16 Best White Elephant Gifts for Teens ⚠️ (July 2024)

Perfect gift ideas for holiday gift exchanges and parties.

Looking for the perfect gift for a teen that’s both fun and affordable? Look no further than a white elephant gift exchange! White elephant gifts are a fun way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, and they can be a great way to get creative and find unique gifts that everyone will enjoy.

Teens can be tough to shop for, so finding a gift they’ll actually like can be a challenge. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! This article will provide you with a list of 16 of the best white elephant gifts for teens, ranging from quirky and fun to practical and useful.

From tech gadgets to beauty products, we’ve got something for every teen on your list. We’ve also included some tips on how to choose the perfect white elephant gift, so you can be sure to find something that your teen will love.

So whether you’re shopping for your own teen or for a friend’s child, be sure to check out our list of the best white elephant gifts for teens. You’re sure to find the perfect gift that will make your teen’s holiday season merry and bright!

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Wireless Bluetooth Speaker		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Portable Charger		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Gift Card to a Popular Store (e.g., Amazon, Target, Sephora)		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Funny Socks		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Board Game		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
DIY Craft Kit		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Instant Camera		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Selfie Ring Light		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Throw Blanket		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Reusable Water Bottle		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Personalized Phone Case		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Headphones		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Mini Projector		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Subscription Box (e.g., Beauty, Snacks, Books)		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Funny T-Shirt		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Stress Ball		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
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Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

N/A at Amazon

A compact and portable speaker that connects wirelessly to your phone or other devices. It's perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on the go.

Specifications :

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Built-in microphone for hands-free calling
• Water-resistant design (optional)
• Battery life of up to 10 hours

Reasons to buy :

• Great sound quality
• Easy to use
• Portable and compact
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be as loud as larger speakers
• Battery life may vary depending on usage

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen enjoys listening to music or podcasts
• They are looking for a portable speaker
• They appreciate good sound quality

Don't buy it if:

• The teen needs a speaker for a large party or gathering
• They prefer wired headphones

Bottom Line:

A wireless Bluetooth speaker is a great choice for a teen who loves listening to music on the go. It's portable, affordable, and easy to use, making it a great option for a white elephant gift. However, if the teen needs a speaker for a large party or gathering, a larger speaker might be a better choice.

Portable Charger

N/A at Amazon

A must-have for teens who are always on the go. A portable charger can keep their phone charged when they're out and about, so they can stay connected.

Specifications :

• Battery capacity (mAh)
• Charging speed (amps)
• Output ports (USB-A, USB-C)
• Size and weight

Reasons to buy :

• Essential for teens who are always on the go
• Can charge multiple devices
• Compact and portable
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be bulky to carry around
• Battery life may vary depending on usage
• Some models may not be compatible with all devices

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen frequently uses their phone and often runs out of battery
• They are looking for a portable and convenient charging solution
• They are active and spend a lot of time outdoors

Don't buy it if:

• The teen already has a portable charger
• They are not concerned about their phone battery life
• They prefer to use a wall charger

Bottom Line:

A portable charger is a practical and useful gift for a teen who is always on the go. It can help them stay connected and avoid the dreaded "dead phone" situation. However, if the teen already has a portable charger or is not concerned about their phone battery life, this might not be the best choice.

Gift Card to a Popular Store (e.g., Amazon, Target, Sephora)

N/A at Amazon

Find more on 22 Best STEM Gifts to Encourage Learning in Teens

A gift card gives the teen the freedom to choose exactly what they want, whether it's clothes, books, electronics, or anything else they can think of.

Specifications :

• Amount of the gift card
• Store where the gift card can be used

Reasons to buy :

• Allows the teen to choose exactly what they want
• Convenient and easy to give
• Widely accepted at many stores

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be impersonal
• The teen may not spend the gift card right away
• The gift card may not be used for something the teen wants or needs

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• You're unsure what to buy for the teen
• You want to give them the freedom to choose something they really want
• You know the teen enjoys shopping at the store where the gift card is from

Don't buy it if:

• You want to give a more personal or thoughtful gift
• You are certain the teen won't use the gift card
• The teen doesn't shop at the store where the gift card is from

Bottom Line:

A gift card is a convenient and safe option for a white elephant gift. It gives the teen the freedom to choose something they really want, but it can also be impersonal. If you want to give a more personal or thoughtful gift, a gift card might not be the best choice.

Funny Socks

N/A at Amazon

A fun and quirky gift that's sure to make the teen laugh. Choose socks with a funny design, a pop culture reference, or a silly saying.

Specifications :

• Material (cotton, wool, polyester)
• Size
• Design

Reasons to buy :

• Fun and quirky
• Affordable
• Can be personalized with the teen's interests

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be everyone's taste
• Can be easily lost
• Not very practical

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen has a good sense of humor
• They enjoy wearing fun and quirky socks
• You know their favorite pop culture references or interests

Don't buy it if:

• The teen doesn't like to wear socks or prefers more practical clothing
• They have a more serious personality
• You are unsure of their sense of humor

Bottom Line:

Funny socks are a fun and affordable gift that's sure to make the teen laugh. However, if they don't enjoy wearing socks or have a more serious personality, this might not be the best choice.

Board Game

N/A at Amazon

A great way to encourage social interaction and have fun with friends. Choose a board game that's appropriate for the teen's age and interests, such as a strategy game, a party game, or a trivia game.

Specifications :

• Number of players
• Playtime
• Theme

Reasons to buy :

• Encourages social interaction and fun
• Can be enjoyed by a group of friends
• A good way to break the ice at a party

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be time-consuming
• May not be everyone's cup of tea
• Some games can be difficult to learn

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen enjoys playing board games
• They often hang out with friends
• You know their favorite game genres

Don't buy it if:

• The teen prefers to play video games or other activities
• They are not interested in board games
• You are unsure of their favorite game genres

Bottom Line:

A board game is a great gift for a teen who enjoys spending time with friends. It can encourage social interaction and provide hours of entertainment. However, if the teen prefers to play video games or other activities, or if you are unsure of their gaming preferences, a board game might not be the best choice.

DIY Craft Kit

N/A at Amazon

A fun and creative gift that allows the teen to explore their artistic side. Choose a kit that matches their interests, such as jewelry making, painting, or scrapbooking.

Specifications :

• Type of craft
• Materials included
• Difficulty level

Reasons to buy :

• Encourages creativity and artistic expression
• Provides a fun and engaging activity
• Can be a relaxing and therapeutic experience

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be suitable for everyone
• Can be messy
• Some kits can be expensive

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen enjoys arts and crafts
• They are interested in exploring new hobbies
• They are looking for a creative outlet

Don't buy it if:

• The teen is not interested in arts and crafts
• They are messy or easily frustrated
• They are looking for a practical gift

Bottom Line:

A DIY craft kit is a great gift for a teen who enjoys creative activities. It can encourage them to express themselves artistically and explore new hobbies. However, if the teen is not interested in arts and crafts or is looking for a more practical gift, this might not be the best choice.

Read more on 14 Best Tech Gifts for Teens

Instant Camera

N/A at Amazon

A fun and nostalgic way to capture memories. An instant camera prints photos immediately, so the teen can share them with friends or keep them as souvenirs.

Specifications :

• Film type
• Resolution
• Features (flash, self-timer)

Reasons to buy :

• Nostalgic and fun
• Creates instant prints
• Encourages creativity and photography

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive
• Film can be costly
• Prints can be low quality

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen enjoys photography or taking pictures
• They are interested in vintage technology
• They want a fun and unique way to capture memories

Don't buy it if:

• The teen prefers to take pictures with their phone
• They are not interested in photography
• They are on a tight budget

Bottom Line:

An instant camera is a fun and nostalgic gift that can encourage creativity and photography. However, it can be expensive, and the film can be costly, so it's not the best choice for everyone.

Selfie Ring Light

N/A at Amazon

A must-have for teens who love taking selfies and videos. A selfie ring light provides soft and flattering lighting for photos and videos, making them look their best.

Specifications :

• Brightness levels
• Color temperature options
• Size and portability

Reasons to buy :

• Provides flattering lighting for selfies and videos
• Portable and easy to use
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid :

• May not be suitable for everyone
• Can be bulky to carry around
• Not very practical for everyday use

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen enjoys taking selfies and videos
• They are looking for a way to improve their lighting for photos and videos
• They are active on social media

Don't buy it if:

• The teen is not interested in taking selfies or videos
• They prefer natural lighting
• They are looking for a more practical gift

Bottom Line:

A selfie ring light is a great gift for a teen who loves taking selfies and videos. It can help them look their best in photos and videos, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

Throw Blanket

N/A at Amazon

A cozy and comfortable gift that's perfect for snuggling up on the couch. Choose a throw blanket in a soft and luxurious material, like fleece or plush.

Specifications :

• Material (fleece, plush, cotton)
• Size
• Color and design

Reasons to buy :

• Cozy and comfortable
• Versatile and can be used in multiple places
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be bulky to store
• Not very practical
• May not be everyone's taste

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen enjoys cuddling up on the couch
• They are looking for a cozy and comfortable blanket
• They appreciate soft and luxurious materials

Don't buy it if:

• The teen doesn't like blankets or doesn't use them often
• They are looking for a more practical gift
• They are allergic to certain materials

Bottom Line:

A throw blanket is a cozy and comfortable gift that can be enjoyed by anyone. However, if the teen doesn't like blankets or is looking for a more practical gift, this might not be the best choice.

Reusable Water Bottle

N/A at Amazon

A practical and eco-friendly gift that encourages the teen to stay hydrated. Choose a water bottle made from sustainable materials, like stainless steel or bamboo.

Specifications :

• Material (stainless steel, bamboo, glass)
• Size
• Features (insulated, leak-proof)

Reasons to buy :

• Encourages hydration
• Eco-friendly and reusable
• Durable and long-lasting

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be bulky to carry around
• Some models may be expensive
• Not very exciting or unique

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

• The teen forgets to drink water often
• They are environmentally conscious
• They are looking for a practical and durable gift

Don't buy it if:

• The teen already has a reusable water bottle
• They are not concerned about environmental issues
• They are looking for a more exciting or unique gift

Bottom Line:

A reusable water bottle is a practical and eco-friendly gift that encourages the teen to stay hydrated. However, if they already have a reusable water bottle or are not interested in environmental issues, this might not be the best choice.

Personalized Phone Case

N/A at Amazon

Learn more about Make It Personal: 14 Best Personalized Gifts for Teens

A personalized phone case is a great way to add a personal touch to a teen's phone. They can choose from a variety of designs, colors, and materials.

Specifications:

• Material: Silicone, plastic, leather
• Design: Can be customized with photos, text, or designs
• Compatibility: Available for most phone models

Reasons to buy:

• Unique and personalized
• Protective
• Can be a fun way to express themselves

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be expensive
• May not be durable enough for all teens

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• The teen is looking for a unique and personalized gift.
• The teen is rough on their phone.

Don't buy it if:

• The teen is on a tight budget.
• The teen prefers a plain phone case.

Bottom Line: A personalized phone case is a great gift for a teen who wants to add a personal touch to their phone and express their style. However, if the teen is on a tight budget or prefers a plain phone case, this may not be the best option.

Headphones

N/A at Amazon

Read more about this on 22 Best Star Wars-Themed Gifts for Teen Sci-Fi Fans

Headphones are a must-have for any teen who enjoys listening to music, watching videos, or playing games. There are many different types of headphones available, so you can choose the best ones for the teen's needs and budget.

Specifications:

• Type: Over-ear, on-ear, in-ear
• Connectivity: Wired, wireless
• Features: Noise cancellation, water resistance, microphone

Reasons to buy:

• Great for listening to music, watching videos, and playing games
• Can be used in a variety of settings
• Many different types available to fit different budgets and needs

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be expensive
• Can be easily damaged
• Some types can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• The teen enjoys listening to music or watching videos.
• The teen is looking for a comfortable and reliable pair of headphones.

Don't buy it if:

• The teen is on a tight budget.
• The teen is not interested in listening to music or watching videos.

Bottom Line: Headphones are a practical and popular gift for teens, especially those who enjoy listening to music or watching videos. When choosing headphones, consider the teen's needs, budget, and preferences.

Mini Projector

N/A at Amazon

A mini projector is a great way for teens to enjoy movies, TV shows, and games on a bigger screen. They are portable and easy to use, making them perfect for sleepovers, parties, or just relaxing at home.

Specifications:

• Resolution: 720p, 1080p
• Brightness: 100-300 lumens
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth
• Features: Built-in speaker, remote control

Reasons to buy:

• Portable and easy to use
• Great for watching movies, TV shows, and games
• Can be used in a variety of settings

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be expensive
• Picture quality may not be as good as a larger projector
• May not be bright enough for use in well-lit rooms

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• The teen loves to watch movies and TV shows.
• The teen is looking for a portable and easy-to-use projector.

Don't buy it if:

• The teen is on a tight budget.
• The teen is looking for a projector with high picture quality.

Bottom Line: A mini projector can be a fun and entertaining gift for a teen who loves to watch movies and TV shows. However, it's important to consider the projector's resolution, brightness, and connectivity before making a purchase.

Subscription Box (e.g., Beauty, Snacks, Books)

N/A at Amazon

A subscription box is a great way to give a teen a gift that keeps on giving. There are subscription boxes for almost every interest, so you can find one that is perfect for the teen's personality and hobbies.

Specifications:

• Type: Beauty, snacks, books, clothing, games, and more
• Frequency: Monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly
• Price: Varies depending on the type of box

Reasons to buy:

• Provides a surprise each month
• Introduces the teen to new products and brands
• Can be tailored to the teen's interests

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be expensive
• Some boxes may not be worth the price
• The teen may not be interested in the products included in the box

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• The teen is interested in trying new products.
• The teen enjoys receiving surprises.

Don't buy it if:

• The teen is on a tight budget.
• The teen is not interested in the products included in the box.

Bottom Line: A subscription box can be a great gift for a teen who enjoys trying new products and receiving surprises. However, it's important to choose a box that is tailored to the teen's interests and budget.

Funny T-Shirt

N/A at Amazon

A funny t-shirt is a great way for a teen to express their sense of humor and personality. There are many different designs available, so you can find one that is perfect for the teen's style.

Specifications:

• Material: Cotton, polyester, blend
• Design: Variety of funny designs and quotes
• Fit: Regular, slim, oversized

Reasons to buy:

• Fun and unique
• Great way to express personality
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid:

• May not be appropriate for all occasions
• Some designs may be offensive

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• The teen has a good sense of humor.
• The teen is looking for a fun and unique t-shirt.

Don't buy it if:

• The teen is sensitive to humor.
• The teen is looking for a more formal t-shirt.

Bottom Line: A funny t-shirt is a great gift for a teen who has a good sense of humor and wants to express their personality. However, it's important to make sure that the design is appropriate for the teen and the occasion.

Stress Ball

N/A at Amazon

You can find more information on 15 Best Star Wars-Themed Gifts for Teen Sci-Fi Fans

A stress ball is a great way for a teen to relieve stress and anxiety. They are easy to use and can be squeezed anywhere.

Specifications:

• Material: Silicone, rubber, foam
• Design: Variety of shapes, sizes, and colors

Reasons to buy:

• Great way to relieve stress
• Portable and easy to use
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid:

• Some stress balls may be too squishy or too hard
• May not be effective for all teens

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• The teen is experiencing stress or anxiety.
• The teen is looking for a simple and effective way to relieve stress.

Don't buy it if:

• The teen is not experiencing stress or anxiety.
• The teen is not interested in using a stress ball.

Bottom Line: A stress ball is a simple and affordable gift that can help a teen relieve stress and anxiety. However, it's important to make sure that the stress ball is comfortable and effective for the teen.

So, there you have it! A list of 16 awesome White Elephant gifts that are sure to be a hit with teens. From hilarious gadgets to cozy comfort items, there's something on this list for every personality and budget. Remember, the key to a successful White Elephant exchange is choosing something fun, unique, and that will spark some laughs.

Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. The best White Elephant gifts are the ones that are unexpected and make everyone say "Wow, I need that!". And who knows, maybe you'll even inspire a few gift-giving ideas for your own holiday shopping list.

This holiday season, ditch the boring and predictable gifts and go for something that will really get the party started. These White Elephant picks are sure to make your teen's holiday gathering unforgettable.

Happy gifting, and may your White Elephant exchange be filled with laughter, joy, and some seriously awesome presents!