Mel here! Your babies are growing up and they are entering that stage of wanting really expensive gifts or you have absolutely no idea what to even get them. We've come to the rescue with some really fun and unique suggestions to gift your teen this year.
1. DIY Book Insert: Your teenage bookworm probably has a bookshelf, and they are probably always looking for ways to beautify and personalize it. This Rolife DIY Book Nook kit is a magical dollhouse-like insert to put in between your books, bringing your bookshelf to life. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but the process of putting it together yourself is so satisfying and worth the effort.
2. Smart Dog Puzzle Game: If your kid is a dog person, SmartGames has designed a fun and creative brain game for traveling, sitting in waiting rooms, or for quiet, phone-free time. Simply set up the pieces to match the challenge in the challenge booklet, and arrange the pieces one at a time to create an obstacle course for the dog to go through! Get the whole family involved and make it a competition, that’s what we did!
3. Hogwarts Castle: The Hogwarts Castle LEGO set is no secret in the Wizarding World community. Snagging one of these collectible sets is a dream for so many Potterheads, and a very special gift for the one in your family. They will feel that they’ve apparated into Hogwarts as they build the castle, and their notalgia itch will be satisfied for the year! I know families who display it as an annual Halloween or Christmas decoration, but it definitely deserves to be on display.
4. Quilling for Beginners: Looking for a craft for your teen to get excited about? The Quilling Beginner’s Kit has everything they need to dip their toes in the world of quilling, or making art by shaping paper! They can customize greeting cards, create artwork, door hangers, or even magnets. The kit is truly made for beginners, will easy-to-follow instructions on top of all the tools included.
5. Fine Line Temp Tats: I remember when I was in high school it was all the rage to draw on yourself with Sharpie or pens, which was not the safest or cleanest decision. But kids love to self expression and often find it in body art. These temporary tattoos last 5-7 days and are so easy to apply in seconds! There are over 240 tattoos to choose from, from inspirational words to flowers, wildlife and other symbols. They are so fun to do together as a group at parties, or make great party favors as well!
6. Super Slide Brain Game: Invite your kid to focus and strengthen their problem solving and planning skills with the Super Slide brain teaser game! It is about the size of a handheld console, making it a great travel companion. It is designed for fidgeters, children who struggle with focusing, or anyone who loves brain games! There are over 500 puzzles, providing endless challenging fun.
7. Gib Gab: I know you played a version of this game when you were a kid, but probably with your hands rather than a machine. It is a must-play for your next family game night, or when your kids have friends over! Choose a category, and think of words within that category faster than your opponent. If the light reaches you before you can think of a word, you lose that round! The first one to three points wins, so it is a pretty fast game that everyone can enjoy. It is just as fun watching as it is playing!
8. Face Serum: Just Ingredients has blown up in recent years, and for good reason. Their commitment to clean consumption is one that is addictive, and we are so glad that they have ventured into the beauty world! Their face serum is clean, effective, and safe for all skin types, especially youthful skin! All the ingredients are organic and recognizable, and the list doesn’t go on for miles! You can have peace of mind knowing that the best of ingredients are being soaked up by your or your child’s skin.
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9. Jumbo Scrunchie: Whether you or your child has really thick hair or you love statement accessories, the Kaxi Jumbo Scrunchie needs to be in your regular rotation. These massive scrunchies are 5 times the size of your average scrunchie and come in 15 gorgeous colors! These make the perfect finishing touch on holiday gifts.
10. Speks Putty: Look no further for the most satisfying fidget toy on the market. These tiny magnets are incredibly fun to run between your fingers or stack on the desk. My kids will play with their Speks Fidget Putty while reading a book or watching a show, quieting their mind and helping them focus. With multiple color options, each person in the family got to pick their favorite color!
11. Cats and Boxes Smart Game: I found one of the best on-the-go brain games that involves no technology whatsoever. The object of the game is super simple: set up the pieces to match the challenge in the challenge booklet, and arrange the pieces one at a time to get every cat inside of a box! It is perfect for road trips, airplanes, or when your teen needs to get off their device.
12. Roller Skates: Do you have a roller skating enthusiast in your home, or an upcoming birthday that you need to plan? If my parents had gotten me these roller skates when I was younger, I would’ve been at the skating rink on a daily basis! They are good for indoor or outdoor use, and whoever wears them will be riding in style. The holographic material is gorgeous and certainly stands out, and they even have an option for light-up wheels!
13. Lap Loom: Have you ever been asked how rugs and tapestries were made back in the day before machines? I know I have wondered about it before, but Harrisville Designs have taken away all the mystery with the introduction of their Lap Loom kit! Create a 9x15 inch piece made of 100% wool through the ancient practice of weaving. You and your kids can learn the history of weaving with the booklet provided, and create something truly beautiful and fulfilling!
14. Volleyshot: Let your kid bring the fun to the lunchroom, greenroom, or game night with Fat Brain’s Volleyshot! This super simple table-top game challenges hand-eye coordination and cognition, and is a great way to compete with friends in a short amount of time. Make it a scoring competition, or see how long you can keep a volley going!
15. Gold Chain: Gold chains are all the rage across the board for men and women, and I was shocked when my husband expressed interest in getting one! I found this 18K gold plated, sterling silver chain for such a good deal by Miabella. This chain is made in Italy, by people who value quality craftsmanship. It comes in 7 length options, so you can make sure it’ll lie right where you want it. It is a great staple piece that adds a little shine to every outfit!
16. Face Scrub: You or a young one in your family may be in need of a face scrub, but I beg you (!!!) to not run to the grocery store and buy one of their abrasive, chemical-ridden scrubs that will do more harm than good. Just Ingredients has a safe, gentle face scrub that smells amazing and will not harm your or your kid’s skin. No parabens, endocrine disruptors, or irritants, just organic and real ingredients that you can trust.
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17. Detangling and Massage Brush: Everyone with long hair and within the sound of my written word needs to invest in the Glow Beauty detangling brush. Meant for wet hair, dry hair, thick or thin hair, the brush is for everyone. It seamlessly detangles my hair, even when I have been out in the wind all day, and I do not have to worry about it breaking or pulling my hair. Unique to this brush is an intentional drainage hole to prevent water damage, water retention, or bacteria buildup.
18. Face Socks: Remind your loved one how much they love you with custom Face Socks from Etsy! These custom socks are the perfect silly gift for Mother’s or Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, groomsmen or even school dances. They can fit almost any occasion, are affordable, and will easily bring a laugh to the recipient. You can put up to 5 different faces on the socks, so creativity has no bounds!
19. Thinking Putty: Sometimes you just need something squishy, stretchy, and bouncy to play with while you read, do homework, or listen to your favorite podcast. Not only is Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is a sensory dream, and so fun to play with, but it is also made out of a gorgeous color-changing silicone that never dries out. It is an incredible fidget toy for all ages over 3.
20. Mixhers HerTime: I cannot praise Mixhers enough, with their devotion to women’s health and the making of tasty drinks. HerTime is one of their most genius creations. It was thoughtfully crafted with female hormones in mind, helping to ease menstrual cramps, mood swings, and bloating. It also supports normal cycles all month long, regulating hormones when taken regularly. I have my HerTime every single day and I have felt a major difference in my cycles.
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21. Super Flying Disk: I found the ultimate outdoor toy that is easy to travel with, lightweight, and loads of fun. The Star Magic Beamo Woosh frisbee flying disk is 20 inches in diameter, making it larger than a standard frisbee, and so easy to catch. It is great for the beach, pool, & park, improving hand-eye coordination in all who play with it! Watch it glide up to 100 feet and catch it without any fear of getting hurt.
22. Boomabandz: Do teenagers still do outdoor game nights? If they do, or if you have room in your home or backyard, you need a BoomaBand! This massive band provides a thrilling, physical activity for youth and adults! Bring it to your next picnic, 4th of July party or family game night. Simply wrap the band around four people, and get an unexpected giggly workout as you all take turns running to the other side of the band. It is breathtakingly fun and exciting!
23. Tech Deck: Finger boards, or mini skateboards for your fingers, are not only a great fidget toy, but are meant for collecting and trading with friends! This exclusive Olympic Games 2024 8 pack includes mini versions of Olympians’ boards, and they each come with trading cards and stands for the boards! Your skater boys and their friends can bond over this fun hobby and learn finger tricks along the way!
24. GRWM Towel Headband: Kaxi designed the cutest and functional headband there is! Get your hair out of your face with a gorgeous, soft, microfiber headband that prevents creasing. I use mine every single day when I get ready, and so do all my beauty influencer friends! If you have a content creator in your house or they just like feeling pretty when they are getting ready, this is a must-have for your day-to-day!
25. Bow Earrings Pack: 2024 is the year of the bows, and if you haven’t got on the train yet, it is never too late! This 12-pack of gold plated bow earrings are an incredible value and come with all kinds of styles and sizes of bows: long and skinny, short and squat, sparkly and flat. They are hypoallergenic and nickel-free, and are hard to tarnish, helping them last longer!
26. Mixhers Focus: Replace your sugary caffeinated drink with something made of clean ingredients that is just as yummy! Mixhers Focus is designed to help you focus while also aiding in stress relief and supporting brain function. When I take this regularly, I feel a boost in my energy and a restored vigor so I can do everything I need to do as a busy mom of 3. Mixhers is a woman-owned, woman-owned brand that we have proudly partnered with for years and recommend them to everyone we know!
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27. Wolf Em Stick: Roasting over the campfire is not limited to marshmallows and hot dogs. In fact, some people don’t even care for these campfire staples! I introduce to you the Wolf’em Stick. The creators of Wolf’em discovered a way to roast biscuit dough over the fire, creating a crunchy bowl to be filled with whatever sweet or savory treat you want! My favorite feature is the easy-turn wooden handle, making it so easy to cook my food evenly.
28. Harry Potter Puzzle: I would honestly be shocked if the Harry Potter fan in your household didn’t already have a Harry Potter puzzle, but whether they do or not, this puzzle is a must! It is for advanced puzzlers, with 3000 pieces. It is 32x45 in when completed, and totally captures the beauty of the Hogwards Castle. Do it as a family in one day, or make it more of a long-term project for one! Either way, it will bring some magic into your home.
29. On the Go Blanket: Beddy’s On-The-Go blanket is a necessity for travelers. It is double-sided, with a plush minky side for extra cold conditions and a lighter-weight side for when you just want the comfort of a nice blanket. It comes with a water-resistant carrying case for ease of travel, and I promise it will become your best traveling buddy the moment you use it for the first time! We love ours and have it in the car with us at all times.
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30. Crystal Chakra Balls: We recently watched Inside Out 2 as a family and fell in love with the emotion characters all over again! When I found these crystal light-up chakra balls, I was so excited because they reminded me of the panel of emotions depicted in the movie! The seven colors are each so beautiful and vibrant, and when lit up become the most beautiful night light anyone could ask for! They add vibrance to whatever room they are in, and can be used as an emotional support item as well.
31. Get Out Pass: If you are a Utah local and have not tried a Get Out Pass yet, I am so sorry but you are really missing out! My husband I got the Get Out Pass in our first year of marriage when we wanted to explore what Utah has to offer and see what we enjoy doing together! It could not have been a better purchase. With each pass you get 1 visit at Lagoon, ski resorts, water parks, sports games, golf courses, trampoline parks, and way way more. The deal is truly unbeatable, and will get you and your family out of the monotonous routines and into the fun that Utah has to offer!
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32. Needoh Gum Drop: Stress balls can be retro, too! The Needoh Gumdrop brings a bright and nostalgic feel to stress balls, with its bright colors and classic Gumdrop candy-shape. It bounces back to its original shape every time it is squeezed, and the texture is so nice to feel in your hands. If your child needs to destress or simply requires a fidget toy, this affordable ball can do the trick!
33. Permanent Jewelry: Commemorate a relationship with permanent jewelry from Bonded Bracelets! We were introduced to Bonded a few years back, and immediately got ourselves matching bracelets. It was the best bonding activity for us to go to together, and the quality of the jewelry is the best of the best. We recommend going for a girl’s night, birthday parties, or hiring them for a private party! It is an act of permanence that will complete any outfit, and one you will never regret!
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