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Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens and Teachers
The holiday season is upon us, and finding the perfect gift can be fun, but time-consuming.
Whether it’s for a middle schooler, a high school student, or a cherished teacher, there’s always something special that speaks to their interests and passions.
Join us for a curated list of gift ideas that will save you time so you can focus on enjoying the holidays.
Middle School Gift Ideas
1. Light-Up Keyboard: Elevate Gaming Sessions
For the avid gamers, a light-up keyboard can transform their gaming experience. The colorful illumination adds flair and functionality, making every keystroke a mesmerizing adventure.
2. Rechargeable Batteries/Battery Pack for Controllers: Sustained Gaming Fun
Never let the fun stop with a reliable source of power. Rechargeable batteries or a battery pack ensures uninterrupted gameplay, a perfect addition to any gaming arsenal.
3. Video Games: Endless Entertainment
From the nostalgic journey of “Super Mario RPG” to the anticipation of “Hogwarts Legacy” coming to the Switch, video games promise hours of immersive entertainment.
4. Lego Sets: Creative Construction
Fuel their imagination and encourage problem-solving skills with Lego sets that transport them to different worlds and scenarios. Let them build, innovate, and create their own adventures brick by brick.
5. Pop-A-Shot Basketball Game: Indoor Fun Galore
For those who love sports, a Pop-A-Shot basketball game brings the excitement of the court indoors, allowing for endless rounds of friendly competition.
6. Tie-Dye Kit: Unleash Creativity
Encourage artistic expression with a tie-dye kit, fostering creativity while providing a fun and hands-on crafting experience.
7. Kindle: Portal to Diverse Worlds
For the bookworms, a Kindle opens the doors to an expansive library, letting them carry countless stories wherever they go.
8. Games: Family Fun Nights
“Throw Throw Burrito” and “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza” are uproarious games perfect for family gatherings or game nights with friends.
High School Gift Ideas
1. Auto Face Tracking Phone Holder: Content Creation Made Easy
Ideal for TikTok enthusiasts or aspiring content creators, this gadget ensures smooth, hands-free filming for captivating videos.
2. Portable Bluetooth Speaker: On-the-Go Tunes
A portable speaker allows them to take their favorite tunes wherever they roam, turning any place into a lively party.
3. Vinyl Records: Retro Vibes
For music aficionados, vinyl records of iconic albums like Taylor Swift’s “1989” or Creed’s “Human Clay” offer a vintage auditory experience.
4. Subscriptions: Access to Entertainment
Gift them access to their favorite music with subscriptions to Apple Music or Spotify Premium, or level up their gaming with Xbox Live or Game Pass.
5. Headphones: Quality Sound
Whether it’s AirPods for convenience or Bose for premium sound quality, a good pair of headphones is a must-have for any high schooler.
6. Graphic Tees: Personal Style
Websites like Homage offer a variety of stylish graphic tees, allowing them to flaunt their interests and individuality.
7. World Series Gear or Favorite Sports Team Merchandise: Show Team Spirit
Support their love for sports with gear from the World Series or their favorite sports team, a perfect way to showcase team pride.
8. Shows: Merchandise from Streamers/YouTubers
Many content creators have merchandise stores where fans can grab items related to their favorite shows, a thoughtful gift for devoted fans.
Teacher Gift Ideas
1. Gift Cards: Thoughtful Flexibility
A gift card to their favorite restaurant, Amazon, Target, or the local movie theater ensures they get something they truly appreciate.
2. Food: Sweet Treats or Savory Delights
Consider their preferences and gift them a delicious treat, but avoid generic gifts like mugs or teacher-themed items unless you’re sure it’s their style.
3. Don’t Give: Classroom Stuff or Starbucks (if they don’t like coffee)
While well-intentioned, avoid gifting classroom-related items or Starbucks if they aren’t coffee drinkers.
We want to take the stress out of holiday shopping so check out our complete list on Amazon! (There are no affiliate links and we earn no money.)
In this episode, we mentioned the following resources on Christmas shopping for teens.
- Amazon Wish List
- Teen Life Merch Store (closes 11/30 at midnight)
- Homage
- Teen Life Podcast: Top Teen Things | 2022 Gift Guide | 2021 Gift Guide
- Podcast music by Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Have a question?
About Us
Karlie Duke
Director of Communications
Tobin Hodges
Program Director
Caleb Hatchett
Podcast Host
Caleb Hatchett | Podcast Co-Host
Caleb loves helping teenagers take ownership of their faith and relationships. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry and is currently Student Ministry Director at Jenks Church in Oklahoma.
Karlie Duke | Director of Communications
Karlie has always had a heart for teenagers. Through her role at Teen Life, she loves to showcase the amazing stories coming out of Support Groups, but she is especially passionate about helping adults and teenagers find connection. Karlie has a BS in Communications with a minor in Family Studies from Abilene Christian University.
Tobin Hodges | Program Director
Tobin’s entire career has been centered around students and teens from all walks of life. He has a passion for helping teens be their best selves. As Program Director, he loves working directly with school staff and students through Teen Life Support Groups. Tobin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Texas Tech University.