Okay, let's get real. If you're the parent of a teenager who's anywhere between the ages of 10 and 20 (and maybe a bit more), their main Christmas gift from you is likely to be something epic; something they may have asked for, or something they can guess is coming.
Things like a bike, a games console, a mobile phone, a replica footie kit, a blinkin' laptop - you know the things. We're under no illusion that your teen will be thrilled with a framed destination print (beautiful as they are).
The BIG gift isn't actually tricky. Those smaller gifts though... the stocking fillers, the tree presents, the just-because moments - they can present a real challenge if you don't want to end up with just more stuff that falls a bit flat.
Betsy Benn Blog to the rescue! Not only have our team been parents of teenagers, but we've plundered our resources and conducted extensive market research to bring you this collected wisdom. (Okay, we asked our kid's friends, and their parents too).
We're going to assume you know about Lego, the games they're into (online or otherwise), the music they like (downloads and gig tickets), and clothes. We're not going to suggest any of that.
From the rest of the collective wisdom, here's what works:
Stocking Fillers - sweet treats
Wrapped sweets (think Celebrations, Quality Street etc),
Chocolate coins
Chocolate biscuits (Penguin, Club)
Snack bag size biscuits
Popcorn (for Christmas movies)
Favourite can drinks (Monster, Lucozade etc)
Bubblegum
TicTacs
Iced gingerbread biscuits
Or get some unusual American candy, cereals, and drinks from KingCandy. In 2025, for example, I snagged a box of Minecraft Frosties that turns the milk green!
Stocking Fillers - everything else
Keyrings. Especially if they need their own house keys for the first time, or need one for their bike lock key, or - gulp - their first car key. Theme the keyring to the car, or one of their interests.
An ID holder. Hear me out! If your teen is 18 and starting to go to bars, they need photo ID. A college ID card or a Driving License photo card are the best, even if it's provisional. And clubs will NOT accept a digital version of it as they can be photoshopped. This slim wallet can hold their photo ID and up to three additional bank cards. For younger teens, it's great for their bus pass or travel card too and gets them into the habit of keeping their bank card in one place!
Christmas socks - my small loves the ones from the White Stuff - especially if they feature Collie dogs
Their favourite shower gel - or a nicer version of it. Or any smaller-sized toiletries.
Karen says "Something happened to my teen when he turned 15 - suddenly he was showering twice a day and seriously into hair styling. But it was all Lynx, all the time. I took the opportunity of his Christmas stocking to upgrade him to one from ManCave."
A small denomination gift card - you can pick these up in most supermarkets. Think, Nike, Roblox, iTunes, Nintendo. Just make sure they use it within the expiry date (1-2 years normally)
These Pokémon-themed keyboard fidgets. Perfect for anyone who needs an upgrade on the basic fidget toy. Ships from Canada, though, so make sure you order early.
Fun and practical cable tidies like these thumbs up sticky ones.
Card games - think Uno, Exploding Kittens, Pokemon, Top Trumps, Dobble
A YETI Rambler. This insulated drink flask is the GOAT. My teen took a hot chocolate to school every day for about five years. This went into his bottle holder on his bike, he cycled to the bus stop, then drank it on the bus or during first break. In December, I put mini biscuits into his Advent calendar, and the combination made those cold December mornings more bearable!
Floating trainer shelves. You never know, they might even put their shoes away! There are lots of types to choose from, but these ones look good even when the shoes aren't on display.
For the sensory-overwhelmed ones, NEW SOFT BATH TOWELS. If you've had to wash every item of clothing three times before it's no longer "itchy" then you'll know the complaints about scratchy bath towels.
This light-up Beanie Hat has a rechargeable slim torch at the front AND integrated Bluetooth speakers.
Headphone stands. HOW MUCH did those headphones cost? Yikes. And they just throw them on a pile of clothes? There are so many headphone stands out there. You can get crazy light-up ones, some that plug in and also recharge your phone at the same time, ones that look like a Lego minifig arm, even one in the shape of the head of Michelangelo's David. Go minimalist, go bling - your choice.
Personalised Airpod Case - those things are too easy to lose.
A custom sign for above their door. Choose a phrase that means something to them... love you more is a very popular one:
A Phomemo Sticker Printer - wireless thermal printer allowing the teens to print off pretty much anything from their phone or PC onto this paper roll. It's sort of the Gen-z equivalent of the Polaroid, but cheaper and not just for photos.
Banknotes folded origami style. Who doesn't like cash?
These BIC Bodymark temporary tattoo pens. They draw all over themselves and each other anyway, they might as well do it properly. Actually, I'm going to get these myself and test out tattoo ideas!
Pretty much anything from Oodie - who have somehow made sleepwear cool. My teen recently informed me that the biological imperative for teens to sleep in late, and go to bed REALLY late, is a hangover from the days when we lived in the caves. The adults came home from hunting or gathering and went to sleep to be at peak performance for the following day, and the teens were to stay away looking after the babies and toddlers and keeping an eye on camp. Pretty cool.
And of course, a personalised notebook. We have MANY different styles and designs, so if your teen is a writer, or a doodler, we have the book for them!
Our travel memories print is a like a tiny gallery in a single artwork that features iconic images from all your favourite holiday destinations or important cities and towns in the journey of your life. The print can be used as a memory board of a whole lifetime of travels and exploring, or as a record of just one amazing year of travel.