19 best tech gifts for teens, according to actual teenagers

If the teen guy in your life is a serious gamer, he’ll be impressed that you did (well, we did) the research to find a gaming headset that's truly legit. The Logitech is lightweight and wireless, and features customisable lighting—and as seen in this viral TikTok, users swear it’s the most comfortable headset they’ve ever worn. A detachable mic ensures crystal-clear sound during matches or calls, while the Kamisato Ayaka special edition adds an anime-inspired design that Genshin Impact video game fans will recognise.

For those who love living dangerously at 5% battery, the Anker Power Bank is a win-win for them — and for parents just trying to get a text back. The compact, portable charger slips easily into a backpack or pocket yet packs enough juice to bring their iPhone back to life in no time.

At the top of any teen gamer’s wish list? A good keyboard and programmable mouse for gaming. This set is complete with colourful backlighting that sets the mood for late-night matches, helps them hit every key in the dark, and levels up their setup.

This rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speaker pumps out as much as 12 hours of playtime, so the music won’t cut out halfway through a hang with friends.

Teens love over-ear headphones for the background-blocking sound (and mirror selfies). The Apple AirPods Max are the splurge-worthy upgrade, but the Beats deliver high-quality sound and battery life at a lower price point (and are still a brand that teens respect).

With customisable colours and dynamic effects, these LED lights transform any space. They're perfect for a newly minted teen figuring out their lounging vibe or an older teen looking to make their dorm room feel a little more atmospheric.

If they’ve got the original Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey will be a hit. Teens can explore 3D worlds — from skyscraper-filled New Donk City to secret kingdoms — while teaming up with Mario’s hat-shaped sidekick, Cappy, for tons of fun moves and challenges. Short on shopping time? Grab the digital code so it’s ready to play instantly.

Gen Z’s obsession with early-’00s tech is real, and this point-and-shoot digital camera is easy to use and super fun for spontaneous photo dumps. It gives every picture that nostalgic, low-fi charm you just can’t fake with a phone filter.

Want to seriously impress a budding content creator? Level up with the Sony ZV-1F Vlogging Camera, a pricier, pro-quality upgrade made for creating social-ready videos.

Between laptops, water bottles, and textbooks, teens already have enough to carry in their laptop backpacks. The lightweight, water-resistant Kindle Paperwhite holds thousands of books, encouraging them to read anywhere without the bulk. It’s a simple black-and-white e-reader; for a colour option, we like the newer Kindle Colorsoft. Read more: our full best Kindle guide.

The Apple AirTag is a no-brainer for teens who are always on the go — and always losing their stuff. They can clip it to keys, a backpack, or a wallet to keep tabs on your phone. If they already own an AirTag, consider gifting them a case that turns the gadget into a keychain.

This is a popular gift on TikTok. The fluffy “pillow” props up their tablet or phone at the perfect angle for streaming their favourite show or FaceTiming friends; it even has space for a drink or snack.

The new Nintendo Switch 2 has a brighter, more vibrant screen, faster performance, and way more storage than the OG video gaming console. Whether they’re into new multiplayer hits like Mario Kart World with friends or solo adventures like Donkey Kong Bananza, this console can do it all. Just a heads-up: Once they unwrap it, you might not see your teen emerge from their room for a while.

If your teen already has full access to their phone (and every smart device imaginable), a smartwatch like the Samsung Galaxy keeps them connected without adding more screen time. It tracks workouts, sleep, and texts right from their wrist. Plus, it’s a more affordable alternative to the Apple Watch and a great gift for Android users who want all the same high-tech features.

When it comes to tablets, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is a budget-friendly pick that still packs plenty of perks. Its crisp display, 13 hours of battery life, and cheaper price make it ideal for younger teens who are getting a tablet for the first time.

If they bought the Taylor Swift vinyls just for the bonus tracks but have no way to play them, the Victrola Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable solves that. It’s retro and portable, and it has built-in Bluetooth speakers so that they can spin records and stream playlists.