Struggling to Find the Perfect Gift for a Teen? We’ve Got You Covered!
By Sheena Vasani
Let’s face it: teens can be a mystery. Between TikTok trends and the latest gadgets, keeping up with their interests feels like a full-time job. But here’s the good news: we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. At The Verge, we may not be teens ourselves, but we’ve got a team of tech-savvy staffers—some with teens of their own—who know exactly what’s hot right now. Whether your teen is a gamer, a creative soul, or just loves to unplug, our 2025 holiday gift guide has something for everyone.
Tech, Creativity, and Everything in Between
From the latest iPhone and Nintendo Switch 2 (yes, it’s finally here!) to lesser-known gems, we’ve curated a list that goes beyond the obvious. But here’s where it gets controversial: do teens really need the newest tech, or are we just feeding into consumerism? Let’s dive in and let you decide.
For the Tech-Obsessed Teen
- Gaming Laptops & Mood Lighting: For the gamer who wants it all, consider a powerful gaming laptop like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 or immersive mood lighting to elevate their setup. And this is the part most people miss: mood lighting isn’t just for aesthetics—it can actually enhance focus and productivity!
- Phone Mounts & Instant Cameras: Creative teens will love a phone mount for TikTok filming or a sleek instant camera for capturing physical memories. But is physical photography making a comeback, or is it just a fleeting trend?
- Digital Drawing Tablets: Aspiring artists will swoon over a Wacom MovinkPad 11, perfect for doodling on the go. But is digital art as fulfilling as traditional methods? Weigh in below!
For the Teen Who Needs to Unplug
- Star Wars Lego Sets & Board Games: Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that encourage offline fun. Star Wars-themed Lego sets or a magnetic poetry kit can spark creativity without a screen in sight.
- Kindle & Alarm Clocks: A Kindle is a bookworm’s dream, while a Nintendo-themed alarm clock makes waking up almost fun. But are e-readers killing the joy of physical books? Share your thoughts!
Gifts by Budget
$20 and Under:
- Case-Mate Phone Charm: A stylish wrist strap that keeps their phone safe—perfect for selfie enthusiasts.
$50-$100:
- JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker: Tiny, waterproof, and packs a punch. But is it worth the price tag for a portable speaker?
- Fujifilm Instax Mini 41: Old-school photo sharing with a modern twist. But are physical photos still relevant in a digital world?
$100-$500:
- Apple’s Latest iPhone: The base model now comes with features once reserved for premium versions. But is it enough to justify the cost?
- Apple AirPods Pro & Google Pixel Buds 2A: Fitness tracking meets music. But are these earbuds overhyped, or a game-changer?
$500 and Above:
- Apple MacBook Air & Asus ROG Zephyrus G14: For older teens, a reliable laptop is a must. But is the MacBook Air still the best option in 2025?
- Meta Quest 3S VR Headset: A budget-friendly entry into virtual reality. But is VR the future, or just a fad?
Thought-Provoking Questions for You
Are we over-relying on tech gifts for teens, or are they truly the most meaningful? Do physical, creative gifts hold more value in a digital age? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
Credits:
- Photographer & Photo Editor: Amelia Holowaty Krales
- Art Director & Designer: Cath Virginia
- Creative Director: Kristen Radtke
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