12 Great Christmas Gifts for Teens

Well, it’s the time of year when we traditionally write an article about Christmas gifts. Here are some of the best and most memorable things we’ve received for Christmas, along with a few items we have on our own Christmas list. Because if we like them, you may like them too! Read on to see our selection of 12 creative, educational, and fun Christmas gift ideas for teens.

Squishmallows – I love my Squishmallows! They are super soft, squishy and adorable. It was Christmas 2017 when I got the first one. Now I have a whole collection of them. They come in many different kinds and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that you love! ~L.P.

Gemstone Jewelry Kit – If you’re a rock hound who also happens to like jewelry, you will love this kit! It contains 240pcs of natural stone beads for making beautiful bracelets, necklaces, and more. Includes Amethyst, Black Obsidian,Tiger Eye, Rose Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Green Aventurine, Red Agate, White Howlite, Amazonlite, and Black Lava Stone. The kit also comes with tools and accessories. It combines science, art, and DIY fun – for yourself or making custom gifts for family and friends! ~T.O.

Hermsche Garden Tool Set – If you like gardening but you just have a mish-mash of old rusty tools, this would be a nice set to have. It contains 8 tools, some plastic plant markers, gardening gloves, and a roomy tote with pockets to store everything in. The whole set comes in a colorful Better Homes & Gardens brand box! The tools are heavy-duty stainless steel with black and blue ergonomic handles, so they will be comfortable to use and should last a long time. ~T.O.

Fire Tablet – I got a 7″ Fire Tablet for Christmas. I like it and still use it a lot. ~J.O.

Orion StarBlast II 4.5 EQ Reflector Telescope – Orion is the best name in amateur telescopes, so I was excited to get the StarBlast II reflector telescope. This telescope isn’t a toy; it’s a real precision scientific instrument. The equatorial mount means its rotational axis is aligned to the celestial pole, which allows for easy tracking to keep an object in view without having to look all over for it. ~P.O.

Apple iPad Air – “An iPad!!! You got me an iPad???” This was me with my eyes popping out on Christmas Day. I couldn’t believe it! Especially when my dad was out of work so I wasn’t expecting to get much that year. Then I found out that he actually won it at a convention and decided to give it to me! Best Christmas ever. Thanks, Dad! ~S.S.

Coddies Watermelon Cat Plush – Do you like watermelons? Do you like cats? Then you will love this quirky, colorful watermelon cat plushie! I know it sounds kind of bizarre but it’s one of those things you have to see and feel to believe. It’s so adorable, soft and squishable! ~L.P.

White Ceramic Vase with Colored Crystals – I love this pretty ceramic vase, which has the added appeal of multi-colored gemstones! While the “gems” are obviously plastic, they look fancy and colorful against the creamy white background. The vase itself has a smooth texture, with undulating curves and waves. The wide-mouth vase is a good size, it feels solid, and it’s heavy enough to not tip over easily. A great gift for girls and women who like crystals, boho style, and abstract modern art. ~T.O.

This Year in Space Events – This is a large format calendar, 12 x 24” when hanging, but the picture on top of each month is small in order to fit all the historical, current, and future space events for that month. So it’s more of an informational calendar than a pictorial calendar. The layout is different than most standard wall calendars, too. Instead of squares arranged in weekly rows, there is an image header followed by a list of all the dates running from top to bottom alongside two columns of space facts. Some days have multiple space events, while a few have none. It’s nice to have all the space facts from past, present, and future available in one handy spot to see at a glance. If you’re a fan of space trivia, get “This Year in Space Events.” You can’t beat the price, and it would be a great Christmas gift for any space enthusiast! ~T.O.

Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone – I had an old Logitech desktop microphone that kept flopping down and I had to hold it up with masking tape. Then I got this one last Christmas and what a difference in the sound quality, not to mention it’s sturdy and looks way cooler! ~D.J.

Galileo Thermometer – This device is so simple but clever. Invented 400 years ago by Galileo Galilei, a pioneer of modern physics and astronomy, this colorful glass thermometer is a scientific instrument, a unique piece of artwork, and an educational desk accessory all in one! It’s based on Galileo’s theory, which states: in liquid, a body of fixed mass becomes less buoyant as the liquid temperature rises, and more buoyant as the temperature decreases, due to changes in liquid density. It’s true! As the temperature changes, the multi-colored spheres will rise and fall within this liquid-filled thermostatic tube. The instrument indicates the ambient temperature between 64-80 degrees F. How cool is that! ~T.O.

Amazon Gift Card – What can I say, give me an Amazon gift card and I’ll be happy. Then I can use it for anything I want. You can never go wrong with an Amazon Gift Card. They come in many different styles (including pretty boxes and tins at no extra cost), with a choice of denominations and a variety of designs for all occasions. ~T.B.