It’s time for another gift guide! Just tuning in? You can check out my picks for him and for her as well.
Fun Fact: I’m a very big sister. All of my siblings are still under 18, so while Michael and I may not have kids of our own, I still feel like I have a pulse on the things that kids these days are into. Combining gifts for kids and teens covers such a broad age range, but many of the items you see here will appeal to a range of ages. These are gifts meant to inspire a love of travel, and of treasuring well-made items:
This post is not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned here and I selected all products personally; however, this post does contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in keeping wayward ad-free!
GIFTS FOR KIDS + TEENS
1. Metro Card Sticker Pocket.* Native New Yorker or not, chances are teens will appreciate this cheeky phone pocket. Paired with a trip to the DMV to get a state ID card (there is no minimum age for an ID in many states), this can be a great lesson in responsibility, too.
2. Paddle Balance Bike. How cute is this beginner bike? Give them a chance to learn to ride in style, setting them up for a lifelong love of cycling.
3. A Wakeup Light. We could all use a little more daylight now that it’s getting darker earlier and the sun is rising later. This light is equipped with a wake-up light to simulate sunrise, helping sleepy kids and teens alike make it to school on time. With a built-in sound machine, it’s also a great thing to consider packing when staying in unfamiliar places.
4. A Ride-On Suitcase with a Bed(!). Here’s a product that I desperately wish came in my size! This ride-on suitcase houses everything needed to make younger kids comfortable on their first flight, essentially converting a standard airplane seat into a mini-bed. It’s a lot to travel with, but this is a game-changer for long-haul flights.
5. National Parks Playing Cards. A deck of cards offers hours of entertainment and doesn’t take up much real estate (perfect for keeping in the car or taking on a flight!). This one features parks in the US National Parks system in modern graphics. [Save 10% on your order with code WAYWARD]
6. DIY Mochi Ice Cream Kit. No more begging to go out for ice cream cones – they can make their very own! This kit comes with everything you need to make mochi ice cream (well, except ice cream and sugar), and the opportunity to learn about the history of this sweet, chewy treat.
7. Glow in the Dark Tent. The sweetest, and sturdiest, backyard camping tent ever. With glow-in-the-dark constellations, kids are guaranteed to have a starry night – even if there’s full cloud cover.
8. The Sweetest Knitting Kit Kit. Start them knitting young, and you’ll equip them with problem-solving tools, pattern-reading, and helpful motor skills – and a really cool hat to boot!
9. A Dress for Your Mini-Me. This one actually does come in my size, and if my sisters were a bit younger I would 100% be down for matching them if it meant I could wear this dress. The Merino wool is super soft, and the fabric is naturally odor-resistant (hooray!).
*this item is no longer available and I've linked a similar product
Still looking for more inspiration? Check out these past gift guides: 2022 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017
Looking to save? Pop over to my page of Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
Are you shopping for your own kids this year? Or kids who may as well belong to you?
