How do I choose a gift for a teenager?
A teenager prefers a gift that he will use every day to a chosen object "for his age". Start from his habits, not his age.
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Ask for their list, or ask their parents: many teenagers know exactly which model, size or colour they want.
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Look at their interests: a teenager who draws, plays guitar or skates will appreciate a gift that reflects their passion.
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Choose quality over gadgets: good headphones or a genuine team sweatshirt are better than three items soon forgotten.
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Avoid childish choices: characters and colours they loved at 10 can feel embarrassing at 14.
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Think of the shared moment : a concert, an outing with friends or an activity with you remain in memory longer than an object.
Gift ideas for teens, by age
At the age of 12, a teenager still plays a lot; at the age of 17, he prepares his independence. Ideas follow this passage, from the game to autonomy.
12 and 13 years
What often counts
Play with friends, collect, create a universe
Gift ideas
Party board game, display building set, manga or comic book, mood lamp for their room, ball or accessory for their sport
Guide price : 15–60 €
14 and 15 years
What often counts
Their style, music and first outings with friends
Gift ideas
Wireless earbuds, portable speaker, sweatshirt or cap from their favourite brand, instant camera, tickets to a match or concert
Guide price : 20–110 €
16 and 17 years
What often counts
Independence, projects, driving lessons and studies
Gift ideas
Quality backpack, watch, books about their interests, lessons or a workshop in music, cooking or photography, a contribution towards driving theory lessons, or a gift card for their room
Guide price : 30–150 €
Indicative prices vary by brand and retailer. For video games, check the PEGI age rating on the box.
These ages are only a guide: a 13-year-old music lover may appreciate quality headphones, while a 16-year-old may love a 1,000-piece building set. Their wish list is a better guide than age alone.
Gift ideas for teenage girls
These ideas often appeal to girls aged 12–17, but they can suit anyone. Always start with her own interests.
For their room
A mood lamp or string lights, a photo frame, a soft throw, or a poster of their favourite film or band: €15–€40.
For keeping memories
An instant camera (€70–€110, plus a few packs of film), an album to decorate, or a travel journal for outings with friends.
To create
A sketchbook and quality markers, an embroidery or jewellery-making kit, or an introductory sewing, pottery or drawing class: €15–€60.
To read and listen
The next book in their current series, a young adult fantasy or romance novel, a manga box set, or wireless earbuds for music: €10–€80.
For their style
A bag, a subtle piece of jewellery, a scarf, a sweatshirt or an accessory she has spotted. Ask for the size and colour, or include a gift receipt.
For self-care
A gentle face or body care set, preferably chosen with her or her parents: everyone has their own routine and preferences.
A girl aged 15 or 16 often knows the exact brand, colour and model she wants. If you are unsure, a wish list she keeps herself saves you from guessing.
Gift ideas for teenage boys
These ideas often appeal to boys aged 12–17, but they can suit any teenager. Interests in sport, gaming and music matter more than gender.
To play
An extra controller for its console (€50 to €75), a gift card from its game platform, a board game to play with friends. For a video game, check the age of the PEGI.
To build
A technical or display building set, a model kit, or a programmable robotics or electronics kit: €30–€150 depending on size.
For their sport
A team shirt, a quality ball, protective gear or a skateboard, a sports bag, or an insulated water bottle: €20–€120.
To listen
Wireless earbuds or headphones, or a splash-resistant portable speaker: €20–€100. Choose a model with good battery life.
To read
The volumes that he misses in his series of mangas or comics, a book about his sport or his favorite game: 7 to 40 €.
For their style
A cap, sweatshirt, belt bag or socks from their favourite brand. Ask for the size or include a gift receipt, just as you would for a girl.
A boy aged 13 or 14 may not tell you what he wants when asked. His parents, siblings or wish list can be better sources of ideas.
Offer a moment rather than an object
An outing or activity is popular with almost all teenagers, especially if they can go with their friends.
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Tickets to a concert, match, comedy show or festival: €30–€90 per ticket.
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An activity with friends: an escape room, laser tag, go-karting, trampoline park or treetop adventure course. Allow €15–€35 per person.
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Lessons or a workshop: guitar, cooking, photography, coding or climbing, locally or during the holidays.
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A moment with you : a weekend, a day for two, a restaurant that he or she chooses.
For Christmas, put something small under the tree with a voucher for the outing: a printed ticket, a handwritten card or an activity pass.
Teen gift ideas by budget
There is no standard amount: a good teenage gift can cost less than €20, and several people can contribute to a more expensive one.
Budget : Less than 20 €
Gift ideas
Manga or a novel, card game, notebook and markers, water bottle, team socks or beanie, or instant camera film
Budget : €20–€50
Gift ideas
Entry-level wired or wireless earbuds, board game, mood lamp, sweatshirt, escape room ticket or craft kit
Budget : €50–€100
Gift ideas
Portable speaker, game controller, instant camera, building set, concert tickets or an introductory lesson
Budget : More than 100 €
Gift ideas
Quality headphones, watch, console, large building set or holiday workshop: often suitable for a group gift
Indicative prices vary by brand and retailer.
Offering money or a gift card to a teenager?
Many teenagers appreciate money or a gift card because they are saving for a bigger purchase. Add a personal touch to the gift.
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A gift card for a shop, bookshop or gaming platform they use shows you have thought about them. If giving money, an envelope with a note or a small item related to their plans, such as a keyring for a future driving licence or a book about a travel destination, feels more personal than a transfer.
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If many relatives want to participate in the same big purchase, it is better to agree on a group gift than to pile up the small sums without knowing what they will be used for.
Christmas gift for a teenager: a list to avoid duplication
Without coordination, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and godparents can give a teenager the same game twice or three sweatshirts. The simplest solution is their own wish list, shared through one link.
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The teenager lists their wishes
On Listopia, teenagers can create a free list without signing up and paste links from their favourite shops. The title, image and price are filled in when the website allows it. They can specify the size or colour, or add a wish without a link.
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Sends a single link to the family
By WhatsApp, SMS or e-mail. The relatives open the list without creating an account, on the phone or computer.
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Everyone reserves before buying
A reserved gift appears as taken to other loved ones. By default, the teenager cannot see who has reserved what, so the surprise lasts until the day itself.
For a bigger gift, such as a console or quality headphones, someone can start a contribution pool on the item and each person can pledge an amount. No payment goes through Listopia: you settle the money among yourselves.
With several children, a collaborative Christmas list brings together everyone's wishes under the same link.
Lina’s wishlist, age 15
List maintained by Lina
- Reserved
Instant camera
89 €
- Available
Their team’s cap
25 €
- Gift pool
Portable speaker
60 €
40 € pledged by 2 friends or relatives €20 remaining
Lina cannot see who has reserved what. The gift pool amounts are pledges: payments are arranged directly between friends and family.