If you're an adult shopping for teens, the bridge between fun and functional can get tricky. Ask your average 13-year-old how successful their parents are at gift-giving, and they'll likely tell you it's a struggle.
When it comes to shopping for teenagers, keep in mind that they like practicality, but they don’t want it as a gift. We suggest trying to base selections on how you react to prizes on "The Price Is Right." For example, a jet ski sounds awesome when you're 13, whereas new flooring would be the dud prize.
OK, no one should rush to buy a jet ski for a 13-year-old, but you get the gist: Put yourself in your 13-year-old's gum-stuck shoes, and you should be just fine. After all, what's considered cool hasn't changed that much over the years. But if you need some more help, here are some gift ideas for the tween in your life, ranging from budget to luxury, whether they're a beauty lover or a techie.
For girls | For boys | Under $25 | Splurge-worthy gifts
Bestselling gifts for 13-year-olds
- Best under $25: "Finish This Book," by Keri Smith, $10.29 (was $17)
- Best editor pick: The Little Words Project Custom Bracelet, $35
- Best decor gift: Lepro LED Light Strips, $16.99 (was $19.99)
- Best gift for creative tweens: Original Buddha Board, $34.95
- Best gift for active tweens: Razor RipStik Ripster, $69.99
- Worth the splurge: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler, $45
Best gifts for 13-year-old girls
6,000-Piece Bracelet Kit
Whether your 13-year-old is heading to some of the most-hyped concerts of the year or just loves channeling their free-spirited side, this 6,000-piece bracelet kit will allow them to unleash their creative energy.
Barbie x Kitsch Rhinestone Claw Clip
You don’t have to be blonde to rock this Barbie-inspired rhinestone claw clip. Encourage your 13-year-old to embrace their beautiful self by gifting them this bold, sparkly claw clip. It screams Barbiecore.
TinyName Custom Name Necklace
You can't go wrong with name jewelry. This necklace can be customized with any name (up to 15 letters). It also comes in different colors and styles, including gold-plated options or silver with a heart decal.
"My daughter received this for her bday. She loves it!" one Amazon reviewer wrote. "And she has not taken it off for a month! In and out of bed, in and out of dance class, and in and out of the shower… it’s pretty and it has been holding up too."
Forever 21 Rhinestone-Trim V-Neck Sweater
No matter the season, your budding teenager will need a cozy sweater to keep them comfortable. Forever 21’s rhinestone-blinged French terry sweater will be a hit in their wardrobe for years.
Jenny Lemons Grapefruit Slice Hair Claw
Don't settle for a boring claw clip. Spice up your teens hair accessories with this grapefruit claw clip from Jenny Lemons.
Felt Like Sharing Felt Wall Sign
These boards are majorly trending among teens — and for good reason. The felt letter board will look aesthetically pleasing in any room (it comes in 27 colors!), and it's customizable so your loved one can personalize it to say whatever she wishes in the moment.
Faux Leather Backpack
Both stylish and functional, this faux leather backpack is perfect for your middle-schooler's days in class.
Paint Your Own Pins DIY Kit
Self-expression is becoming more important for them as they get older, so equipping them with this DIY kit (including seven pins and eight paints) will inspire them to unleash their individualism even further.
The Complete "Summer I Turned Pretty" Trilogy
Whether she's already a bookworm or just binge-watched the recent TV adaptation, she won't be able to put down these books until she's finished the series.
Xyron Create-a-Sticker
Some gifts just stick with you, and this one will be appealing at first sight. Stickers make the world go round, and with this sticker maker, your 13-year-old’s world will keep on spinning and sticking.
Wekapo Inflatable Lounger
Easily inflatable, this air lounger is designed to support your upper back and neck so your tween can feel relaxed and comfortable. Once set up, the lounger will remain inflated for five to six hours. It also comes with a carrying bag for convenient storage.
Retrospec Quip Skateboard
You can't go wrong getting the 13-year-old in your life this sick skateboard. Reviewers say it's easy to maneuver, and its smooth wheels give it a smooth ride, making it really easy to learn on.
Little Words Project Custom Bracelet
Associate editor Allie Wise is planning on buying this bracelet for her soon-to-be 13-year-old niece. "I can’t wait to gift her this custom bracelet to commemorate this milestone birthday," shares. "I love that you can customize it with her name or a phrase. We have a few inside jokes so I think I might write something funny over sentimental, but we’ll see. I am sure she will appreciate it either way!"
Crocs Classic Lined Clogs
What's old is new again! At least that's the case with Crocs's popularity surge over the last few years. No teenage girl wants to hear about arch support, but we're happy to report that this cozy pair delivers "cradling comfort" for their growing feet.
Best gifts for 13-year-old boys
Magnetic Dart Board
Supply all the fun of a dartboard for your kids without the sharp, dangerous darts. This magnetic board is sure to be a party pleaser, and over 3,900 verified Amazon shoppers agree, rating this dartboard set five stars.
KiwiCo Light-Up Wire Art
The budding tween artist in your life will appreciate the chance to flex their creative muscles with this light-up wire kit. They’ll have all the tools necessary to create and display their electroluminescent masterpiece.
The Original Buddha Board Art Set
Currently the most gifted drawing board and table on Amazon, this is perfect for the aspiring artist in your life. Simply use water to paint away on the Buddha Board and watch it fade away so you can start again. On a budget? This meaningful gift is also available in a mini version that’s under $20.
Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board
This unique design is perfect for tween riders with a narrower stance. Not only will they be able to practice tricks on the board, but he slip-resistant deck will also give them a safer, smoother ride.
Sudotack Mic Kit for Recording and Streaming
“Where we dropping, boys?” will never be heard more clearly than with this USB mic. A perfect mic for the intense gamer who is ready to rally his troops and livestream their gameplay or podcast, it features four distinct sound pickup patterns, which should eliminate any chance for, “Can you hear me now?”
Catan Board Game
Own, control and expand your own civilization with this competitive board game. Whether your tween plays with family or friends, they will be sure to enjoy this social game that is all about strategy.
Camp HearthSong Balance Jousting Set
If your 13-year-old buddy has more energy to spare than a microphone can provide, gift them this jousting bopper set by Camp. It comes with an inflatable "bopping" lance (not of the dangerous persuasion!) as well as balance boards so you can both practice some healthy competition.
Game Room LED Sign
All signs lead to awesome with this game room LED sign. Good for your child’s bedroom or playroom, this versatile piece of electric art can easily be hung almost anywhere.
Tangle NightBall Basketball
Keep your eye on the prize all day and night with this light-up basketball that has motion-activated LEDs inside.
JBL Clip 4 Waterproof Speaker
If you have a kid who is ready to rock and go, this is the Bluetooth speaker for them. The JBL Clip 4 combines function, funk and fun into one compact and clippable speaker. The speaker features 10 hours of playtime, wireless Bluetooth streaming and a built-in carabiner. As an added bonus, this speaker is durable enough to take a mild beating or a quick swim in whatever body of water your child accidentally drops it in.
Tony Hawk Signature Series 3 Skateboard
Skateboards are a hot-ticket item, but you don’t become a legendary skateboarder without knowing a thing or two about boards. Featuring a colorful and artsy board deck as well as Pro Trucks and skateboard wheels, the Tony Hawk Popsicle skateboard series has it all. It's an ideal starter board for the newbie at the skatepark and sophisticated enough for the veteran on the skate ramp.
Nike Men's Pullover Hoodie
This Nike pullover hoodie is so comfy and cool that your teen will try to live in it. You never want to interrupt or cramp your child’s style, but they will need to pry this hoodie off once in a while for a dance around the washing machine.
Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3-Month Membership
Consider this the gift that keeps on giving for three solid months. This Game Pass provides unlimited access to over 100 games, with new games being added all the time. It's perfect for the Xbox fanatic in your house.
Gifts for 13-year-olds under $25
Natural Life Phone Strap
For the teen who's obsessed with their smartphone, gift them with some accessories for it. This beaded phone strap can be worn as a bracelet as another way to grasp onto their device.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
Tree Hut is having a moment — not only with teenagers, but with Shop TODAY and shoppers as well. It's been ranked as the best body scrub during our Shop TODAY Beauty Awards and is rated as one of Target's most popular beauty products.
With raving reviews in terms of quality, value and satisfaction, this scrub works to resolve dry skin woes and improve skin texture.
“Finish This Book,” By Keri Smith
Author Keri Smith wrote a book — well, half of a book, and she has tasked the readers to finish the story. Great for kids, this book will allow its reader to problem-solve and collaborate to do so.
One reviewer wrote, “My son, who isn’t in love with schoolwork, first thought this book sounded like it was going to be boring. Now, we have spent the last three hours solving the codes in the ‘training’ section of the book. He is HOOKED!”
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," by Suzanne Collins
While they were merely infants when the movie adaptations were released, it's never too late to catch up on the well-known and liked series.
This is the prequel that shares President Snow's origin story and follows the 10th annual Hunger Games.
Kids Against Maturity
This game brings fun to the whole family. The age-appropriate humor will have your 13-year-old laughing from start to finish. Plus, the game includes 600 cards, so you won't have to worry about repeated content.
Vibrant Name Personalized Youth Socks
Who doesn't love a gift that's tailored just for your 13-year-old — especially one as vibrant and colorful as these socks? This unisex pair has two designs you to choose from, each with the name of your tween featured in a repeating pattern. Reviewers say they're adorable and super-soft.
Bitty Boomers Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Don't let the size of this adorable speaker fool you. The sound is crystal-clear and loud enough to fill a room.
New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask
They will shimmer while they shines with this deep-cleansing charcoal peel-off mask, currently Amazon's top-selling body mud. Cleans and softens skin in as much time as it takes to watch an episode of their fave Netflix binge watch.
Lepro LED Strip Lights
Everyone loves a good light show, and now they can have one in their own room. These LED strip lights are easy to install, features 20 different colors and eight various modes. Colors and settings change with a simple click of the included remote.
Kimwood Clip-On Ring Light
Upgrade her selfie game with this clip-on ring light that creates the perfect lighting wherever she is. According to the description, it can last up to two-and-a-half hours when fully charged or can be used while charging, and it has three dimmable light modes and five brightness levels.
Splurge-worthy gifts for 13-year-olds
Casetify Strawberry Phone Case
For a phone case that encapsulates their personality, opt for one from Casetify, well-known for their vibrant, eccentric and durable cases.
Available for Apple, Google and Samsung models, this specific case has a moderate to strong amount of protection, according to the brand.
Stanley Quencher Insulated Tumbler
If your 13-year-old doesn't already have an emotional support water bottle, it's likely on their wish list. The Stanley tumbler is dishwasher-safe and has a lifetime warranty.
Multiple shoppers have noted that they bought the tumbler as gifts (and some even call out that they bought it for a 13-year-old).
"My 13 year old Goddaughter loved it," one shopper wrote. They continued, "She loved the color AND that it arrived before she left for school!"
Kate Spade New York Pendant Necklace
Simple and sophisticated, your girl will feel fancy and frilly with this rose-gold-plated initial pendant necklace from Kate Spade. This luxury gift is a great first accessory piece, plus it's good for everyday wear or for special occasions.
Bear & Wolf Soapstone Carving Kit
If the tween in your life is more of the quietly pensive, artistic persuasion, they'll appreciate this soapstone sculpting kit that'll introduce them to the craft of carving. It comes with two bear and wolf soapstone shapes, a kid-safe carving file, step-by-step instructions and everything else they'll need to complete their masterpiece.
Vantop Snaptain S5C Pro 2K Drone
Easy to use and hard to destroy, this drone is great for the novice drone pilot. It features voice-activated commands, one-touch takeoffs and landings, and video transmission that can automatically be shared on social media.
