The Ultimate 2023 Teenage Christmas gifts for holidays and backpacking

The ultimate list of stocking fillers and Christmas gifts for teenagers who are travelling with you in 2024 or who are heading off on their own adventures. We have split these must have travel items across six essential gift categories. Each one has been picked specifically for teenagers that they are guaranteed to love and really use, making this holiday season truly memorable..

11/6/202313 min read

Our Six Categories of Tried and Tested Best Buys for Teenagers

Click the category that you want to explore below. We have included quick links to recommended items on Amazon to allow you to easily add items of interest to your Amazon Basket.

woman taking photo of high-rise building beside road
woman taking photo of high-rise building beside road

The holiday season is almost upon us, and for teenagers who are constantly on the move, finding the ultimate Christmas gift requires careful consideration.
Whether they're jet-setting with family or exploring the world on their own, we have put together the list of perfect presents based on feedback from our travel community and what items their own teens have loved!

Teenagers are notoriously hard to shop for; trends come and go, and keeping up with the right brands and products can feel like trying to catch the wind. Yet, one thing remains constant – the desire for experiences and the freedom to explore. Recognizing this, gifting travel essentials in 2024 is not just a thoughtful gesture; it's a practical choice that aligns with the fast-paced, adventure-seeking lifestyle of today's teens.

We’ve broken the best buys into six gift categories, focusing on quality products that are tried and tested by teenagers.

Grooming on the Go: Teen-Approved Travel Toiletries

Discover a curated list of travel toiletries that meet the high standards of teenage grooming. From compact skincare essentials to trendy hair products, we've got the lowdown on products that keep teens feeling fresh and looking their best, no matter where the journey takes them.

Beyond the Screens: Cool Non-Electrical Gadgets for Teen Explorers

Encourage your teens to look up from their screens and engage with the world around them. Explore our handpicked selection of non-electrical gadgets that add a touch of adventure to every trip. Whether it's a pocket-sized telescope for stargazing or a portable hammock for outdoor relaxation, these innovative gadgets are sure to captivate the curiosity of your teen explorer.

Power Up and Go: Essential Electricals for Teen Travelers

Staying connected on the road is crucial for Teenagers. Our guide to essential electricals for teen travelers ranges from the best in multi-functional power banks to compact chargers. We've rounded up the must-have electrical gear for teens on the move.

Munchies on the Move: Snacks That Satisfy Teen Taste Buds

Tackle teenage hunger pangs with our selection of thoughtful on-the-go snacks that are both delicious and convenient. These snack ideas ensure that your teens stay energized and satisfied throughout the journey.

Wardrobe on the Fly: Top Picks for Traveling Teen Fashionistas

Fashion-forward teens, rejoice! Our guide to traveling in style unveils some of the top wardrobe picks for teen fashionistas on the fly.

Staying Safe: Supporting safe passage for your Teen

Address the paramount concern of every parent or carer – the safety of their teen during travel. Equip your teen with a few tools to ensure their well-being throughout the journey.

Other options

Remember that in a world where experiences often trump possessions, gifting items that enhance the travel experience is a win-win.

Consider vouchers for travel agencies or buying specific tickets or vouchers to be used in locations they are visiting.

Subscription services for language learning apps, audiobook platforms, or even virtual reality travel experiences can also add an extra layer of excitement and enrichment to their journeys.

Many people are still unaware that a Kindle subscription allows you to download both books and a huge range of magazines to ANY device, not just a Kindle. At Family Travel Secrets our community repeatedly advocates Kindle access for teenagers and children, giving them access to so much in the world of reading. We recommend gifting the Kindle Unlimited subscription (click here) for your teens if traveling. Kindle Unlimited offer a Free 30-day Trial where you can access over 1 million books, thousands of audiobooks, and popular magazines. After this first month, the subscription is c£9.49 per month. Or you can dive right in with a discounted 3 month subscription - and cancel at any time. Click here to see the offer.

Teens, whether traveling with family or embarking on solo adventures, can benefit greatly from good quality, thoughtful, travel-centric presents.

Gifting travel essentials isn't just about convenience; it's about acknowledging the teenage desire for exploration, independence, and the pursuit of unique experiences. By choosing gifts that align with their on-the-go lifestyle, you're not just giving them an item – you're providing a ticket to a world of possibilities, and that's a gift they'll use and appreciate long after the holiday season has passed.

NO KINDLE NEEDED - AVAILABLE ON ANY DEVICE

You didn’t come this far to stop.

Our Top Tips Summarised

Buy quality products that are robust enough to last so that your teenager won't need to replace them on the go.

Buy a selection of stocking fillers from across our six essential travel categories.

Think small and light for travel gifts!

Don't forget travel safety; this is one of the best gifts you can give you teen as they grow wings and fly!

Buying essentials in advance of a trip can help spread the cost and support planning ideas!

Consider vouchers for experiences in addition to products.

Grooming on the Go: Teen-Approved Travel Toiletries

Our Favourite Teen Travel Wash Bag is this Under Armour one: we love it because it looks good but also works perfectly for teens on the move - it is water repellent, large enough to actual use, it unzips flat for easy packing and use and can be hung up.
Best teenage boy wash set: we love this because feedback from our community was that for teenagers, 100ml toiletries are too small. And, if you want to add a spray to use on a flight, throw in one of these 35ml ones.
The newest and coolest teenage sunscreen range that is also vegan and cruelty free, your teen will love you for selecting a couple of items from their high-spf suncream, lip balm and aftersun range. Products start from less than £5.
Light, long-lasting and easy to pack but super-powerful, this innovative zit treatment can be used on any skin type and tone. Dots for Spots are vegan & cruelty free Dots for Spots and are being snapped up by teenagers!
From a company born in Leeds creating iconic hair products that are vegan and never tested on animal, this powder is taking the teen world by storm and is perfect for travelling!

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Beyond the Screens: Cool Non-Electrical Gadgets for Teen Explorers

Power Up and Go: Essential Electricals for Teen Travelers