Between staying updated on TikTok trends and the latest gadget releases, it can be challenging to figure out what teens are really into these days. Fortunately, we’re here to help. While many of us at The Verge may be a bit older than teenagers, we still have a youthful spirit. Plus, some of our team members have older kids who keep us in the loop. To make your holiday shopping a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe are the best gifts for teens, drawing from our tech expertise and the interests of our staff’s kids.
In the section below, you’ll find gift ideas tailored for different types of teens. There are some obvious picks like the latest iPhone and Nintendo Switch 2, but we’ve also included a few suggestions that might surprise you. For gamers, consider powerful gaming laptops and immersive mood lighting. If your teen enjoys creative activities, they’ll likely appreciate a sturdy phone mount for filming TikToks or a stylish instant camera that prints physical photos. For those who like to doodle, a drawing tablet could be an ideal gift. We’ve also included fun options like Star Wars-themed Lego sets, board games, and magnetic poetry kits for times they want to disconnect and enjoy some offline fun.
Photographer, photo editor: Amelia Holowaty Krales
Art director and designer: Cath Virginia
Creative director: Kristen Radtke
