The KidRated Guide to the Best Stocking Fillers for Older Kids and Teens

Let’s be honest: the big present is easy. It’s the fiddly little bits that cause the mum and dad meltdown. The trick? Keep it cool, useful, funny — and don’t buy anything that screams “you’re still my little baby”. We also recommend these THREE golden rules:

1. Mix the moods – 1x useful, 1x fun, 1x edible, 1x self-care, 1x “wow.”
2. Think shapes – Flats (vouchers), tubes (skincare), boxes (gadgets), softs (socks/PJs).
3. Add a wink – A private joke or personalised label turns “nice” into “nailed it.”

Bedroom Glow-Up

• Their Nibs PJs – Vintage-inspired, cosy, parent-approved.
• Tiny Riot Prints – Cool wall art (Icons/Hide collections).
• LED Strip Lights – Instant room upgrade; remote control, colour-change.
• Incense + Holder – If they’re responsible. If not, hard pass.
• “Celebrity Saint” Candle – Very silly, very fun (see also: fire disclaimer).
• Easy-Care Pot Plant – Responsibility in a pot. (Keep it hardy.)
• Scratch-Off World Map – Travel dreams + wall art = twofer.
• Neon Letter Light – Initials in lights without full Vegas prices.
• Sunset Projector Lamp – Mood lighting that actually chills them out.
• Nordic Socks – Socks, but with swagger.
• Star & Moon Bookends – For the quiet readers (they do exist).

Experiences (big buzz, small box)

• Young Driver Lesson – Under-17s in a real car on a real course. Massive grin factor.

Gift Cards & Subscriptions (let them choose)

• Uber / iTunes / Amazon / Spotify – Zero guesswork, maximum brownie points.
• Claire’s Ear-Piercing Gift Card – Rite of passage (and supervision).
• Calm App (1-Year) – Sleep stories, mindfulness, anxiety tools — genuinely helpful.

Grooming, Skincare & “Smelly Stuff”

• CK One – Unisex classic; safe bet.
• MAC (Minis) – Cool, quality, lasts ages.
• Essie Nail Polish – Trend colours = instant win.
• Neal’s Yard (sleep/skin sets) – Natural, nice, not naff.
• Lynx Set – Looks big, smells… like teen spirit.
• Harry’s Shave Set – Stop them nicking yours.
• Beard Growth Oil – For the fluff-to-beard transition years.

Quirky Bits & Bobs

• Playing Cards (custom optional) – Teach a couple of games = family time.
• Tarot Deck – Party ice-breaker for months.
• Metal Water Bottle (Hogwarts etc.) – Hydrated + eco points.
• Carhartt Wallet – Still cool even with Apple Pay.
• Casio Digital Watch – The F-91W never dies.
• Scratch Cards (16+) – Light-touch thrill; your house, your rules.
• Bath Noodles – Vegan, daft, smells nice.
• Emotional First Aid Kit – Pocket-sized wisdom for teenage turbulence.
• “Misogynists’ Tears” Mug – Feminist sass for the kitchen cupboard.
• Pop-It / Fidget Toy – Still oddly soothing (for parents too).

This is our fifth annual list, created with help from parents of teenagers and older kids in the KidRated community — plus a few brutally honest kids themselves. So we’re pretty confident you’ll be in their good books – for an hour or two anyway. Happy shopping and remember Amazon is easy but local shops are best!

Tech & Gaming (small but mighty)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick – Turns any TV into a streaming hub – perfect for freshers. Plug in, log in, peace restored.
• Mobile Game Controller – Snaps onto a phone for proper buttons/analogue sticks. Great for on-the-go gamers.
• Flexible Phone Holder (Lazy Arm) – Clips to a desk/bed frame; hands-free scrolling/homework vids.
• Smartphone Projector – Movie night anywhere. (Yes, they’ll watch horror. Yes, you’ll regret it.)
• 10ft iPhone Charging Cables (multi-pack) – Because plugs are always “too far away.”
• Mini Power Bank – For the “my phone died” brigade. No battery, no going out.
• Beginner Drawing Tablet – Entry-level digital art pad with programmable keys.
• Bluetooth Shower Speaker – Water-resistant sing-along sessions without drowning the phone.
• Beanie Hat Headset – Warm head + hidden Bluetooth speakers = winter win.
• Wired In-Ear Headphones (Panasonic ErgoFit) – Cheap, comfy, brilliant backup when AirPods vanish.
• Headphone Cleaning Kit – Do not watch them use it. Trust us.
• Animal Cable Bites – Stops fraying, adds a tiny bite of personality.
• Clip-On Selfie Ring Light – Pocket-size glow-up for Reels and GCSE drama auditions.

Edible Crowd-Pleasers

• Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauce Set – Pain + pride in three bottles. Teens love it.
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange – Smash, share (or don’t), classic.
• Percy Pigs (incl. Vegan) – National treasure; grab a couple of bags.
• Mini Gumball Dispenser – Retro vibes for the desk.
• Personalised Nutella – Stop sibling squabbles. Put their name on it.
• Tony’s Chocolonely Small Bars – Great flavours; slavery-free message.

Cameras & Photo Fun

• Phone Clip Lens Kit – Fisheye, macro, wide. Cheap, cheerful, creative.
• Simple Use / Reusable Film Cameras (Lomo/Kodak M35) – Analogue novelty without landfill guilt.
• Instax Mini – Technically a “main present” price, but instant pics = instant smiles.