Shopping for a 14-year-old can be tough. They’re just at the start of high school, meaning they're getting too old for toys, but are still too young for gifts that are solely practical or only functional. Our advice: Give them something that perfectly straddles the line between cool and useful.
To make this mission easier for you, we pulled together this list of gifts that will tickle your 14-year-old's budding interests, whether it's music, beauty, sports, making TikToks or even computer programming. We even asked a teenager for some of the top items on her wish list!
Trending gifts | Gifts for girls | Gifts for boys
The best trending gifts for 14-year-olds
A New Day Pearl Loop Claw Hair Clip
Add a touch of everyday elegance to their wardrobe rotation without having to shell out major coin for it. This pearly claw clip will keep their tresses nice and neat during even the longest of school days.
SHEGLAM Harry Potter House Palette
Do you have a Gen Zer in your life who's obsessed with both makeup and the Harry Potter series? You can choose the palette that matches their Hogwarts house, whether it's this moody Ravenclaw set or the dignified golds and crimsons of the Gryffindor compilation.
Tree Hut Strawberry Sugar Body Scrub
Some viral products can only talk the talk, but this buzzy body scrub also walks the walk. Just take it from one reviewer who rated this Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner a perfect score: "This is my desert island pick and I want to shout it from the mountaintops! I consider myself a scrub aficionado – I’ve used expensive and not so expensive, and this is by far, hands down the ultimate scrub."
Furry Frog Papasan Chair Phone Holder
What to get the teen who's on their phone 24/7 (or at least feels that way)? You can't go wrong with a phone accessory that shows off their unique personality. We like this Furry Frog phone "chair" that they can rest their precious gadget on for a laugh or while they do their homework!
Pet-Shaped Pillow
Does your teen have a furry friend they love to hang out with and take care of? If so, you can get them a pillow that looks and is shaped exactly like your pet! They come in a variety of sizes, from 8 inches to 39 inches, and you can get them printed either single- or double-sided.
Tulip Mermaid Tie Dye Kit
Tie-dye is an activity that's stood the test of time, and tie-dyeing clothes is a fun activity for your teen to spice up their clothes. With pretty colors like lavender, turquoise and sea green, this kit gives your family everything they need to have a tie-dye party.
KSIPZE LED Strip Lights
Also known as “TikTok lights” because of how often they’re used on that social media app, these are a set of small lights your teen can hang in their bedroom and program them to give off a wide variety of colored light. You can cut the light strip to fit your teen’s walls and they give off a rich, pigmented color. Perfect for recording videos or simply setting the vibe in their room.
Starface Hydro-Stars Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches
Zits, but make them cute? With these hydrocolloid patches from Starface, that's absolutely possibly. Beyond getting rid of pimples overnight, your fave teen can feel good knowing they're gentle enough for any skin type.
ban.do Hold It! Wireless Earbuds Case
If your teen wants an AirPods Pro case that is fun and quirky but will keep their device safe and charged, this adorable quilted case is a great option. It also comes with a hidden snap closure and gold lobster clip so they can easily hook it to their backpack or keychain.
SoundBot Water-Resistant Bluetooth 4.0 Shower Speaker
Teens who can’t get enough of their music or podcasts can enjoy them in the shower using this speaker. Use the suction cups to stick it to the shower, and blast their favorite tunes for up to six hours. It’s lightweight and has volume control as well.
Barbie x Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
Barbiecore is all the rage this season. For the person who can't have "kenough" pink in their lives, this silky pillowcase will have them dreaming their way to Barbieland in no time.
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
In the battle of viral water bottles, Owala is reigning supreme amongst its competitors with over 72 million views on TikTok. Social media mavens aren't the only ones who adore its design — so does the Shop TODAY team!
"Twist off lids always felt annoying to keep fiddling with, so the pop-open lid (with a lock) is so convenient," said page Casey Dawson. "It comes in lots of colors, is easy to clean and is really affordable compared to other competing water bottles. I also used it in 100-degree weather in Austin out at the pool in the sun, and the ice inside didn't melt for hours!”
heyday Ring Light with Tripod
Speaking of TikTok, if your teen is a budding Youtuber or TikToker, they may want a ring light, which is a circular LED that creates consistent, bright lighting. This particular option comes with a Bluetooth range of up to 33 feet and a remote for hands-free filming.
LapGear Lap Desk
If your teen likes to do homework all over the house, they’ll need a lap desk to get everything done comfortably. They can place their phone or tablet in the included media slot, and strap pencils and pens in with the desk’s elastic. All these features ensure an ergonomic lap desk experience wherever they go.
Shocktato Party Game
This game will give your 14-year-old and their friends hours of laughter — trust us. Here's how it works: Each player holds a handle, the machine revs up while you listen to suspenseful music and then when the red light turns green, the players must press the trigger button as quickly as possible. If you're the last to react, you get an electric shock.
BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve
Move over, stick-on glow-in-the-dark stars! This LED projector lets the teen turn their personal space into an extra special sanctuary. Projecting a field of drifting stars, this relaxing gift is one that can be used for years.
Bubble Tea Kit
A cool spin on the DIY kits, this popular bubbly drink can now be made at home with ease. Available with two fat straws, tapioca pearls and two tea options, your giftee will be able to satisfy their boba craving from the comfort of home.
Settlers of Catan
This strategy-based board game was released in 1996, and is still wildly popular today. Up to four players can indulge in the world of Catan, a game where you manage and trade resources to build your own society. Your family will enjoy trying to outsmart each other and your teen will learn important skills like game strategy and tactical skills.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
Polaroid-style physical photos are tons of fun to take and use as wall decoration. This camera comes in fun colors, with automatic exposure, and even has a “selfie mode.” You can also buy film with cool designs, cute carrying bags and other accessories to make this their go-to camera.
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30
Convenient for travel or tuning out their parents, these budget-friendly noise-canceling headphones will drown out lingering ambient sounds. They have an average playtime of 60 hours, plus they charge up pretty quickly when they're in a bind.
Ugg Tazz Clog
This year, classic with a twist is in as the Chestnut shade is all the rave. The braid around this chunky clog's ankle opening features the signature color this holiday season: cherry red.
RazorX Cruiser Electric Skateboard
Take your 14-year-old's skateboarding to the next level with this electric option. It can reach speeds of up to 12 mph and includes a wireless remote to control the momentum. Just remember to pair it with a helmet to ensure your loved one stays safe!
Best gifts for 14-year-old girls
Rattan Earring Set
This rattan earring set is the perfect match for the fashion-forward girl in your life. They're an easy, fun and playful way to add some personality to a simple outfit.
Llama Succulent Plant
Succulents are a great way to decorate a teen’s room, providing a little greenery. This affordable and cutesy succulent planter will sit pretty on their windowsill and it’s leak-proof, so even if they accidentally overwater their plant, you won’t end up with a mess.
Dashing Diva Glazed Donut Gel Nail Strips
She'll love the chance to skip the nail salon with this nail polish alternative. Inspired by a celebrity look that went viral on TikTok & social media, Dashing Diva crafted their own version, turning a typically four-step process into a one-layer, easy-to-apply polish alternative at home. Her friends won't be able to tell the difference!
Lush Sweet Christmas Gift Set
Lush is known for their luxurious bath products that smell divine, are fun to look at and are easy to use. This set contains a snow fairy roll bubble bar that oozes cotton candy-scented bubbles. It also includes a Butterbear bath bomb that smells like sweet cocoa butter.
Lay-n-Go Cosmo Cosmetic Bag
If your teen is an up-and-coming makeup connoisseur, gift them a place to organize their growing makeup collection. It lays flat to store items and pulls closed with a drawstring, so they won't lose any of their items on the go.
Forever 21 Varsity-Striped Cropped Sweater
Delivering preppy with a twist, this affordable sweater blends quintessential features (striped trim, subtle V-neck) with a touch of modernity (ruched drawstrings on the side, cropped hem).
Doodle Crate
Crafty teens will be into Doodle Crate, a subscription box that sends over materials for a fun monthly craft. Make everything from soap to felt succulent plants to faux leather portfolios. A great way for them to get off their phone and make something they can be proud of. There’s a ton of flexibility in this box, too — your crate gets shipped two days after you sign up and you can cancel easily.
Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Whether they're cozying up on the couch or wrapping themselves up while cramming for tests, this plush tie-dye blanket (available in 40+ hues) will keep them feeling toasty through thick and thin.
Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
At 14, she'll want some more independence and the ability to go places like the movies or mall with friends alone. Keep her safe (and give yourself some peace of mind) with this bestselling personal safety alarm system that can clip onto her keys, backpack or fit in her pocket. It has a loud siren and flashing strobe lights to deter an attack and alert others in their surroundings of a potential emergency.
Papier Checkmate Notebook
Most teens need to brain dump from time to time. Why not do it in style? Papier's checkmate notebook is lined so your teen can store all of their thoughts and ideas as they come up. This hardcover notebook can also survive the inside of your 14-year-old's backpack making it a great addition to any school supply list.
Make this gift more personal this holiday season by adding your teen's name on their journal.
Glossier Balm Dotcom Trio
If your teen is just getting into makeup and wants a lip balm with a slight tint and beautiful packaging, this is the perfect gift. Balm Dotcom is one of Glossier’s top products and it’s easy to see why. The lip balms come in a variety of “flavors” with great scents and they contain hydrating ingredients like lanolin and beeswax. It’s the ultimate statement lip balm.
Offline by Aerie Real Me High-Waisted Crossover Legging
This is very high up on teens' wish lists. Why? TikTok, what else? This pair features a unique "crossover" waist design and is made from super soft, lightweight material — perfect for the teen who's always on the move.
Fenty Skin Start'r Set
Teens are getting into skin care earlier than ever before, and Rihanna's got them covered with this starter routine set. It includes a pore-refining toner serum, a coconut-kissed cleanser and a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30.
Best gifts for 14-year-old boys
Sphero Specdrums Musical Ring
Compatible with an app on your teen's phone, this portable music-making ring allows them to produce songs with the tap of their finger. There are hundreds of sounds, instruments and loops to play with.
Major League Ballparks Scratch-Off Chart
If he's a big baseball fan, this scratch-off chart is sure to get him excited. It's even something that the whole family can get involved with by taking trips to visit each park on the chart.
Game of Phones
Game of Phones is a card game using every teen’s favorite possession...their phone! Players grab a card and use their phones to answer prompts like: Draw an emoji masterpiece or show off the last photo you took. It’s a fast and exciting multiplayer game that’s great for both families and friend groups.
Sorry! Vintage Bookshelf Edition
Nostalgia is in the air as this childhood game is back in trend. Have fun with the whole family this holiday season with the Sorry! vintage edition. It's the same game you know and love in a sleeker, trendier exterior.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Chances are your favorite gamer already has this on their wish list if they don't already have it. This latest iteration of Zelda takes Link through various breathtaking landscapes in a quest to find the titular character. He also has plenty of baddies to fight off, but his cool new abilities help ward them off along the way.
Spikeball Game
Spikeball is an engaging outdoor game, perfect for the beach or your backyard. Players stand around a net, trying to spike the ball onto the net in each other’s direction. It’s great for teens to get exercise and work together in teams. If your teen becomes great at the game, there have even been tournaments all over the country.
Vans Old Skool Shoes
The Vans Old Skool are vintage-feeling shoes that are amazing for skateboarding or just walking to class. They’re durable, sturdy and have a style that’s effortlessly classic. Your teen will have no trouble pairing these iconic shoes with anything else in their wardrobe.
Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller
![Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone [PlayStation Edition] - Enhance Your Gaming Experience on iPhone - Play PlayStation, Steam, Fortnite, Apex, Diablo Immortal, Call of Duty: Mobile & More](f_auto,q_auto:eco,dpr_2.0/newscms/2023_18/1946660/41k6ybudhdl-sl500-6390eca2ef804.jpg)
The gamer in your life is going to be thrilled to have a portable gaming controller that lets them play on the go. Easily connecting to the PlayStation or PS Remote Play App, this comfortable controller is the tech gadget they didn't know they wanted.
Gaming Chair
This is a functional and well-designed chair that is perfect for relaxing in their room or the den. Its rocking features ensure they can sit in a variety of poses while they’re gaming, and the chair can hook up to your television or a stereo.
Acoustic Guitar for Dummies Starter Pack
The classic “For Dummies” brand gives teens everything they need to start learning guitar. The box includes an acoustic guitar, a “Guitar Basics for Dummies” book and CD, a tuner, guitar picks and a carrying case.
Creation Crate
Programming and computer science are lucrative jobs these days. Your teen can learn how to program monthly projects with this subscription box. They receive components to put the project together and online instructions and videos to help them create. They can build functional and cool items like a mood lamp and an FM radio tuner every month. For $105, you can keep new projects arriving at their doorstep for the next year.
