30 Fun Gift Ideas for the Hard-to-Please 14-Year-Old in Your Life (2024)

At 14 years old, the girl or boy in your life is likely an 8th grader in middle school or a freshman in high school. Chances are they want to blend in to be seen as cool but also pursue their individual interests. It’s a tricky line, like many other things at this age. Unfortunately for parents, it can also be a tough time for communication — the beginning of the angsty teen years. So, if they haven’t provided you with gift ideas, either for their birthday, Christmas, or just because, we’ve compiled a list of top gifts for 14-year-olds that they are all but guaranteed to love.

To source the ideas, we went straight to TikTok to hear what actual 14-year-old girls and boys want, and this is what we came up with — a list of presents that touch on skincare, games, technology, beauty, and style. There are popular picks from brands such as Stanley, Adidas, Lululemon, and more, so they can fit in with their new high school classmates, and unique presents they may not have thought of, such as a bullet journal, shaving set, and cologne sampler pack.

If you’re shopping for kids or teens of a different age, we have gift recommendations for them too at the end of the article. For more interest-based gift ideas, make sure to check out our lists of the best gifts for book lovers, best Taylor Swift gifts, and best gifts for artists.

If they're interested in the world of beauty but aren't quite ready for makeup, this lip balm trio from Glossier is the perfect middle ground. It's a step up from your typical stick balm but not a lipgloss. Scents include mango, birthday cake, and coconut.

Part of being a teen is keeping up with the trends, and there is nothing more trendy than the Stanley insulated tumbler. This stainless steel cup comes in 40 color options and five sizes. It keeps drinks cold or hot for hours, which is great for school and after-school practice.

A great gift idea for a creative 14-year-old, this 96-page dotted journal comes blank for them to fill with diary entries, drawings, lists, and fun habit trackers. For a robust gift, pair the journal with colorful gel pens.

If they're experimenting with skincare and makeup, a light-up trifold mirror would make for a thoughtful gift. The mirror offers standard, 2X, and 3X magnification, which will undoubtedly come in handy when learning how to apply eyeliner.

Blemishes are never fun, and unfortunately, your teenage years are full of them. When placed on a whitehead, these hydrocolloid patches will help draw out the gunk, making this a great alternative to skin picking. Each package comes with 36 patches.

For a young teen learning how to curl their hair, this rotating curler could be a great gadget. All they need to do is clamp their hair, hit the arrow button to curl left or right, and release after a few seconds. The iron comes with three heat settings: low (290 °F), medium (350 °F), and high (410 °F). Just don't forget the heat protectant spray!

Whether she's reserving all four for herself or for a slumber party with friends, this pack of coconut gel brightening sheet masks will be a fun self-care treat. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes, and rub in the excess moisture for a radiant, dewy appearance.

Move aside scrunchies, claw clips are the new "it" hair accessory. She can wear her hair in a full updo or go for a casual half-up/half-down hairstyle with this six-pack of claw clips. These are perfect for throwing in a backpack, purse, desk, etc. to always have on hand.

On the topic of hair accessories, this puffy headband is great for wearing during morning and nighttime skincare. It holds hair back so she can wash her face without getting her hair wet. Reviews rave that the headband is comfortable, not too tight, and above all, stylish.

At any age, but especially in your teenage years, a phone case is a reflection of your personality. Gift her this cheerful and bright option from Casetify that's available in almost every iPhone size (and a few Android sizes). The durable case has an anti-slip grip and is said to withstand drops up to four feet.

A fun gift for boys or girls, this mini fridge can be plugged into the wall (or car) for chill drinks and snacks at the ready. The compact fridge size can fit up to six cans. It includes a detachable shelf for added space.

Whether he's recently hit puberty or is coming upon it, a shaving kit will be a useful gift idea. This affordable option from Dollar Shave Club comes with a handle, four razor cartridges, prep cream, shave cream, and post-shave dew.