Whether it's a birthday, holiday, college care package or just because, searching for the perfect gifts for teenagers can be difficult. The older they get, the harder it can be to pin down what they actually like and find a gift that they'll be equally as excited to use. If you don't know where to start with finding the best gift for the 19-year-old in your life, fret not!
Shop TODAY has got you covered with our gift picks. Whether they're an avid gamer, a beauty queen, a music aficionado or a foodie, we've rounded up plenty of options to make both guys and girls alike smile.
Best small gifts for 19-year-olds
Being 19 can be stressful, so give your teen a gift like these lavender shower steamers that will help them relax.
"Because they are naturally derived, they smell lovely without feeling like the over-powering steam of chemicals I’ve experienced with other brands," one reviewer said. "And, I love that the color is subtle enough that they don’t stain my shower floor!"
YouTuber MrBeast launched this popular high-protein snack earlier this year, and they make great stocking stuffers come holiday season. Kids can toss these mini beef, turkey and zero-sugar jerkey sticks into their bags or cars and always have something to nosh on while they're on the go.
Trix may be just for kids, but this Cereal Bowl chocolate bar from Compartés ("overflowing" with familiar morsels and marshmallows from yesteryear) is for the teen who can't resist a sweet taste of nostalgia.
Intrusive thoughts may have them wishing for a mental shift ASAP. This mindful deck, created by Karisha Clark and previously featured on Jenna’s Bookshop, aims to deliver much-needed daily jolts of positivity whenever they need it.
These cards pack weeks worth of manifestations and personal pep talks, helping them feel fully confident for whatever life throws their way.
This gourmand eau de parfum is one of the most unique gifts for 19-year-olds on the market. With flavors such as punch aux fruits, rose chocolate and pistachio brûlée, this line of fragrances will bring the delectable flavors of the kitchen everywhere.
Does your teen love to spend time outside? This hammock is sure to become a favorite. It can carry up to 400 pounds and reviewers say it’s the perfect place to snuggle up and watch the stars.
“Love the color it brings to our yard and best of all, it’s comfortable enough to stargaze or sleep outside. Both of which I enjoy,” one reviewer said.
When recipients receive a gift card to ThredUp, an online consignment and thrift store, they can find unique secondhand items from more than 35,000 brands at up to 90% off. Plus, they can do it all from the comfort of their home and skip a trip to the store.
Forget lip gloss! Anyone and everyone these days should be a part of the lip oil craze. This one from Summer Fridays has multiple shades that nourish and hydrate your lips.
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel praises its ability to give her pucker a subtly sheer tint and provide long-lasting moisture.
Now that they're exploring the world on their own accord, you'll want them to be protected against possible threats. This easy-to-use personal alarm with tons of acclaim across Amazon and the brand's website creates plenty of diversion in uncomfortable situations (and, as a result, gives you extra peace of mind).
Reviewers say this Lululemon belt bag pairs with everything. No matter if you're running errands — or just running — this water-repellent bag is perfect for anyone on the go. Make sure to sort through the nearly 20 color options and choose your teen's favorite.
Shop TODAY editorial operations manager Jillian Ortiz has owned the same Lululemon belt bag for the last four years and it has yet to show any signs of wear or tear.
For the zodiac-obsessed teen, this astrology-inspired candle is a no-brainer. Since the company uses the recipient's birthdate to create the graphics for the label, it makes for a unique custom gift they'll use during the last of their teenage years.
Best gifts for 19-year-old boys
Start simple. This gift is perfect for those 19-year-olds who are expanding their cooking knowledge. Help them chef it up this year by gifting this five-ingredient cookbook.
The cookbook starts off by instructing them on the basics of navigating the grocery store and kitchen, then plunges into quick and easy recipes like breakfast burritos, to then more advanced dishes like salmon dinners.
A polo is a closet staple for every teen, and this knit one looks a little more upscale than traditional versions and fits more snug for a tailored look.
Crossbody bags are still all the rage, increasing in popularity within recent years due to their ability to combine fashion with function. Urban Outfitters released a classy corduroy version of the belt bags everyone has fallen in love with, providing a more neutral version he won’t mind sporting.
If they haven’t given into the craze of Cards Against Humanity yet, this is your teen’s chance. Gift the opportunity for laughs and bonding to the college student in your life with this Cards Against Humanity card pack best played in the realm of a dorm.
This popular laptop holder fits devices up to 15.6 in. in size and has several handy features, like a cellphone holder, mouse pad and a comfy cushion on the bottom.
It’s available in eight different colors and even a version that includes a spot to rest their wrists, should they need it.
Just because they’re getting older doesn’t mean they can’t have fun. Help your young adult shoot their shot from anywhere in the house with this mini basketball hoop. Hear the crowd roar with the electronic scoreboard and cheer sound on this hoop.
Let's be honest, you're never too old for cupcakes. This Latest & Greatest sampler has 25 minis — everything from red velvet to chocolate-chip pancake.
If they have yet to choose an emotional support water bottle, oversized ones are all the rage right now. This 30-ounce version from YETI has over 58,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, and is available in 30+ different colors. The MagSlider Lid uses magnets to help keep drinks secure, while the double-wall insulated tumbler is made to hold your drink's temperature as you go about your day.
YETI also recently collaborated with the NFL so you can get their favorite teams on their cups.
Whether the 19-year-old in your life is on top of the latest fashion trends or simply lives a cozy lifestyle, these Nike joggers will be one of his favorite gifts this year. They are made of fleece and fitted with an elastic waistband and adjustable drawcord for ultimate comfort.
This cool brand creates unique word art illustrations that stand out from the generic stock photography you usually find while shopping for art. And they have something for every guy, whether he’s a fan of sports, history or geography.
Every guy needs a versatile fleece. This slightly fitted option from outdoorsy icon L.L Bean comes in five colors and is available in sizes up to XXXL and tall.
Its practical features include a wind flap behind the zippers to prevent cold air from seeping in, as well as a longer backside to provide more coverage.
Teenage boys tend to need something a little larger than your average-sized throw blanket. Go big or go home with this throw blanket from Big Blanket Co, which measures 10-by-10-feet. It has more than enough space for your teen to get comfy. It comes in over a dozen staple colors and six limited edition colors.
Best tech gifts for 19-year-olds
Gamers will definitely love this mouse that moves at rapid speed without compromising on accuracy. The RGB mouse comes in multiple colors, too, so you’re sure to find one that matches your 19-year-old’s gaming rig or laptop.
Not every 19-year-old has room for an entire TV in their dorm room. With this 100-inch projector screen, they can watch anything they want on an even bigger screen than before. Your teen simply needs to plug in the included AV or HDMI cables to their device for unlimited watching.
What’s old is new again and what better way to capture memories than a mini instant camera? Available in six fabulous colors, this camera features automatic exposure and flash and instantly prints out their photos to place in a scrapbook, stick on the fridge or give to their friends as a keepsake.
Get the road tripper in your life a portable jump starter and power bank that revives car batteries without outside assistance. This bestseller also has a built-in LED flashlight for under-the-hood visibility.
This easy-to-store ice cream maker is so easy to use and makes creations like sorbet and chunky ice cream. If you were contemplating the Ninja Creami but don't have a ton of space, this product is easy to keep in a bin or cupboard.
While away at school, the 19-year-old you're shopping for may have found a passion for fitness. They're likely in need of a device to track their fitness stats. Not only does this watch monitor your heart rate variability and breathing rate, but it has a built-in GPS for long-distance running.
Ortiz also owns these over-ear headphones and says she wears them everywhere from the gym to the train for her morning commute.
“I wear these headphones so often that I noticeably feel off when they are not on my head — they’re almost like an extra limb,” she said. “The sound is great and the noise cancelation is impressive.”
Best gifts for 19-year-old girls
If they're just starting to dabble in astrology and how the stars affect their life, this beautifully illustrated read is perfect for them. It'll teach them how to navigate interactions with every kind of person, from their besties and family to stubborn managers and professors.
Gretchen Rubin, host of the “Happier” podcast, designed this one-year journal. How it works: Reflect on the quote at the top of the page in just one sentence.
There's 208 pages, perfect for a little over six months of reflection, as well as an included companion guide, that gives them more prompts for creating a "record of their life."
These are the type of leggings people live in. They're super comfortable, squat-proof and are known for being buttery soft.
Remember all the junk food you ate when you were in college? This bestselling small blender set is perfect for her dorm room or apartment, so she can make healthy smoothies, soups, or salad dressings when she gets tired of cafeteria food.
Who doesn’t love bubble tea? Definitely not your 19-year-old. This bubble tea making kit includes black and rooibos chai teas, tapioca pearls and two reusable stainless steel straws, so your teen can drink bubble tea to their heart’s content.
When they’re traveling back and forth from campus to home, make their life a little easier with the help of this five-piece packing cube set that can fit all their essentials and features funky polka dots.
If your 19-year-old isn’t already asking for a Kendra Scott necklace, here is your chance to surprise them with one of the most timeless gifts a teenage girl could want. This pendant is available in 20 different colors and gemstones, so you can gift according to their favorite color or potentially their birthstone!
This viral and buzzy brand is most likely top of their list, thanks to its variety of loungewear items available in a number of colors. It’s made out of a polyester and cotton blend fabric, as well as a fleece interior to keep them comfortable and cozy.
For the vintage-obsessed teen, this Bluetooth record player puts a modern twist on the old-school music player. She can play an LP or music from her phone, thanks to the Bluetooth capabilities. While this gift will score you some major brownie points, throwing in a few of your old records will make you extra cool in her eyes.
This durable canvas carryall from Swedish accessories brand Fjällräven comes in dozens of colors and has adjustable straps, so they can wear it comfortably as a backpack or carry it as a tote bag.
A custom sign is equally perfect for dorm rooms and bedrooms alike, and this Etsy bestseller can be personalized with whatever phrase or name you’d like. The wood design also comes in a plethora of color options, so there’s something for every personality.
If they are artistic or grew up drawing on every surface of the house with crayons, they will get a kick out of this stylish Lee and Crayola collab that features retired colors on Lee's staple denim. Chore jackets have been trending this year, and this option is a bright take on a classic staple.
Ugg slippers are all the rage on social media and make for great shoes to wear around the house (or, outside of the house). They are available in sizes 5-12 and come in neutral colors like chestnut and black.
If they just moved into a dorm, add some character to their room with these new colorways from Bose's popular SoundLink speaker. They are made durable and packable so they can bring them around campus. Shop TODAY editorial assistant Annie Shigo has this speaker and says, "I use it on every local trip, bringing it with me to the beach or a weekend upstate. It has great audio features."
Up their on-court style with these Naomi Osaka tennis sneakers from Nike. If they count down the days to the US Open every year, they probably recognize these shoes from the court as Naomi wore them during her 2025 competition. They feature Air Zoom units and side-to-side stability to keep your feet stable.
Best beauty gifts for 19-year-olds
With burgundy trending as a popular color lately, this mascara is sure to be a hit. Shop TODAY social media editor Kara Quill shares, “I originally bought this mascara after seeing a TikTok praising it to be the perfect shade for people with brown eyes. As someone who has never once strayed from black mascara, this shade pleasantly surprised me. I think it’s a little softer looking and brings out my eyes a little bit more. It also doesn’t look too different or bright, so I feel comfortable wearing it in any situation.”
This leave-on lip mask is known for being super effective toward healing and moisturizing lips. It comes with a small spatula tool for easy application.
They can perfect a slicked back ponytail or bun thanks to this styling cream that keeps hair in place. It not only holds hair still, but also promises to prevent frizz, help with hydration and keep it looking polished and shiny.
Every 19-year-old who’s into makeup needs a basic eye shadow palette. This one has a variety of taupe and nude shades that can create a smoky eye or dewy look.
Who needs a straightener and a curling iron when you can create both styles with one tool? Remington’s multi-styler promises to seamlessly create bouncy curls, straight styles or beach waves and has a Heat Control Sensor that keeps your hair from overheating.
Acne is a real drag, but with daily use, this blue light device is said to help calm down breakouts and smooth out texture. It's kind of like heading to the spa every day for a pore-cleansing facial, without the hefty price tag.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand 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 the tween, teen and young adult on your list including 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds, 13-year-olds, 14-year-olds, 15-year-olds, 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds, 18-year-olds, 20-year-olds and 21-year-olds.
