PARENTING TIPS
PREGNANCY
BABY CARE
TODDLERS
TEENS
HEALTH CARE
ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS
By Franziska Macur
Some of the best gifts come in small packages — at least that’s what our teen product testers tell us. If you’re looking for white elephant gifts, Hanukkah gifts, unique stocking stuffers, token thank you gifts, or even a unique birthday present for teens, you need to check out this fun list of small gift ideas. Our teen product testers approve!
Sockologie Socks ($10-15)
Socks are classic stocking stuffers. Add a fun design, and they make great white elephant gifts, too. Sockologie offers such a wide variety of novelty socks, you’re bound to find one (or two or three) to please everyone on your holiday gift list. Our reviewer says, “The designs are cute and they have fuzzy bits that add texture. If your teen is sensitive to seams or synthetic fabrics, these might not be the best option. But if they like fun novelty socks, these are attractive and there’s a wide variety to choose from on the website.”
ChargeCard Phone Charging Card ($59.95)
Small but mighty, that’s key when it comes to finding the best stocking stuffers. The ChargeCard is a credit card sized phone charger that fits in your wallet and works with Apple, Android, and all other devices. Our tester says, “It’s ideal for teenagers who are constantly on the go and constantly on their phones! It is thin, although heavier than a credit card — it will fit in a wallet, or small pocket. Now, there’s no reason for your teenager to not return your call or text!”
Mini Daisy Wallet ($18)
It’s hard to resist the Mini Daisy Wallet. Designed like a small envelope, it’s sure to be a hit with teens who don’t enjoy carrying bulky wallets around. Features include a scalloped edge, snap closure, and fun, floral colors. It’s sized to carry your ID and credit cards and fits into your pocket or purse with ease. Our tester is head over heels for it. “I love this adorable little coin purse. It’s such good quality and is perfect for keeping change.”
Bear Hugs Notecards ($14.50)
I don’t know about you, but my home mailbox is usually filled with junk mail and bills. When someone sends me a handwritten card, it’s always a sweet surprise. This holiday season, encourage your teen to spread snail mail joy when the gift-giving season is over. With notecards that feature a cozy polar, panda, brown, or black bear with folded arms that “hug” your message, your teen will love sending snail mail thank you’s for all the awesome holiday gifts they receive. Our tester says, “These are my new faves. You don’t even have to write much because the hug alone will make people smile. I’d like kitty ones, too, please.”
Bibliophile Pencils ($15.95)
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for your bookworm? This unique pencil set is perfect for anyone who loves reading and writing. Each pencil features a classic literary quote stamped in foil. Bibliophiles will be proud to use and discuss these. Our reviewer’s take? “These are beautiful and the selection of quotes is really great. I think many readers would like them.”
Mug Buddies ($12)
Thinking about giving cookies as a gift? How about a cookie that sits perfectly on the rim of your mug? Our testers tried the Mug Buddies Winter Wishes duo, described as the magic and promise of a quiet, starry winter’s night. A snowman wishes upon a star on a roof glittering with golden luster dust. Next door, a house peacefully sleeps beneath a snowy nonpareil roof. “We love them! There’s nothing cuter than when these cookie houses sit on the rim of your mug. So special!” Available in six scrumptious flavors and made from scratch using premium ingredients.
Lowercase Initial Necklace ($15)
Need something shiny and personal for your kids’ stocking? This dainty adjustable necklace is perfect not only for reminding them of you but also as a fashion statement, especially for the current trend of layering. Our take? “I really like this necklace! It’s very high quality. It can transform from a choker to a normal necklace! Great product!”
Friendsheep Ornaments ($18)
Ornaments make a beautiful stocking stuffers, and these ornaments, which you can infuse with essential oils and use as room fresheners, are suitable to hang year round. Friendsheep replaces single-use plastic and toxic chemicals commonly found in household commodities by offering zero-waste alternatives. All their products are reusable, plastic-free, cruelty-free, fair trade, and compostable. Even their packaging is eco-friendly. And, they donate a portion of their proceeds to charities. Our teen product tester says, “The bumblebee and sea turtle ornaments are adorable and the essential oil smells amazing! When I add a few drops to an ornament and hang it on my window latch, the smell lasts all day. They look so cute hanging everywhere! I really love how ethical and sustainable this company is. These ornaments make me smile.”
L’or de Seraphine Candle ($18-40)
Want to turn a room cozy in a minute? Light up a L’or de Seraphine candle. Encased in chic patterned ceramic containers and made with sustainably-sourced palm wax, these design-forward aromatherapy candles add a touch of warmth and worldly appeal. Our tester’s review: “I love creating a work ambiance with the scent of a beautiful candle. I love the whole sensory experience.”
Zipper Pull ($4)
Even ordinary objects can be made more personal with tiny creative gifts. This drummer owl zipper pull charm from an Etsy seller would be great on your teen’s backpack, purse, coat, pouch, wallet, cosmetic bag — anywhere they have a zipper that needs some pizzazz and a token of your love. Whatever hobby or interest your teen has, you have a pretty good shot at finding them the perfect zipper charm here. Says one teen, “It’s so cute and goes perfectly on my percussion bag.”
Pop It Toys (Price varies)
Overwhelmed? We all are at times. Pop It toys are great at redirecting nervous energy so you can focus. These sensory toys keep us engaged and busy because the bubbles are so much fun to pop. Big and little kids alike can’t stop playing with them. Our reviewer says, “I love mine! I take it with me on the plane and in the car since for me it is a huge de-stressor. I also love the sound the bubbles make when I pop them. It’s great for us fidgeters.”
4Ocean Bracelet ($15)
Today’s teens are environmentally conscious. They care deeply about climate change and the state of our planet. A great way to honor your teen’s stewardship is with a 4Ocean bracelet. Artisans in Bali make these unisex, waterproof, and adjustable bracelets from recovered plastic cord, recycled glass beads, and recycled stainless steel charms. Purchasing this bracelet removes one pound of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines. When your teen wears this 4Ocean beaded bracelet, they’re instantly recognizable as a member of the clean ocean movement. Our teen tester loves to wear hers. “It’s so cool that my bracelet helps to remove waste from the ocean.”
Essential Oil ($16)
When winter days are gray, remind your teen that even a little sunshine can help reinvigorate their spirit and boost their mood. Friendsheep Wool offers a “Sun is Shining” essential oil made with a unique blend of organic lavender, sweet orange, rosemary, and sage as well as a “Twilight Garden” one, a combination of jasmine, neroli, and bergamot. These oil blends can give your teen’s mood a lift and reenergize them during the drab winter days. Our teen tester says, “This essential oil smells refreshing and magical. It reminds me of summer days and sunshine.”
Chocolate Cocktails ($8)
Looking for a tasty, fancy, but non-alcoholic drink? Agosto’s Confections Four Piece Box of “chocolate cocktails,” made with oils not alcohol, are worth of indulgence. In our tester’s words: “Good is the understatement of the season. These chocolates are a decadent gift for the person who makes the magic happen during the holidays. Add them to your wish list.”
SoChok Skinlove (Varies)
Is your tween just starting out with a skin routine? This might be the perfect product for them. SoChok Skinlove is a new line of gender-neutral clean skincare for kids, tweens & teens. All products are free of parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, and everything is specially formulated to achieve a perfectly balanced mid-range pH. SoChok Skinlove is teaching kids how to easily create a routine that cultivates lifelong healthy habits. Our tween loves it. “It feels really good on my face and has a soft and light texture. After using it, my skin glows and is fresh. The little sponge is a great add-on.”
Mom’s Last Nerve ($18.99)
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for mom? Especially after she dealt with the brunt of shopping, decorating, and cooking? This candle might be the perfect fit. Our reviewer loves hers. “It’s funny, it smells good, and it’s a great signal for my family to give me some me-time. I highly recommend it. It would be even better if it would project throughout the house.”
