24 best gift ideas for teens UK 2024, including Easter gifts for girls and boys

SEARCHING for gift ideas for teens can be tricky. Whether you're shopping for a birthday celebration, a special occasion such as Easter or simply looking to surprise them with a thoughtful gesture, finding the perfect gift for a teenager can be a real challenge.

But fear not, we've scoured the virtual aisles to bring you the ultimate gift ideas for teens in 2024 that will resonate with their evolving identity and capture their imagination.

Not sure where to start when it comes to gifts for teens?Credit: Alamy

Teenagers are a unique demographic.

Characterised by their boundless energy, insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of self-expression, they can also be some of your toughest critics.

As such, selecting a gift for the teen in your life that aligns with their passions and interests requires careful consideration and a keen understanding of their ever-changing preferences.

When it comes to gift-giving for teens, there are a myriad of factors to take into account.

First and foremost, it's important to consider their interests and hobbies.

Whether they're passionate about fashion, immersed in the world of beauty and grooming, or enamoured with the latest tech gadgets, tailoring your gift to their specific interests is key to making a lasting impression.

Plus, the landscape of gift-giving has evolved significantly in recent years, with kids these days leaning towards experiences over material possessions.

From concert tickets and outdoor adventures to personalised workshops and immersive learning experiences, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unforgettable memories for the teen in your life.

Staying ahead of the curve can be a daunting task.

So we've curated a comprehensive list of the best gift ideas for teens in the UK, spanning a wide range of categories.

Whether you're shopping for a fashionista, a tech whiz, or someone who just appreciates the finer things in life, we've got you covered – let the teen-approved shopping commence.

The best gift ideas for teens in the UK

Fashion

You can't go wrong with Ray BansCredit: John Lewis

From street-style aficionados to trendsetting teens, adolescence is the time that teens are experimenting with their self-expression and finding their style.

Whilst trends may come and go, you can’t go wrong with one of these fashion-forward picks.

Opt for classic pieces such as an Adidas Originals Hoodie, an iconic hoodie combining comfort and style, Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Sneakers, iconic trainers that never go out of style, and an oversized denim jacket, a staple piece that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Looking for something more unique?

Fjallraven’s Kanken Backpack(a durable and stylish backpack perfect for school or weekends) comes in a variety of colourways, one for every teen out there.

Adidas Originals Hoodie, £30 (Was £55), JD Sports – buy here
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Sneakers, £65, Converse – buy here
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack, £95, John Lewis – buy here
Ray-Ban Junior RJ9506S Aviator Sunglasses, £77, John Lewis – buy here
Dr. Martens 1460 Leather Boots, £170, Dr Martens – buy here
Uniqlo Round Shoulder Bag Mini, £14.90, Uniqlo – buy here

Beauty & Grooming

The Ordinary is great for teenage skinCredit: THE ORDINARY

The teenage years are tough enough without the gawky growth spurts and acne breakouts as soon as you hit puberty.

Help them look and feel their best whilst they explore their individuality, with the best beauty and grooming gift ideas for teens.

Keep things simple with The Ordinary Skincare Set, a collection of the brand’s best-selling viral products.

Reach for a viral beauty product you just know they will have seen on TikTok for extra cool points. Cult favourite Glossier Boy Brow achieves effortless, natural-looking brows, whilst the universally flattering Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb from Rihanna’s brand went viral for a reason.

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, £19, Fenty Beauty – buy here
The Ordinary The Clear Set, £14.10, The Ordinary – buy here
Glossier Boy Brow, £20, Glossier – buy here
Harry's Truman Razor Set, £15, Harry's – buy here
‘It’s All About Selfcare, Bro’ Teenage Boy Gift Set, £32.70, Not On The High Street – buy here
Mermade Blow Dry Brush Pink, £55.96 (Was £69.95), Boots – buy here

Tech

This is the perfect present for a teenagerCredit: CURRYS

Let’s be honest, which teen in this day and age doesn't have even a slight interest in tech?

Whether it's a new phone, accessory or game, tech gifts for teens are always a good idea.

Apple AirPods Pro or a high-quality over-ear alternative for the retro-inclined teens are top of the list- you can’t go wrong with crystal-clear sound and noise cancellation included (for both them, and you).

Level up their gaming experience with the versatile Nintendo Switch console, and bonus points for this one; you can hook it up to the TV for family game night. Finally, an excuse to lure them out of their room!

Teens these days might have a camera in their pocket at all times, but nothing quite beats the experience of “shaking it like a Polaroid picture” for instant retro fun.

Light-Up Bluetooth Shower Speaker, £16, Urban Outfitters – buy here
Apple AirPods Pro, £229, Apple – buy here
Nintendo Switch Console, £259.99, John Lewis – buy here
Polaroid Instant Camera, £119.99, Polaroid – buy here
Amazon Echo Dot, £54.99, Amazon – buy here
GoPro Hero 10, £249.99, Currys – buy here

Lifestyle

Everyone wants a Stanley QuencherCredit: URBAN OUTFITTERS

From books to homeware, lifestyle gifts are perfect for teens who love to express themselves.

Plus, at a time when the most viral product online is a drinks tumbler, you can’t go wrong with the practical aspect, either.

Inspire their wanderlust and adventurous side with an interactive scratch-off map; simply scratch off the country when you’ve been there. Perfect for plastering on the wall amongst posters.

Elsewhere in their bedrooms, add ambience to their private oasis with some colourful and customisable LED strip lights, or gift a clipboard photo frame for saving additional memories such as ticket stubs as well as pictures.

Luckies Scratch Map Travel Edition, £14.95, John Lewis – buy here
Stanley Black Quencher Tumbler, £45, Urban Outfitters – buy here
LED Remote Strip Lights, £19.99, Amazon – buy here
Kindle Paperwhite, £159.99, Amazon – buy here
John Lewis ANYDAY Clip Board Photo Frame, £30, John Lewis – buy here
The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook, £17.99, Amazon – buy here

What are good gifts for teens?

Navigating the world of teen preferences can be daunting, but the key is to strike a balance between practicality and style.

No one wants a purely practical present, so mix it with something you know they’ll like.

For example, do they need a new backpack? Try the Fjallraven Kanken Backpack; sturdy, practical, but oh so cool, and available in a multitude of colours.

It's a tricky time for teens, being stuck in the middle of wanting to follow the crowd and not be too different, and wanting to be unique and find their style and personality.

Opt for items that reflect their interests, whether it's fashion, tech, beauty, lifestyle or exploring new experiences, there's a perfect gift out there for every teen.

What can I buy for a teenage girl?

For the teenage girl, consider fashion-forward clothing, beauty and skincare sets, or lifestyle items that enhance her daily routine. Personalised gifts show thoughtfulness, while on-trend accessories are sure to make her smile.

However, it’s key to choose something that aligns with her interests and style.

Don’t reach for a butterfly backpack just because she liked butterflies when she was six, get to know her style now.

Equally, if you’ve never seen her wear so much as mascara, don’t go buying her the latest make-up sets – you get the gist.

What to buy a teenage boy?

Teenage boys often appreciate tech gadgets, gaming accessories or versatile fashion staples.

Look for items that cater to their hobbies and passions, whether it’s a new video game or a high-quality pair of headphones.

They might be monosyllabic at times, but they’re not complete mysteries. Look at what they already have for a good idea of what they might like. Practical gifts with a touch of style are a safe bet for the discerning teenage boy.

If they’ve already got the latest tech staples (and can’t keep their eyes off their phone, for example) why not get them a new phone case or Pop Socket?

If they’re obsessed with a certain sports team or band, can you get them tickets to a game or concert perhaps?

What do teenagers want for their birthday?

When it comes to birthdays, the best gifts for teenagers are often ones that allow them to express themselves and explore their interests.

Personalised gifts can be a great way to show you care and for teens to show off that individuality and independence they’re often craving.

Consider giving them experiences, such as concert tickets or a day out with friends, or thoughtful gifts that cater to their hobbies and passions, such as a new instrument or sporting equipment.

Don’t turn your nose up at a gift card, either. Choosing a gift for teenagers is hard, and it can sometimes be better to allow them to choose their specific gift.