From Polaroid cameras to skincare, loungewear to gaming accessories, here are the presents teenage boys and girls told us they rate for 2026
Homemade Christmas gifts anyone can make
Because there is no doubt your teen thinks they know better than you, we took them at their word and asked what they think makes the perfect gift for Christmas (or other religious festival they celebrate).
To ensure the selection was truly tried and tested, we asked them only about presents they have already received, love and use constantly. We also made sure to ask a broad range of teens – from book lovers to tech fiends and plenty in between – to try to represent the myriad tastes of this age group.
The best Christmas gifts for teens in 2026
Lego lovers
Lego retro roller skate
Lego keeps you entertained for a long time. You can keep coming back to it, take it apart and rebuild it, and it’s really good to collect. Anon, 14
Lego Technic Lamborghini Huracán
I love my Lego Lamborghini Huracán; the fun I had making the car is the real joy of it, plus putting it on display after hours of hard work is the best feeling, especially when friends see it. I think any kid my age who likes cars would absolutely love this for Christmas. I now have my eyes on the new Lego Formula One models. Ayush, 15
Bookworms
Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh, six-book collection set
I’ve loved the Boys of Tommen book series. They’re addictive and emotional. I loved reading from all of the characters’ perspectives. Isabella, 16
Arc of a Scythe Series, four-book collection set
The Arc of a Scythe series by Neal Shusterman is perfect for fans of the Hunger Games and Divergent – it’s thrilling and impossible to put down once you’re immersed in the author’s dystopian world. Matilda, 13
The Heroes of Olympus: the complete five-book collection set
My favourites are the Heroes of Olympus books by Rick Riordan – entertaining, great for learning Greek mythology and particularly good for reluctant readers! Alisha, 14
A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent
I’ve been reading A Natural History of Dragons. It’s an interesting and well-written book that takes itself semi-seriously and is full of humour mixed with interesting speculative biology of dragons. It’s also, I think, accurate to the actual time period (outside the existence of dragons) and has a female lead! Solly, 18
Games and tech
Sony WH-CH520 Bluetooth headphones
Tecknet RGB gaming keyboard
I love my Sony wireless Bluetooth headphones; I’ve had them for several years and still use them all the time. I like listening to music (like Ed Sheeran) and think they would make a good gift for people my age who love music. I also love the light-up keyboard for my computer; it’s really cool. I like gaming with it and showing it to my mates. James, 14
Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution – Pitch Black
I love this game. It’s not just whether you get anything good or not, it’s the surprise when you open them. With this, you get four packs and an extra 40 cards, so it’s good value. Ted, 13
Hy-Pro Fifa World Cup 2026 size 5 PVC football
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd gen)
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
My favourite things are my football – you don’t need any other fancy equipment, and you can play on your own as well as with friends – and my Bose SoundLink Flex portable speaker. I also recommend Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell – it’s an amazingly interesting book that I think everyone should read. Stan, 14
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Nintendo Switch
I think people my age would definitely like this Nintendo Switch game, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond. You can get cool Pokémon and don’t need to upgrade to a Switch 2 – the game is available secondhand [for a more affordable] price too. Nathan, 13
SteelSeries Sensei Pro wireless gaming mouse
The SteelSeries Sensei Pro wireless gaming mouse is really good. Good polling rate [a test to see how fast and accurate a mouse is], two batteries and a dock. It doesn’t get interrupted by other devices, plus it’s lightweight. Dan, 16
Canon PowerShot SX160IS, refurbished model
Brother LS14s manual stitch sewing machine
I love my Canon PowerShot digital camera. I like to go to concerts and take pictures and videos – I can be in the moment. If I use my phone, I get distracted. I also love making things with my sewing machine. I recently altered an Alessi Rose top because only large sizes were left, and they were too big. I got them both secondhand as I’m really into recycling and reusing. Freya, 16
Music lovers
Beats Solo 4 Bluetooth headphones
I recommend Beats’ headphones. These are so comfortable, and the sound quality is amazing. Aoife, 13
Yamaha PSR-E383 portable keyboard for beginners
I really like my Yamaha keyboard and think it’s something many teenagers would enjoy, especially for composing their own music. Ria, 14
Violator by Depeche Mode, Legacy vinyl edition
Polaroid Go Gen 2 instant camera set
I love old vinyl, like Gary Numan and Depeche Mode. The sound quality and artwork are much better than streaming. I like my Polaroid camera too – I can make instant memories that feel more special than saving a picture on my phone. Martha, 14
Beauty and fashion fans
Elf power grip primer, 24ml
Byoma barrier boosting beginners set
The Elf Power Grip primer is one of my favourite products. I usually find all of my favourite products through TikTok videos, and everyone loves this one. It’s lightweight enough for someone who has just started wearing makeup, and I think it’s perfect for teen skin. Honestly, anything from Elf makes a perfect gift; I got a selection of products for my birthday, and there’s still so many I want to try.
I usually ask for Byoma as a gift too. I think it’s one of the best skincare brands out there for teenagers. I love how it’s designed for layering, and it’s easy to use. I think for teens, it’s easy to feel confused about skincare or accidentally buy something more suited to older skin (like retinol), but it feels like Byoma allows us to start our skincare journey safely, with a brand that is still trending and fun. Inaaya, 15
Remington HydraLuxe hot airstyler
I love my Remington hot brush. It’s easy to use, cheap and gives good results. Sophia, 16
Ugg Classic ultra mini boot
I love Uggs as they keep your feet warm but also are very comfy – you can wear them with almost any outfit. Rosie, 13
Adidas Adizero Evo SL running shoes, men’s
Women’s
Apple AirPods Max 2 headphones
I love my Adidas Adizero Evo SL trainers because they are extra cushioned and great on a run, and my Apple AirPods Max 2 headphones, which have great noise cancelling when I’m listening to my favourite music. Tom, 17
Nocturnl Bubble hoodie
I wear my Bubble hoodie loads. It’s unisex teen-designed streetwear that can be worn all year round. Dylan, 15
40,000 bedazzling kit
A bedazzling kit, with the crystals, glue and tweezers you need to bedazzle just about anything. It’s creative, versatile and challenging but without being too difficult. I’ve bedazzled Uno cards, a lip gloss and my Sol de Janeiro bottle! Émie, 14
Warmies luxury steel grey boots
Warmies slippers: I always get cold feet and can pop these in the microwave to warm up in 1min 3secs per foot! When they heat up, they smell of lavender, which is lovely. Georgia, 13
Social Ladder card game
Montirex Trail windbreaker, men’s
Afnan Perfumes Supremacy discovery set
I love my Montirex Trail windbreaker – it looks smart, is light enough to stuff in your bag, and is great for running and everyday. Fragrances are popular at the moment, and a set with lots of different scents means you can try several out at once to find your favourite. I also like Social Ladder – a really fun, portable game that helps you connect with your friends. Sammy, 14
Jellycat Amuseables Horatio Pistachio
Erborian Must-Haves set
Anua starter kit
Benefit Get Rollin’ Roller Lash mascara makeup gift set
I love Korean skincare products from Erborian and Anua, and Benefit mascara too. I also always have a Jellycat – I’ve collected them for years. Poppy, 17
Rhiannon Evans is a journalist and editor who’s covered everything from news and entertainment to lifestyle and parenting for some of the UK’s best titles (and some others too). She’s rarely out of leopard print, and can usually be found attempting to wrangle her kids, garden or copy into some kind of order
For more, check out the best gifts for kids by age, the best Christmas gifts for mums and the best Christmas gifts for dads
Christmas shopping can be tough, but the Filter is here to help. We’ve been testing Christmas presents all year to help you find thoughtful, creative and genuinely brilliant gifts for everyone on your list. Browse our other gift guides for hundreds more tried-and-tested ideas, from gifts you can make yourself to toys for every age group.
