Gifts for teenagers
Last updated: · Links and ratings checked 16 October 2026
Teenagers are hard to buy for because their tastes change quickly and they often just want money. Gifts that work tend to be social (games), personal (jewellery or accessories with their name or birthstone), or practical for something they already love (storage for a gamer).
Games they’ll play with friends
Exploding Kittens, Codenames and Jenga are quick to learn and work at sleepovers and family gatherings.
Personal but cool
Personalised birthstone necklaces and leather bracelets are well reviewed and affordable. Order early, because they’re made to order.
Practical for gamers and creators
A portable SSD isn’t glamorous, but anyone who games, edits video or takes lots of photos runs out of space.
Related: stocking fillers, board games.
Asking without asking
If you can, check with a parent or sibling about current interests. Teen tastes move fast, and a quick question avoids a gift that was cool last year.
At a glance
- 21 picks: 15 in £10–£25, 4 in £25–£50, 1 in £100+, 1 in £50–£100.
- 21 show a public rating on the retailer’s page.
- 8 are personalised and need extra making time.
- Highest rated when checked: Personalised birth year football club print (★ 4.9), Personalised velvet embroidered make-up bag (★ 4.9), Jenga (★ 4.7).
Want it narrower? Take the 60-second quiz.
Our picks (21)
Personalised birth year football club print
Their club's results from the year they were born. Fans love the trivia, and it's very well reviewed.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Personalised velvet embroidered make-up bag
Useful every day and embroidered with their name. It looks far pricier than it is.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Jenga
Cheap, universal and loud: the perfect under-£20 Secret Santa that actually gets played.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Exploding Kittens card game
Teaches in two minutes and works across generations, so it's a safe bet for the Boxing Day crowd.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Personalised birthstone and initial necklace
Over 1,000 reviews and around £20. A safe hit for teen girls and sisters.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Teenage boy’s personalised leather bracelet
A rare gift for teenage boys that isn't a voucher, and well reviewed.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Codenames: Pictures (2nd edition)
A party game that doesn't need drinking to be fun. Great for a household that has 'done' charades.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Atomic Habits – James Clear
The book people actually finish and act on. A New Year starter rather than a shelf-filler.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)CATAN board game
A modern classic that gives a family a new Christmas tradition rather than another object.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Good Omens – Pratchett & Gaiman
The end of the world, done very funnily. A safe bet for anyone with a dark sense of humour.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)A Short History of Nearly Everything – Bill Bryson
Science explained by the funniest writer around. It suits a curious teen or a quiz-loving dad.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Teen personalised silver friendship bracelet
Sterling silver and personalised. It feels grown-up for a teen.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Personalised letterbox sweets gift box
A cheerful Secret Santa or 'can't be there' gift that's eaten, not stored.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Personalised heart name bookmark
A small, personal gift for a reader that posts through the door.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Escape Room in an Envelope puzzle gift
An hour of puzzling that leaves nothing behind. Brilliant for a crossword or puzzle fan.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Ticket to Ride board game
The gateway game that converts Monopoly families. It's gentle enough for grandparents and competitive enough for teens.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Luxury milkshakes create-your-own gift box
A make-it-together treat for teens. It's consumable, fun and alcohol-free.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)The Midnight Library – Matt Haig
Short, uplifting and easy to read in one sitting over Christmas.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Philips Wake-up Light (HF3520)
Dark winter mornings are miserable, and a sunrise alarm is the thing people say they wish they'd bought years ago.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)5 Ingredients – Jamie Oliver
Perfect for the reluctant cook or student, with dinner from five things.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Samsung T7 1TB portable SSD
Not glamorous, but every gamer or photographer runs out of space. It's fast, pocket-sized and genuinely used.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)
Frequently asked questions
What do you buy a teenager who wants nothing?
A game to play with friends, or a personalised accessory. Both have many good reviews.
Is a gift card better for teenagers?
Sometimes. If you’d like to give something physical, pair a small item with a card.
Will it arrive before Christmas?
Check each retailer’s cut-off and our UK Christmas delivery dates page. For Christmas 2026, Royal Mail’s last recommended 1st Class posting date is Monday 21 December. Personalised items need extra time.