Navigating the shifting tides of teenage trends is a task that can make even the most seasoned shopper feel “cringe.” However, for the holiday season of 2025, ELLE’s editors have cracked the code by leaning into a mix of high-tech self-care, “cozy-core” essentials, and the undeniable “Rhode-mania” currently sweeping through Gen Z. The 2025 guide moves away from the generic gadgets of the past, focusing instead on items that build a personal brand—from the viral “pocket-sized” content studios to the precisely curated skincare routines found on TikTok’s “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) feeds. Whether you are shopping for a burgeoning content creator or a dedicated homebody, this list ensures that every gift feels like a thoughtful “fit check” success rather than a last-minute guess.
Rhode and the Glossy-Glow Phenomenon
If there is one name that defined the teen beauty landscape in 2025, it is Rhode by Hailey Bieber. The brand has achieved a level of cult status that makes its products the ultimate “social currency” for teenagers. ELLE highlights the Rhode “Holiday Glazed Trio” as the season’s most-wanted beauty gift, featuring the famous Glazing Milk and the viral Peptide Lip Treatments. For the teen who already has the basics, the new “Ribbon” lip tint—a sheer, delicate pink—is the specific shade currently dominating wish lists. These products are more than just skincare; they are the “aesthetic” anchors of a modern makeup bag, designed to be seen as much as they are used.
Beyond Rhode, the guide emphasizes a broader shift toward “glowy” and “glass skin” finishes. The Summer Fridays “Dewy Pink Set” and the Fenty Beauty “Glossy Posse VIII” set are noted for their high-shine appeal and portable convenience. This trend reflects a move away from the heavy, matte looks of previous years in favor of a hydrated, natural luminosity. For the savvy gift-giver, these sets provide a high-value entry point into prestige beauty brands that teens might otherwise find out of reach, making them a fail-safe choice for any stocking.
The Personal Content Studio: Tech in Your Pocket
In 2025, a teenager’s bedroom is no longer just a sleeping space; it is a professional-grade content studio. ELLE’s tech picks reflect this reality, spotlighting tools that facilitate high-quality storytelling on the go. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 remains a beloved staple for its analog charm, but the real “hero” of the year is the Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer. This pocket-sized device allows teens to print photos directly from their smartphones, turning digital memories into physical stickers for lockers and laptop cases. It’s the perfect blend of digital convenience and old-school tactile fun.
For the aspiring influencer, the Newmowa 60 LED Rechargeable Clip Light has emerged as a critical accessory. This small but powerful light clips onto a phone or tablet to provide “studio-quality” lighting for TikToks and FaceTime calls, even in the dim lighting of a bedroom. Paired with a stylish “puffer” laptop sleeve or a quilted tote bag—like those currently trending from Juoxeepy—these tech tools enable a level of creative independence that is central to the Gen Z experience. It’s a gift that says, “I see your creative potential,” and provides the tools to realize it.
Cozy-Core: The Uniform of Rest
Comfort is the ultimate luxury for the 2025 teen, and the “cozy-core” trend shows no signs of slowing down. The guide identifies the Lululemon Scuba Half-Zip Pullover and the “Everywhere Belt Bag” as the non-negotiable staples of the teen wardrobe. These pieces offer a “snatched” yet relaxed silhouette that works as well for a school run as it does for a Saturday hangout. The belt bag, in particular, has become a functional icon, providing a hands-free solution for the “phone-wallet-keys” trio that every teen carries.
Inside the home, the focus shifts to “sensory comfort.” Weighted stuffed animals—like the viral “Hugz Rex” dinosaur—are being gifted for their anxiety-relieving properties and undeniable cuteness. These are often paired with high-end loungewear sets, such as the Roller Rabbit “Argan Rosebud” pajamas, known for their ultra-soft cotton and whimsical prints. This emphasis on rest and “self-soothing” reflects a wider cultural conversation about teen mental health, framing comfort not just as a style choice, but as a vital part of a balanced lifestyle.
Nostalgia and the New Aesthetic
The 2025 guide also taps into a deep sense of “new-old” nostalgia. This is most visible in the resurgence of vinyl, specifically the “Bewitched” edition of Laufey’s latest album, which has become a staple for any teen with a record player. This interest in physical media extends to “screen-free” activities like the Lego “Botanicals” tiny plants or a personalized leather heart bookmark for the “bookstagram” enthusiast. These gifts offer a necessary break from the digital world, encouraging a slower, more intentional form of engagement with hobbies.
Rounding out the list are “small but significant” accessories that allow for personal expression. Custom bubble-letter bracelets from BaubleBar and gold-plated “Tiny Hoops” are highlighted for their ability to be layered and personalized. These pieces act as the finishing touches to the “fit check,” allowing teens to tweak their look with precision. By mixing these accessible jewelry pieces with higher-stakes tech and beauty, ELLE has created a 2025 guide that honors the complexity of the teenage experience—balancing the need for digital presence with the timeless desire for a cozy, well-curated life.
