Best Cheap Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for Teens and Tweens: Most are $20 and Under

If you are looking to save money on Christmas gifts this year, yet want to impress a population of people who are nearly impossible to impress, this gift guide will help. Teens and tweens everywhere will appreciate these thoughtful, yet inexpensive gifts — even with their moody, attitudy ways!

Here’s a $20 and under gift guide that can save you money while cherishing the young teen or tween in your life.

1) Portable Bluetooth with built-in-mic

This sturdy portable wireless Bluetooth speaker has rave reviews on Amazon. For just $11.99 you can get your teen a multifunctional device they are sure to enjoy. It comes in different colors and gives up to 4 hours of playing power.  Grab this speaker here.

2) Personalized monogrammed necklace

Is there anything cooler than having your name forged in mental? I think not. These personalized monogrammed necklaces are a hit with teens and tweens because they are unique to each person. These can be even more personalized because you can customize the look of the metal. Make sure you order early, because they take 6-10 days to ship. Order this personalized monogrammed necklace here.

3) Lazy Susan storage tray

A Lazy Susan isn’t just for the kitchen. It can come in handy for storing toiletries, too. If your “mini-me” has toiletries galore,  this is a great way to store all her body sprays, lotions, and other cosmetics so they are in plain view and easy to reach. This rotating tray saves space and keeps your stuff organized. Plus, this Lazy Susan is BPA-free & chlorine-free and easy-to-clean. Get this Lazy Susan here.

4) Detangling hairbrush

These “paddle brushes” can help anyone with long thick hair. Somehow, they are super gentle when it comes to detangling and blow drying. My girls are huge fans.  Thick curly hair is no problem with these detangling hair brushes. Plus, they are pretty cute! Order a pair of these for your teen today.

5) Brain teasers

Does your kid need less screen time and more brain exercise? This book of puzzles and brain teasers could be just what the doctor ordered. Help your teen take a break from the digital world and use her brain cells to figure out some of the world’s most intriguing riddles, conundrums, and mysteries. Grab a copy of the 125 Best Brain Teasers of All Time here.

6) Gold pineapple throw pillow cover

 This super cute pillow pineapple cover can compliment any white or gold-themed room decor. They are also less expensive than buying decorative pillows which can be $20-$30 a pop.  If your teen or tween is all about the aesthetics, this case could be a nice start to decorating pretty much any space. The cool thing is that there are a few colorful options to choose from. Check out the other pillow covers available here on Amazon.com.

7) iPhone X liquid pineapple phone case

iPhones are insanely popular among the teens and so are the iPhone cases. This stylish and dramatically eccentric pineapple phone case is great for making a statement while protecting that expensive phone. Made from silicone rubber, the case has a nice feel and grip. It also has a liquid-filled chamber with sparkly star whirling around it. This happens to doubles as a stress reducer, too. Grab this cute pineapple case here.

8) Earbuds for iPhone 7 and beyond

These iPhone earbuds are made for more iPhone models 7 and later.  These Bluetooth-enabled earbuds offer a full-fledged range of functionality like the original iPhone earbuds: pause/play, song up/down, volume control, and calling. Perhaps the coolest, most convenient thing about these earbuds is the lightning connector so that they charge from the phone. Get a pair of these iPhone earbuds here.

9) Selfie stick with wireless Bluetooth remote, reflective mirror & LED light

Teenagers are crazy about taking selfies. So it would only make sense to get them the best selfie stick possible.  With a remote, mirror and LED light, your teen will be able to take perfect selfies. In other words, you won’t be detained for hours trying to snap the most “Instagrammable” pose of them. They can now do it on their own! Get this selfie-stick ASAP. 

9) Battery-0perated fairy light string

Even your drama-prone teen will enjoy the subtle, calming effect of these “fairy lights.” Lights can drastically change the ambiance of their room for the better so it’s a good investment to brighten up their countenance and put them in a better mood. As it were,  fairy lights could be small but nice touch your teen’s living space. These lights run on 3 AA batteries, so don’t forget to order the batteries, too!

10) 3D wall & mirror stickers

These removable butterfly stickers can add a new dimension to your teen’s room’s décor — quite literally! These 3D wall stickers are extremely easy to paste and remove. This sticker kit has 72 pieces so your tween will have many options to decorate a fairly large space. Get these 3D stickers here.

11) USB charger compact mirror

Because…who doesn’t need another phone charging device? This magnifying portable compact has LED lights and a built-in battery to recharge a phone or portable device. Now, your teen can look cute WHILE having enough juice to answer your call. “My phone died,” will never be a valid excuse with this portable battery disguised as a compact mirror, LOL. Grab this portable phone charging compact here.

12) Himalayan salt night light

Again if a calm teen is your goal, this Himalayanlayan salt night light will do the job. This Himalayanlayan salt night is said to purify the air and also provide stress relief. Plus, if your teens and tweens are still scared of the dark, they’ll have something to help them out. Get the Himalayanlayan salt night here.

13) Marquee letter lights 

Teens tend to prefer personalized items over anything. Letter lights are a perfect example of this personalization. A letter or symbol that they feel represents them will go a long way. Not to mention letter lights are perfect for decorating a corner of a room and make a very thoughtful gift. These letter lights are available in all the 26 letters and run on 2 AA batteries.

14)  Leather tassel 2-in-1 charger cable

Kids these days are constantly on their devices so they have to keep them charged, right? These stylish leather tassels serve double as a keychain and charging device. Compatible with most iOS and Android devices, these charger tassels are both chic and useful. If you’d like another option for a keychain charger, these fox fur poms are a 3-in-1 charger and are ideal for someone who needs more connecting options.

15) Decorative storage bins

Help your teen get organized with these stylish storage bins. There are plenty of patterns to choose from so you can match as many decor options as your teen or tween would like. Check out additional colors for these storage bins here.

16) Vintage wooden block perpetual calendar

Now, your teen can get a clue with this vintage wooden block calendar. It works for any year or day of the week. Your teen or tween will know what’s happening and finally turn their homework in on time! This stylish calendar will make it fun to be prompt and professional.

17) Portable jewelry organizer

This travel jewelry roll bag looks like a little clutch but serves to organize your jewelry on the go. The aluminum metal mesh is durable while the inside is lined with silk. Translation: your teen can’t destroy it but it will protect the jewelry they tote around (cheerleaders, drama students, etc.) Get this travel jewelry roll bag.

18) Seventeen-piece makeup brush set

Your teen will get tons of mileage out of this 17-piece makeup brush set. For just $9.99, they’ll be able to shade and blend until their heart’s content. Get this makeup brush set from Amazon here.

19) Bath bombs

For some reason, bath bombs are all the rage lately. These Stella and Grace bath bombs make your tween and teen girls feel like they are having a real spa day with the cutest packaging and a variety of scents.  Each bath bomb has shea and cocoa butter plus detoxifying sea salt that helps relax your muscles.  It’s a perfect way to unwind after a hectic day. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a calm teen? This could help!

20) Inspiring wall decal

Inspire your teen with messages on from this wall decal. Being a teen can be hard but creating an atmosphere of inspiration and positivity can make a world of difference. These inspirational wall decals can help set the tone for a great day or week.

Aja McClanahan

Aja “A.J.” McClanahan is a writer, speaker and entrepreneur.