11 Great Gifts Any 16-Year-Old Will Actually Want

PS Photography | Marisa Petrarca
PS Photography | Kyley Warren
PS Photography | Marisa Petrarca
PS Photography | Kyley Warren
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Teens get a bad rap for being moody and hard to please, but shopping for the 16-year-old in your life doesn't need to be agonizing; all you really need to do to put a smile on their face is to lean into their personal passions and sense of style. That being said, if your birth year begins with a 19, there's a chance that the teen you know will think your taste is cheugy. So, when it came time to curate our list of the best gifts for 16-year-olds, we made sure to check in with some actual teens.

To make sure we're picking the right items that a teenager would actually appreciate, we talked to Lila, age 17, a high school senior living in New York, who's a foodie, reader, and loves a good beauty product. She also loves math, economics, and biology. Here, Lila gives us insight into 2025's hottest products. In addition to Lila's must haves, she and other teens have also vetted every item you'll find below, which include top tech picks for teens (like the Nintendo Switch and iPad Air), the best in beauty (PS editors also can't get enough of the Hey Dewy Portable Cool Mist Humidifier), and some covetable fashion finds. Happy shopping!

The Best Gifts For Teens

How We Choose the Best Gifts For Teens

We test tons of new products every year, but these made the cut for their quality, style, and how much teens actually love them. Here's how we narrow things down:

  • Start with what teens really want: We talk to teens from all walks of life to learn what fits their passions and personalities.
  • Test for quality and durability: We put each product through use to make sure it can keep up with a teen's active lifestyle.
  • Check if it's on-trend: Gifts have to feel fresh and relevant to today's teen culture, whether that's tech, fashion, or beauty.
  • Make sure it's safe and easy to use: We prioritize items that are age appropriate.
  • Consider the value: We weigh features against price to find gifts that deliver real bang for their buck.
  • Get expert input: Specialists in tech, skin care, fashion, and more help us make good recommendations.

Update on August 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

User reviews may have been lightly edited for clarity.

01
Best Gift For the Lip Balm-Obsessed Teen
PS Photography | Anvita Reddy

Best Gift For the Lip Balm-Obsessed Teen

Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment ($23)

Ole Henriksen's Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment has probably been all over their TikTok feeds, thanks to Suni Lee's viral lip routine. This bestselling nonsticky glossy balm has a hydrating formula that will be their new favorite lippie. The four tinted shades are pigmented enough to give your budding beauty maven a flush of color, but it also comes in a clear shade. Read more in our Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment review.

  • Pros: Nonsticky, hydrating, subtle pigment, clean ingredients
  • Cons: Small size for the price, some reviewers wish it lasted longer
  • Type: Glossy balm with peptides
  • Finish: Sheer, shiny
  • Shades: Nine
  • Who it's best for: Teens into beauty, beginners looking for an easy, everyday lip product
  • Extras: Peptide-packed formula to smooth and plump lips over time

Editor Quote: "The lip treatment has a thick, creamy texture that delivers a smooth glide, but it's not sticky. Unlike other lip balms on the market, the Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment doesn't sit on top of the lips like an occlusive. Instead, the formula actually sinks into the skin and delivers hydration to every layer. It's one of the few lip balms that I don't have to constantly reapply because the moisture and conditioning are layers deep and, therefore, long-lasting." - Anvita Reddy, former assistant shopping editor

02
Best Gift For Teens Who Love Photography
urbanoutfitters.com

Best Gift For Teens Who Love Photography

Fujifilm Fujicolor QuickSnap Flash 400 35mm Camera ($26, originally $30)

Sometimes, only analogue will do. This disposable camera is preloaded with 24 exposures of 35mm color film. It has a built-in dual-flash system and large viewfinder for perfect framing, every time. It's such a fun way to capture memories.

  • Pros: Fun and easy to use, no setup required, great for events and travel
  • Cons: One-time use, film development not included
  • Type: Disposable 35mm film camera
  • Who it's best for: Teens who love retro trends, scrapbooking, or capturing memories the old-school way
  • Extras: Built-in dual-flash system, large viewfinder for easy framing

What Reviewers Say: "I make sure to have a couple disposable cameras on hand for birthdays and events as they make great gifts. Thoughtful, fun, inexpensive, and provide both an activity at the get-together and keepsakes afterward."

03
Best Emotional Support Water Bottle For Teens
PS Photography | Marisa Petrarca

Best Emotional Support Water Bottle For Teens

Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($30)

This viral water "bottle" is an insulated stainless steel cup that actually fits in most cup holders. It comes in so many different colorways and has a leak-proof design. It keeps drinks hot for seven hours, cold for 11 hours, and iced for nearly two days. Your hydration queen can drink it from the straw opening or the wide mouth opening. Read more in our Owala FreeSip Water Bottle review.

  • Pros: Keeps drinks cold for over a day, leak-proof, dual-sip lid, fits in cup holders
  • Cons: Heavier than plastic bottles, lid can be tricky to clean
  • Type: Insulated stainless steel water bottle
  • Finish: Matte or glossy depending on colorway
  • Shades: Available in dozens of color combinations
  • Who it's best for: Teens who love wellness, hydration trends, or always have a water bottle in hand
  • Extras: Patented FreeSip spout with a lid and locking mechanism

Editor Quote: "Beyond its aesthetics, I fell in love with the dual-function straw. What makes it so great is that you can either sip through the built-in straw (ideal for avoiding spills when it's full) or swig from the spout opening when you need a lot more water at once (perfect for those intense Sculpt classes)." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing shopping editor

04
Best Self-Care Gift For Teens
PS Photography | Kyley Warren

Best Self-Care Gift For Teens

Hey Dewy Portable Cool Mist Humidifier ($60)

Make your teen feel pampered with this editor-favorite humidifier for skin. The rechargeable device is portable, so your teen can hydrate their skin during their morning routine, take it with them on the go, or breath a little easier while studying at their desk. It comes in three colors. Check out our review of the Hey Dewy Portable Cool Mist Humidifier to learn more.

  • Pros: Lightweight, portable, USB rechargeable
  • Cons: Needs regular cleaning to avoid buildup, not ideal for large spaces
  • Type: Ultrasonic cool mist humidifier
  • Finish: Soft-touch matte plastic
  • Shades: Three
  • Who it's best for: Teens into skin care, wellness, or who want to elevate their study space
  • Extras: USB charging cable, eight hour runtime, quiet misting

Editor Quote: "The benefits of having one in my home have been endless — from clearing my sinuses to helping me sleep better at night and even making my skin feel better throughout the day." - Kyley Warren, former assistant shopping editor

05
Best Personalized Gift For Teens
baublebar.com

Best Personalized Gift For Teens

BaubleBar All the Beige iPhone Case ($75)

16-year-olds are notoriously glued to their phones. If you're shopping for the iPhone-user in your life, get them something cute and personalized like this case from BaubleBar. It features raised acrylic letters (and can fit up to 12 characters) with a pearl-like finish for a luxe 3D effect. It's perfect for someone who loves a neutral vibe.

  • Pros: Fully customizable, trendy neutral aesthetic, protective and sturdy
  • Cons: On the pricier side for a phone case, limited to iPhone models
  • Type: Personalized iPhone case
  • Finish: Matte base with glossy acrylic lettering
  • Shades: 40
  • Who it's best for: Teens who love personalized accessories and an aesthetic vibe
  • Extras: Custom text (up to 12 characters), raised 3D letters with pearl effect
06
Best Fashion Gift For Teens
PS Photography | Kelsey Mulvey

Best Fashion Gift For Teens

JW Pei Mini Flap Crossbody ($80)

This adorable faux-croc handbag is a Popsugar reader fave for a reason: it's timeless, high-quality, and the perfect size. It comes in plenty of colors, whether you want to get them a staple neutral like black or brown, or something bold like an ombré light green-and-blue, or a stunning lavender. Read our JW Pei Mini Flap Crossbody review for more.

  • Pros: Stylish and structured, vegan leather, compact but functional
  • Cons: Doesn't fit larger items like tablets, magnetic closure may loosen over time
  • Type: Vegan leather mini crossbody bag
  • Finish: Faux-croc embossed texture with gold hardware
  • Shades: Six
  • Who it's best for: Teens who love fashion, dressing up basics, or experimenting with accessories
  • Extras: Adjustable and removable shoulder strap, fully lined interior, magnetic flap closure

Editor Quote: "This purse has ample room for my wallet, phone, keys, and hand sanitizer — but it's not so big that I have to spend an embarrassing amount of time locating a mere tube of lipstick." - Kelsey Mulvey, former contributing shopping editor

07
Best Jewelry Gift For Teens
us.astridandmiyu.com

Best Jewelry Gift For Teens

Astrid & Miyu Cosmic Star Dome Hoops in Gold ($105)

According to Lila, "Mini hoops are so in right now." Astrid & Miyu is one of her favorite brands for jewelry because its materials don't irritate her sensitive skin. This pair of star-studded hoops is plated in 18k gold and features cubic zirconia sparklers.

  • Pros: Hypoallergenic, lightweight, subtle sparkle, premium gold-plated finish
  • Cons: Higher price point for costume jewelry, may be too small for those who prefer bold earrings
  • Type: 18k gold-plated mini hoop earrings
  • Stones: Cubic zirconia detailing
  • Finish: Star motif, high-shine dome shape
  • Who it's best for: Teens with sensitive ears or anyone who wants a glam-but-minimal everyday earring
  • Extras: Comes in branded jewelry box, designed in London

What Reviewers Say: "Lovely chunky hoops - debated whether to get the Huggies or these. I'm so happy I got these. They are lightweight and look lovely."

08
Best Comfy Hoodie For Teens
PS Photography | Anvita Reddy

Best Comfy Hoodie For Teens

Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie ($118)

Lila tells PS she's been eyeing this sweatshirt since she borrowed her friend's for a test drive. "[It's] super cute and such a great color to pair with anything. The quality of these hoodies is super good as well," she says. This comfy hoodie has a relaxed, oversize fit, and comes in a ton of different colors. Plus, the elastic zipper pull doubles as a hair tie. Read more in our in-depth Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie review.

  • Pros: Soft, cozy fabric, oversize relaxed fit, versatile colors, built-in hair tie zipper pull
  • Cons: Pricey for a hoodie; may be too roomy for those who prefer fitted styles
  • Type: Oversize half-zip pullover hoodie
  • Finish: Matte, smooth fabric with subtle branding
  • Shades: 11
  • Who it's best for: Teens who want comfy, stylish athleisure that works for lounging or casual outings
  • Extras: Elastic zipper pull doubles as a hair tie, moisture-wicking, breathable material

Editor Quote: "It's perfectly oversize with a silhouette that's not too short or too long. I'm 5'1", and the hoodie hits me right at my hips, but the ribbed bottom hem doesn't taper in, so it never rides up at the midsection. This small detail makes all the difference between a flattering, put-together look and an awkward fit. It pairs well with leggings, sweatpants, jeans, and even workout dresses and skirts." - Anvita Reddy, former assistant shopping editor

09
Best Headphones For Teens
amazon.com

Best Headphones For Teens

Apple AirPods Pro ($169, originally $249)

These Apple AirPods 2 are a bestseller on Amazon. They are known for their good sound quality and can provide up to 30 hours of listening with the MagSafe charging case — they block out noise for immersive sound and operate in transparency mode if the wearer needs to know what's happening around them. They're also sweat- and water-resistant.

  • Pros: Superior sound quality, effective noise cancellation, transparency mode, sweat- and water-resistant
  • Cons: Higher price point, fit may not be comfortable for everyone
  • Type: True wireless earbuds with noise cancellation
  • Finish: Sleek white, compact design
  • Shades: White
  • Who it's best for: Teens who love music, podcasts, and active lifestyles
  • Extras: Comes with a charging case, customizable fit with silicone tips

What Reviewers Say: "I've been using the AirPods Pro for a while now, and they've quickly become a must have in my daily routine. They're excellent for all the usual things like music, podcasts, calls (and the noise cancellation is especially clutch on airplanes). I've traveled with them a lot, and they make a noticeable difference in reducing plane engine noise, and nearby conversations.

What's maybe a little less common, but really impressive, is using them at live music concerts. I like to protect my ears without sacrificing the sound, and these do a great job. The transparency mode still lets the music breathe, but I can dial the volume back just enough to stay comfortable. They don't muffle or distort what I'm hearing like regular earplugs do. All in all, they're versatile, sound great, and are surprisingly useful in ways I didn't expect. Highly recommend."

10
Best Gift For the Teen Music Lover
amazon.com

Best Gift For the Teen Music Lover

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth Portable Speaker ($180)

With more than 20 hours of playtime per charge, the Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker is a must for avid music listeners. Resilient, waterproof, and lightweight — and with a rich, clear, and multidirectional sound — it's perfect for all your adventures. The stylish design is a huge plus.

  • Pros: Long battery life, waterproof, lightweight, excellent sound quality
  • Cons: Premium price point, no built-in voice assistant
  • Type: Portable Bluetooth speaker
  • Finish: Classic Marshall black with textured vinyl and gold accents
  • Shades: Three
  • Who it's best for: Teens who love music, outdoor activities, and stylish tech gear
  • Extras: IPX7 waterproof rating, multidirectional sound, compact design

What Reviewers Say: "Can't say enough good things about this speaker. Great battery life. Looks so cool and sounds big and bold! Worth every penny!"

Best Gift For the Teen Gamer
target.com

Best Gift For the Teen Gamer

Nintendo Switch ($400)

Nintendo's latest drop has three modes of playtime — TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode — for gaming whenever, wherever. It has a battery range of four to nine hours, depending on software usage and conditions. It can even connect over WiFi for multiplayer gaming.

  • Pros: Versatile play modes, vibrant OLED screen, solid battery life, multiplayer capability
  • Cons: Higher price point, limited internal storage (expandable via microSD)
  • Type: Hybrid gaming console
  • Finish: Sleek white design with matching Joy-Cons
  • Shades: One
  • Who it's best for: Teens who love gaming at home or on the go
  • Extras: OLED screen for richer colors, WiFi-enabled multiplayer, expandable storage

What Reviewers Say: "Absolutely love my Nintendo! It is so practical, and I love taking it on road trips!"

11
What to Look Forward to

What to Look Forward to

We're looking at a number of new options for our next update. These include: the Mejuri Letter Necklace as a great option, the cult-favorite Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case, and the Grace & Stella Award Winning Under Eye Mask as more of an affordable choice.

Additional reporting by Lauren Harano, Alessia Santoro, Abbey Stone, and Balim Tezel


Anvita Reddy (she/her) is a former assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and reviews home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. At PS, she tested skin care, makeup, and hair care, plus countless other beauty products.



Lauren Harano is a contributor for PS and was formerly an editor for PS Living, Beauty, and Shop. She has a passion for skin care, murder mysteries, and online shopping. Aside from PS, her work can be found in the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online at InStyle, Esquire, NBC, and various food and travel sites.



Alessia Santoro (she/her) is a former senior SEO editor at PS, where she guided SEO strategy and assisted the brand's editorial team in maintaining and creating search-intended content across multiple categories, including health, fitness, beauty, parenting, astrology, and more. Prior to shifting to SEO in 2021, she spent nearly seven years as a family editor for the brand, with focuses on parenting content, baby names, and family entertainment.



Abbey Stone is a former interim content director for PS Wellness.



Balim Tezel (she/her) is a shopping updates editor at PS and the founder of Maison des Nus, a New York-based affordable luxury brand. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.