Thoughtful + Minimal Christmas | Tweens + Teens

Teens and tweens are probably the hardest age group to give gifts and things to.

They’ve developed their personalities and interests and they’re alllll different. While one may enjoy one thing, others don’t and that’s ok.

When pulling things for this list, I looked at some of the tweens + teens that I know personally and guessed what they may want.

This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. For more information, please follow this link.

Here are the 10 things I see for tweens and teens that they’d love to have! Of course some of this list can be pricy so I’ve factored that in to get an array of items in every price point.

1. Mini Fridge for their room

It’s no lie that teens love to hang out in their own separate space. I’ve seen these little appliances used for a small stash of snacks and beverages but also makeup and self-care items.

2. Karaoke is back with a vengeance!

The tweens and teens love music from Taylor Swift to rap and county. I think they’d love to do it with their friends (and even maybe their family).

3. Outdoor Games!

Get them up and outside with some fun and popular games. Pickleball has taken the world by storm — if you have a net around even better!

This pickleball set has everything needed for your driveway, unless you just need the paddles.

Ever go to the beach or a tailgate and people are playing the spikeball game? I couldn’t bring myself to spend $100 on it, but this knockoff would be fun!

4. Have a music lover?

I love this movement towards retro. Tweens and teens are bringing back alllll the things from the past including vinyls and music.

I have this Crosley player and love it and it has bluetooth capability too. For another brand, this one is eye-catching and minimal.

When you’re out bopping around town, find a record/ thrift store and go on a hunt and create those memories. Of course, grab a few vinyls to kick start their collection- nearly ever artist has vinyls, including the most popular ones.

5. Update their travel goodies

Having good luggage is so important. There are so many sets that will make them feel more mature. When they’re excited to travel, travel if you can! It doesn’t have to be crazy- a weekend in the woods, a night at a fancy hotel, a week at the beach. It’s one thing I never minimize the importance of. This set is beautiful and comes in colors for all.

6. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a drone.

This age group would love a drone that they can see things from the sky. Even better if there’s a camera capability as well.

7. A Kindle and books!

While it’s the truth that often this age group doesn’t read when it’s not at school because they’re too busy, I think if they had a kindle that could easily travel with them, they may be more inclined to do it. Kindle does include magazines as well. Something to consider and it could get them up for a lifetime of reading.

8. Art supplies and crafty things.

Hear me out… one Halloween I put out coloring books for the Teal Pumpkin Project. All the books were gone first and who took them all? TEENS and TWEENS! They want the opportunity to shut off their brain just as much as we, as adults, do too. There are soooo many options on Amazon, Target, etc for your receiver based on their interests. Grab fancy looking colored pencils and gift done!

9. Camera goodies for all.

Yes- while most in this age group have a phone camera, remember above when I said they love all things nostalgia? Physical cameras hit the mark. They decorate with them. They pass photos to their friends. Even the boys can get into them!

Of course, I love the Instax brand.

There are cameras that have video capabilities too (like this one) if you have a kid who thinks they’ll be the next Tik Tok star.

And if you have one that loves all things retro, this Polaroid brings back memories (shake it… shake it…)

10. A bedroom glow up

Are they still living in their “kiddy” room? Let them make it their own. Go to Homegoods/TJ Maxx/Target *with a budget* and let them pick out a few things: new sheets, a cool lamp, wall art, furniture (ikea) if they need it, and then hit up the paint store to pick out a new color. Paint it together, let them get excited and be happy with where they lay their head. They’ll LOVE it!

Side note: Real talk time… If you do a glow-up for Christmas, let them make their own decisions even if it doesn’t match your aesthetic or preferences. You have a short time period left with them living in your house, enjoy it and let them personalize their space.

The beauty with this age group is they’re so experience driven. They want to show their friends pictures and videos of the coolest trip/activity, craziest experience, and they share their stories with the world quite frequently.

I can guarantee that while they may wear the latest hip shoe you get them until the next thing comes out that they’ll look back on experiences when they’re older as the best things ever (even if they complain, whine and moan about it before and after!).

Make the memories, spread joy, and experience more together.