Updated on: December 15, 2022 / 3:39 PM / Essentials
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Teens are tough critics when it comes to everything – including gifts – which can make holiday shopping for those without a list quite difficult. This is why we surveyed several teenagers and their parents to put together a list of gift ideas they won't roll their eyes at.
Top products in this article:
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Victrola Re-Spin Sustainable Bluetooth suitcase record player, $100
Overall, what teens want might surprise you. Everything from cozy essentials and bedroom decor and linens to functional electronics (not just iPads and iPhones!) are amongst some of the most-wanted items, in addition to hair and makeup products, the hottest shoes, accessories and athleisure items of the season.
CBS Essentials rounded up the top gifts for teens in 2022, all of which have with major cool factor and have been endorsed by teens and in-the-know parents of teenagers.
No matter what type of teen you are buying for, these gift options are sure to please.
"Most of my friends are asking for some type of computer because we will need them for college next year," Avery Sullivan, a high school student in Abington, PA, reveals. Get $200 off the 2020 MacBook Air, which features a 13-inch retina display and 256 GB of storage.
Apple MacBook Air, $800 (reduced from $999)
Melissa Gutowicz Parker maintains that her 15-year-old daughter's wish list includes Ultra Mini Ugg boots, which are one of this season's hottest gift items. Order up a pair in one of several color options, if you find them in stock – they are selling out fast.
Sweet yet bold, this heart necklace from Uncommon James, Kristin Cavallari's jewelry company is a great way to show your love and sends the message they made the nice list.
Uncommon James Intertwined Chain and Heart Necklace, $58 (reduced from $72)
The Kitsch Glazey satin hoodie makes the perfect attire for sleepovers or just lounging around the house. Available in blush pink and charcoal gray.
Kitsch Glazey satin hoodie robe, $88
Got an aspiring TikTok or YouTube star in the family? While a total splurge gift, some might consider this Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera, tripod grip, microphone, windscreen and detachable Bluetooth® enabled remote an investment in your teen's future career as a content creator.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Content Creator Kit, $899
Teens congregate inside of this popular mall store for a reason: their bath products are the bomb. This gift set lives up to the name. Indulge your teenage bather in dozens of limited edition bath bombs, bubble bars, bar soaps, shower gels and lip scrubs, which come packaged in a reusable box.
Looking for a bath bomb set that's a little more affordable? The Merry Christmas gift set includes four scrumptious bath bombs and comes wrapped with a bow.
Lush Merry Christmas gift set, $36
Teens go wild over anything retro. This speaker-equipped suitcase record player from Victrola plays old-school vinyl in addition to tunes from their phone or computer via Bluetooth.
Victrola Re-Spin Sustainable Bluetooth suitcase record player, $100
The latest RockBox XL delivers 120 watts of power, 20 hours of playback time and a built-in USB port. Another feature teens will love? With various LED light modes the portable, waterproof sound system beats, strobes and pulses to the music.
Looking for clothes cool enough for your teen? Out of all the athleisure leggings on the market, we can attest that the supermodel-endorsed, second skin Alo AirLift legging is the most comfortable, flattering and stylish of all. Available in a bunch of great colors and sizes XXS to XL. Shop now for all Alo gifts and take 30 percent off everything on the website.
This stylish sherpa trench from Alo sells out every year – and rightfully so. The oversized coat offers serious warmth and comfort on par with wearing a favorite blanket. Size down, as the coat runs on the larger side. And again, teens appreciate the cool factor.
Kimberly Gibbs maintains that anything Lululemon is high on her teenage twins' wish lists. A winterized, fuzzy version of the brand's belt bag, this fanny-pack-slash-cross body bag holds a phone, keys and wallet and keeps hands free for activity.
Lululemon Modular Phone Crossbody Bag, $68
A great last minute gift for teens? A one-time gift or three or six month earring subscription from Rowan. The first box contains a pair of hypoallergenic earrings and an ear styling card, a Rowan mailer, zip pouch and jewelry gift box. Each month a pair of earrings corresponding with the season arrives.
Rowan Earring Club, $25 a month and up
Any teen who is obsessed with their hair will love the the Shark FlexStyle , a more affordable Dyson Airwrap alternative. "This versatile multi-styling tool can dry wet hair, curl, volumize and smooth hair for the the perfect blowout. It includes four heat and three airflow settings that can be increased or decreased manually based on your preference, plus a cool shot button to lock in your style," Lily Rose, Senior Writer says about one of this season's hottest hair tools.
Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system, $280
Teens who enjoy a challenge will spend hours building the Great Pyramid of Giza out of tiny Lego building blocks. Like other Lego Architecture sets, the final product doubles as decor.
Lego Architecture Great Pyramid of Giza, $130
What do you get the teen who has everything? A pair of sneakers. "Boys always want shoes," says Sullivan. One of the top styles of the season, according to the 18-year-old? Jordans.
Shop Nike men's Jordan shoes
Shop Nike women's Jordan shoes
Teen love skincare products and this adorable, mini-sized fridge helps keep all of their products at the right temperature. The fridge also comes loaded with popular FaceTory products, including their famous sheet masks.
FaceTory Skincare Fridge Collection, $139
According to Nicole Zampitella Villante, her teenage daughter is all about "big, cozy blankets." It doesn't get cozier than the Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic collection, made out of the brand's trademark microfiber.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Barefoot In the Wild blanket, $180
The newest installment of Just Dance recently dropped, and it makes the perfect holiday gift for teens. Includes hits like BTS' "Dynamite," Dua Lipa's "Physical," and Justin Bieber and Kid Laroi's "Stay." Get it for half off right now.
Nintendo Switch Just Dance 2023, $30 (reduced from $60)
If you're hoping to buy someone in your life a Playstation 5 console, you'll want to start looking now -- they're still in short supply. Currently, Walmart has the God of War Ragnarok bundle in stock.
Sony Playstation 5 God of War Ragnarok bundle, $674
The Meta Quest 2 is a virtual reality headset that lets you explore the Metaverse and get inside your favorite games. This was a super popular holiday gift last year and is sure to be at the top of plenty of Christmas lists this year as well. It was originally sold and marketed as the Oculus Quest 2, so you might still see that on some of your family's holiday wish lists.
Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset, $399
While there's still some time to wait until the official Black Friday 2022 sales start, there are plenty of great deals you can get right now. Check out our early Black Friday deal articles.
First published on December 1, 2022 / 2:15 PM
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