High-schoolers and the gift. It’s a riddle, a maze and a myth all in one.
Last year you thought, too babyish. The year before that, you skewed too grown up. But not this year. With a little help from our editors, of course, you will hit the bull's eye when it comes to the teenager you have no idea what to buy for.
Done are the days of staring blankly around the shopping mall. Gone are the times of “nagging” and begging them to answer, “What do you want?”
This gift cheat sheet will cost you some money, but it will save you oodles of time and patience when it comes to shopping for the high schooler in your life. That in itself is worth its weight in gold.
Best tech gifts for 16-year-olds
Up their selfie and TikTok game with this Octobuddy that lets them stick their phone. walls and mirrors with ease to get the perfect angle.
Add a little personalization to your teen’s phone with this popular phone case that you can customize with their name. It comes in a variety of colors, including black, light pink and yellow. Attached to the case is a stylish wristlet.
Say adios to the “my phone died” excuse. With this fast and reliable lightning connector power bank, your teen will always have enough battery life to let you know when they are running late.
Keep their laptop safe in a personalized leather case. Choose to customize it with their name or initials and pick one of the seven colors it comes in for a truly personalized feel.
Whether they’re starting their first internship or creating TikTok videos, a ring light can come in handy for any teen these days. This version is specifically designed to fit on their desk to provide just the right amount of lighting, and it can even hold their phone for Zoom calls or streaming.
Let your loved one relive their favorite memories in an instant. This smartphone printer can print your teen their favorite photos in real time. All they have to do is pull up the photo on their phone, line it up with the printer and wait.
An ideal gift for the outdoor enthusiast. According to the brand, this portable Bluetooth speaker produces some clear sounds and bumping bass. Plus, it’s designed to attach nicely to your teen’s bike or backpack.
Add some bling to their phone with this convenient wrist phone holder. If they love to collect, they can keep interchanging the cords of this case.
For the gamer in your life, this gift will be a huge hit. This bestselling game features beloved characters from the ‘90s for your teen to choose from in a battle of the best.
Editor Vivien Moon received this instant camera as a gift and says that it's become one of her favorite ways to capture memories with friends. It's perfect for your 16-year-old, because, as she puts it, "teenage me would’ve been just as obsessed with it as I am now in my (early) 30s." Its small size makes it easy for them to bring wherever they go, and while the camera feels nostalgic, the cute design brings a modern twist.
Gift your amateur photographer their own point-and-shoot! This small camera can capture both images and videos, so they can record every fun memory and moment.
For the teenage music lover in your home! This isn’t just a record player, it’s a 7-in-1 musical experience. With this versatile player, your teen can rock out to Mom’s old vinyl collection, connect to the tunes of today via Bluetooth or just jam out old-school to FM radio. The coolest feature of this player? It can digitize vinyl records AND CDs. Mind blown.
A more affordable option for all the hot tools your teenager could possibly need in one set, this Shark FlexStyle tool includes a hair dryer and a styling wand to straighten or curl their hair. Safe to use with any and all hair types, reviewers love it because it’s “an incredible comparative bargain.”
Best fashion and accessory gifts for 16-year-olds
Who doesn't love a hoodie? Provide your teen with one that's both comfy and stylish. Designed with environmentally friendly materials, this sweatshirt could be their new go-to, so buy one or more in their favorite colors.
Show them that you're there for them with this little reminder that they can handle anything that comes their way. And we know that at 16, it can feel like everything is coming your way so any little bit of encouragement can make a big difference.
Whether your 16-year-old is hiking or traveling, help them keep their belongings safe with a trusty bag. This viral Lululemon bag is a versatile option, as it can be worn across their back, chest or as a belt. It even comes with multiple storage pockets to keep all their belongings safe. We will note, some colors are selling out fast.
This stretchy denim jacket is perfect for wearing over any sundress on those chilly summer nights. Available in eight unique colors, this stylish jacket will become a staple in your 16-year-olds wardrobe.
Teens are always going to need jeans. These were designed with a looser fit in mind and come in 38 different washes.
If they love being outdoors and going on hikes, they'll love this new release from The North Face's Red Box. The hoodie is made sustainably and comes in three other colors.
In case you haven't heard, Coach bags are officially cool again — and your teen will love owning a bag of their own from this nostalgic brand. The shoulder bags are particularly trendy right now, so this is a great pick for the 16-year-old fashionista.
Whether your teen is headed to the beach or a weekend trip at their grandparents' house, this stylish weekender bag will surely come in handy. This lightweight tote is made of vegan leather and comes in three different hues — navy, white and stone.
As they're growing up, they might have more fancy events to attend, like sweet 16 parties, dances, etc. This top from By Malina is super versatile for fancy occasions to be worn with pants, skirts or layered over a dress.
Best outdoor gifts for 16-year-olds
Get them into a new sport with this pickleball set. Pickleball has been hailed as one of the fastest-growing sports in the US. This kit comes with two paddles and balls, so they have everything they need to get started.
For teens counting down the days until spring and summer, get them in the warm-weather spirit with a super-cool blow-up lounger. According to the brand, this portable sofa is water-proof, leak-resistant and a great item to take along while camping, laying on the beach and more outdoor activities.
Their next outdoor adventure just got better with this hammock. They can attach it to trees or use it as a blanket on breezier nights.
Rather than utilizing their car as a second closet, gift them with a duffle bag that will force them to wash their post-practice clothes. “Easy to clean” and “durable,” according to reviewers, this duffle bag has five pockets total.
Best beauty and self-care gifts for 16-year-olds
It's no secret that being a teenager is synonymous with having acne. They're bound to break out, and Mario Badescu is coming to the rescue. This drying lotion is one of the brand's bestselling items due to its ability to soften the blow that comes with acne woes.
Apply small-sized dots to pimples, and see overnight results, including reduced redness and unclogged pores.
Pucker up with this universal lip luminizer from Fenty Beauty that's designed to make your lips shine. "I bought this a few days ago, and I’m obsessed. It smells so good, it feels super nice on the lips and lasts a long time. 10/10 would recommend," raved one five-star reviewer on Ulta.
Whether they're facing the effects of pulling all-nighters to do homework or waking up early for practices, their under-eye skin doesn't have to suffer as a result. These Pixi DetoxifEYE patches promise to hydrate and prevent puffiness. With caffeine and cucumber as two of the main ingredients, reviewers love them because they're "refreshing" and "relaxing." For added cooling effects, just pop them in the fridge for a bit beforehand.
Upgrade your 16-year-old's beauty regimen with a multipurpose soap. This all-in-one wash is designed to clean their face, hair and body without stripping skin and hair of essential moisture.
Are they always asking to get their nails done? Have them try this at-home nail starter kit that comes with everything they need for a great mani.
If your teen thought getting their braces off was the best thing to happen to their teeth, wait until they find this little gem waiting for them. The AquaSonic Black Series is ADA approved and features several modes that will keep your teen’s smile looking healthy and bright.
This makeup bag is perfect for storing lipstick and other cosmetic items. Your 16-year-old will be the envy of teens everywhere with this pillow talk case!
Best book gifts for 16-year-olds
From their screen to the stove, the 16-year-old foodie in your life can now make their favorite viral recipes thanks to this cookbook — all from the creators at TikTok themselves.
Former NBA player Chris Bosh shares his journey to playing in the big leagues. Perfect for the athlete in your household who wants to read about and learn from a basketball legend.
A captivating thriller that takes place within a cross country team, this novel will have them hooked from page one. Plus, it’s on sale for less than $10!
Inspire and empower the 16-year-old female in your life who has plans to change the world — just like the many courageous women featured in this book.
If they've recently gotten into reading, gift them with this set of essentials authored by Emily Henry. It includes three of her bestselling books, including "Beach Read," "Book Lovers" and "People We Meet On Vacation."
Unique gifts for 16-year-olds
Keep the beat going, and going with a gift card from Spotify Premium. No interruptions, just tunes, tunes and more tunes.
For the teen that enjoys comfort, gift them this laptop desk that features ventilation holes, a side drawer and a flat top to put their phone or mug. This one is made of bamboo and is a functional gift they will love using on a daily basis.
Hydrate, hydrate, Hydro Flask! A great gift option for your student athlete, or for the teen who really enjoys a beverage to be cold 24 hours later.
Rather than spend their hard earned money on overpriced bubble tea, they can make their own at home. With two flavors of tea and tapioca pearl boba, they can make hot or iced tea in the microwave or simply by adding a couple of ice cubes. One reviewer said, “Hard to find ‘cool’ gifts for older kids. This was different and perfect.
This is a direct quote from my 17-year-old cousin Anna: “It looks so stupid until you try it on.” If your teen is into comfy, this piece has their name and the word “comfy” written all over it.
Let's be honest, you've been begging them to get rid of that worn-out baby blanket they still cling to. Replace it with this smile-patterned blanket from BaubleBar that can be customized with their initials.
Best gifts for the new driver
Scratches and dents are inevitable, especially for newer drivers in high school parking lots. Make the scratch something to look back on and laugh at with these bandage stickers.
With so many new documents to keep track of, ensure that they have a space to store them all. This glovebox organizer holds car insurance forms, registration papers and other documents they'll need access to at all times.
A humorous addition to their new ride, this swinging duck decoration is "the cutest thing ever," according to one reviewer. The duck comes adorned with shades and a beach hat, ready to ride wherever you go.
A different way to make sure their new ride smells fresh, simply add essential oils to these beads and they're set! Drape them over the rearview mirror or near the air flow to ensure their car has a fresh and calming aroma.
Take their car decor or bag charm game to the next level with this quirky sneaker keychain, modeled after your new driver's favorite shoe.
Show your new driver you car(e) about them with this bestselling roadside emergency kit. This all-in-one kit includes jumper cables, tow rope, tire pressure gauge and much more. You’ll also sleep soundly knowing that your teen is fully prepared with everything they need before getting behind the wheel.
Help teach your teen responsibility with this high-power portable car vacuum. This practical gift comes with a protective lid, spare filter, metal turbine and cleaning brush.
For the driver who's always using their rearview mirror, this backup camera will improve their driving skills and won't block their vision. The gadget records front and rear videos, offers high resolution and can even balance the light to give you a better night vision experience.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products and sales out there. We use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides for everyone on your list including 15-year-olds, 17-year-olds, tweens and more.
