Similar to Shrek, teen girls are like onions. They have layers. And as you peel them back, you discover what keeps them booked and busy—online and off—and interests upon interests that you never knew were there.
Part of the whole teen-girl schtick is never really knowing what they’re thinking, making it extra challenging to figure out a good holiday gift for your daughter, niece, or little sister. (As a former teen girl, I wish I knew the power I held.)
However, you’ll know she really likes it if she posts about your present in any way, shape, or form on TikTok. Given how much content these younger generations absorb and create, if your gift makes the FYP, it must be good.
To help y’all find the best gifts for teen girls, I spent hours researching (read: scrolling the internet) to see what themes and topics are hitting lately for that age group.
The consensus? Teenage girls want to indulge in luxurious self-care, have a top-notch, glow-boosting skin-care regimen, own only cute things in their closets, and have a space that feels like theirs. (They just won’t say any of that out loud.)
All this research taught me that we have more in common with teen girls than we might realize. Yes, our interests have changed or maybe even upgraded over the years, but the bottom line stays the same: We want to feel like grown-ups and have nice things.
These gifts for teen girls emulate that exact feeling, so you can find the perfect TikTok-ready gift for your teen—and potentially kickstart a life of prioritizing self-care (as well as giving them the satisfaction of having new pieces they’d be proud to show off to their friends).
Best gifts for teen girls
Indulging in the luxury of a fresh set of nails is a canon event for some teens, launching into a lifetime of manis, pedis, and the works. Start her on the DIY route early with this super-simple, user-friendly nail dryer that evenly cures gel polish for that salon-level shine. Plus, being the one with the gel nail kit during sleepovers? Instant cool points.
While she’ll 100 percent be bragging about this gift online, the Fujifilm instant film camera is the perfect way to create memories offline while inspiring some creativity along the way.
A discerning teen will be particular about what they put on their lips, but this shimmery-tinted lip balm from Burt’s Bees is guaranteed to please. The formula relies on a blend of shea butter and fruit oils among its hydrating ingredients, and it comes in 14 versatile shades, ranging from light peach (Apricot) to rich mauve (Watermelon). As a bonus, a tube will set you back under $5, making it a great stocking stuffer.
You’ve probably seen these cloud slides on the feet of many Gen Z-ers on TikTok—and there’s a good reason why. They feel just as pillowy as they look: Made from EVA foam, they will bring her much-needed comfort as she hangs out at home or with friends. They also come in dozens of colors to match her unique style.
Half the fun of teen girlhood is pretending you need all the skin-care products people in their 20s and 30s do, but really just wanting to feel the adult-like zen that comes with it. Peter Thomas Roth’s Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are the product equivalent of laying slices of cucumber over your eyes, but better because these will deliver good-for-her-skin ingredients and treat tired eyes after hours of scrolling on the phone or staring at a laptop.
Originally $31, now $28
Have a fashionista teen on your hands? Nothing says adulthood (with style!) more than fun, embellished zodiac pouches. They can act as a coin purse for when they’re out and about with friends or a catch-all for chargers, lip glosses, and random knick-knacks in their backpacks. Warning, though: All the adults in your life will want one, too.
If she loves playing with makeup, this lighted makeup mirror will help her step out looking like the best version of herself. It features three light settings so she can adjust the brightness to her liking, and it tilts 45 degrees to offer the perfect view as she applies her makeup or performs her skin-care routine. The LED lights wrap around the mirror’s border, doubling as a ring light for selfies or videos.
Originally $700, now $670
This one is a splurge, but it’s a gift she’ll never forget—or forget to post about. With noise cancellation and Siri access in various cute colors, these headphones might become her new BFF.
One thing every teen girl needs in her makeup bag? An everyday, bold-but-not-too-bold hydrating lip gloss. Grab this super-moisturizing gloss that won’t leave her lips sticky or tacky but instead enhances the look of natural lip color for an elevated-but-still-her pout.
If there’s one thing that TikTok taught me about teens, it’s that they love a colorful light strip for their rooms. This Philips Gradient Strip has instant wireless dimming, leaving her in control of the brightness and color settings. Yup, you’re about to totally upgrade her bedroom for the better.
Originally $144, now $130
I always thought fancy perfume was the peak of adult womanhood, which means gifting your teen a cool-girl scent like Replica Flower Market—which smells like a bouquet of fresh, delicate flowers—will be a highlight of her life thus far. But, remember (and maybe remind her): All you need is a couple spritzes.
Turn shower time into a spa-like experience with this Josie Maran Argan Sugar Balm Body Scrub that gently exfoliates skin with delicate sugar crystals while nourishing and hydrating head-to-toe with coconut oil and shea butter. (She’s in for a solid self-care lesson with this one.)
Jewelry is a go-to gift, but something special is in order when gifting a picky teenage girl. These hoop earrings from Kendra Scott are both timeless and of the moment. They’re made from brass that comes in gold (pictured), rose-gold, or silver tones.
A teen girl’s bedroom is her kingdom, and this mini fridge can help ensure that all her new favorite skin-care products and tools are stocked in one place so she can practice her self-care routines in complete peace.
This Stanley tumbler has conquered TikTok FYPs and the hearts of Gen-Z girls everywhere. And if your giftee has yet to get her hands on the internet-famous water bottle—and needs reminders to stay hydrated—this is an ideal present. It features a lid with a removable straw, and its double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel body will keep drinks cold (or hot) for hours. It also comes in an array of eye-catching colors, making it just as fetching as it is functional.
Loading More Posts...
