Teenagers are notoriously hard to connect with, but we’re sure we can help you find something that will take you from lame to cool—or whatever it is that the teens say these days.

We researched the most popular picks for this age group, considering each pick’s recommended age, safety features, and educational value, as well as your teen’s interests to narrow down your search. Etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore offers a simple tip: “Tailor the gift to the teen’s personality, style, and taste.” Based on these factors, we selected the Flybold Slackline Kit, the Homall gaming chair, and Hydro Flask water bottle as some of our favorite picks.

Here, the best gifts for a teenager in your life.

flybold Slackline Kit

If your teen is into outdoor activities (or you want them to be), slacklines are all the rage with the younger set. These kits can be set up in the backyard where your kid can master the art of balance as they try to walk across the slackline. Think of it as tight roping, but with a wider base. This kit will give your teen everything they need to get from Point A to Point B while also getting in some fitness, making it our top pick.

The kit is also equipped with safety features for beginners, which our tester loves. The slackline is wider than normal for first-time users and uses high-quality materials that are stretchy and sturdy. Our tester reported that setup was a breeze after reading through the instructions, but take note that you have to be cautious when dismantling the line due to high tension.

Spikeball 3 Ball Kit

Teens will love playing this athletic game that’s a mix between volleyball, tennis, and basketball. The Spikeball set is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for teens to take wherever they go, from gatherings with friends to vacation. This set comes with three softballs, a net with collapsible legs, a drawstring bag for easy storage, and an instruction book. As an added bonus, teens can connect for free to the Spikeball community for tutorials, or they can download the app so they can find pickup games for any time fun. 

Spikeball is accessible to all fitness levels and all ages, which our tester loved. The rules are easy to follow, but also malleable to be super competitive or more low-key and chill, making this perfect for all teens.

Yogibo Max Bean Bag Chair

If you have a bit of extra dough to spend on a gift for your teen, look to a functional bean bag that doubles as adorable room decor. However, our product tester noted that this is no ordinary bean bag. It functions as a chair, recliner, bed, or even a couch. It’ll form to your body as you sit or lay for the most comfortable experience without uncomfortable pressure points. Choose from more than a dozen colors to sit your teen’s bedroom or dorm room. We love that the cover is washable, so they can enjoy this pick for years and years to come.

Big Potato Games Mean Girls Party Game

Mean Girls is a classic teen movie, so a game inspired by the infamous burn book is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for ages 14 and up, the party game asks players to answer questions about each other anonymously.

The game, which can accommodate 4-8 players, includes 100 cards, 7 cardboard mats, 2 answer pads, and 1 scoresheet. At the end of each round, each player gets to pick an answer they want to reveal to the group—and if you pick yours, you’ll be making your own confession.

Kodak Zink Smile Instant Print Digital Camera

This Kodak camera combines the gratification of instant pics but with a bit of a retro look. The camera features automatic focus, flash, and the viewfinder makes it easy to snap the best pic. Not only can photos be shared, but they can also be printed out. There’s even the option to print two photos on a single sheet. The printed pictures have a sticky back, and there’s even the option to add a border or filter.

Now in Books Book Club

A gift that keeps on giving month after month is sure to please anyone. A Now in Books subscription gifts your favorite teen newly released novels. The book titles will vary, but each box also includes activities, discussion topics, and even a curated playlist that corresponds to the theme of the book. You can choose from several delivery options.

Ranch 23 inch Professional Wooden Concert Ukulele

This affordable wooden ukulele is actually quite comparable to pricier counterparts. We love that the kit comes with many extras, such as a neck strap, digital tuner, padded carrying bag, and microfiber polishing cloth. The company, Ranch, also offers free online video lessons, with the final one teaching “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a song made popular by the late Hawaiian musical icon (and ukulele player) Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.

Homall Gaming Chair Office Chair

The gamer in your life will absolutely appreciate Homall’s gaming chair that’s built for function. The foam fits the body comfortably, and there’s the ever important headrest and lumbar support. Also, the seat has a tilt back function that can be adjusted between 90 to 150 degrees. We like that the casters move easily on hardwood floors or carpeting.

Kunodi Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Kunodi’s bluetooth speaker is tiny, but mighty and you’ll love the wallet-friendly price. It easily fits into the palm of a hand and seamlessly connects to various devices. You can take it on the go and attach to a backpack or handlebars (thanks to the carabiner). You can even store it in your bathroom: There’s a suction cup mount, as the waterproof design makes it perfect for listening to music in the shower.

GMYLE AirPod Case

AirPods are pretty expensive, so if your teen has a pair, consider gifting them this sturdy case. The silicone casing protects the actual cover, while still allowing access to the charging port. There’s even a carabiner so it can be strapped to the inside of a backpack or pocket. With more than 30 colors to choose from, there’s something for every style.

Masterclass Virtual Cooking Class

A Masterclass membership is a great option if you want to expose your teen to learning that’s fun and appeals to a wide variety of interests. The online classroom provides access to pros and tastemakers like chefs, producers, writers, and more. There are writing classes, cooking demos, and pretty much everything. The virtual classes can be viewed at leisure and your teen is sure to learn a lot.