
A multitool for adulthood
This light and slim multi-tool focuses on well-executed essentials and opens up a world of problem-solving opportunities.
The Leatherman Skeletool CX multi-tool has a certain gifting gravitas. It matches a teen’s growing independence and looks forward to adulthood. What loose hinges might it fix in a first apartment? Where will the teen be when the 25-year warranty expires? (Though we expect it to last well beyond that). Whether a teen stashes the Skeletool, the top pick in our guide to the best multi-tools, in a drawer or carries it with them regularly, it’s bound to come in handy. It’s a well-rounded generalist, with all the essentials—pliers, two Phillips and two flathead screwdrivers, and a knife—and no extras weighing it down. It can also clip onto a belt or backpack with either a pocket clip or a carabiner (which doubles as bottle opener). If you’re looking for something less expensive or if your teen is likely to misplace it, the keychain-sized Gerber Gear Dime, another pick in our guide, provides a great introduction to tools and knife safety. One tip: It’s probably best not to take it to school.
—Sarah Gannett
Good morning, sunshine
This sleek alarm clock simulates sunrise for groggy teens, with a second alarm just in case.
If your teen struggles to get out of bed each morning, a sunrise alarm clock, which encourages waking up with the light, might help combat inevitable grogginess. The Philips Wake-Up Light, our pick for the best sunrise alarm clock, produces a soothing simulated sunrise with a red-tinted glow that gradually grows into a bright white light. The Wake-Up Light can also be programmed to simulate a sunset, which, in our testing, nudged us to shut down our devices (what teen couldn’t use that?). The Wake-Up Light may even kickstart a better sleep cycle—an especially good thing since most teens aren’t getting the recommended eight to 10 hours of shut-eye they need per night.
—Ellen Lee
A cozy throw
This warm, long-lasting fleece blanket is available in two sizes and nine colors.
For late-night studying, a relaxing night in, or simply an extra layer, the L.L. Bean Wicked Plush Throw is a comforting, super soft fleece blanket that teens can curl up under. One of our picks for the best throw blankets, it continues to be cozy and inviting after years of use. We also offer additional suggestions for luxurious throws, made from wool, alpaca, and a wool-cashmere blend, which may be worth investing in for your teen. When they leave home (weep), they can take it with them—a special security blanket, if you will.
—Ellen Lee
A digital art supply
This responsive stylus lets teens experiment with digital design. It’s the best choice for artists drawing on an older iPad with a lightning port, while the 2nd generation works better with newer iPads.
This stylus is the best cheap option for drawing on a tablet.
An iPad stylus can be a surprising gift for a young artist who’s ready to experiment with a digital canvas. Depending on the iPad model it’ll be used with, we like the 1st-generation or 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, or the Apple Pencil Pro. Each Apple Pencil offers phenomenal pressure sensitivity and minimal lag, both of which are essential for artists. Thanks to Apple’s proprietary systemwide integration, the Apple Pencil models also have special features such as side-touch shading, which other styluses don’t. If you’d rather test the waters with an inexpensive stylus, our budget pick, the durable Adonit Mark, is a safe bet. Pair your choice with an app such as Procreate, a favorite among professional illustrators. Your gift recipient can find plenty of YouTube tutorials and classes on Outschool, too.
—Ellen Lee
Off the wall
This peel-and-stick wallpaper comes in all manner of crisply printed designs and has a tactile, woven finish.
Many teens cherish their personal space—especially when that space is a reflection of their personality and tastes. The peel-and-stick Chasing Paper Wallpaper, a top pick in our guide to the best removable wallpaper, offers a variety of whimsical, arty, and abstract prints, from charming New York City vignettes to chic geometric patterns. This wallpaper is relatively easy to install, and it’s made with fume-free latex ink. And if your teen has a change of heart, it won’t leave a trace upon removal. Also on offer at Chasing Paper: removable stickers, chalkboard panels, and other wall decor.
—Ellen Lee
Luggage of their own
This sturdy, hard-sided suitcase offers 40 liters of space for your teen’s gear.
As teens start to travel independently, they’ll need a way to pack their own belongings. Away The Carry On, one of our picks for the best carry-on suitcases, lets them jet in style. It’s available in a rainbow assortment of colors and can be personalized with their initials, and the hard-sided surface means they can even add their favorite vinyl stickers. We’ve found its wheels to roll more smoothly than others, as well, and its polycarbonate shell can handle rough handling. Though some people may question Away’s hype, this suitcase should last for years—well into a teen’s adulthood (weep).
—Kit Dillon
Put a record on
This affordable record player produces good sound quality at a great price for budding vinyl enthusiasts.
Listening to Spotify is easy. Listening to a record, however, is a tangible experience that teens can turn into a lifelong hobby. Perfect for a beginner, the U-Turn Orbit Basic Turntable produces excellent sound and can introduce a young music lover to the joys of vinyl. Our budget pick for the best turntable, the Orbit Basic has personal flair (the plinth comes in six colors) and is easy to set up. (We offer suggestions for additional components to maximize your listening experience here.) Plus, once your teen has a turntable, choosing future gifts will be even simpler—just add a record to their collection.
—Ellen Lee
Sky’s the limit
This entry-level drone is more affordable than most, but can still capture cinematic shots—even in dim light.
Our budget pick for the best drones for photos and videos, the DJI Mini 3 is a great starter set for teens interested in flying a drone. It offers a 4K camera for taking impressive aerial photos and videos, as well as a 38-minute battery life. Its compact, lightweight build slides just under the FAA’s 250-gram limit. While it doesn’t have an obstacle-avoidance sensor like higher priced drones, it does come with other handy features, such as image and flight stabilization and smart flight modes so it can fly on its own. One little tip: We’ve seen a couple of drones get stuck in the trees in our neighborhood during post-holiday flights, so you may want to encourage your teen to practice in a wide-open space first.
—Ellen Lee
Background check
AncestryDNA presents clear results and boasts the largest family matching database.
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A DNA test can give a curious teen the opportunity to learn more about their genetic background and identity. AncestryDNA, our top pick, stands out with its clearly presented results and useful historical context (our guide to the best DNA testing kit provides perspective on ethical and privacy issues related to DNA testing). With AncestryDNA’s more than 18 million customers—the largest of the DNA databases—there’s a chance to discover distant relations. The process is fairly straightforward. Simply mail in a saliva sample, and within a few weeks results are delivered online, including ethnicity estimates and potential relatives. From there, it’s up to an intrepid teen to track down more clues and delve deeper into their family history.
—Ellen Lee
Sweet treats
This bimonthly subscription box comes packed with sweet and savory treats that aren’t commonly found at local Asian grocery stores.
For the teen foodie, the Japan Crate shows up on your doorstep filled with about 15 surprise treats every two months. Some are ordinary sweets in Japanese packaging (one was essentially chocolate M&Ms), but others are fun and unique, such as a can of lychee soda and a fluffy cotton candy concoction that my teen and I mixed ourselves. We found the eye-popping, anime-inspired, sugar-infused Japan Crate to be especially teen-friendly, but you can also opt for the Bokksu Snack Box, one of our favorite gift baskets. (Both are owned by Bokksu). The Bokksu Snack Box comes in more understated packaging, with more artisanal treats and flavors such as black sesame and shiquasa citrus. If you want to opt for individual treats, check out our guide to Asian snacks for even more tasty ideas.
—Ellen Lee
Hydration station
This soda maker carbonates water and other liquids equally well.
Quench a teen’s thirst for carbonated drinks with a soda maker, which can help cut back on bottles and cans, perhaps appealing to environmentally conscious young adults. (It can be especially fun when paired with a recipe book.) Of the 26 soda makers we’ve tested, we found the DrinkMate OmniFizz to be the best one. It’s easy to use, and it produces great-tasting sparkling water with as much (or as little) carbonation as desired. It can also add fizz to non-water liquids such as apple juice.
—Ellen Lee
Car essentials
This lightweight, compact case comes stuffed with first aid supplies, including pain medication, a roll of gauze, and a cold pack.
This efficient ice scraper can clear ice and snow off any sized vehicle.
Teens who are lucky enough to have their own vehicle to drive should be equipped with some car essentials: This first-rate first aid kit, a pick in our guide to the best emergency preparedness supplies, comes with nearly 300 adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointments, antiseptic towels, and everything else you need to treat cuts, burns, and other minor injuries. If you live somewhere that gets cold, they’ll also need an effective ice scraper like the Hopkins SubZero 80037, our pick for the best ice scraper. The durable Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket, our runner-up pick for the best puffy blanket, comes in a handy stuff sack and will keep them warm during impromptu pit stops (or go for the less expensive Kelty Bestie Blanket). Among the car accessories we recommend is an inexpensive 2-gallon “carbage can,” which straps onto the back console to help keep their car tidy (one can hope, at least).
—Ellen Lee
This article was edited by Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.
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- After testing 49 yoga mats and using our picks for years, we’ve determined it’s worth investing in a quality mat that will last. The JadeYoga Harmony Mat is our top pick.The Best Yoga Mats
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Further reading
The 32 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Olds
by Ellen Lee and Wirecutter Staff
Many 10-year-olds are on the brink of teenage-dom, and value their friendships, independence, and personal passions.
The 29 Best Gifts for Families
by Samantha Schoech
It’s hard to please everyone all of the time, but this list of gift ideas will at least please all of the family members much of the time.
The 36 Best Mother’s Day Gifts
by Mari Uyehara and Samantha Schoech
Your mom gave you life. Mother’s Day is a chance to shower her with love and gratitude, with a gift that shows you see and appreciate her.
The Best 39 Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List
by Samantha Schoech and Mari Uyehara
Kin and colleagues, kiddos and teens: Here are our favorite picks from our 2024 holiday gift guides, all in one place.
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