Essentials

Christmas gift guide 2022: Best gifts for teens

By Leah Groth

Updated on: December 15, 2022 / 3:39 PM EST / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Generation z Christmas party with multi-ethnic friends — Manon Allard / Getty Images

Teens are tough critics when it comes to everything – including gifts – which can make holiday shopping for those without a list quite difficult. This is why we surveyed several teenagers and their parents to put together a list of gift ideas they won't roll their eyes at.

Top products in this article:

Sony Playstation 5 God of War Ragnarok bundle, $559

$559 at Walmart

Victrola Re-Spin Sustainable Bluetooth suitcase record player, $100

$100 at Walmart

Alo Oversized Sherpa Trench, $298

$298 at Alo

Ultra Mini Ugg Boots, $140

$140 at Nordstrom

Overall, what teens want might surprise you. Everything from cozy essentials and bedroom decor and linens to functional electronics (not just iPads and iPhones!) are amongst some of the most-wanted items, in addition to hair and makeup products, the hottest shoes, accessories and athleisure items of the season.

CBS Essentials rounded up the top gifts for teens in 2022, all of which have with major cool factor and have been endorsed by teens and in-the-know parents of teenagers.

Best gifts for teens of 2022

No matter what type of teen you are buying for, these gift options are sure to please.

Apple MacBook Air

"Most of my friends are asking for some type of computer because we will need them for college next year," Avery Sullivan, a high school student in Abington, PA, reveals. Get $200 off the 2020 MacBook Air, which features a 13-inch retina display and 256 GB of storage.

Apple MacBook Air, $800 (reduced from $999)

$800 at Amazon

Ultra Mini Ugg Boots

Melissa Gutowicz Parker maintains that her 15-year-old daughter's wish list includes Ultra Mini Ugg boots, which are one of this season's hottest gift items. Order up a pair in one of several color options, if you find them in stock – they are selling out fast.

Ultra Mini Ugg Boots, $140

$140 at Nordstrom

Uncommon James Intertwined Chain and Heart Necklace

Sweet yet bold, this heart necklace from Uncommon James, Kristin Cavallari's jewelry company is a great way to show your love and sends the message they made the nice list.

Uncommon James Intertwined Chain and Heart Necklace, $58 (reduced from $72)

$72 at Uncommon James

Kitsch Glazey satin hoodie robe

The Kitsch Glazey satin hoodie makes the perfect attire for sleepovers or just lounging around the house. Available in blush pink and charcoal gray.

Kitsch Glazey satin hoodie robe, $88

$88 at Kitsch

Canon EOS M50 Mark II Content Creator Kit

Got an aspiring TikTok or YouTube star in the family? While a total splurge gift, some might consider this Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera, tripod grip, microphone, windscreen and detachable Bluetooth® enabled remote an investment in your teen's future career as a content creator.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II Content Creator Kit, $899

$899 at Amazon

Lush Wow gift set

Teens congregate inside of this popular mall store for a reason: their bath products are the bomb. This gift set lives up to the name. Indulge your teenage bather in dozens of limited edition bath bombs, bubble bars, bar soaps, shower gels and lip scrubs, which come packaged in a reusable box.

Lush Wow gift set, $320

$320 at Lush

Lush Merry Christmas gift set

Looking for a bath bomb set that's a little more affordable? The Merry Christmas gift set includes four scrumptious bath bombs and comes wrapped with a bow.

Lush Merry Christmas gift set, $36

$36 at Lush

Victrola Re-Spin Sustainable Bluetooth suitcase record player

Teens go wild over anything retro. This speaker-equipped suitcase record player from Victrola plays old-school vinyl in addition to tunes from their phone or computer via Bluetooth.

Victrola Re-Spin Sustainable Bluetooth suitcase record player, $100

$100 at Walmart

RockBox XL 2.0

The latest RockBox XL delivers 120 watts of power, 20 hours of playback time and a built-in USB port. Another feature teens will love? With various LED light modes the portable, waterproof sound system beats, strobes and pulses to the music.

RockBox XL 2.0, $199 (reduced from $230)

$199 at Target

Alo AirLift legging

Looking for clothes cool enough for your teen? Out of all the athleisure leggings on the market, we can attest that the supermodel-endorsed, second skin Alo AirLift legging is the most comfortable, flattering and stylish of all. Available in a bunch of great colors and sizes XXS to XL. Shop now for all Alo gifts and take 30 percent off everything on the website.

Alo AirLift legging, $128

$128 at Alo

Alo Oversized Sherpa Trench

This stylish sherpa trench from Alo sells out every year – and rightfully so. The oversized coat offers serious warmth and comfort on par with wearing a favorite blanket. Size down, as the coat runs on the larger side. And again, teens appreciate the cool factor.

Alo Oversized Sherpa Trench, $298

$298 at Alo

Lululemon Modular Phone Crossbody Bag

Kimberly Gibbs maintains that anything Lululemon is high on her teenage twins' wish lists. A winterized, fuzzy version of the brand's belt bag, this fanny-pack-slash-cross body bag holds a phone, keys and wallet and keeps hands free for activity.

Lululemon Modular Phone Crossbody Bag, $68

$68 at Lululemon

Rowan's Earring Club subscription

A great last minute gift for teens? A one-time gift or three or six month earring subscription from Rowan. The first box contains a pair of hypoallergenic earrings and an ear styling card, a Rowan mailer, zip pouch and jewelry gift box. Each month a pair of earrings corresponding with the season arrives.

Rowan Earring Club, $25 a month and up

$25 and up at Rowan

Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system

Any teen who is obsessed with their hair will love the the Shark FlexStyle, a more affordable Dyson Airwrap alternative. "This versatile multi-styling tool can dry wet hair, curl, volumize and smooth hair for the the perfect blowout. It includes four heat and three airflow settings that can be increased or decreased manually based on your preference, plus a cool shot button to lock in your style," Lily Rose, Senior Writer says about one of this season's hottest hair tools.

Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system, $280

$280 at Shark

Lego Architecture Great Pyramid of Giza

Teens who enjoy a challenge will spend hours building the Great Pyramid of Giza out of tiny Lego building blocks. Like other Lego Architecture sets, the final product doubles as decor.

Lego Architecture Great Pyramid of Giza, $130

$130 at Amazon

Nike Jordan sneakers

What do you get the teen who has everything? A pair of sneakers. "Boys always want shoes," says Sullivan. One of the top styles of the season, according to the 18-year-old? Jordans.

Shop Nike men's Jordan shoes

Shop now

Shop Nike women's Jordan shoes

$Shop now at Nike

FaceTory Skincare Fridge Collection

Teen love skincare products and this adorable, mini-sized fridge helps keep all of their products at the right temperature. The fridge also comes loaded with popular FaceTory products, including their famous sheet masks.

FaceTory Skincare Fridge Collection, $139

$139 at FaceTory

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Barefoot In the Wild blanket

According to Nicole Zampitella Villante, her teenage daughter is all about "big, cozy blankets." It doesn't get cozier than the Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic collection, made out of the brand's trademark microfiber.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Barefoot In the Wild blanket, $180

$180 at Nordstrom

Nintendo Switch Just Dance 2023

The newest installment of Just Dance recently dropped, and it makes the perfect holiday gift for teens. Includes hits like BTS' "Dynamite," Dua Lipa's "Physical," and Justin Bieber and Kid Laroi's "Stay." Get it for half off right now.

Nintendo Switch Just Dance 2023, $30 (reduced from $60)

$30 at Amazon

Sony Playstation 5 God of War Ragnarok bundle

If you're hoping to buy someone in your life a Playstation 5 console, you'll want to start looking now -- they're still in short supply. Currently, Walmart has the God of War Ragnarok bundle in stock.

Sony Playstation 5 God of War Ragnarok bundle, $674

$674 at Walmart

Meta Quest 2 (formerly the Oculus Quest 2)

The Meta Quest 2 is a virtual reality headset that lets you explore the Metaverse and get inside your favorite games. This was a super popular holiday gift last year and is sure to be at the top of plenty of Christmas lists this year as well. It was originally sold and marketed as the Oculus Quest 2, so you might still see that on some of your family's holiday wish lists.

Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset, $399

$399 at Amazon

More early Black Friday 2022 deals to shop now

While there's still some time to wait until the official Black Friday 2022 sales start, there are plenty of great deals you can get right now. Check out our early Black Friday deal articles.