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Whether you’re a Gen Xer looking for something your gadget-obsessed niece or grandkid will actually use (there’s a chance they may even want something “vintage” like a digital camera) or a Gen Z’er on the hunt for a present for your best friend, you can never go wrong with giving the teen in your life a cool tech gift. From unique smart sunglasses (yes, they actually connect to your phone), to digital notebooks, and the latest in gaming, we’ve curated the best tech gifts for teens.
And good news: You can gift tech without breaking the bank (some of our picks are under $50). Those items are always an option if you have the means, but there are also all kinds of budget-friendly products and cute gifts to choose from, too — think stylish laptop backpacks, mini projectors, and more.
From wireless headphones that make amazing presents for boyfriends and Polaroid cameras to help them display their memories, to mini drones, to the latest accessories for gamers, these are the best tech gifts for teens.
Teen Vogue's Top Picks
- Best Overall Gift: Apple AirPods, $160
- Best Gift for Teen Girls: Cooluli Skincare Beauty Fridge, $50
- Best Gift for Gaming: Nintendo Switch Lite, $188
- Best Gadget for Creatives: 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen, $65
- Coolest Tech Gift: RayBan Smart Sunglasses, $329
Mini Drone
Help budding photographers level up with this small, easy-to-fly drone. It's as light as a phone, but super powerful, spinning off into the sky in a matter of seconds to snap photos with its 720P HD Wi-Fi camera.
Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
Help them level up their note-taking game with this smart notebook. The Rocketbook has the classic feel of a pen and paper, but is actually a digital notebook — all the notes you take in it can be seamlessly uploaded to your Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Slack, or email.
Cooluli Skincare Beauty Fridge
It may be one of the most affordable beauty fridges out there, but the skincare-obsessed will love everything it has to offer, including both warming and cooling technologies that can chill face masks or warm a period cramp compress. It also has a removable inner shelf and basket to customize storage space and a molded inset handle for portability.
Razer Kishi V2 Mobile Gaming Controller
Instantly level up their gaming skills with this unique control system. It attaches to Android phones to transform the device into a console-quality control complete with microswitch buttons, analog triggers, and programmable macros. It's compatible with more than 1,000 games and can even be used to record gameplay for social sharing.
Mini Projector
Movie nights just got a whole lot more exciting with this mini projector. Imagine the delight on everyone’s face when your teen rolls up to the party with a projector in their pocket (yes, it fits) or bag. Simply connect it to the device of your choice — a Fire Stick, Roku Stick, laptop, TV, and more — and then project up to a maximum of 170 inches.
Ray-Ban Stories Smart Sunglasses
If your favorite teen prides themselves on always having the latest tech, this is the must-have accessory of the season. The smart sunglasses connect to their smartphone, so they can snap photos and video or listen to their favorite podcast. They charge right in the case, too.
Nintendo Switch Lite
Even teens who aren't really into video games will appreciate the fun and relaxation Nintendo Switch has to offer. The compact game console is entirely handheld — easy to tote in a backpack or purse! – but has endless play potential, from racing in Mario Kart to building interactive worlds on Animal Crossing.
3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen
You don't have to be a budding artist to appreciate just how cool this little piece of tech is. The pen heats up multi-colored plastic inserts that re-harden almost instantly, so you can draw in full 3D. The kit comes with 15 different colors and a guidebook, but you can buy additional refills.
Ring Light
This ring light will help them bring their TikTok dreams to life with nothing more than their phone. The budget-friendly gift is highly functional — the tripod stand, which features a secure phone mount situated inside the ring, extends to more than 4 feet tall and comes with a remote for hands-free filming.
Philips Wake-Up Light
Waking up doesn’t have to be so hard with this smart alarm clock. Much gentler than the chime on a phone, the gadget wakes in two phases to mimic your body’s natural waking up process. The light gradually brightens, like the sunrise, to gently rouse. Of course, everything is customizable — the tone, the volume, and even the day of week.
Oceavity Shower Phone Holder
It's easy to see why this unique tech accessory is beloved by TikTok users. It safely cradles their phone while they suds and rotates 360 degrees for a good view from any angle. They'll love the fact that they can now watch TikTok videos, Netflix shows, or even play games during an otherwise mundane activity.
Colorful Braided Charger
An iPhone charger, but make it pretty… because why not accessorize the right way?! This colorful braided option looks like it belongs right at home in their dorm room, car, or wherever else they might need to power up.
Woven Apple Watch Band
Take this woven Apple Watch band as proof that tech doesn't have to look so utilitarian. But it's not just the vibrant print that makes this pick so appealing if they're into wearables—it's made of an ultra-comfy stretch material that feels good on skin and keeps their watch nice and secure all at the same time.
Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner
Truth: Nobody wants to clean their makeup brushes. But those beauty tools pick up all kinds of pore-clogging grease and grime along the way. This handy little gadget does the hard work for them, leaving their go-to brushes immaculate in between uses.
Apple AirTag
For teens who need a little extra help keeping track of their stuff, enter the Apple AirTag. The coin-sized device can be attached to whatever they need to keep tabs on—their backpack or gym bag or even the bicycle they use to zip around town.
AirTag Holder
If they're going to tote a geotag with them, you may as well sweeten the deal with a trendy holder complete with a clip for easy affixing.
Lighted Makeup Mirror
If the teenage girl in your life is always getting ready on the go, may we introduce this portable lighted mirror that’ll help her perfect her selfie game? Not only is it shatter-proof, but it has three brightness levels (one needs options!), a built-in leg stand, and a retractable finger ring so you can both hold the mirror and apply makeup with your hands.
Nike Bluelight Glasses
All this time spent on technology can’t be easy on the eyes, so we recommend buying your fav teen some blue light-blocking glasses. Not only do these clear Nike frames look cool, but they also offer 100% UV protection and help filter out blue light from harsh devices and screens.
Smart Air Purifier
Ideal for smaller bedrooms—like a dorm room!—this Alexa-compatible gadget is equipped with 360-degree air purification and a HEPA filter to help make the air your favorite teen breathes healthier. It works on three speeds, each of which is whisper quiet. It even has a built-in nightlight with two brightness settings.
Runaway Alarm Clock
Do you have a perpetual snoozer on your hands? This alarm clock practically leaps off of their bedside table, then proceeds to wheel around the room until the teen gets up and out of bed to shut it off. Consider your biggest AM headache solved.
GoCube Edge
A unique twist on the classic puzzle, this toy syncs with their smartphone and a compatible app to walk them through the process. Once they've mastered the art, they can take additional lessons, plus play games, online competitions, and mental exercises. They can even battle it out with friends.
Karaoke Microphone
If your teen sister swears they could have been on American Idol if you had given them the chance to audition or simply enjoys karaoke with their friends, this wireless karaoke microphone makes the perfect present. It’s such a fun party activity with 27 colorful LED lights that flicker with the rhythm of the music. And the best part is that it’s easy to connect via Bluetooth and also doubles as a portable speaker.
Galaxy Projector
There’s nothing like lying under the stars, that is unless you’re lying under projected stars in your bedroom. This Galaxy projector is the ultimate cool gadget for teens. It works as an aurora projector, night light, Bluetooth speaker, and white noise machine. Plus, you’re not limited to one Milky Way; you’re able to project 33 different light effects and starlit skies.
Apple AirPods
Not everyone wants the big, bulky headphones. Apple’s airpods are smaller and sleeker than over-ear options — more comfortable for activities like exercise — but are just as noise canceling. They have plenty of techy features, too. Each pair is equipped with dynamic head tracking for improved sound, force sensor controls, access to Siri, and up to 30 hours of listening time.
Besoar Cup of Noodles Airpod Case
There's something so irresistible about the little bb Cup of Noodles case. And who knows, it may even act as an anti-theft feature for their beloved Airpods, since it helps disguise the tech.
SONY LinkBuds S x Olivira Rodrigo Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
With Olivia Rodrigo's name on them, we're not surprised these noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones are so chic. It's the perfect tech Christmas gift for a teen who could use a little entertainment while commuting to school.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Because most of our phones are home to thousands upon thousands of images, it’s easy for favorites to get lost in the ether. But this camera allows you to bring your favorites IRL. Simply snap a pic and the image is printed in only a matter of seconds.
Baggu Laptop Sleeve
Give them something to protect one of their most precious assets: their laptop. This pillowed case is printed in your choice of three vivid, graphic patterns (emojis, strawberry, striped, and more) that not only looks cool, but is also super easy to spot in a crowded bag or backpack. Also nice: It’s made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled goods.
Wireless Mini Turntable Speaker
Who wouldn't love this tiny bluetooth speaker with retro appeal. It’s just four inches all around, but delivers powerful sound.
Kindle Paperwhite
Readers are leaders, but not all leaders enjoy lugging around a heavy hardback book. For easy, portable, lightweight access to all of your favorite authors, a Kindle Paperwhite makes for an excellent gift, especially for the 16-year-old boy or girl crowd. At 6.9 x 4.9 inches, it can easily be carried from school to the bath to the beach — it's waterproof, so there's no need to fret. And it has a glare-free display that reads like real paper, so even the most die-hard “I love real books” enthusiasts can feel comfortable making the switch.
Elago 3-in-1 Charging Station
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This nightstand charger will keep all of their most precious tech — phone, ear buds, and watch — within reach, no fumbling with cables necessary. It comes in four different colors to suit their space, too.
Brasenia Y2K Phone Charm Straps
Help them add a little flair to the device they're tethered to with these colorful phone charms. The set comes with five in a whole rainbow of colors, so they can swap it out as quickly as their mood changes.
Vahoiald Digital Camera
The rumors are true: digital cameras are back with a vengeance. If your teen has already rummaged through the attic in search of the camera you used to use in 2008, only to realize it stopped working, this under $100 digital camera is the perfect gift. It’s new but still has that “vintage” vibe they’re chasing.
Sunset Lamp Projector
Help them turn their bedroom into golden hour at any hour with this TikTok famous lamp. It's an instant mood-lifter, because — really — who doesn't love to stare at a smattering of cool colors? Plus, the projection makes for a pretty cool picture, too.
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
According to the law, every music lover needs to own a good pair of speakers. This portable Bluetooth option from JBL is engineered to deliver great sound, can be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes, and has 14 hours of battery life, so no one has to constantly charge it. And if that weren’t enough, there are a ton of fun colorways to choose from.
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