We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
43 Fun Stocking Stuffers for Teens That They'll Actually Like
Holiday shopping time is upon us again. And, when it comes to shopping for gifts for teens, a lot of time and attention are given to the big-ticket gifts (with good reason — they're usually hard on the ol' wallet). But savvy shoppers know it's the little things that are the most fun to shop for, and sometimes the most fun to get.
With stocking stuffers, the pressure is off: You don't have to wow, you just have to offer a little moment of delight. And hunting for those perfect little gifts under $20 or gifts under $10 — or, dare we say it, even gifts under $5? — is the most fun kind of scavenger hunt.
Of course, the recipient determines the level of challenge for that hunt. Pretty much any stocking stuffer for toddlers will get played with. And the fillers for guys are pretty easy once you know their hobby. The best stocking stuffers for teens in 2022, on the other hand, are harder to find. Still, there are plenty of inexpensive delights to be found, even if you're shopping for a last-minute gift. And, even though they don't cost the big bucks, you can still find cool tech gifts, practical items that'll definitely get used, fun nods to their favorite movies and TV shows and things they'd love to play with (just don't call them toys). Whether you're looking for gifts for teen boys or teen girls, you'll be able to take care of every teenager on your list.
Have a teen who takes a phone into the bathroom with them when they shower and tries to turn the volume all the way up? Save them the hassle with this Bluetooth speaker, which is water-resistant and suction cups to the shower wall. It comes in several colors, and lasts for six hours on a charge.
These durable and colorful fidget toys can be pulled, stretched and squished whenever your teen is bored or needs some stress relief. You can also opt for the bigger Neeh Doh ball that changes colors.
They'll be delighted to see their favorite, classic board games done up in a miniature version! This fun collectible has all of the pieces of the real board games shrunk down to mini size. The games are actually playable, but Good Housekeeping Institute testers mostly used them as collectibles and decorations.
You have enough to worry about with them on the road. At least you can make sure they never have to look down for directions with this durable phone holder that will stay put through all the bumps or vibrations as they drive.
It's the fidget toy they never get sick of! The board is filled with colored gel, and kids get the soothing experience of making patterns in it. They can use their fingers or the included stylus, and it comes in several colors. Ages 5+
They can jot down notes, etch doodles and create cool designs to pass along to their friends or just hang up in their room. Each one comes with 125 sheets of scratch-art paper, so they last a good, long time.
Teens love personalizing their bedrooms and making cool backdrops for TikToks or other videos. This set provides good lighting with 17' of lights, and also has 50 clear clips for hanging photos.
It's a poster that changes its look over time: As your young cinephiles watch the 100 films, they can scratch off the silver squares to reveal each movie's colorful icon underneath. Who needs film school?
Keep their cords safe — and looking cute — with these little critters, which wrap around the cord to prevent breakage. They come in a pack of 18, so you'll never be at a loss for one when you need it.
Perfect Idea for a 17- or 18-year-old
Zest Books 97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School
Perfect Idea for a 17- or 18-year-old
Zest Books 97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School
This book is about the stuff they don't teach in school. It can lead them to find a new hobby, host a film festival, make a public speech or get in touch with their creative side and open their eyes to the world outside of high school.
Soon, your teen will be out on their own. If they don't yet know how to do things like sew a button or fix a small appliance, at least send them out into the world with this reference book, so they can figure it out when they need to. The book includes home-based how-tos for everything from how to clean a house in 15 minutes to how to seal a drafty window to how to frost a cake — all techniques vetted by the experts at Good Housekeeping.
Teens can make grilled cheese sandwiches without a frying pan in these bags, which you can pop straight in the toaster (or in a microwave or on a grill). It comes with a set of 10 bags of differing sizes, and each one can be used 50 times. The bags also work for crisping up fries, pizza or nuggets.
Now, all their headphones and other cords won't get all tangled up in their pockets or in the bottom of their backpacks. Once they unbutton it, the cords unwind easily, so they can get right to listening to their music. You can get them in a variety of colors, too.
These slipper socks are fleece-lined for extra warmth and comfort, but also have grips on the bottom, so they won't slide around the house. They come in a ton of fun colors, too.
Now they can record videos, watch TV or listen to music hands-free with this device, which clamps on to a shelf or table and holds up the phone. This adjustable neck will also help them keep from getting the dreaded "text neck."
If you don't want to have to get them another super-expensive pair of AirPods next Christmas, give them these EarHooks to keep the ones they have safe. They're flexible and loop around the AirPods and your teens' ears, so they don't fall out in transit. They also come in a bevy of colors.
VSCO girl or not, the scrunchie is back in a big way, and these satin scrunchies are right on trend. This comes as a set of 50, so she can match every outfit.
Now, you don't have to worry that their hands will freeze while they're texting. These touchscreen gloves are extra thick, and three fingers will still be able to use a phone or tablet.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.