Christmas Gift Ideas for Tween & Teen Girls (2024 Gift Guide)
Shop gift ideas straight from tween and teen girls (and their moms)! We have everything for the year of “demure” with the top clothing and beauty trends. We also have great sports, tech and decor gift.
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*Shopping for boys? See our list of Best Gifts for Tween & Teen Boys
Latest Trends
Every holiday season, a few gift ideas rise to the top of every tween girl’s wish list. These on-trend gifts range from big gifts to stocking stuffers.
I noticed the college students wearing these this fall, and one of the high schoolers who gives us gift ideas also had it on her list - so I know this is hot right now. A big plus is that they are cute to layer with other necklaces
Bows are on trend this holiday. Bow clothes, bow jewelry...bow everything. One teen recommended this American Eagle bow earring collection.
The teen who recommended this said her friends like the wallet because it comes with two pouches, allowing space for cards, cash, extra change. And the keychain allows space for car keys.
ALL of the girls we worked with to build this list mentioned a digital camera (actually, they listed THIS specific camera). They said everyone has them out at group gatherings. They're easy to carry around, easy to use and the quality is amazing. They also use them for Instagram pictures - which boggles my mind, because I feel like a phone makes so much more sense. But what do I know...
UGG Boots/Slippers (or UGG-like Boots/Slippers)
There are four really hot styles of UGG boots and slippers this year. The top Tasman Slippers sold out last year, so don’t wait if this is a must-have for your tween or teen. If the UGG brand isn’t a must-have, check out the BEARPAW option. Teens tell us the quality and style are SO similar with a lower pricetag.
A favorite teen told us she loves this particular portable charger because it has both types of plugs - for the newer phones and older ones. She also said it has enough strength to charge her Chromebook.
Wide leg sweatpants are big this year. American Eagle and Hollister seem to be top brands, and teens like to pair them with a variety of tops and hoodie. They're comfy and also easy to take on and off during sports.
New drivers will love these car air freshener diffusers. They smell amazing, and they're adorable. Our teen recommender said her favorite scent is pistachio and salty caramel (it smells like SOL DE JANEIRO #62).
Water Bottles
Don’t be surprised if a water bottle tops the wish list from your tween or teen this year (I swear this trend will never end – though the top water bottle shifts every year). Below we have the brands that are super hot right now. I’m also seeing a move toward a few lesser-known brands because the features are just really good (leak-proof straw designs, coated outers that don’t clang when they fall).
- The 2024 winner is the Owala, and I think it’s because it honestly DOES NOT LEAK. The color combos and unique sip-or-gulp design also make it a big winner. Nearly everyone in our family has one and we throw them in backpacks with no fear of leaking.
- The Stanley Quencher is a big wish list item for this year. It comes in all different colors and you can find all kinds of adorable straw cap covers. The straw cap covers also pictured below look like tiny Stanley cups. So cute!
- Teens are still telling they love Hydro Flask. The wide mouth straw lid is the most popular.
- S’well is a give back brand and the water bottles come in seemingly endless colors and patterns.
- We own several Super Sparrow bottles and love that they come with several different lid options. These bottles are a great option at a more reasonable price point.
Yep, the Squishmallow craze continues. Even our college students ask for this plush toy for Christmas and birthdays.
The 16" size is the perfect choice for tween and teen girls because it's big enough to be used as a pillow but small enough to take along for sleepovers.
Claw clips are still super popular this holiday season. Why didn't we save save ours from back in the day?!
I'm just gonna say it...these bags are totally worth all the hype. I have the original belt bag and I use mine all the time. They have a new and improved City Adventurer Belt Bag, and I'm seeing more and more tweens and teens with the updated style. It comes in black and white.
I think the word of the year this holiday season is COMFORT. These packs of fuzzy socks come in different color combos and look adorable with slippers or boots.
Vintage Tees (and really vintage anything)
Tweens and teens are raiding closets and thrift stores. Vintage and vinyl are IN in a big way this year.
Beauty Products
This is the category of the season. Tweens and teens pay more attention to makeup and skin care than we ever did! And some of these products are pricey, so they’ve been just waiting to put it on a holiday wish list.
Glow Recipe
Tweens and teens are loving this brand, and it some cute gift sets that allow them to try multiple products at prices that won’t break the bank. I got my tween the Fruit Babies kit below last year (the price is a bit higher this year I noticed), but I think that’s because the brand keeps gaining popularity.
When I was looking at their products, I noticed they have a 12 Days of Glow Advent Calendar. You’d be parent of the year with this one (I already have a Gilmore Girls Advent calendar that the internet suckered me into so I’m out on this one unfortunately).
Teens love the sets because they can try out multiple products in smaller sizes, but you can also buy full-size products.
Mentioned specifically by the teens we talked to, this set is a 3-step skincare set.
Sol de Janeiro Beauty Products
This brand is another must-have with teens. They pointed us to these two specific Sol De Janeiro products. The mist comes in lots of different scents.
An award-winning body cream that smells like pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla.
The travel sets are great because you get four fragrances. These are more mists than perfume, and I actually really love the way they smell (and I'm not a fan of on any kind of heavy or floral smell). #62 is a teen favorite if you're leaning toward a single bigger bottle.
Face Masks
Girls love using face masks and they’re great for sleepovers! She can also have her own spa night at home. We’re partial to these Burt’s Bees facial sheet masks because they’re made with natural ingredients and application is easy. Choose from detoxifying, rejuvenating and several different hydrating scents, including watermelon and cucumber. Great stocking stuffer idea!
Lip Balm
Small items like lip balm never go out of style! Two popular options for a tween or teen gift are have multipacks with different types of flavors.
Choose the fruit mix holiday gift set from Burt’s Bees that comes in a pretty box and is the perfect size for a stocking.
EOS also makes a great lip balm that comes in different flavors and really cute packaging.
Teens warn that Summer Fridays is definitely a little pricey for lip balm, but it is super popular for girls and truly a good quality lip balm. It would be a treat for teens who are really into beauty products who will take good care of nicer makeup.
Teens say they love this lotion. Especially the fact that it layers well with other fragrances.
Charlotte Tilbury Makeup
This brand is pricey but oh-so-popular, so it would be a specialty gift for a girl who’s really into higher end makeup.
Sephora Gift Card
If you’re not sure exactly what product she wants, a Sephora gift card will let her choose makeup from Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty, Rare Beauty or beauty products from Drunk Elephant, SOL DE JANEIRO or The Ordinary.
e.l.f. beauty products
e.l.f. makes much more affordable versions of many of the top beauty products teens and tweens love. Plenty of TikTok accounts showcase how well these “dupes” look or work.
My tween asked for these for her birthday. As I stood in an aisle trying to make sure I was getting the right thing, a teen girl asked if they were good because she'd seen them on TikTok. I felt very cool and in-the-know. And now that we've tried them, we really do like them.
A nicer shampoo and conditioner for healthier hair is always nice. Teens told us they like this set because it comes with shampoo/conditioner and a hair mask for added nourishment and smoothness.
I'm a little jealous of today's high school girls. They make comfy sweatpants look stylish and they have long, beautiful hair. Teens tell us that Beachwaver is a go-to for hair tools, especially for beginners. They say it has buttons that allow the curling iron to basically curl your hair for you. Look for the width of barrel you think your teen would prefer for optimum waves.
Spa headbands keep hair back and let tweens and teen wash and moisturize their faces in style at the start or the end of the day. This set comes with three microfiber headbands.
This recommendation came right from a high school junior who got a kit last year and loves it. She's a three-season athlete, so these nails must have staying power. The kit comes with everything you need to get started.
Technology Gifts
Tweens and teens are part of the digital generation, so gifts ideas for tween girls and teenagers always seem to include some kind of tech. These gifts get pricier, but they are things they will use daily and hopefully keep for years.
A favorite teen told us she loves this particular portable charger because it has both types of plugs - for the newer phones and older ones. She also said it has enough strength to charge her Chromebook.
Apple's AirPods over-ear headphones will definitely pop up on many holiday wish lists this year. Especially for music lovers and teens who feel like they can almost see post-graduation life on the horizon.
Apple AirPods Pro / Apple AirPods
We invested in AirPods for our teen boys and they’ve been great for road trips and even quiet time at home. Our older son got AirPods Pros, which offer transparency mode so he can listen to music while walking around and still hear traffic or other sounds (we learned that this is the way to go for a kid who might soon be on a college campus). They also offer a better fit for running or working out.
We also learned the hard way that you can replace a single AirPod or AirPod Pro or the case. You need to order through Apple and it’s best to have the serial number for the original pair if possible.
It's amazing what we see our students do with their iPads. They jump from doing homework to making detailed drawings to checking their schedules and shooting videos. Then they stream videos to relax. You also can't beat the lightweight portability compared to a laptop.
For students who truly use their iPad for homework and other tasks, the Apple pencil will make their work quicker and easier and unlock a whole lot of new potential on the iPad. I can't believe the things I've seen my students do in my college classrooms with an iPad and an Apple pen.
Watch or Fitness Band
If you’re not sure what watch or fitness band will best meet your tween or teen’s needs, check out our watch buying guide.
Apple watches are definitely popular. They help tweens and teens track steps and sleep and stay on top of their to-do lists (when they're not being distracted by their watch.
Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are back in a big way. If photography is a hobby a teen is seriously looking to pursue and you’re in the market for a bigger ticket item, this could be a gift that lasts for many years. Less expensive models may be a way to test out whether a tween or tween truly has a lasting interest in photography.
ALL of the girls we worked with to build this list mentioned a digital camera (actually, they listed THIS specific camera). They said everyone has them out at group gatherings. They're easy to carry around, easy to use and the quality is amazing. They also use them for Instagram pictures - which boggles my mind, because I feel like a phone makes so much more sense. But what do I know...
Beats Wireless Headphones
If she prefers headphones to ear buds, she’ll love these Beats wireless headphones that have 40 hours of battery life, a foldable design and several color options! If she wants noise cancelling headphones, you’ll need to get the Beats Solo Pro version.
Mini Projector
Project movies, shows and video games onto any flat surface (including the ceiling–which seems to be important to tweens and teens). Kristie’s teen saved up for one and loves it! You can connect to cell phones, computers, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku and more.
Echo Dot
The Echo Dot lets tweens and teens keep in touch with friends and family from a distance, play music, listen to audiobooks and set reminders and alarms. It’s a powerful little bluetooth speaker and we love the digital clock.
Vintage is cool. So a record player and a few records for throw-back bands makes for a great gift. Ask family members if they have old records sitting around they are willing to donate to the gift.
JBL makes our FAVORITE portable speakers! The sound is incredible and they're waterproof. And they come in tons of colors. You can't go wrong with JBL.
Jewelry Gift Ideas
My tween got the original Elisa necklace as a gift and I think she's work it day and night for a year and it still looks great. Her stone is pink and she still wears it as an everyday necklace. This year's the Mini Elisa seems to be the go-to both both tweens and teens. It's a fit for this year's "demure" trend.
Kendra Scott has much such a name for herself with tweens and teens by creating simple and beautiful jewelry that is reasonably-priced, especially for pieces they'll wear every day. This sports collection was new last year - you can choose from soccer, volleyball, softball, football, baseball, pickleball, cheer. There's also collab jewelry with Disney and Dolly Parton. So fun!
I noticed the college students wearing these this fall, and one of the high schoolers who gives us gift ideas also had it on her list - so I know this is hot right now. A big plus is that they are cute to layer with other necklaces
Tweens and teens can never have enough basic gold or even silver earrings. This Amazon set offers a lot of different types of hoops.
Bows are on trend this holiday. Bow clothes, bow jewelry...bow everything. One teen recommended this American Eagle bow earring collection.
This looks pretty on a dresser and keeps necklaces untangled and bracelets and earrings organized.
This jewelry case was seen on Shark Tank and is SO COOL! This is a perfect gift for student athletes or girls who love to travel and want a safe place to store jewelry.
Arts & Crafts Gifts
There are lots of gifts for tween girls and gifts for teenage girls that involve supplies to make creative projects or decorations. A craft kit is a fun gift and so much fun to do and display.
These highlighter pens are part craft, part organizational tool. One end is a super thin marker pen and the other end is a highlighter. Bring on the journals!
The Eras Tour swept the nation this year and the beaded bracelet trend came right along with it. Stock up on beads so tweens and teens can keep creating. They love to be creative and make statements - and this is the perfect way to do it.
Acrylic Paints and Canvases
Whether she’s just beginning or has been painting for a while, she’ll appreciate a set of high quality non-toxic acrylic paints. These paints are one of the most popular gifts in our Facebook group Gifts for Tween and Teen Girls. Pair them with a 6- or 12-pack of canvases.
Sports & Outdoor Gifts
We have some great gift ideas for tween girls and gifts for teenage girls who are active or love to spend time outside. Many of these gifts are things girls can use for many years to come.
Pickleball has become a very popular activity – especially during the summer. Teen have fun playing with friends and say it is nice to own pickleball rackets.
Camping Hammock with Tree Straps
My daughter got this hammock and it immediately went up between two trees in our backyard. It’s so easy to put up and take down with the tree straps, and you can honestly enclose yourself and take a nap. Our neighbor’s son rigged his up on his back deck, where it stayed for most of the summer. It packs up small and you can’t beat the price at around $30.
Overnight Duffel Bag
Girls need duffels for everything from sleepovers to sports to camp. This one is a good size at a great price, and it comes it lots of color options. It’s made of water resistant fabric to keep everything dry inside (even if the outside gets wet), has a shoe compartment and a pocket on the front and side.
Inflatable Paddleboard
Kristie’s boys did paddle boarding this summer through our Metroparks and loved it! We know other families who have these inflatable paddleboards–they said you wouldn’t believe it’s inflatable when you stand on it.
Yoga Mat and Sling
Many of our college students practice yoga, so we know a yoga mat would be a great gift for teens. Gaiam has some of the best mats on the market–this one is lightweight, non-slip, nontoxic and comes in lots of colors. It also includes a free downloadable yoga workout to get started. Don’t forget to add the sling so it’s easy to carry.
Roller Blades
Kristie’s tween neighbor loves her roller blades, and Kristie’s son practically lived in them for a few summers. These are a #1 best seller from Amazon for inline skates, and they come in 4 colors.
Bedroom Decor Gifts
Teenagers spend lots of time in their rooms. Bedroom decor gifts are hot-selling gifts for tween girls and teenage girls. They don’t want the little kid room anymore, so they’re looking for ways to update their space to feel older and more their style.
Teens love everything "aesthetic," so they will love this now but I think it will also stand the test of time in terms of style. I can see a high schooler curled up on a coach, a college student snuggled in her dorm or a throw blanket on the back of a first apartment.
One of my very favorite teens has the most beautiful long, red hair. She tells me she sleeps on a silk pillowcase every night because it helps with frizzy hair and is also better for skincare/acne.
Hammock Chair Swing
She can hang this chair in her bedroom or apartment as the perfect place to relax–or put it outside to upgrade an old swingset. The XL size means she’ll have plenty of room to get comfortable! It comes in 3 colors with hanging hardware, a drink holder and a lifetime warranty.
If you're handy and want to anchor an egg chair to the ceiling you can, but the stands make it easy to add this fun chair if your tween or teen has the space.
Weighted Blanket
Different sources on the weighted blankets say they can be good for restless leg syndrome, restless sleepers in general, ADHD and even anxiety.
There are a bunch of reviews online if you want a blanket that’s better for a specific purpose (hypoallergenic or good for kids). Consider whether you want one that has a removable cover for washing and do research on the different weight and size options.
5-60 minutes before your alarm time, the sunrise analog light will gradually increase. It also has 26 different sound options to help teens and tweens fall asleep.
Ocean Wave Projector
Our friends’ daughter got this for her 14th birthday and it is a HUGE hit! She and her sister love setting it up for family movie nights.
Wall Tapestry
Our college students use these to decorate dorm rooms and bedrooms. It’s an inexpensive way to bring some color and personality to a room.
Starbucks Gift Card
Nothing completes a comfy room like relaxing with a great drink. Add a Starbucks gift card to your gift.
Clothing Gifts
Choosing clothes as gifts for tween girls or teenage girls can feel like a risk. But buying brands they love, classic picks like leggings or fun sweatshirts are usually a safe bet.
Wide leg sweatpants are big this year. American Eagle and Hollister seem to be top brands, and teens like to pair them with a variety of tops and hoodie. They're comfy and also easy to take on and off during sports.
A whole new generation has fallen in love with Gilmore Girls (and rightly so!) A friend posted her daughter's Halloween pumpkin carved with the Luke's diner logo. Girls will swoon over this embroidered retro sweatshirt on Etsy.
UGG Boots/Slippers (or UGG-like Boots/Slippers)
There are four really hot styles of UGG boots and slippers this year. The top Tasman Slippers sold out last year, so don’t wait if this is a must-have for your tween or teen. If the UGG brand isn’t a must-have, check out the BEARPAW option. Teens tell us the quality and style are SO similar with a lower price tag.
It seems like a certain type of legging is popular every holiday, and this year the trend seems to be crossover leggings. Girls are loving the high-waisted crossover and these come in a bunch of colors. Aerie is a popular brand, but there are plenty of alternatives out there if you're looking to add this basic to her wardrobe.
A lot of teens like the lululemon scuba sweatshirts because they come in a variety of colors, are a little bit more cropped, can be work with leggings/shorts/sweatpants, and also can sort of be used to "dress" up a simple outfit.
Plain colored hoodies are a great basic to have for everyday use. This Amazon one has a variety of vibrant colors and also that oversized fit tweens and teens love.
This style looks a lot like the popular scuba hoodie girls are loving. It also comes in 12 color options. Oversized everything is on trend this holiday season.
Lululemon's leggings are the gold standard. But they're high quality and a basic color like black means teens can wear them multiple times a week. Watch lengths and styles and do your homework before making this investment.
Rounded and wire-rimmed sunglasses are the request this holiday season.
Shoes
Birkenstocks have been around for years, but teens have rediscovered them. From the white plastic to different colors and styles of leather, Birkenstock has won over a new generation of shoppers.
Teens (both boys and girls) are flocking to this shoe. A teen tells us she really likes the fit and comfort, and she likes them because they can be work every day and also to dress up outfits.
I am seeing these On Cloud sneakers everywhere. One teen tells us she loves these running shoes because they're so comfortable and easy to slip on.
UGG Boots/Slippers (or UGG-like Boots/Slippers)
There are four really hot styles of UGG boots and slippers this year. The top Tasman Slippers sold out last year, so don’t wait if this is a must-have for your tween or teen. If the UGG brand isn’t a must-have, check out the BEARPAW option. Teens tell us the quality and style are SO similar with a lower price tag
Even More Gift Ideas
Books
Books are a great gift idea for tween girls or teenage girls. They can help girls navigate the tween and teen years, grow their empathy and know that there are worlds beyond social media and their day-to-day life. Amazon makes it easy for you to gift 3-, 6- or 12-month memberships to Audible, a massive library of
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Gift Cards
Giving a gift card as a gift for tween girls is a solid choice. And did you know that you can get gift cards for a ton of stores on Amazon? You can ship the gift card or share the digital code with the recipient. So easy!
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Games
Don’t be fooled into thinking that games don’t make good gifts for tween girls and teenage girls. They still love to play. Just make sure to choose the right toy or game. It a great way to spend time together with friends or as a family.
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Experience Gifts
The memories last far longer than “stuff.”
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Thank you for some helpful ideas! My daughter is 11. I am just needing a couple more presents and I am going to look into some of these. 🙂