Gift card ideas for teens they’ll actually use (and love)
Hey, $mart parents 💡
Bring money lessons home with Greenlight’s $mart Parent newsletter, a quick read with impactful tips — delivered free to your inbox weekly.
Key takeaways:
Gift cards often get a bad rap for being impersonal, but ask any teen and they’ll likely say: Bring them on. The right gift card puts choice in their hands—something most teens really appreciate. In fact, according to National Retail Federation data, teens consistently rank gift cards among their most-wanted gifts.
Whether you're shopping for a birthday, holiday, graduation, or just because, we’ve rounded up 30+ of the best gift card ideas for teens.
Best gift card ideas by interest
For the gamer
Give teens the power to upgrade their game library, access exclusive content, or subscribe to premium features:
#1 family finance and safety app.
Xbox or PlayStation Store: For console gamers who want new releases, in-game currency, or Game Pass/PlayStation Plus subscriptions.
Steam: Popular with teens who play games like Minecraft, Fortnite, or Valorant on PC.
Nintendo eShop: Great for younger teens or Switch lovers hooked on Animal Crossing or Mario Kart.
Roblox: For younger teens who use Robux to personalize their avatars or unlock perks.
Apple App Store or Google Play: Ideal for mobile gamers into Clash Royale, Among Us, or similar apps.
For the fashion-forward
Perfect for teens expressing their style or prepping for back-to-school shopping:
Nike or Adidas: Trendy and versatile brands that span sportswear, streetwear, and shoes.
American Eagle or Hollister: Consistent teen picks for casual and on-trend basics.
H&M or Zara: Budget-friendly fashion with frequent new drops.
PacSun or Urban Outfitters: For teens drawn to surf, skate, or indie-inspired fashion.
For the foodie
Who doesn’t love free food? They can use these for after-school snacks, weekend hangouts, or quick bites:
Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, or Panera: Fast-casual go-tos for teens who like to eat on the go.
Starbucks, Dunkin’, or Coffee Bean: For morning coffee runs or an after-practice treat.
DoorDash or Uber Eats: Let them pick their own meals for movie nights or late-night cravings.
For the creator
Perfect for the teen who’s always making something, from music and videos to art and crafts:
Michaels or a local craft store: Help fund their latest project or DIY obsession.
Apple or Amazon: Flexible picks for music apps, accessories, or tools.
Spotify or Apple Music: Music-loving teens can upgrade to premium or buy song downloads.
For the social butterfly
Give them a boost of confidence with cards they can use on skincare, self-care, and fun shopping:
Sephora or Ulta: Great for experimenting with makeup or skincare routines.
Bath & Body Works: Candles, lotions, and body sprays that are teen-favorite staples.
Target: One-stop shop for decor, snacks, school supplies, and tech accessories.
For the bookworm or learner
Great for academic support, enrichment, or cozy reads:
Barnes & Noble or your local bookstore: Go beyond required reading with novels they actually want to read.
Audible: For audiobooks that fit their schedule and learning style.
Quizlet or Chegg: Teens who use study tools can benefit from premium features for test preparation and homework assistance.
Creative ways to give a gift card
Even small-value gift cards can feel meaningful with the right delivery. Try these ideas:
Tuck it into a favorite book: Add a handwritten note on the inside cover for a surprise moment.
Pair it with something small but relevant: Starbucks card + reusable cup. Game store card + controller skin. Spotify card + playlist suggestions.
Use a puzzle or riddle reveal: Wrap the card in a series of boxes, or create a scavenger hunt leading to it.
Design a themed card holder: Print or DIY a mini "menu" for a DoorDash card or a "storefront" card sleeve for Target.
Record a short video message: Explain why you picked it and wish them well. This can be great for distant family or friends.
Want a more flexible option? Gift money with Greenlight.
Not sure which gift card your teen will actually use? Let them choose for themselves, and learn smart money skills along the way.
With Greenlight Gift, friends and family can send digital gift contributions directly to a teen’s Greenlight account, even if they don’t use Greenlight themselves. All you need is the recipient’s name and email or phone number.
Next, the recipient (or their parent/guardian) gets a notification and can claim the gift. If they’re not already on Greenlight, they’ll be prompted to sign up to access the funds. Once claimed, the money becomes part of their Greenlight experience, allowing them to spend, save, invest, or donate under your supervision.
Making gift cards feel more personal
Gift cards don’t have to feel generic. Here’s how to add meaning and thought:
Match the card to their interest: A Sephora card shows you know they love skincare. A Steam card says you get their favorite hobby.
Add a note with intention: Explain why you chose that card, like "Thought you’d love a Starbucks break during finals week."
Use inside jokes: A Chick-fil-A card could come with a pun about their nugget addiction.
Bundle several cards together: A mini gift card "sampler" can cover different sides of their personality—like Spotify + Nike + Target.
Give them a choice, not just a card
When chosen with care, gift cards show teens you respect their interests and want them to enjoy a little autonomy.
And when you want to go beyond a single store or snack run? Greenlight lets you gift money and teach money management in one move. That’s a win-win for the teen years and beyond.
Want more parenting wins? From budgeting to spending wisely, Greenlight’s family money app teaches money lessons for life. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†
This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
Share via
