46 Best Gifts for 16-Year-Olds Who Already Have Everything
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Finding the best gifts for 16-year-olds can be challenging. They know exactly what's cool, since they're usually at the forefront of the trend cycle both online and IRL. They're tapped in and constantly connected. And their tastes are changing rapidly, as 16-year-olds occupy a unique transitional stage between childhood and young adulthood.
Coming up with a list of the best gifts for 16-year-olds meant we needed to consult with some of the stylish teens in our lives, as well as spend some time browsing TikTok and our favorite retailers, both virtual and at the mall. The end result? These unique and meaningful gift ideas for teens will delight even the pickiest teen in your life. Think wardrobe staples like cute baby tees and comfy pants, timeless accessories like personalized pendant necklaces and stud earrings, or viral beauty picks for the teen who is always filming a new GRWM video.
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute present for a Sweet 16 or want to surprise the 16-year-olds in your life with a “just because” gift, we’ve got you covered. Read on to see what teenagers actually want below.
Our top picks- 1/46
Heaven by Marc Jacobs
Logo Baby TeeA ‘90s-inspired baby tee from Marc Jacobs Heaven, the iconic designer’s diffusion line, would be the perfect gift for the fashion-loving teen in your life. It has a very “IYKYK” quality that marks them as an insider, but it’s not overly trendy, either.
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Kitsch
Satin PillowcaseA satin pillowcase doesn't just feel fancy; it's also gentle on hair, reducing frizz and breakage. This Kitsch pillowcase comes in tons of colors and prints, so there's definitely one for the 16-year-old in your life.
Teens are all about comfy, cozy clothes, especially in their downtime. These PJ pants from Aerie aren’t just ultra-soft—they're also available in the trendiest color of the year, butter yellow. (Don't forget the matching tank top.)
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Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
You can never go wrong with Rare Beauty, and the brand’s new Matte Bouncy Blush is a fun fusion of cream and powder, easy to apply between classes or after volleyball practice.
Turning 16 is a big deal! Mark the occasion with a small piece of demi-fine jewelry, like this adorable zodiac-themed stud earring from the beloved jewelry brand Kenda Scott. It can be layered with their favorite earrings or worn solo as a statement, but it’s not too precious for everyday wear.
If they haven’t gotten their hands on the new Hunger Games book, grab it for them so they can get prepped for the forthcoming movie!
Silk, satin, and cotton bandanas and scarves are still popular accessories, especially when worn around your head come summertime. This rose-print version from Urban Outfitters feels trendy but timeless too.
Clips and barrettes are having a moment, and Chunks makes some of the cutest options around. This star-shaped multipack would be cute at school or dressed up for prom or a dance.
According to a few cool teens, these super-soft blankets are one of the most coveted items on their wishlists right now. They're a splurge, but a high-quality blanket is something you can use for a long, long time; it could even go with them to college in a few years.
If the 16-year-old teen in your life is more Olivia Rodrigo than Sabrina Carpenter, a splurge-worthy pair of chunky leather Mary Janes is probably on her wishlist. Bonus points if they’re from Dr. Martens, outfitting cool teens for decades.
Teens love LoveShackFancy’s dreamy, whimsical, ultra-feminine aesthetic, which recently expanded to include fragrance. These cute minis would be a thoughtful choice for a beauty-loving teen—they are so adorable! (And they smell great too.)
Maybe they just got the keys to their first car! Celebrate the achievement—and the newfound independence—with a cute key ring or bag charm. It’s a little memento that means a lot.
A heated blanket hoodie is probably the coziest gift we've ever come across. It's perfect for lounging around in comfort. It has fleece-lined sleeves and a hoodie, and it heats up quickly with three settings. Plus, it's machine wash-friendly for hassle-free cleanups.
Every 16-year-old could use a chic wallet – especially if they just started driving and need a place to holder their license. This makes a great gift for teen guys and girls alike, and the signature Coach Cs are oh-so-trendy.
The TikTok-obsessed teen in your life will thank you for bringing them the best selfie light in the market. This clip-on light attaches to any device, so they won’t have to wait until sunset to get that magical golden hour glow lighting effect.
Instead of buying an expensive flat-screen TV, consider getting a mini projector for your favorite teen. This one from Amazon is easy to set up and can be placed anywhere in the room, saving tons of space.
If you haven’t noticed by now, Sonny Angels are Gen Z’s favorite collectible—so much so that they’ve induced a worldwide frenzy of people searching high and low for the rarest of the bunch. Charlotte, a 17-year-old based in Seattle, Washington, says she’s fond of the tiny hippers, which can easily attach to the back of your phone. “They are also mystery blind boxes, which are always an exciting surprise,” she tells Teen Vogue. “This is a great collector’s item since there are so many to choose from!”
Taking selfies on your phone is so yesterday. Digital cameras are on the rise again as they add an elevated quality to photos, notes Charlotte. For the nonstop photo-taking teen, a Canon Powershot G7X (or, if you’re on a budget, this TikTok-approved Amazon alternative) will do exactly that.
Whether it’s for enjoying the great outdoor or their bedroom, this inflatable lounging chair is one of the best gifts to give and receive.
Water bottle accessories are having a moment, from funky straw covers to charms galore. This carrier bag indulges in this trend in a super functional way. It can be worn across the body or on the shoulder like a bag.
This satin rod set will give you a much-needed break from the curling iron. All you have to do is wrap your hair around the rods, secure it with scrunchies, and then get some ZZZs. You’ll wake up with voluminous and soft curls that don't require any heat.
This laptop case from BAGGU will protect your laptop with its puffy, quilted texture. We love this floral Snoopy print.
These LED lights will add personality and illuminate your room with ease. This long-standing viral favorite comes with a remote control that has color-changing capabilities, allowing you to create a relaxed, mellow ambiance for your space from the comfort of your bed.
This signature Marc Jacobs crossbody tote bag has everything a 16-year-old girl like Mya from Michigan wants in a purse. She tells Teen Vogue it’s been a long-time wishlist fave for many reasons. “I feel like [the black colorway] will match my outfits and hold a lot of my stuff.”
With the early 2000s trend still in full swing, revived silhouettes—like these mini UGG boots—are so back. These platform booties have an easy-to-slip-on, comfy fit that Gen Z-style icons from Olivia Rodrigo and Bella Hadid can’t get enough of. The ultra-mini version is a staple Charlotte says would make for a cute addition to her closet and “pair well with different pants.”
You don’t have to be a Rihanna fan to know that she has one of the best beauty lines out there, and teens always want the very best of anything. This Fenty Beauty 4-piece bundle includes products like a highlighter and blotting powder, which Mya says would “add a little edge and enhancement” to her everyday makeup routine.
Out with earbuds and in with over-the-ear headphones. Apple’s AirPods Max has become the “It” headphones to own, as sported by a slew of top stars. Not only are they super sleek, but they also offer a quality listening experience with features such as noise cancellation. Though they fall on the pricier side, they’re still at the top of Charlotte’s wishlist. “I love how they are wireless and have cushions,” she says. “I would use them for the gym and lying around the house.”
After a long day of classes, your favorite teen will want to come home and relax. This 5-pack sheet mask addresses all skin concerns with K-beauty science, from brightening to hydrating and more.
These Birkenstock clogs pass the cute and comfy vibe check. “Once the fall rolls around, I can pair this with jeans and a simple top, or even leggings and a sweater,” says Mya.
Need something sentimental? This double heart pendant necklace is a good gift idea. “I think this would be a great gift from loved ones, and it comes with engraving,” says Charlotte. “I’ve never received nice jewelry like this, so this would be a thoughtful present.”
This pink phone case by Otterbox and Realtree makes the camo print look too cute. Very Midwest Princess.
The TikTok fragrance community is constantly on the hunt for a new scent to obsess over, and this new Gucci perfume has caught Mya’s attention. “I was actually in Sephora when it was launched, and when I smelled it, it matched my preference,” she explains, noting its subtly warm, vanilla aroma.
Need a last-minute idea that is inexpensive yet super personal? This custom sticker from Etsy gives you full power to make whatever you want in sticker form—think inside jokes, cute motifs, and so much more.
Fashion’s favorite sneakers remain the “It” silhouette for a reason—their classic design pairs well with every outfit.
“All of the people I know who have SKIMS say that the clothing is very comfortable, fits true to size, and has really good sales throughout the year,” Mya says. This cotton jersey tee is yet another piece she wants to add to her collection, as “it would go great with a pair of sweatpants or low-rise baggy jeans.”
The Kurt Geiger hype is very much real, and this denim camera bag is a favorite for Mya as it’s not as basic as most colors. “It has a certain design and style to it that can be paired with many other denim-styled outfits,” she says. “It would be perfect for a night out with my friends or a casual solo day out!”
“I have seen Patrick Ta all over my FYP, and his blush has to be my favorite,” Mya says. “I’ve seen so many other Black women like me use his blush in so many shades, and it looks amazing on all of them. I would love to have his blush duo in the shade ‘She’s Vibrant’ because I love a bold pink blush, which would look so good on my complexion!”
A classic bodysuit is a must-have for just about any teen girl’s wardrobe. Short or long-sleeved, this simple black one-piece is “versatile to pair with outfits,” says Charlotte, and would be a first in her closet.
This rainbow-colored heart ring is super adorable and fun, inspired by heart-shaped candy. Shannon, a 14-year-old from Johns Creek, Georgia, says she loves this sterling silver ring for its kitschy and colorful enamel hearts.
Barrel jeans are a controversial denim trend due to their quirky-shaped pant legs, but for the experimental and sartorially savvy teenager, they’re worth the investment. Shannon mentions that these pants look super comfortable and would be perfect for winter.
This cursive-style “love” ring from Pandora has just the right amount of elevated sweetness at an affordable price.
This portable speaker will allow you to take your music wherever you go. It’s great for park hangs and can be easily carried to a friend’s house. Plus, it’s waterproof and durable just in case for those sudden accidents.
Of all the trendy water bottles on our FYP, this one has remained a top favorite. This bottle comes marked with time stamps to encourage healthy water consumption for those who are always at the gym or simply want to maintain a consistent hydration routine.
This infinite Tic-Tac-Toe game will make game night with your besties a fun escape from the phone screen. It’s popular on TikTok for its 3-in-1 games, featuring memory flashes and the classic Tic-Tac-Toe game. It's fun for all ages, handheld, and portable for ultimate convenience.
Versatility is key when choosing a gift for teens. This bed tray can be used as a table for lazy meals in bed or a pop-up desk for late-night study sessions. It can even prop up your phone or books.
- 46/46OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me Xtra Strappy 5" Romper
The sporty teen in your life wants nothing more than some fun and comfy activewear to work out in, whether they’re hitting the gym or practicing after school.
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