Finding the perfect gift for a 15-year-old can be difficult, to say the least. These gift ideas will no doubt help you avoid being on the receiving end of a halfhearted “Wow, uh thanks, I love it” when they unwrap their present.
To make this process short and sweet for you, we put together a list of cool, unique gifts any 15-year-old would covet. And not to toot our own horns, but our editors know a thing or two about gifting the perfect gifts, no matter the age.
Regardless of the occasion, these gifts for teenagers are sure to get their attention in a good way, wink wink. From beauty favorites that are always selling out at Sephora to the latest and greatest tech gadgets, this guide is everything and more that you could ever wish for. And don't worry — we'll be here next year when they turn 16 years old too (and even all the years after that!).
Gifts for 15-year-olds under $25
They’ll have fun doing at-home manicures for themselves, their friends — or you! This silicone nail stamper allows them to achieve the salon-worthy French tip of any color they choose.
TikTok blew up with sunset projection lamps because they have an extremely calming yet trendy vibe. If this sounds like your teen, consider this the perfect addition to their room.
If they're starting to get into beauty products and are slowly building their collection, this makeup organizer helps keep their vanity and your home a little less messy.
While they might not be wearing makeup yet, the 15-year-old you’re shopping for will love this Laneige bestseller. The customer-loved lip mask is a winner because of its scent and moisturizing capabilities.
For editorial assistant Erica Marrison, it’s her go-to nighttime lip treatment. “For me, the main thing that separates it from Aquaphor, which it’s often compared to, is that it has changed my lip texture over time (they’re much smoother now) and it’s less greasy than Vaseline,” she says. “I use it nightly and the pot lasts me the year. Plus, I’m a sucker for a product that looks sleek on my night stand.”
Best gifts for 15-year-old girls
According to senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil, no one captures what it’s like to be a teen quite like author Jenny Han. “I adored this trilogy when I first read it in high school (the first book came out when I was in 9th grade), and I loved all three books just as much when I reread them as an adult after the Amazon Prime series came out,” she says.
An updated version of the classic name chain, this minimalist initial necklace also makes a statement. It’s available in sterling silver, 18K gold or rose gold.
Perfect for sleepovers, girls’ nights or hanging with her new boyfriend, this box of question cards will incite deep convos and build meaningful connections — box of tissues not included.
With this set, her lips will always stay smooth, hydrated and feeling good. Each of the scents (Sweet Mint, Island Coconut and Pomegranate Peach) are hand poured and 100% natural, according to the brand.
One of the hottest trends right now? Belt bags — and this style from Lululemon comes in many different colors and works for everyday wear.
Add some arm candy to their jewelry collection with these frutta bracelets from Notte. They are handmade and feature different fruit shapes and stones on an adjustable waxed cord so they can wear them on their wrist or ankle.
If you have a Sephora teen in your life, you’ll know how much they can’t get enough of Drunk Elephant. Help fuel their obsession with these dewy blush glow drops, which the brand says provides lightweight coverage and hydrating ingredients.
Yes, these classic Crocs are still a thing and still very popular (We have to admit: They’re so comfortable!). They’re available in just about every color you can imagine.
Teens love to lounge, and this blanket-hoodie hybrid is the perfect pick for getting the job done. From the couch to sporting events, this oversized quarter zip is something they'll be reaching for over and over again.
Glossier is a super popular brand with teens, and your 15-year-old has likely seen the 'Glossier You' fragrance all over TikTok. If they've been begging for a new perfume, this is the perfect gift to give them.
Best gifts for 15-year-old boys
Whether he’s gaming or doing homework on the computer, these can help protect his eyes from harmful blue light and prevent eye strain, according to the brand.
If he’s into gaming, this controller holder is the perfect addition to his setup. This one is an adorable statue of Marvel’s “Groot,” but it comes in several other styles like a “Call of Duty” player, Baby Yoda and more.
Most teenage boys use a Ziploc to hold toiletries, so why not get him an upgrade? This durable model is made from antibacterial, leak-resistant silicone and it’s easy to clean when things spill.
There's a good chance your teen has already been begging you to get these, and even if they own a pair, they come in a variety of colors and are a gift that never gets old.
Great as a weekender bag or for the gym, this Herschel duffel is nearly 43 liters and an option to carry or wear as a crossbody. The best part? It even has a separate shoe compartment.
This versatile sweater-knit fleece from Patagonia will keep him well dressed and cozy. It's made from recycled polyester and comes in 15 colors on the Patagonia site.
Best tech gifts for 15-year-olds
This portable charger won’t take up copious amounts of space in their belt bag yet will still charge their phone as effectively as the larger ones. It has USB-C and lightning port options, allowing them to use it effortlessly no matter the style of iPhone they have.
Move over, ring light! A new and improved version is here. Have a teen who loves to TikTok? This selfie light clips right on to their device to provide the best lighting possible, no matter which room of the house they’re in.
For the teen who is always on-the-go (and seems to always send the text asking you to bring their forgotten wallet, backpack or lunch to school or practice), gift them an Apple AirTag. This product “works flawlessly,” said one reviewer, adding that it’s “definitely worth the money.”
Associate editor Kamari Stewart owns three. “I’m so afraid of losing those things so I love to be able to double-check and make sure they are where I think they are, especially when I’m traveling,” she says. “If I ever were to actually lose any of my AirTags, I’d be ordering replacements immediately.”
With the new digi-cam wave taking over, this mini camera would make for the perfect, trendy gift to give your 15-year-old. With this camera, they'll be able to capture nostalgic memories and take the coolest Instagram pics.
For the teen who always requests five more minutes of sleep or is always complaining about how cold they are, give the gift of comfort and warmth with this heated blanket from Pottery Barn. Available in several different colors, they’ll be feeling like they’re on a cozy cloud nine with this gift.
If they love to read, a Kindle is a great investment for any age and can last a lifetime. Watch as they grow their online book collection and have access to thousands of books at the touch of their hands. It is also waterproof so you don't have to worry about wet pages by the beach.
Best sports gifts for 15-year-olds
With this portable ping pong set, they can make any table ready for play in less than a minute. It comes with a net that clamps onto the ends of a table (up to 72 inches wide and 2 inches thick), two paddles and three balls. It’s also available in a four-player set.
Whether they’ve been playing soccer since they were a toddler or they just like to scream “GOAL,” this necklace is the perfect gift for the teen who’s passionate about the game. The Kendra Scott necklace comes in silver or gold, and the soccer ball is made of Mother-of-Pearl.
From winter ski adventures to summer cycling trips, this action camera is a pick they can use to capture moments with friends every day. They can even take under water, as the brand says it can withstand up to 131 feet of it.
Ignite friendly competition with a game of Spikeball. Described as if four square and volleyball had a baby, this game is perfect for friends, siblings and other groups to play for hours on end. Squeeze in your hour of outdoor time and physical exercise while also having fun with sports gear.
The WNBA has exploded in popularity in the past few years. If your teen has started to tune in (and maybe even found a favorite team), they'll love this sheet set that features the logos of all of the teams in the league. It comes in full color or a sleeker gray and white combo.
Unique gifts for 15-year-olds
Bucket hats have also been a huge trend, so why not gift them this sporty yet cool pick? This Amazon bestseller comes in tons of shades, too — over 40!
Make getting up in the morning a little more relaxing for them with this sunrise alarm clock that has them wake up a little bit brighter. It also doubles as a nightlight and sound machine.
This gift is both nostalgic and unique. These friendship bracelets are made from wool inside old baseballs actually used in Major League Baseball. Versions of all 30 MLB teams are available for purchase.
How we chose the best gifts for 15-year-olds
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best gifts for 15-year-olds. We comb through customer reviews and 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 to find the perfect present for every kid on your list including babies, 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds.
