Shopping for a 14-year-old can be tough. They’re just at the start of high school, meaning they're getting too old for toys, but are still too young for gifts that are solely practical or only functional. Our advice: Give the teen in your life something that perfectly straddles the line between cool and useful.
To make this mission easier for you, we pulled together this list of gifts that will tickle your 14-year-old's budding interests, whether it's music, sports, making TikToks or even computer programming. We even incorporated editor-approved picks and asked a teenager for some of the top items on her wish list!
Trending gifts | Gifts for girls | Gifts for boys | How we chose
The best trending gifts for 14-year-olds
A New Day Pearl Loop Claw Hair Clip
Add a touch of everyday elegance to their wardrobe rotation without having to shell out major coin. This pearly claw clip from Target will keep their tresses nice and neat during even the longest of school days.
Sheglam Harry Potter House Palette
Do you have a Gen Z-er in your life who's obsessed with both makeup and the Harry Potter series? You can choose the palette that matches their Hogwarts house, whether it's this moody Ravenclaw set or the dignified golds and crimsons of the Gryffindor compilation.
Tree Hut Strawberry Sugar Body Scrub
Some viral products can only talk the talk, but this buzzy body scrub also walks the walk. Just take it from one reviewer who rated this Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner a perfect score: “This is my desert island pick and I want to shout it from the mountaintops! I consider myself a scrub aficionado — I’ve used expensive and not so expensive, and this is by far, hands down the ultimate scrub.”
The Pet Pillow Customized Dog Shaped Pillow with Pet Photo
Does your teen have a furry friend they love to hang out with and take care of? If so, you can get them a pillow that looks and is shaped exactly like your pet! They come in a variety of sizes, from 8 inches to 39 inches, and you can get them printed either single- or double-sided.
KsipzeLED Strip Lights (100 Foot)
Also known as “TikTok lights” because of how often they’re used on that social media app, these are a set of small lights your teen can hang in their bedroom and program to give off a wide variety of colored light. You can cut the light strip to fit your teen’s walls and they give off a rich, pigmented color — perfect for recording videos or simply setting the vibe in their room.
Tulip Color One-Step Five-Color Mermaid Tie Dye Kit
Tie-dye is an activity that’s stood the test of time and a fun way for your teen to spice up their clothes. With pretty colors like lavender, turquoise and sea green, this kit gives your family everything they need to have a tie-dye party.
CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash
If your teen has dry or oily skin, this hydrating facial cleanser will be the newest addition to their daily skin care routine. It may not be the most impressive gift, but your teenager will surely thank you once they start seeing real results.
In a previous segment on TODAY, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry called this gentle cleaner “an excellent choice for beginners." According to Henry, “it is formulated with ceramides to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and hyaluronic acid for hydration. It suits most skin types."
Starface Hydro-Stars Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches
Zits, but make them cute? With these hydrocolloid patches from Starface, that’s absolutely possibly. Beyond getting rid of pimples overnight, your fave teen can feel good knowing they’re gentle enough for any skin type.
Ban.do Hold It! Wireless Earbuds Case
If your teen wants an AirPods Pro case that is fun and quirky but will keep their device safe and charged, this adorable quilted case is a great option. It also comes with a hidden snap closure and gold lobster clip so they can easily hook it to their backpack or keychain.
SoundBot Water-Resistant Bluetooth 4.0 Shower Speaker
Teens who can’t get enough of their favorite music or podcasts can enjoy them in the shower using this speaker. It comes with suction cups that stick it to the shower and it can blast tunes for up to six hours. It’s lightweight and has volume control.
Senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil can personally vouch for this pick: "I’m obsessed with this shower speaker — and it definitely exceeded my expectations, considering it’s less than $15," she says. "If you know a teen who loves to listen to music or podcasts at all times, this is a great solution. They can keep it in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom for easy listening while they get ready for the day."
Barbie x Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
Barbiecore is all the rage this season. For the person who can’t have “kenough” pink in their lives, this silky pillowcase will have them dreaming their way to Barbieland in no time.
BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve
Move over, stick-on glow-in-the-dark stars! This LED projector lets any teen turn their personal space into an extra special sanctuary. Projecting a field of drifting stars, this relaxing gift is one that can be used for years.
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle (24 Ounce)
In the battle of viral water bottles, Owala is reigning supreme amongst its competitors with over 150 million views on TikTok. Social media mavens aren’t the only ones who adore its design — so does the Shop TODAY team!
Shop TODAY editor Jillian Ortiz says she was a "loyal HydroFlask user" until she tried Owala. "With other water bottles, you either have to screw the top off to sip and have water fall all over you, or use a built in straw and have it exposed wherever you roam." She likes that with the Owala "the lid covers the straw and then has an additional lock that secures it, but also doubles as a carrying hook."
Heyday Ring Light with Tripod
Speaking of TikTok, if your teen is a budding Youtuber or TikToker, they may want a ring light, which is a circular LED that creates consistent, bright lighting. This particular option comes with a Bluetooth range of up to 33 feet and a remote for hands-free filming.
LapGear Lap Desk with Device Ledge
If your teen likes to do homework all over the house, they’ll need a lap desk to get everything done comfortably. They can place their phone or tablet in the included media slot, and strap pencils and pens in with the desk’s elastic. All these features ensure an ergonomic lap desk experience wherever they go.
Wavelength
This game will give your 14-year-old and their friends hours of laughter — trust us.
Shop TODAY senior editor Jess Bender highly recommends. "Game nights at home have had a bit of a resurgence over the last couple of years, and this is one that has earned raves across a number of the Shop TODAY team. After playing over the span of a few nights with friends and family, I completely understand what the hype’s all about!" She adds that "the prompts range from serious to silly." It's suitable for ages 14 and up, according to the brand.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
If your 14-year-old hasn't asked for this Lululemon belt bag yet, get ready. This trendy purse is the rage of high schoolers everywhere and comes in 13 unique shades.
Ortiz has had her belt bag for years and it's safe to say that she's obsessed: "I love my belt bag! I’ve had it for just over two years now and it shows no signs of wear or tear," she says. "It is surprisingly spacious — I can fit everything from my phone to large packs of gum (I religiously have a 35 pack at all times) to my numerous chapsticks and lip glosses, all at once. I love that the strap is adjustable and I can wear it as a crossbody or clasp it around my waist depending on how I’m feeling. I reach for it more than I reach for any other bag that I own! (That says a lot — my family has called me 'The Bag Lady' since I was six-years-old)."
Bubble Tea Kit
A cool addition to the DIY kit craze, this popular bubbly drink can now be made at home with ease. Available with two fat straws, tapioca pearls and two tea options, your giftee will be able to satisfy their boba craving from the comfort of home.
Settlers of Catan
This strategy-based board game was released in 1996, and is still wildly popular today. Up to four players can indulge in the world of Catan, a game where you manage and trade resources to build your own society. Your family will enjoy trying to outsmart each other and your teen will learn important skills like game strategy and tactical skills.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
Polaroid-style physical photos are tons of fun to take and use as wall decoration. This camera comes in fun colors, with automatic exposure, and even has a “selfie mode.” You can also buy film with cool designs, cute carrying bags and other accessories to make this their go-to camera.
Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon was gifted this herself and it's become one of her "favorite new ways to keep track of memories and spend time with my friends.” Moon adds, “it really gets people into the spirit when an instant camera comes out, no matter what activity we’re doing (and I know teenage me would’ve been just as obsessed with it as I am now in my early 30s). I love how portable and cute this instant camera is and how it has the feeling of nostalgia with a modern twist courtesy of the fun design.”
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30
Convenient for travel or tuning out their parents, these budget-friendly noise-canceling headphones will drown out lingering ambient sounds. They have an average playtime of 60 hours, plus they charge up pretty quickly when they're in a bind.
Adidas Samba OG Shoes
As long as you know your recipient's shoe size, these sneakers won't disappoint! They're classic, gender neutral and go with everything from sundresses to ripped denim. Plus, the teen in your life is probably coveting them after seeing their favorite celebs sporting them in street style photos.
Best gifts for 14-year-old girls
Jiaen Animal Succulent Plant
Succulents are a great way to decorate a teen’s room, providing a little greenery. This affordable and cutesy succulent planter will sit pretty on their windowsill and it’s leak-proof, so even if they accidentally overwater their plant, you won’t end up with a mess.
Hicarer Rattan Earrings (Set of 6)
This rattan earring set is the perfect match for the fashion-forward girl in your life. They're an easy, fun and playful way to add some personality to a simple outfit.
Rhode Skin Peptide Lip Treatment
Hailey Bieber's skin care brand is not only viral on social media, but truly effective. Gift this lip treatment, which comes in unscented or flavors like watermelon, salted caramel and vanilla, to a teen who loves trends.
Shop TODAY partnerships editorial assistant Erica Marrison was surprised by how much she's come to love this formula. “I have a reputation for being extremely particular about my fashion and beauty preferences, and it’s something I really can’t hide when it comes to lip products. While I wasn’t convinced until I finally tried it, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment has earned its spot as my daily go-to,” she says.
Lay-n-Go Cosmo Drawstring Makeup Bag Organizer
If your teen is an up-and-coming makeup connoisseur, gift them a place to organize their growing makeup collection. It lays flat to store items and pulls closed with a drawstring, so they won’t lose any of their items on the go.
Pretty Me Wall Collage Kit
It’s no surprise that teenage girls spend a lot of time in their rooms getting ready and hanging out with their friends. They can now make their bedroom an oasis with this adorable wall collage kit that includes over 1,000 pieces. This cute set includes over 150 artworks, more than 750 stickers, foam blocks, wall-safe tape and an instructional booklet for helping your teen create the ideal collage.
Newcosplay Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Whether they’re cozying up on the couch or wrapping themselves up while cramming for tests, this plush tie-dye blanket (available in 40+ hues) will keep them feeling toasty through thick and thin.
Papier Checkmate Notebook
Most teens need to brain dump from time to time. Why not do it in style? Papier’s checkmate notebook is lined so your teen can store all of their thoughts and ideas as they come up. This hardcover notebook can also survive the inside of your 14-year-old’s backpack making it a great addition to any school supply list. Make this gift more personal by adding your teen’s name on their journal.
Marrison has a journal from Papier and carries it in her bag every day. “I like to keep three notebooks around: one for to-do lists, one for random notes and one as a personal journal. My Papier notebook is perfect for lists, since its lined, durable and compact,” she says. “I keep it in my work bag so that I never lose track of my to-dos. And not only is it beautiful (I had mine monogrammed and recommend it for an added personal touch!) but the hard cover has held up and kept my pages safe through many commutes.”
Kiwico Project Crate Subscription (Per Month)
Crafty teens will be into Doodle Crate, a subscription box that sends over materials for a fun monthly craft. Make everything from soap to felt succulent plants to faux leather portfolios. It's a great way for them to get off their phone and make something they can be proud of. There’s a ton of flexibility in this box, too — your crate gets shipped two days after you sign up and you can cancel easily.
She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
At 14, she’ll want some more independence and the ability to go places like the movies or mall with friends alone. Keep her safe (and give yourself some peace of mind) with this bestselling personal safety alarm system that can clip onto her keys, backpack or fit in her pocket. It has a loud siren and flashing strobe lights to deter an attack and alert others in their surroundings of a potential emergency.
Little Words Project In My Era Bracelet
We bet your 14-year-old knows Little Words Project “all too well.” This pink bracelet is available in sizes small/medium and medium/large to best fit her wrist, and it’s rated nearly five stars based on over 1,400 verified reviews on the brand’s website.
Shop TODAY associate editor Allie Wise is excited to gift it to her niece next month: “I can’t wait to gift this custom bracelet to commemorate her birthday. I love that you can customize it with her name or a phrase. We have a few inside jokes, so I think I might write something funny over sentimental, but we’ll see. I am sure she will appreciate it either way!”
Offline by Aerie Real Me High-Waisted Crossover Legging
This is very high up on teens’ wish lists. Why? TikTok, what else? This pair features a unique “crossover” waist design and is made from super soft, lightweight material — perfect for the teen who’s always on the move.
Fenty Skin Start’r Set
Teens are getting into skin care earlier than ever before, and Rihanna’s got them covered with this starter routine set. It includes a pore-refining toner serum, a coconut-kissed cleanser and a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30.
Glossier Balm Dotcom Trio
If your teen is just getting into makeup and wants a lip balm with a slight tint and beautiful packaging, this is the perfect gift. Balm Dotcom is one of Glossier’s top products and it’s easy to see why. The lip balms come in a variety of “flavors” that boast great scents and they contain hydrating ingredients like lanolin and beeswax. It’s the ultimate statement lip balm!
Cocchi Zabloudil loves to have one of these internet-famous balms handy: "I have a bit of a lip balm obsession — I typically have more than one option in my bag, on my desk and on my nightstand at all times. The mango flavor is in my regular rotation, and I think this trio would make the perfect gift set for someone who, like me, just can never have enough options."
Florence by Mills Ava’s Mini & Mighty Essentials Kit
Your teen will appreciate this essentials kit that includes all her basic skin care needs, from face moisturizer to volumizing mascara.
“I like it for going to school, it is not a very heavy kit and I like that I can take it everywhere,” said one five-star reviewer on the brand’s website.
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Brush
Does your teen love to experiment with new hair styling techniques? If so, this one-step volumizing hair dryer brush from Revlon is about to become her new best friend. This resourceful hair tool is designed to style all hair types and lengths while creating tons of volume and body. This popular blow-dry brush is rated five stars based on over 384,000 verified Amazon reviews.
Shop TODAY associate editor Lauren Witonsky is a fan of this product, which is a former winner in Shop TODAY’s Beauty Awards, earning the title of "best blow dry brush." “It’s so much lighter than my regular hair dryer and I find myself reaching for it more and more," she says. "I definitely notice more volume right after blow drying, and like how easy it is to create a flip at the bottom of my hair. The different heat settings are nice to have too, though I only use cool or low.”
Best gifts for 14-year-old boys
Goat Sports Trivia 2024 Boxed Daily Calendar
Is your 14-year-old a sports trivia all-star? Help him expand his knowledge base with this GOAT sports trivia daily calendar that is Amazon's Choice for wall calendars. This box comes with an adjustable easel and features easy tear-off pages with hundreds of sports questions.
"Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green
John Green is famous for his teen fiction, including bestsellers like "The Fault in Our Stars," Paper Towns" and "Looking for Alaska." "Turtles All the Way Down" was released in 2017, but was recently adapted into a movie, making it a trending book again. The teen in your life is sure to enjoy Green's gripping writing.
"I loved reading John Green as a teen and young adult and am thrilled to see this one getting another wave of interest thanks to the new movie," says Cocchi Zabloudil.
Game of Phones
Game of Phones is a card game using every teen’s favorite possession...their phone! Players grab a card and use their phones to answer prompts like: Draw an emoji masterpiece or show off the last photo you took. It’s a fast and exciting multiplayer game that’s great for both families and friend groups.
Pop Chart Lab Major League Ballparks Scratch-Off Poster
If he’s a big baseball fan, this scratch-off chart is sure to get him excited. It’s even something that the whole family can get involved with by taking trips to visit each park on the chart.
Tangle NightBall Basketball
Swish your teen all the best with this NightBall basketball for playing basketball at any hour of the day or night. Believe it or not, this ball gets brighter the more he kicks, throws or bounces it. What's cooler than that?
Sorry! Vintage Bookshelf Edition
Nostalgia is in the air as this childhood game is back on trend. Have fun with the whole family during game night with the Sorry! vintage edition. It's the same game you know and love with a sleeker, trendier exterior.
Nintendo Switch The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Chances are your favorite gamer already has this on their wish list if they don't already own it. This latest iteration of Zelda takes Link through various breathtaking landscapes in a quest to find the titular character. He also has plenty of baddies to fight off, but his cool new abilities help ward them off along the way.
Sphero Specdrums Musical Ring
Compatible with an app on your teen’s phone, this portable music-making ring allows them to produce songs with the tap of their finger. There are hundreds of sounds, instruments and loops to play with.
Spikeball Game
Spikeball is an engaging outdoor game, perfect for the beach or your backyard. Players stand around a net, trying to spike the ball onto the net in each other’s direction. It’s great for teens to get exercise and work together in teams. If your teen becomes great at the game, there have even been tournaments all over the country.
Vans Old Skool Shoes
The Vans Old Skool are vintage-feeling shoes that are amazing for skateboarding or just walking to class. They’re durable, sturdy and have a style that’s effortlessly classic. Your teen will have no trouble pairing these iconic shoes with anything else in their wardrobe.
Best Choice Products Swivel Gaming Chair
This is a functional and well-designed chair that is perfect for relaxing in their room or the den. Its rocking features ensure they can sit in a variety of poses while they’re gaming, and the chair can hook up to your television or a stereo.
Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller for iPhone
The gamer in your life is going to be thrilled to have a portable gaming controller that lets them play on the go. Easily connecting to the PlayStation or PS Remote Play App, this comfortable controller is the tech gadget they didn't know they wanted.
Cratejoy Creation Crate
Programming and computer science are lucrative jobs these days. Your teen can learn how to program monthly projects with this subscription box. They receive components to put the project together and online instructions and videos to help them create. They can build functional and cool items like a mood lamp and an FM radio tuner every month. For $105 per box, you can keep new projects arriving at their doorstep every three months for the next year.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
Abigail Barr
Cassidy McKenna
,
Allie Wise
and
Erica Marrison
contributed
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