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Having tons of teens to buy for and not knowing what to get is stressful.
If you have teen girls, then you already know:
Christmas shopping is basically an Olympic sport!
There’s drama. There’s sweating. There’s overthinking. There are budget numbers that magically multiply every time a new “must-have” trend appears.
And as a busy mom with a whole pack of girls, I have a new strategy.
Buy things they’ll actually use… and pray no one decides they suddenly hate that color by New Year’s!
So here’s a guide for items that are on my teen girls’ lists. Practical, cute, and teen-approved, — with a little humor because… well, motherhood. You can’t go wrong!
Pink Vans
Apparently pink is the new neutral.
These shoes are “so cute,” “so aesthetic,” and “OMG perfect,” which is teen-girl language for:
“You nailed it, Mom.”
They’re fully prepared for them to wear these in 27-degree weather without socks.
2. Italian Charm Bracelet
These are back.
Yes, the Y2K stretchy charm bracelets we had as kids.
My teens are obsessed and will spend 45 minutes choosing the perfect charm arrangement like it’s a life-altering decision.
It’s fine, I love their enthusiasm.
3. Apple Watch Bands
Because one band is never enough.
They need a “school band,” a “church band,” a “sports band,” and one that “just feels like fall vibes.”
4. Megan Moroney Shirts
Country music + cute merch = instant teen approval.
They will wear these until they look vintage… which may or may not be the goal.
5. Cute Sweatshirts
Teen girls collect sweatshirts the way toddlers collect rocks.
They can never have enough.
And they WILL steal mine if I don’t buy them their own.
6. Heated Blankets
A must-have for girls who insist they’re “literally freezing” (like their mom). 😂
Perfect for snuggling, scrolling TikTok, and avoiding chores.
7. ELF Lip Balm
This balm is apparently elite.
It’s $5, smells amazing, and solves 97% of teen girl emergencies.
One for the bedroom, one for the backpack, one for the car… you get it. And there’s so many flavors to choose from, you can’t go wrong with these!
8. Initial Necklaces
Simple, dainty, trendy— and they go with everything.
Bonus: no arguing about which sister stole whose necklace…maybe!
9. Earbuds
Because the current pair is either lost, broken, stolen, or “mysteriously disappeared in the abyss under my bed.”
Santa understands. No need for super expensive either, you know they’ll need another pair by next year!
10. Apple Phone Cases
They change their phone cases more often than I change the laundry loads I start and forget about.
Cute + protective = win.
11. Carhartt Shirts
Farmhouse aesthetic but make it teen girl trendy.
And honestly? They look adorable in them.
12. Clog Shoes
Not Crocs. Not not Crocs. Whatever they are, the girls love them, and they’re weirdly cute with socks. Trust the process.
Luckily mine approve — for now.
13. Denim Skirts
A staple in our house. They go with everything and are super cute!
14. Vanity
A small, cute vanity setup so they can do their makeup without hogging my bathroom mirror for 47 minutes every morning.
This is honestly a gift for me, too.
15. Luminex Teeth Whitening
This is apparently “all the rage” right now. I guess bright white teeth are the new trend? Works for me.
16. Dainty Gold Rings
Because teen girls love jewelry that looks classy, minimal, and perfect for pointing dramatically at siblings.
Bonus: they make great stocking stuffers.
17. La Roche-Posay Skincare
This are a MUST in our house. My daughter has eczema, and this brand actually helps calm her flare-ups without costing the same as our electric bill. Win-win.
18. Bum Bum Cream
Moms everywhere are buying this.
Teen girls go feral for it.
It smells like vacation — which, ironically, none of us are on.
19. Adidas Sneakers
Because you can’t wear pink Vans every day… apparently.
Another pair of shoes? Sure. Why not.
20. Makeup
I’m filling stockings with:
Blush, bronzer, mascara, and Setting spray they swear “changed their life”.
I believe them. Kind of.
21. Comfy Pajamas
Teens wear PJ’s 90% of their Christmas break.
So, I grabbed the cozy pajama sets that look super comfy.
22. Fuzzy Blankets
You can’t go wrong here. Teen girls collect fuzzy blankets the way I collect random whisks and wooden spoons.You buy one, and suddenly they need three.
23. Owala Water Bottle
Every teen girl needs the water bottle of the moment. And yes, this one is actually spill-proof. They’ll carry it everywhere, including to the bathroom (why??). But listen, if an Owala gets them to drink water and not 18 sweet teas a day, I’m in.
24. Gift Cards (Because Sometimes I Wave the White Flag)
Look. There comes a point when you simply accept that you don’t know what’s cool anymore. So I grabbed a couple of gift cards:
- Target
- Ulta
- Starbucks
- Amazon
Will they spend it all on things they don’t need? Yes. Will it bring them joy? Also yes. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters… plus the fact that I’m done shopping!
Final Thoughts From a Tired Mom Who’s Done Her Best
Shopping for teen girls is equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
Will they love it? Will they change their aesthetic the next day? Will the sweatshirt I ordered suddenly become “cringe”?
Who knows!
But now that this list is done, I can finally pretend I’m ahead this year. (We both know I’m not, but let me have this moment.)
And hey, if nothing else, I’ll always have a giant water bottle rolling around the minivan to remember this Christmas by.
Now, go hide the good scissors before someone steals them again!
Happy Shopping!
Elaney