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Every year at this time I start trying to figure out what to give my teenage sons for the holidays. I ask, and get the usual response from my oldest: “I don’t know.” My younger son has no problem texting me more links than I could ever ask for, but his requests are not always – shall we say – realistic. So what am I supposed to do?
Enter the gift card. I’ve come up with tons of ideas for gift cards for teens, whether yours likes to spend time playing video games or exploring their new analog hobby. Not only are they are available in a wide variety of amounts, you can pick one up online or in-person at grocery stores and pharmacies. I’ve also included some creative ideas for how to wrap and present gift cards, since even teens want something a little more exciting than a small white envelope to open on the big day. Happy shopping!
For the gamer
If you’ve got a kid who loves to play video games, there are plenty of gift card options. The best part – it’s totally okay if games aren’t your thing. A gift card ensures they will get the game or add-on they really want.
Steam
Steam offers a huge digital library of games (over 100,000!) for almost every major category that are playable across multiple desktop and mobile operating systems. If your teen wants to play a video game, it’s probably here.
PlayStation Store
For fans of the PlayStation console, this gift certificate is sure to be a hit.
Xbox
If an Xbox is hanging out near your TV, consider a gift certificate that lets your kid purchase a new game or two. Maybe they will even pick one the whole family can play!
Roblox (Robux)
This super popular platform is more of a gaming ecosystem hang-out. Robux is the virtual currency of the giant gaming world. It allows players to customize their digital identity, unlock gameplay upgrades and even create their own content.
Apple / Google Play
If your teen likes to play games on their phone, a gift card to Apple or Google Play is a fun idea.
For the fashion expert
I don’t know about you, but under no circumstances would I attempt to purchase clothing for my teens without their specific input. If you’ve got a fashion lover with a distinct style, one of these gift cards is a great way to make their holiday brighter (and avoid taking things back to the store).
Poshmark
This online second-hand market is the perfect place for fashion-conscious teens to search for brands they love at prices they (and you) can afford.
Sephora / Ulta
I had a teen living at my house last year who wanted a specific brand of eyeliner sold at Sephora. Did I have the slightest idea which one? Nope! A gift card meant I could give him a present he loved, and he got to pick out just what he wanted, always a win-win.
PacSun
You’ll find tons of clothes in a variety of styles at this store. Your teen can shop online, or head to the mall and shop in person.
Nike
Whether your teen identifies as sporty or not, they will probably find something cool to wear (from head to toe) from this tried and true brand.
Tillys
This chain store is rooted in skate, surf and outdoor lifestyles. It offers casual, trendy items that teens love. Bonus — Tillys carries lots of brands, including Vans, Nike, Volcom, Santa Cruz, Billabong, Dickies and Adidas. Lots of options!
H&M
Here is another great online or mall shopping option. Your teen will find tons of current style and trends they will love, at prices your budget will appreciate.
Goodwill
Thrifting is a total thing with GenZ (it is for this GenX mom too!). They’ll love being able to go hunt for treasures with this gift card. Keep in mind that this gift card can take a little while to show up in the mail, so plan accordingly. Bonus — a Goodwill gift card will allow your teen to get a lot more stuff than any other card on this list!
For the social butterfly
When you are a teenager, two things are true: 1) Being with your friends is your top priority, and 2) you are always hungry. These gift cards are sure to get used up as soon as they are opened.
Starbucks
Mochas, lattes and Frappuccinos. Need I say more?
Barnes & Noble
If you thought this store had disappeared, think again! Teens can browse books and grab a drink and snack at the cafe with friends. Sounds like an ideal was to spend a Saturday, or a few hours after school.
DoorDash / Uber Eats
Sometimes we just want to stay home and have the food come to us. The same is true for teens! Next time they are having a movie marathon with friends, they can pull out this gift card and be the friend-group hero when they order up some delivery.
Movie theater chains (AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark Theater)
When your teen does want to leave the house, a movie theater is often the destination of choice. Let them catch the next flick on your with this thoughtful gift.
Chipotle
When I ask my teen boys what they want for dinner, this is a common response. Let them take themselves (and maybe a friend) out for a meal or two at this teen-approved restaurant.
Subway
This is a great option if you need a gift for a teenager who might not live in the same town as you. Whether they live in Seattle, LA, New York or my small hometown in Oregon, I bet they like Subway, and I bet there is one near their high school.
Grocery stores (Kroger)
This is another gift certificate that can be used for a lot of different things, from hot items at the deli to sports drinks or sodas (probably an energy drink, if we are being honest) to ingredients to make a meal. Encourage a little independent choice making with this useful gift.
For teens seeking independence
Pushing away from home (and you) is a vital part of being a teen, and of growing up. Tell your teenager you recognize their increasing independence with a gift that encourages them to make their own choices and navigate the world.
Apple Music
When I was in high school, all I wanted were CDs. Give them the 2026 version with an Apple Music gift card, and let them build their own digital music library.
Airbnb
This one is for kids age 18 and older, since that is the minimum age to rent an Airbnb. If you have a kid who is always up for travel and an adventure, you can encourage their wanderlust with this gift certificate. At least you’ll know they have somewhere to stay when they head out on their next adventure!
Uber / Lift
Here is another option for the 18 and older crowd. Uber and Lift are great ways to get around, but they can be spendy. Give your teen a gift card and yourself some peace of mind knowing that they will have a ride home (that’s not you!) when they need one.
Ticketmaster
I believe that live events and shows are always a purchase worth making. But gifting tickets can be tricky when teens have complicated schedules and like musicians you may not be familiar with. This gift card allows them to make their own entertainment decisions, while you foot the bill.
Bus pass
In some cities, like Seattle, kids younger than 18 can ride public transportation for free. If that’s not the case where you live — or if your kid is outgrowing the free-ride option — a prepaid bus pass is a great way to allow teens to explore their city independently.
Fun ways to wrap and present a gift card
You got the perfect gift card. But now what? Put it in an envelope? No way! Here are some fun ways to present gift cards in a way that makes them feel like the special, substantial gifts that they are.
The emergency shadow box
Start with an inexpensive 3D shadow box. Put the gift card behind the glass along with a small item that matches the theme (maybe a small bag of coffee beans with a Starbucks gift card). Buy a small decal, or paint right on the glass, something along the lines of “In case of emergency, break glass.” Short on time or creativity? You can pick up a cute premade “in case of emergency” box online.
Nesting boxes
Wrap the gift card in a small box and put that box into a slightly larger box. Keep going until you have whatever size box you can carry! While your teen might catch on quickly to what’s happening once they open the largest box and see another inside, they won’t know what awaits them. If you want to make the unwrapping last longer, be sure to securely wrap each box (feel free to use some duct tape!).
Puzzle box
Place the gift card inside a puzzle box (or this even more challenging wooden puzzle box). Your teen will have to figure out how to open it to get to the gift card inside. Bonus — once they have solved the puzzle they can use the maze to guard their own treasures.
Treasure hunt
Hand them a small, wrapped box that has one clue inside. When they figure out the clue and head to wherever it sent them, have another wrapped box waiting. Make them unwrap and solve as many clues as you want until they arrive at the final box, holding the gift card. This could be a fun way to involve a younger sibling. What younger brother or sister wouldn’t love sending their older sibling on a wild goose chase!
Ice block
This one is a little extra, but that’s what makes it fun! Make sure your gift card is safely sealed in a waterproof zip lock (or two). Toss it inside whatever you want to fill with water and freeze and put the whole thing in the freezer. You can hand your teen the frozen ice ball in a container when they sit down to open their gifts. (Smile and give them a small ice pick when they look at you like you’ve lost your mind.)
Balloon pop
This strategy is more about flair than making the unveiling last a long time, and it will work better with a paper gift certificate. Roll the certificate up tightly and insert it into a balloon, bonus points if the balloon also contains confetti. Tie a string to the bottom of the balloon, and attach it to something that has to do with the gift certificate (perhaps a video game controller or new makeup bag). Attach a safety pin onto the string and write “pop me” on the balloon.
Fake-out book
My kids could always tell when they were getting a book as a gift, it’s hard to hide that shape and texture with wrapping paper. Use that knowledge against your teen with this sneaky wrapping strategy! Buy an old book at a thrift store and hollow out the pages (or buy one online if you don’t want to damage an actual book). After they unwrap their “book” don’t tell them to open it up, see how long it takes them to find the real gift inside!
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