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Teenage girls are notoriously hard to shop for. But you’re in luck, because I happen to be an expert. Since last year, I’ve heard from teens about what’s on their wish lists and what’s in and out in their friend groups. Below are some of the products I’ve unearthed during my interviews and research (hours scrolling on GRWM and shopping-haul TikToks), plus some particularly covetable items for this age group. I’ve broken the gifts down into five categories, and you can use the links above to navigate to the category you think will best speak to your teenager. (If you’ve got an adolescent boy in your life, check out our list of gifts for teenage boys, too — and if you can’t find something that speaks to you, check out our list of every gift guide we’ve written this year.) And – lastly – if you’re in the mood to make a saving, I noticed that plenty of these gifts are currently on sale.
Update on December 18, 2024: Noted products that won’t arrive in time for Christmas; checked stock and updated prices on all products.
Beauty gifts for teenage girls
Drunk Elephant continues to dominate wish lists and Sephora-haul videos. This is a popular combo that won’t damage their skin.
Sol de Janeiro was the standout perfume brand among teen girls, and the ones I spoke to are trying to collect all the scents. This sample set comes with minis of their three best sellers.
Teens told me they use their facial mists multiple times a day, so they wouldn’t mind a restock. Here are two popular brands at different price points.
They’ll appreciate a restock of their favorite smiley-face pimple patches.
[Editor’s note: This product may arrive after Christmas.]
Refresh their polish collection with a set from Olive & June, a favorite of 16-year-old actress Pressley Hosbach. The long-lasting and quick-drying formulas come in over 100 different shades, shimmers, and glitters.
[Editor’s note: This watch may arrive after Christmas, but there is expedited shipping available for $15 extra.]
A hydrating, anti-inflammatory serum they likely already know about from beauty TikTok.
Summer Fridays’ lip butter balms were name-dropped by two teens as perfect stocking stuffers. Pink sugar is the best scent, according to teen Ella Nagel.
Laneige’s deeply moisturizing lip masks have taken over makeup bags, purses, and nightstands in the past few years.
The Clean Beauty look is trending among teens, and that calls for dewy skin. Saie’s Glowy Super Gel was name- dropped by a couple of teens and made multiple appearances in GRWM videos.
This styling cream-slash-wand would make a nice stocking stuffer for the teen who likes a slick-backed bun. Mom Roni Garland says her daughter carries hers around for taming flyaways during school and cheer practice.
Emily Lulamay (known as Emily Girly Tips on TikTok) is a popular influencer who teens are into. Thirteen-year-old Sophia recently added this Eos body lotion to her wish list because of Lulamay.
A silk pillowcase can help with hair frizzing and acne-prone skin. And for even more ideas, I have an entire story dedicated to the best beauty gifts for teen girls.
Accessories and jewelry for teenage girls
Minimalist jewelry is both timeless and on trend with teens. This specific brand was name-dropped when Strategist writer Kitty Guo spoke to Beacon high-schoolers about their most-wished-for gifts.
[Editor’s note: This watch may arrive after Christmas.]
Kendra Scott also came up in back-to-school hauls. Go for this simple, daintier design (on 18-year-old Lauren Taylor’s wish list) instead of a bolder piece.
[Editor’s note: This watch may arrive after Christmas, but you can pay extra for expedited shipping.]
Bubble initial letters seemed to take over the nameplate necklaces that were everywhere last year. This one from teen-favorite brand Evry Jewels is affordable and still nice-looking.
A festive replacement for her already worn-out scrunchies.
Or switch it up with a claw clip from cool brands like Free People, Kōv, or Chunks. But a generic one from Kitsch would be good, too.
If she’s really into monogramming, she’ll like a custom phone case from BaubleBar. Garland gifted her teen a case two years ago, which she still uses today.
A couple of the beauty-obsessed teens said they wanted the Rhode Lip Case to show off in selfies. (And make sure you restock her on the peptide lip treatment, too.)
This silicone suction phone mount lets teens stick their phones to any flat surface, so they can take videos or photos pretty much anywhere.
I spotted bedazzled phones, headphones, and even beauty products in TikToks.
Lululemon came out on top for backpacks. (Hint: She probably wants this if she already has the Belt Bag.)
Longchamp is another popular option that she can use well past high school.
Décor gifts for teenage girls
Here’s a small disco ball she can hang in her room or display on her vanity.
These string lights (beloved by new college students and teens) brighten up her bedroom and hold up to 20 photos.
This tabletop cinema box lets them express themselves, display silly sayings, or see their name in lights.
Jellycats overtook the Squishmallow hype, and teen Kennedy specifically pointed me to the Bashful Bunnies, which she’s trying to collect in different designs and sizes.
[Editor’s note: This item will arrive after Christmas.]
For the teen who’s into Netflix on Friday nights, Barefoot Dreams are the coziest and softest throws.
Here’s a throw for a fraction of the price that comes in cotton-candy colors and other fun tie-dyes.
LoveShackFancy’s bedsheet set was brought up but costs a couple hundred dollars. Instead, this oversize bow pillow is under $100 and can match any next aesthetic she’s into next year.
[Editor’s note: Only the blue version will arrive by Christmas.]
This adorable color-changing nightlight matches the rest of her mushroom décor.
Books and tech gifts for teenage girls
This portable device that turns phone photos into Polaroid-style prints instantly.
If they’re a budding content creator, multiple teens told me a digital camera was at the top of their wish lists. This one’s a splurge, but comes recommended by influencers and TikTokers.
Here are the latest viral reads for the teen who’s on BookTok.
A classic graphic novel your artsy teen probably hasn’t heard of.
If she’s into rom-coms, give her this complete boxed set of the Summer I Turned Pretty series. (She’ll stay up reading it even if she’s already binged the hit Amazon show.)
Pair this relaxing art-therapy coloring book with colored pencils, pens, or markers for the teen who could use a digital break.
Over-the-ear headphones outrank earbuds with teens. Two types that came up were Sony’s XM4s and the even fancier AirPods Max.
It’s official: Stanleys are out and Owalas are in, according to nearly every teen I spoke to.
The Ninja Creami is all over teen Lauren’s TikTok. “That’s the main thing I want for Christmas, because I can make ice cream anytime I want,” she says.
Clothing gifts for teenage girls
UGGs are still the most popular shoe. Go with a pair they can wear outside, like the viral Minis.
In second place was Adidas, and both Sambas and Gazelles were mentioned. Instead of gifting a black or white pair, opt for one in her favorite color.
And there were also a couple of Boston Clog callouts, with the suede ones coming out on top.
Sophia says the one clothing item on her wish list is a hoodie from the TikTok-popular brand Dandy.
Edikted is a new teen-favorite clothing store, and track pants are an easy staple you can gift them. They have ribbons at the bottom — a trend that’s still going strong.
The top gift on multiple teens’ wish lists was concert tickets to see their favorite musician or band, and merch was a close second. Even if they didn’t get to see the Eras or Guts tour this year, get them a T-shirt.
She’ll appreciate throwing on this cozy robe while she does her makeup, watches movies in bed, or lounges around.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultraflattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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