Our picks link to Amazon UK. Buy through them and we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, SuggestedTech earns from qualifying purchases. How this works
This guide is for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles buying for a 13 to 19 year old who is hard to buy for. It also works for teens building their own wish list. Start with what they love most: gaming, VR, music, their bedroom, photos or the bus to school. Then check what else the gift needs to work, like film, Wi-Fi or a membership. Order early so it arrives well before Christmas.
Nintendo Switch 2 Console
Best for the gamer
A games console that plays on its own larger 1080p screen or on the TV in up to 4K. It brings new exclusive games like Mario Kart World, plus compatible games from the Nintendo Switch library.
Who it's for: Buy it for the gamer who wants Nintendo's newest console.
The facts that matter
- A larger 1080p screen, or connect to a TV and play in up to 4K.
- New exclusive games like Mario Kart World, plus compatible games from the Nintendo Switch library.
- Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on magnetically, and GameChat starts a chat with friends with the C Button.
Why it made the list: The Joy-Con 2 controllers snap into place with magnetic connectors. Press the C Button and GameChat starts a chat with friends while they play. Just know that GameChat needs internet and a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and the camera is sold separately.
Worth knowing: GameChat needs internet and a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and the Nintendo Switch 2 camera is sold separately.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Meta Quest 3S 128GB VR headset
Best for virtual reality
A wireless VR (virtual reality) headset with no cords, powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8 GB of RAM. It drops them straight into new worlds.
Who it's for: Buy it for the teen who wants to step inside the game, not just watch it.
The facts that matter
- Wireless VR with no cords, powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8 GB of RAM.
- Full-colour Passthrough from two RGB cameras blends virtual objects with the real room.
- This Amazon exclusive bundle includes Gorilla Tag items and 2,000 Shiny Rocks.
Why it made the list: Full-colour Passthrough uses two RGB cameras to blend virtual objects with the real room around them. This Amazon exclusive bundle also includes Gorilla Tag items and 2,000 Shiny Rocks to get them started. The battery gives 2+ hours of play per charge, so plan for charging breaks.
Worth knowing: The battery gives 2+ hours of play per charge.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)JBL Go 5 ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker
Best for music everywhere
A tiny Bluetooth speaker that fits in the palm of your hand. It gives louder JBL sound and deeper bass than before.
Who it's for: Buy it for the teen whose music goes everywhere they go.
The facts that matter
- Fits in the palm of your hand, with louder JBL sound and deeper bass than before.
- IP68 waterproof and dust-proof with a drop-proof build, plus ambient edge lighting.
- Bump two JBL Go 5 speakers together with AirTouch for instant stereo.
Why it made the list: It's IP68 waterproof and dust-proof (rated to keep out water and dust) with a drop-proof build and ambient edge lighting. Bump two JBL Go 5 speakers together with AirTouch for instant stereo. It runs up to 8 hours per charge, plus 2 more with Playtime Boost.
Worth knowing: Up to 8 hours per charge, plus 2 more with Playtime Boost.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Govee RGBIC smart LED strip lights (5 m)
Best for a bedroom glow-up
A 5 m strip of smart LED lights that shows several colours at once along the strip, with 64+ preset scenes. It turns a plain bedroom into their own space.
Who it's for: Buy it for the teen who wants their room to look as good as their feed.
The facts that matter
- RGBIC shows several colours at once along the strip, with 64+ preset scenes.
- A built-in mic syncs the colours to music, with 11 music modes.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the Govee Home app turns words or photos into custom light effects.
Why it made the list: A built-in mic syncs the colours to music, with 11 music modes. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the Govee Home app turns words or photos into custom light effects. It connects on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, and connectors for cutting and joining the strip are not included.
Worth knowing: It connects on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, and connectors for cutting and joining the strip are not included.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Polaroid Go Generation 2 instant camera (White)
Best for instant photos
A pocket instant camera that prints real photos on the spot. A precise light sensor and improved exposure help it take better pictures.
Who it's for: Buy it for the teen who wants memories they can hold, stick up and share.
The facts that matter
- A pocket instant camera with a precise light sensor and improved exposure for better pictures.
- A selfie mirror and self-timer for group shots and selfies.
- The internal battery charges over USB-C, and the body uses 30% recycled materials.
Why it made the list: A selfie mirror and self-timer make group shots and selfies easy. The internal battery charges over USB-C, and the body uses 30% recycled materials. It takes only Polaroid Go format film, and the box has the camera body only, so buy film too.
Worth knowing: It takes only Polaroid Go format film, and the box contains the camera body only, so buy film too.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Soundcore P30i noise cancelling earbuds
Best for the bus to school
Wireless earbuds with adaptive noise cancelling that cuts noise by up to 42dB. A transparency mode lets the outside world back in when they need it.
Who it's for: Buy it for the teen who wants a first proper pair of earbuds for the bus to school.
The facts that matter
- Adaptive noise cancelling reduces noise by up to 42dB, with a transparency mode.
- The charging case doubles as a phone stand for watching shows.
- Up to 45 hours with the case, and a 10-minute charge gives 2 hours of use.
Why it made the list: The charging case doubles as a phone stand for watching shows. They get up to 45 hours with the case, and a 10-minute charge gives 2 hours of use. Playtime per charge drops from 10 hours to 6 hours with noise cancelling on.
Worth knowing: Playtime per charge drops from 10 hours to 6 hours with noise cancelling on.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming mouse (Black)
Best for PC and laptop gaming
A wireless gaming mouse with LIGHTSPEED wireless and a 1 ms report rate, so it keeps up with every move. It's built for lag-free gaming on a PC or laptop.
Who it's for: Buy it for the teen who games on a computer and wants to ditch the cable.
The facts that matter
- LIGHTSPEED wireless with a 1 ms report rate for lag-free gaming.
- HERO sensor with up to 12,000 DPI, in a 3.4 oz body.
- 250 hours of continuous play on 1 AA battery, with the nano receiver stored inside.
Why it made the list: The HERO sensor goes up to 12,000 DPI (how far the pointer moves as you move the mouse) in a 3.4 oz body. It gives 250 hours of continuous play on 1 AA battery, and the nano receiver stores inside. It runs on an AA battery, and Endurance mode for up to 9 months needs the Logitech G HUB software.
Worth knowing: It runs on an AA battery, and Endurance mode for up to 9 months needs the Logitech G HUB software.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)Amazon Echo Dot (newest gen, Deep Sea Blue)
Best for the bedroom
A compact smart speaker that plays music, audiobooks and podcasts from Amazon Music, Audible, Apple Music, Spotify and more, over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. They just ask out loud.
Who it's for: Buy it for the teen who wants their own soundtrack and helper in the bedroom.
The facts that matter
- Music, audiobooks and podcasts from Amazon Music, Audible, Apple Music, Spotify and more, over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Ask Alexa for weather, timers and answers, and control compatible smart home devices by voice.
- A Microphone Off button electronically disconnects the microphones.
Why it made the list: They can ask Alexa for weather, timers and answers, and control compatible smart home devices by voice. A Microphone Off button electronically disconnects the microphones. Alexa+ Early Access needs a personal, UK-based Amazon account.
Worth knowing: Alexa+ Early Access needs a personal, UK-based Amazon account.
Check price on Amazon(paid link)