Teens are a tricky one, because lets face it, they'd rather have the cash. To be completely honest with you, it is probably the most eco gift you can give, that way they're going to use it on something they actually want and will use, but if you, like me, like to gift them something they can open, or a parent looking for a stocking filler, then I've rounded up some of my favourite finds...
I've found that after years working with teens, there is one thing they care about more than most. Their mobile phones. An expensive bit of kit, why not get them something that will help to extend its life, a new phone case?
Loam and Lore have some gorgeous designs on their website, and the best thing is they're biodegradable, meaning you're not adding to landfill further once that phone inevitably becomes obsolete, but that's a whole other story.
It is really annoying when you're out and about and your phone battery runs flat, so why not team it with a solar powered energy bank for charging on the go?
A hot talking point whenever I was teaching sustainability in schools was paper straws, this is something I found was always a hot topic of debate, but love them or loath them they're here to stay, so why not get them to channel their inner Cubscout and 'be prepared'. These straws from the Silicone Straw Company are ideal, they roll up to fit into a handy tin so perfect to pop into a pocket and take out and about, and an absolutely perfect stocking filler.
Reusable straws UK! Perfect eco friendly gifts for all ages (thesiliconestrawcompany.co.uk)
When it comes to fast fashion, teenagers are amongst the biggest consumers, so why not take this opportunity to introduce them to slow fashion? I adore everything about Aesthetic Laundry, what started out as a one woman show, has been growing, with a bunch of well paid and well looked after workers here in the UK, they also make absolute full use of every scrap of fabric that comes through their doors in fun and exciting ways.
These items are amazingly comfy and perfect for teens to hang out in, in fact, never mind the teens this is going on my list!
A big trend is make up in teens, and something I personally think looks stunning is the glitter trend, so how about some eco glitter for them to have some fun with? Even better is this set by Eco Glitter Fun, that even comes with real dried flowers to take it to the next level. Gorgeous!
face florals Bioglitter® PURE glitter gift set | ecoglitterfun
What goes on, must come off right? Or something like that... A good skincare routine is essential, so why not gift some of these bang on trend, hello again 90s, floral face scrubbies, each set is lovingly handmade here in the UK, in fact in a town VERY close to me, by the lovely Natasha of Love Indy.
Crochet Flower Face Scrubbies Reusable Face Wipes Checkered | Etsy
Whilst removing that make up, fringes can be kept off faces with these gorgeous spa headbands, handmade in the UK by Georgie Murton.
A completely perfect gift for anyone with pierced ears, I adore the simplicity of these and they are ideal to to wear to school as they're studs. Made here in the UK, these studs by Claire Lowe jewellery are perfect as both a gift and a stocking filler, although I could buy pretty much buy everything.
Trio of Stud Earrings | Claire Lowe Jewellery (bigcartel.com)
If you've a musically minded teen to buy for, how about some guitar picks made from recycled plastic by Brothers Makes Store, here in the UK, this helps divert plastic waste from our oceans, and they're pretty cool.
Recycled Plastic Guitar Picks Packs of 3/6/10 HDPE | Etsy
Do you need to find a gift for a teen that loves to read? These preloved book subscriptions from Ninja Book Box are perfect, and the gift that just keeps on giving. You can give them a book for as long as you choose and its catered to their age group, perfect!
Preloved Subscriptions | ninjabookbox
How about adding a quirky wallet to your shopping list? Created by Team Siekl using old bicycle inner tubes, these are kind of genius, just don't forget to pop some coins in for good luck!
If you wanted to gift money, or maybe an experience, you can't go wrong with adding it to a box of sweeties, these vegan sweets are gelatine free, so perfect for any conscious consumer, and personally I know all the teens I have to buy for like their sweet treats without the added animal!
The Ultimate Vegan Sweet Box | Etsy UK
Finishing up with something that is a habit changer, lets encourage our teens to sack off their plastic water bottles and embrace the reusables. A chilly bottle is perfect to take out and about and refill when needed, they're also super durable, you just have to look at how much my children's bottles have endured... Still going strong through.
I chose the refill bottle to share, as theres an app you can download which helps find refill stations nearby. However, there are so many beautiful designs to choose from, the hardest decision shouldn't be whether, but which?
Refill Water Bottle | Personalised Refill Branded Water Bottles (chillys.com)
I hope that helped you source at least a few gifts for those tricky to buy for teens, as always, thanks for reading, and I'll be back tomorrow with gifts for the home.
In the meantime, you can shop the entire list over on our Pinterest feed.
