Teen-Approved Only: Christmas Gifts for Teens That Won’t Get the Eye Roll

Style-savvy teens will appreciate Beats Solo 4 for their marathon 50-hour battery life and super-quick pairing on both iPhone and Android—during our review, setup was basically instant. We like that you can still plug in via USB-C or 3.5mm when the battery’s low, making them flexible for school, flights, or gaming. Just know there’s no active noise cancellation or transparency mode, and the on-ear clamp can feel fatiguing in long sessions. Also, no auto-pause sensors when you take them off.

From weekend outings to school hallways, the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag keeps essentials close without bulk. In our testing, the 1L capacity handled phone, wallet, and keys, and the adjustable strap made it easy to switch between waist and crossbody carry; the water-repellent fabric shrugged off light splashes. Just note the small size won’t fit a water bottle or bulky items, and the internal mesh pockets aren’t super structured. It sells out often, so act fast when you spot a restock.

If your teen wants cozy without the slouch, Nike’s Tech Fleece Joggers nail a slim, tapered look while staying warm minus the bulk. During our review, the smooth fabric felt premium and the elastic waistband with external drawcord made dialing the fit easy. Be aware the latest run fits tighter than older versions, so consider sizing up, and a few users report color fading after months of wear. At $115, they’re a splurge, but they dress up better than most sweats.

Cozy vibes without the eye-roll: these UGG Classic Slippers are teen-approved for movie marathons and quick coffee runs. During our review, the plush sheepskin lining felt instantly toasty, while the supportive sole and memory-foam layer made light outdoor wear surprisingly comfy. Many reviewers recommend sizing up since they run small at first, and the suede/shearling can feel stiff until a short break-in. At around $100, they’re a splurge, and heavy daily use may outpace durability, but for cozy comfort they deliver.

For teens battling winter-chapped lips, Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask can be a nightstand hero. During our review, a tiny amount delivered noticeable overnight softness, and with multiple sweet scents, one jar lasts ages. That said, the jar format means fingers or a spatula—messier than a tube—and fragrance can bug sensitive lips. Results aren’t universal, either; some users report increased dryness or flaking, so patch-test first and consider a fragrance-free, medicated option if their lips are extra reactive.

Glossier’s Balm Dotcom is a crowd-pleaser for teens who want glossy lips without fuss, and the angled tube makes on-the-go swipes precise between classes. In our testing, it layers cleanly over liner or lipstick and comes in fun scents with clear or tinted finishes for quick looks. Our experience shows hydration is lighter than medicated, heavy-duty treatments, and some users say the newer formula feels oilier. It’s pricier than drugstore balms, but as a cute, pocket-ready staple, it earns frequent use.

If your teen lives for fast-paced shooters, Black Ops 6 shakes things up with slick omni-movement that, in our testing, made traversal feel fresh and fluid. We found the campaign surprisingly substantial, with varied missions that stretch longer than usual, and co-op fans will love Zombies’ return to classic round-based chaos. Be aware that many maps push close-range fights, and respawns can dump you back into danger repeatedly. Ongoing cosmetics and monetization can overshadow progression, so set expectations before they dive in.

Level up school calls and streaming with the Logitech C920S, which in our testing delivered crisp 1080p video and snappy autofocus that kept faces sharp. The built-in privacy shutter is a nice touch for peace of mind when the camera’s idle. Keep expectations in check: it’s capped at 30fps and the onboard mics are fine for calls but can’t rival a dedicated USB mic. We’ve also seen occasional wake-from-sleep hiccups on certain systems, though day-to-day reliability is solid.

For eco-minded note-takers, the Rocketbook Pro 2.0 feels like a sleek upgrade, with a vegan leather hardcover and reusable pages that wipe clean—our testing cut paper waste without sacrificing organization. The box includes a Pilot FriXion pen and microfiber cloth, so you can start jotting right away. That said, the slick page surface can make handwriting smudgy, and the included pen sometimes dries out. Our experience shows occasional page wear and NFC quirks over time, so handle it with care.

For the teen streamer, the Elgato Stream Deck is a legit productivity boost—during our review, programmable LCD keys and tight OBS integration shaved seconds off every scene swap and audio trigger. It’s compact, so it fits even cramped desks, and folders/icons keep complex workflows tidy. Trade-offs: the fixed USB cable is short, and we’ve seen software hiccups or crashes after heavy reconfiguration. At $149.99, it’s pricier than basic macro pads, but the polish and ecosystem are hard to beat.

Hydration they’ll actually carry: the Owala FreeSip lets teens choose between straw sips or a quick chug, and in our testing the insulation kept water cold for hours. The leak-resistant, locking lid is clutch for tossing in backpacks without puddles. Do note the stainless body can dent or scuff if dropped, and a few users report lid or spring failures that may require replacement parts. Also, skip hot drinks—pressure build-up and the lid design aren’t made for heat.

For student athletes, the Nike Varsity Elite is a legit daily hauler: in our testing, the Air Max shoulder straps kept heavy loads comfortable, and the main compartment even swallows a full-size basketball. We also liked the separate bottom pocket that quarantines sweaty shoes or gear from notebooks and tech. Downsides: it’s spot-clean only and the polyester build won’t feel ultra-premium or breathable. Our experience shows the front pocket construction can disappoint some users, so treat that area gently.

Know a teen who lives on playlists? A Spotify Gift Card for three months of Premium is a slam-dunk, unlocking ad-free listening and downloads without messing with a subscription. In our testing, instant digital delivery from reputable sellers made this a clutch last-minute gift, though region locks and promo/Family plan restrictions can trip up some accounts. We also found third-party verification can delay delivery, so buy ahead when possible—at $21.95, it’s low-stress, high-impact music access they’ll actually use.

For a stocking stuffer that actually lands, the Mean Girls expansion spices up What Do You Meme? with authentic quotes and images—our game night tests delivered plenty of so fetch laughs. At $9.89, it’s an easy refresh that adds new caption and photo cards without buying a whole new core set. Keep in mind you do need the base game to play, and some cards skew vulgar or repeat across packs. If your teen’s crowd enjoys edgy humor, it’s a win.

Got a teen who loves to tinker? Microsoft’s $24.99 official top enclosure for Xbox Series S keeps repairs OEM-accurate, and in our experience the included screws and cosmetic sticker make reassembly straightforward. Just note it fits only Model 1883—double-check that 14-digit serial—and Microsoft won’t hold your hand on support, so basic repair skills are a must. During our review we saw occasional cosmetic blemishes on refurbished units, but it’s still far cheaper than a third-party repair shop.