27 genius gift ideas that middle schoolers will actually love
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If you ask the average 13-year-old how successful their parents are at gift-giving, they'll likely tell you it's a struggle. A six pack of sensible new socks? Boo! A pair of reversible slacks? No, thank you! School shoes? Skip!
That’s probably what I would have said at 13 too. Now that we are adults, the bridge between fun and functional can get tricky when shopping for teens. Teens like practicality, but they don’t want it as a gift.
When it comes to shopping for teenagers, I try to base my selections on how I react to prizes on "The Price Is Right." A jet ski sounded awesome when I was 13, whereas new flooring was the dud prize. Now that I am an adult, I would be flummoxed to where I would put a jet ski, and overjoyed by the thought of new flooring.
While no one should rush to buy a jet ski for a 13-year-old, you get the gist. Do your best to put yourself in your teen’s gum stuck shoes, and you should be just fine! If you need some help getting started thinking like a 13-year-old, here are some thought starters from my childlike brain.
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Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Best gifts for 13-year-old boys
1. Bitty Boomers Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Bitty Boomers Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Bitty Boomers Mini Bluetooth Speaker $20.00 at Urban Outfitters
Don't let the size of this adorable speaker fool you. The sound is crystal clear and loud enough to fill a room.
2. GlowCity Light Up LED Rim Kit with LED Basketball
GlowCity Light Up LED Rim Kit with LED Basketball Included
GlowCity Light Up LED Rim Kit with LED Basketball Included $39.95 at Amazon
This battery-powered LED kit is perfect to bring any basketball game to the next level. The LED basketball is impact activated, meaning it lights up when played with and shuts off after use, so night games are now much more fun.
3. Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board
Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board
Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board $49.99 at Amazon
Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board $39.99 at Target
This unique design is perfect for riders with a narrower stance. Not only will they be able to practice tricks on the board, the slip-resistant deck will give them a safer, smoother ride, too.
4. Snaptain S5C WiFi FPV Drone with HD Camera
Snaptain S5C WiFi FPV Drone with HD Camera
Snaptain S5C WiFi FPV Drone with HD Camera $69.99 at Amazon
Easy to use and hard to destroy, this drone is great for the novice drone pilot. It features voice activated commands, one touch take offs and landings and video transmission that can be automatically shared on social media.
5. Imperial International Video Rocker Game Chair
Imperial International Video Rocker Game Chair
Imperial International Video Rocker Game Chair $148.98 at Amazon
Imperial International Video Rocker Game Chair $103.99 at Wayfair
This chair is a slam dunk for any sports fan or video game fanatic. It’s comfy, it’s functional and most importantly it’s super cool. This chair includes two high quality speakers and features built in Bluetooth compatibility. As an added bonus, this chair doesn’t just rock, it folds. Seriously, it folds to allow for easy storage.
6. Ebern Designs Gaylesville Game Room LED Sign
Ebern Designs Gaylesville Game Room LED Sign
Ebern Designs Gaylesville Game Room LED Sign $142.99 at Wayfair
All signs lead to awesome with this game room LED sign. Good for your child’s bedroom or playroom, this versatile piece of electric art can be easily hung almost anywhere.
7. Tony Hawk Popsicle Badge Skateboard
Tony Hawk Popsicle Badge Skateboard
Tony Hawk Popsicle Badge Skateboard $14.96 at Walmart
Skateboards are a hot ticket item this year! But you don’t become a legendary skateboarder and not know a thing or two about boards. Featuring a colorful and artsy board deck as well as Pro Trucks and skateboard wheels, the Tony Hawk Popsicle skateboard series has it all. It's an ideal starter board for the newbie at the skatepark and sophisticated enough for the veteran on the skate ramp.
8. Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $49.95 at Amazon
Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $39.99 at Target
Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $39.99 at Best Buy
If you have a kid who is ready to rock and go, this is the bluetooth speaker for him. The JBL Clip 3 combines function, funk and fun into one compact and clippable speaker. The speaker features 10 hours of playtime, wireless bluetooth streaming, and a built in carabiner. As an added bonus, this speaker is also durable enough to take a mild beating or a quick swim in whatever body of water your child accidentally drops it in.
9. Sudotack Mic for Recording & Streaming
Sudotack Mic for Recording & Streaming
Sudotack Mic for Recording & Streaming $65.99 at Amazon
“Where we dropping boys?” will never be heard more clearly than with this USB Mic. A perfect mic for the intense gamer who is ready to rally his troops and livestream their game play or podcast. It features four distinct sound pickup patterns which should eliminate any chance for, “can you hear me now?”
10. Nike Men's Pull Over Hoodie
Nike Men's Pull Over Hoodie
Nike Men's Pull Over Hoodie $89.95 at Amazon
Nike Men's Pull Over Hoodie $41.97 at Nike
Nike Men's Pull Over Hoodie $39.98 at Dick's Sporting Goods
The Nike Men’s Pull Over Hoodie is so comfy and cool that your teen will try to live in it. You never want to interrupt or cramp your child’s style, but they will need to pry this hoodie off once in a while for a dance around the washing machine.
11. Under Armour Men's Tech V-Neck
Under Armour Men's Tech V-Neck
Under Armour slays when it comes to fashionable active gear. What won’t kill, thanks to Under Armour’s anti-odor technology, is the oftentimes aromatic scent of teenage boy. Your entire family can thank me later.
12. Vans Low-Top Sneakers
Vans Low-Top Sneakers
Vans Low-Top Sneakers $68.55 at Amazon
Vans Low-Top Sneakers $59.99 at DSW
Vans Low-Top Sneakers $59.99 at Famous Footwear
Classic Vans are often a huge hit for teens. This low top sneaker features the Vans signature side stripe and a boat load of street cred for you and your young man.
13. Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3 Month Membership
Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3 Month Membership
Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3 Month Membership $44.88 at Amazon
Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3 Month Membership $44.88 at Walmart
Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3 Month Membership $44.99 at Target
Consider this the gift that keeps on giving for three solid months. This Game Pass provides unlimited access to over 100 games with new games being added all the time. It's perfect for the Xbox fanatic in your house.
14. Cephalofair Games Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion Board Game
Cephalofair Games Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion Strategy Boxed Board Game
Cephalofair Games Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion Strategy Boxed Board Game $50.00 at Amazon
Cephalofair Games Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion Strategy Boxed Board Game $80.61 at Walmart
Cephalofair Games Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion Strategy Boxed Board Game $49.99 at Target
Gaming is the thing for teens, and that includes board games. Strategy meets fantasy in this dungeon crawl adventure. Your teen will enjoy the video game-like storyline without the increase in screen time. It's great for a solo player or for group play.
Best gifts for 13-year-old girls
1. Faux Leather Backpack
Girls Bowknot 2-PCS Fashion Backpack
Girls Bowknot 2-PCS Fashion Backpack $26.99 at Amazon
This faux leather backpack is both stylish and functional, making it perfect for your middle schooler's days in class.
2. Nike Women's Air Force Sage Low Trainers
Nike Women's Air Force Sage Low Trainers
Nike Women's Air Force Sage Low Trainers $154.98 at Amazon
Nike Women's Air Force Sage Low Trainers $100.00 at Nike
No teenage girl wants to hear about foot breathability or arch support, so I will just say these trainers are super cute and comfortable.
3. Nordmiex Complete Cruiser Skateboard for Beginners
Nordmiex Complete Cruiser Skateboard for Beginners
Nordmiex Complete Cruiser Skateboard for Beginners $38.99 at Amazon
As a mom, my favorite thing about this board for a new rider is the low center of gravity since it makes this easier to ride without falling off. For a kid, it will be the shiny, sparkly, LED wheels. The Nordmiex Cruiser Skateboard is a strong and sturdy board for your strong and adventurous girl.
4. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Water Bottle $26.96 at Amazon
Hydro Flask Water Bottle $35.95 at HydroFlask
Hydro Flask Water Bottle $26.89 at REI
Your daughter’s frappuccino will be kept safe and cold for up to 24 hours in this water bottle, while warm drinks have a 12 hour warmth window. The Hydro Flask includes a Sport Cap which should limit the number of spills and stains in your child’s future.
5. Nirvana Vintage Tee
Nirvana Vintage Tee
Nirvana Vintage Tee $24.50 at Amazon
Can’t tell if she will smell like teen spirit in this vintage tee, but your child will certainly look the part in this classic Nirvana shirt. It's washing machine safe, but angst will not wash off in the laundering or tumble dry process.
6. LED Strip Lights
LED Strip Lights
LED Strip Lights $16.99 at Amazon
Everyone loves a good light show, and now your daughter can have one in her own room! The LED Strip Lights are easy to install, features 20 different colors and eight various modes. Colors and settings change with a simple click of the included remote.
7. Kate Spade New York Pendant Necklace
Kate Spade New York Pendant Necklace
Kate Spade New York Pendant Necklace $83.99 at Amazon
Kate Spade New York Pendant Necklace $58.00 at Bloomingdale's
Kate Spade New York Pendant Necklace $58.00 at Kate Spade
Simple and sophisticated, your girl will feel fancy and frilly with this rose gold-plated, initial pendant necklace from Kate Spade. It's a great first accessory piece. Good for everyday wear or for special occasions.
8. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera $119.95 at Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera $84.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
This camera will provide memories in the palm of her hand, or hanging in her school locker or even in her wallet — printed pictures are a thing again! Teens love these handy little cameras. Small and snazzy, this camera brings instant gratification to any slumber party, trip to Starbucks or surprise snap attack of mom as she comes in the front door.
9. Apple AirPods
Apple AirPods
Your kid will kick cords to the curb with her own set of Apple AirPods. This set includes a charging case, which allows for multiple charges for 24 hours worth of battery life.
10. E.l.f. Pore Clearing Glitter Peel Off Mask
E.l.f. Pore Clearing Glitter Peel Off Mask
E.l.f. Pore Clearing Glitter Peel Off Mask $19.99 at Amazon
E.l.f. Pore Clearing Glitter Peel Off Mask $8.00 at Target
Your girl will shimmer while she shines with this deep-cleaning charcoal peel off mask. Cleans and softens skin in as much time as it takes to watch one episode of "Outer Banks."
11. TonerDepot Star Projector Night Light
TonerDepot Star Projector Night Light
TonerDepot Star Projector Night Light $13.50 at Walmart
When I was 13, my starry nights were glow in the dark stickers that barely clung to the popcorn ceilings in my childhood home — how the times have changed! This projector not only shines the stars, but it calls in the tide as well with an ocean wave projection. Connect your phone via bluetooth and have a super starry serenade.
12. Xyron Create-a-Sticker
Xyron Create-a-Sticker
Some gifts just stick with you, and this one will be appealing at first sight. Stickers make the world go round, and with this sticker maker your girl’s world will keep on spinning and sticking.
13. Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Stereo Turntable
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Stereo Turntable
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Stereo Turntable $49.99 at Amazon
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Stereo Turntable $44.96 at Walmart
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Stereo Turntable $45.99 at Best Buy
This cute turntable may be old school to mom and dad, but it’s new to your teen. Portable and versatile, play your favorite LP’s on the turntable and your favorite mp3 through the record player’s bluetooth capabilities.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:
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