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We love our 13 and 14-year-olds… but we have to admit that they can sometimes be a challenge. Hey, we get it: it’s not an easy age to be. Alas, this makes buying gifts for them nearly impossible. Nevertheless, a milestone is a milestone, and you'll need to buy them a great 8th grade graduation present. Now you’re probably thinking, “What on Earth can I possibly give my teenager that they won’t immediately use to serve me up some emotional damage?” We’re here for you. In fact, some writers here at Best Products have reached out to real live teens (we found texting worked best of course) to see what exactly “the kids” are into these days. What do we poor, uncool adults know?
Whether your child is all about the latest tech and fashion trends or classic accessories, is a bookworm or a gamer, we’ve found something for everybody.
1
For The Practical Teen
Swarmir Light-Up Charging Station & Bluetooth Speaker
1
For The Practical Teen
Swarmir Light-Up Charging Station & Bluetooth Speaker
We love how multi-functional this gift is and we’re willing to bet your teen will as well. Not only does this Bluetooth speaker serve as a wireless phone charger and holder (perfect for streaming their favorite shows), it’s also a cute nightlight.
2
For The Photographer
Fujifilm Instax Mini With Accessories
2
For The Photographer
Fujifilm Instax Mini With Accessories
Sure, phones are convenient for taking pictures, but there’s nothing quite like a physical photo, right? This cute instant camera comes with a carrying case, photo album, selfie lens, and film for 60 photos, which will perfectly accessories their new locker in high school.
Admittedly, I love this shoe as much as my son, my niece, and apparently, everyone else on planet Earth loves this shoe. It's the classic white sneaker, ever-stylish, completely comfortable, and one of the most versatile items to have in your wardrobe. At this point, Air Force 1 sneakers are a staple of good dressing. And for eighth grade graduation? Yup, they're definitely worth the splurge.
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This tablet and state of the art digital pen – compatible with a PC, Mac, and some Android phones – will help take your young artist’s drawing and photo editing skills to the next level. It’s also great for visual learners to take notes and engage more meaningfully in their schoolwork.
6
For The Aspiring Influencer
Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
6
For The Aspiring Influencer
Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
Now 43% Off
Why are these the preferred wireless headphones of young Gen Z? One word: TikTok. Apparently, the microphone on these earbuds is way better for recording, but it's not a whole set of regular white earbuds.
Don’t worry — we didn’t know either. The quality of the sound is every bit as good as you'd expect from a Beats device, and the battery is long-lasting as well.
More: The Best Teen Acne Treatments
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Did you know that many high schoolers just drag all of their books around all day? It sounds awful, frankly, but at least with this backpack by Fjallraven, they'd be doing it in style. And there's a super protective area for a laptop or iPad, depending on which they use in school. You seriously cannot bust this backpack, although your soon-to-be high schooler will almost certainly test those limits.
More: Best Teen Backpacks
8
For The Teen With Great Taste
Glossier You Perfume
8
For The Teen With Great Taste
Glossier You Perfume
Apparently, 14-year-old girls have spectacular taste in perfume. Sure, it might be because Glossier is a popular brand in the teen set, but this perfume is heavenly. (Way better than the sweet pear and “cloud” perfumes of the early-2000s.)
It's not quite a warm floral, not quite a gourmand — it's reminiscent of a field of wildflowers in a forest canopy.
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If your teen loves a good couch nap (and who among us doesn’t) then they need this blanket. At 10 feet by 10 feet, they’ll be able to completely cocoon themselves for a truly perfect rest.
The number of kids who told me that this is the only thing they care about was staggering. Honestly, we didn’t think kids were into them, but we asked around and apparently nothing is cooler than an Apple Watch.
Just make sure they’re allowed at your kids’ school and that your child is using the “schooltime function” while they’re in class.
12
For The Teen Who Likes To Hang Out
Best Choice Products Indoor/Outdoor Swinging Chair
12
For The Teen Who Likes To Hang Out
Best Choice Products Indoor/Outdoor Swinging Chair
Now 45% Off
This chair is the ideal spot to spend a relaxing summer or spot to get some reading done once high school starts. Appropriate for indoor or outdoor use, the chair comes with everything you need to hang it up.
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13
For The Quirky Teen
Shores Of Moon Luna Somnia Tarot Deck
13
For The Quirky Teen
Shores Of Moon Luna Somnia Tarot Deck
Teens have so much future in front of them — why not let them use a tarot deck to try to see it coming? This is a gorgeous deck of tarot cards with an easy-to-follow guidebook that's perfect for beginners.
We can almost guarantee you that if you have a teenager, they have let their phone die when they're at school or out with friends. And they hate it — they feel disconnected and cut off. Not to mention, it's a serious pain for you as well. This iPhone charger will fully charge their iPhone 15, and it's no bigger than a tube of lipstick. Just make sure they remember to charge the charger!
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17
For The Old Soul
Udreamer Vinyl Record Player Wireless Turntable with Built-in Speakers
17
For The Old Soul
Udreamer Vinyl Record Player Wireless Turntable with Built-in Speakers
Now 29% Off
Vinyl is cool — and high school is a great time to get into it. Start your kiddo off on their vinyl journey with this affordable turntable. It has built-in speakers and an arm that’s intuitive for first-time vinyl listeners. Before you know it, you’ll be hitting up second-hand shops and swap meets to get just the right copy of Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album.
18
For The Teen Who Loves Gadgets
Lamicall Phone Holder for Bed Gooseneck Mount
18
For The Teen Who Loves Gadgets
Lamicall Phone Holder for Bed Gooseneck Mount
Now 12% Off
Sometimes you just want to watch a movie on your phone, and you don't want to hold it — and that's where the bed mount comes in. It connects to a headboard, runner, or desk and holds the phone in place so your teen can just lie back and relax.
And yes, you should definitely get one for yourself as well. It's just so darn convenient.
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19
For The Fashionista
Eve's Addiction Thin Cursive Gold Plated Name Necklace
19
For The Fashionista
Eve's Addiction Thin Cursive Gold Plated Name Necklace
Now 30% Off
Some version of this was mentioned over and over by the kids we asked. Nameplate necklaces aren’t just for a ’90s Carrie Bradshaw anymore, they’re now apparently all the rage for the rising Freshman group.
This one is a mid-priced and well-made version of the iconic necklace, and the combination of the script and the chain length makes it a runaway winner.
20
For The Country Boy
Carhartt Logo Sleeve Graphic Sweatshirt
20
For The Country Boy
Carhartt Logo Sleeve Graphic Sweatshirt
Whether your child grew up riding a tractor or the subway — there’s a good chance they want a Carhartt hoodie. (The brand is having a moment.) Pro-tip: apparently kids like them to fit on the baggy side!