Gen Alpha is a completely different ballgame. For them, it’s not about traditional tech. It’s about TikTok, grinding the Minecraft server, and getting cooked on the six, seven. Didn’t understand a word of that? Neither did anyone who doesn’t have teenagers, and arguably some who do as well. So, I’ll bet you need some help finding the right gift for one. Any of the items on this list get the teen seal of approval.
Top Picks (sponsored)
1. Marshall Middleton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker
If they’re into retro and vintage style, you know, like from the “1900s” as the kids like to say nowadays, consider the Marshall Middleton II portable Bluetooth speaker. It’ll introduce them both to classic style and fabulous sound.
Running for 30+ hours per charge, it offers 360° True Stereophonic multidirectional sound with deep bass and more refined performance at maximum volume then its predecessor. It’s also compact enough to be thrown into a bag and durable enough to be taken anywhere with an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating, like by the pool.
It has a built-in microphone for making speakerphone calls and offers support for LE audio. Control playback using the multidirectional control knob: twist or press to play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, or answer calls. It can also double as a portable power bank. Available through Erikson Consumer, it’s $400. But you might as well start them young, teaching them that audio quality matters.
Other Gift Ideas
Nothing Ear 3 True Wireless Earbuds
It makes sense that for this generation that aims to go against the grain, a brand called Nothing would be considered “cool.” The Nothing Ear 3 true wireless earbuds come with a charging case that doubles as a speakerphone thanks to built-in mics and a Talk button on the side. When the buds are out of the case and connected to your phone, you can leverage the Super Mic system via the Talk button on the side of the case to use its microphones for phone calls as well as voice notes and memos from a connected Nothing phone. The buds fit neatly in the mid-range category and feature the same semi-transparent design as other Nothing products. Available in black or white with clear plastic to show the inside circuitry, there are some metal reinforcements as well to add to the durability. They’re affordable, too, at U$179.
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE True Wireless Earbuds
If your teen has a Galaxy phone, the best match are Galaxy earbuds, and the Galaxy Buds3 FE “Fan Edition” ones are a good option that balances the features they want with the cost you’re willing to spend. They employ a new blade design and incorporate hands-free Galaxy AI through Gemini as well as interpreter mode. Along with powerful sound at a value price, you also get active noise cancellation (ANC) with ambient mode, making them useful for students in busy cafeterias and student centres as well as for commuters. They have an IP54 rating to withstand splashes, can run for six-to-8.5 hours of playtime per charge, and offer three-mic intelligent calling, making them great for on-the-go calls and Zoom meetings as well. They come in black or grey for $180.
JLab JBuds Party Speaker
JLab has a full line of portable Bluetooth speakers. For Gen Alpha teens and tweens who love to walk down the street with one, or hang with their friends at the park, the JBuds Party Speaker is a good choice. It comes in multiple colours and features customizable audio, RGB lighting, and LabSync, which enables it to sync audio across multiple speakers or create stereo pairs. For $100, it packs 30W of power to deliver deep bass and clear highs. Rugged and water-resistant, it has a multi-function volume knob you can use to smoothly adjust volume and control play/pause functions. Get real-time software updates in the app, and customize the RGB lighting, controls, and sound to your personal preference. You can also access EQ presets for JLab Signature, Balance, or Bass Boost. Audio power is driven by dual speaker drivers and dual bass radiators. For something bigger and more powerful, the JLabs Epic Party Speaker is another worthwhile option at $250.
Segway E3 Electric Scooter
The Segway E3 electric scooter is an entry-level, lightweight, portable model that’s perfect for commuting teens and tweens. Available for $700 on sale, it employs a compact folded footprint and has an aerospace-grade magnesium frame optimized for both weight and durability. Equipped with an 800W motor, it’s capable of a 25 km/hr. max speed and can go up to 45 kilometers on a single charge thanks to SegRange range optimization. It also has Apple Find My capability, SegRide stability enhancement, and traction control. There’s a 4W headlight, turn signals, and 256 RGB ambient lighting for safety in low-light conditions. It has 10-inch self-sealing jelly tires and is IPX5 water-resistant. Great for first-time riders, make sure you check regulations in their province, city, and municipality and that they have the necessary accessories, like a helmet.
Xgimi MoGo 4 Portable Projector
Xgimi makes it clear that the MoGo 4 is designed with Gen Alpha, Z, and younger Millennials in mind as the target audience. It has built-in Google TV with licensed Netflix support, along with WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI (ARC), and USB ports. At the size of a coffee cup, the built-in battery means you can use it indoors and out. Gen Alphas will love the magnetic filters like Sunset filter, Ripple (reflects soft, wave-like motion for a meditative feel), Dreamscape (washes the room in ethereal and dynamic hues), and Lunar (adds a soft, moonlit blue tone for calming nighttime use). Project 1,080p Full HD visuals at up to 120 inches and 450 ISO lumens brightness, complemented by the integrated dual 6W Harman/Kardon speakers that provide 360° audio. With instant pull-up activation, auto keystone correction, and full 360° rotation, you can project from any surface. It also comes with an ultra-compact infrared remote as well as a detachable buckle lanyard for easily carrying it with you. The projector supports gesture control: you can switch filters with a simple wave of the hand in front of the lens. Ambient Speaker Mode turns the MoGo 4 into a standalone Bluetooth speaker with reactive light pulses that sync with your music. Get up to 2.5 built-in hours of video playback in Eco Mode, up to six hours of music without the stand, or up to five hours of video with PowerBase Stand. At $1,149, it’s a fun projector they can bring with them everywhere.
Lego Nike Dunk Set
Athletic kids who still have that secret love for Lego but maybe don’t want to admit it will appreciate a Lego Nike set they can build and keep on display on a shelf in their room, reveling in the fact that it shows off their love for the athletic apparel brand. The Lego Nike Dunk set is perfect for display, with 1,180 pieces and involves a Nike Dunk, rotatable brick basketball toy, and iconic “Dunk” slogan. Hidden within the Nike Dunk model are stash compartments to safely store championship rings or other essentials, as well as extra laces for custom colour swap-outs. Inspired by the iconic sneaker, first born and worn over 40 years ago, this set is a celebration of sneaker culture and Lego creativity. It also comes with a B’Ball Head minifigure. At $130, it’s not too expensive and doubles as a decorative piece any sports-loving kid will proudly display.
Fujifilm Instax LiPlay+ Hybrid Instant Camera
Kids take photos on their smartphones, of course, but there’s something fun about instant cameras like the Fujifilm Instax LiPlay+ Hybrid instant camera and smartphone printer. Along with photos, you can add sound recordings, combine images, add filters, and more. Add a three-second audio clip to an image and it prints to a QR code that links to the recording. Alternatively, the Instax Sound Album feature turns your adventures into custom animated videos with sound, backgrounds, and music. Use the companion app to shoot remotely via Bluetooth, add finishing touches to your images with frames, and print photos. Available in Sand Beige and Midnight Blue, both with a textured finish, the Instax Mini LiPlay+ hybrid instant camera has a three-inch LCD on its back, two- and 10-second self-timer, and automatic exposure and flash control. The camera is $280 and you can get them the whole kit and caboodle with the camera case ($50) and a pack of film soft glitter ($15).
The Goonies Lego Set
If you have already gone through that rite of passage of introducing your tween or teen to The Goonies once they became of age to watch, the announcement that Lego now has a set inspired by the movie probably has you giddy. Not only is this is gift to reignite their love of the building block toys, it’s also a set you can put together with them, enjoying some quality bonding time. Developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, it’s a 2,912-piece diorama of the classic 1980s coming-of-age film complete with booby traps, easter eggs, and memories from the movie. It has brick-built recreations of memorable scenes, like the Fratellis’ hideaway and caves, One-Eyed Willy’s legendary treasure room, and the wreckage of the Inferno pirate ship. It comes with a dozen minifigures of the most iconic characters from the film. It’s totally playable, too. Drop boulders, activate trapdoors with the Copper Bones Skeleton Key, and play the Skeleton Organ. It sells for $380 and is probably on many wish lists this year.
Belkin SoundForm Isolate Headphones
Yes, Belkin makes headphones alongside charging products. If you’re looking for an affordable pair your teen or tween can pop into their backpack to use at school instead of wearing the shared school-provided ‘phones, or to wear on long road trips so you don’t need to listen to their irritating YouTube videos about gaming, the Belkin SoundForm Isolate are a good option. Launched earlier this year, they are available for a decent price. They boast active noise cancellation, have CloudCushion earcups, and can fold up for storage. You’ll get up to 60 hours of battery life, 40 with ANC activated. There’s also an included 3.5mm cable for wired listening with devices that have a headphone jack. Available in sand or black, my 13-year-old uses these as his go-tos for road trips and loves them. At just $120, you can’t go wrong.