Trying to tear our teens away from screens in today’s world seems virtually impossible. They need them for school, they use them to “chill” and listen to music, it’s how they connect with friends, and it’s often even how they have fun (hello gamers) and socialize.
But part of this issue may be that we’ve just stopped trying or we’re not offering up enough fun alternative options to tech for our teenagers. There is a world out there for them to explore and have fun and it doesn’t require the use of a cell phone or a computer.
We talked to all the teenagers in our lives, surveyed parents, and went off of our own experience, and put together a hit list of the best non-tech gift ideas for 2025. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for family fun or provide a solutions for, “I’m so bored!”
**This post contains affiliate links where we may earn a small commissions for items purchased from links on our site.

The Best Non-Tech Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens
1. Bounce Battle

This epic family game is so much fun and can be played with multiple age groups! With rounds lasting just 1-5 minutes, this unique gift for teens offers a fast-paced thrill for impromptu gatherings or quick breaks.
2. The Chameleon

More than 6500 5-star reviews. We played The Chameleon Picture Edition at a work retreat, and it was such a hit. The concept is simple yet brilliant: everyone tries to describe the secret picture without giving it away, while the chameleon player tries to blend in and guess what the picture is based on everyone’s clues. The goal is to find the chameleon before time is up!
3. Ninja CREAMi

There is one thing that teens love more than screens, and that is food. The Ninja CREAMi doesn’t just make ice cream; your teen can also whip up some Gelato, Sorbet, or Frozen Yogurt. And since they are controlling the ingredients, there are options for organic, dairy-free, sugar-free, or many other concoctions in the included recipe book or on TIKTok and Instagram.
4. Tosy Flying Disc

The Tosy Flying Disc is a top-seller this year, especially for college kids and older teens looking for something fun to do at night. It basically is a frisbee with loads of lights that make it look like a spaceship soaring through the dark.
5. Life Skills For Teens

This is one of the best and most practical gifts for teens because it has a little bit of everything in it, from basic budgeting to how to use appliances to grocery shopping. It’s everything you want your teen to know but yet they don’t want to hear about from you, the parents.
6. Popdarts

This was our favorite family activity last Thanksgiving. This simple, silly game is so much fun and anyone can play. It’s a combination of lawn darts and regular darts that you can play on any smooth surface, including a refrigerator, countertop, table, car window or floor. You simply set up the target and then throw the darts. Whoever gets the closest and scores the most points, wins. What we love about this game is it’s simple, portable, and fun for the whole family.
7. Vintage Record Player

Vintage and Vinyl are back and this record player comes in a variety of colors. This is a great starter record player for the teen who has discovered the music of their parents isn’t all bad! Next thing you know, you’ll be finding all the local record shops and vintage stores so your kid can tell you how cool the “old days” were.
8. Fountor watercolor by numbers set.

Sometimes, the trick to getting teens off screens is to help them find another hobby that interests them. A watercolor paint set is one option that appeals to many teens. It is a more straightforward art craft to pick up fairly quickly. Once they get the hang of it, they’ll be surprised how quickly their skills develop.
9. LEGO Architecture New York Skyline Model Kit

Believe it or not, Legos are not just for little kids. The company has been increasingly targeting teens and adults with more complex and intricate sets. The architecture line in particular has become popular, tapping into the nostalgia for this childhood past time. But feel free to explore their other sets aimed at older lego lovers.
10. Electronic Drum Pad

Who among us hasn’t wanted to rock out for a drum solo every once in awhile? These drum pads (with earphones, you are welcome), can help your aspiring rock artist to learn the drums and get their aggression out. It’s a great way for your teen to do something creative and a lot of fun!
11. Good Guygiene Subscription Box

Equip your young guy with a regular box of confidence that introduces cool personal hygiene swag from top brands developed just for teen and tween boys. GoodGuygiene picks 4-6 personal care items based on a different hygiene theme every other month. We especially love this box because it’s gets tween and teen boys who often go silent during this time to start talking, so it’s a double bonus.
11. Ipsy Beauty Box

Ipsy boxes are a teen favorite! Get 5 products worth up to $70, plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off, starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.
11. Hexeum Telescope

We’re always telling our teens to reach for the stars, but what if we could literally give them the stars. The Hexeum Telescope will open our teens up to a whole new world. There are more than just stars to learn about, but all the stories that accompany them. Each of the constellations has interesting lore that has been passed down through history.
12. 17-in-1 Multitool

Our teen sons have found this 17-in-1 multitool that includes pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, ruler, can and bottle openers, a saw and even a nail file to be very useful when out and about or even helping in the yard. It’s a great thing to keep in the glove box of a car, as well.
13. Babycakes Treat Maker

This 3-in-1 treat maker is great for teens who love to bake but don’t like to clean the mess. Just switch out the plates to make cupcakes, doughnuts, or cake pops. Easy to use, wash and store.
14. BucketBall

Our absolute favorite game for get-togethers, the beach, tailgates, or just a Tuesday night when everyone’s home. No real skill required! It’s harder than it looks! Teens will get addicted.
15. Super Skills: Action Games for Competitive People

This game has you do 120+ different challenges, like stack cups blindfolded, or pick up dice with chopsticks. Just be prepared, someone may cry….and it might be you! This is a great game for family, friends or teen get togethers!
16. LaserTag

This was such a big hit for our tweens and they spent so much time over winter break playing it, especially with it getting dark earlier. Great way for them to get some exercise and fun!
17. Beginner Weight Set

This beginner weight set is perfect for your teen to work on their physical and mental health with some self-care. This is a great starter set for weight training and muscle building.
18. Unstable Unicorns Card Game

Build a Unicorn Army. Betray Your Friends. Unicorns are Your Friends Now. What more could you ask for? This strategy game might destroy your friendships, but it’s Unicorns! Be the first person to collect 7 Unicorns in your play area and win!
19. Poop Emoji Pen

We know….major eye roll, but this is seriously one of our biggest sellers. The kids, well, love these things. And we do find them pretty funny, if we are being honest!
20. 30-Minute Drawing for Beginners

If your teen likes to draw but doesn’t want to take art classes, this book is for them! It’s easy-to-follow step-by-step directions to learn how to draw all sorts of things! Great activity to decompress from a busy schedule.
Finding gifts for tweens and teens fors can be hard, but these other teen gift guide posts can make it easier.
Over 100 Of The Absolutely Best Gift Ideas For Teen Boys
More Than 100 of the Absolutely Best Gift Ideas for Teen Girls
Gifts For Teens They’ll Actually Like!
Over 100 of the Absolutely Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Tweens & Teen Girls
Ten Practical and Powerful Gifts Your Teen Doesn’t Know They Need
Over 100 Of The Absolutely Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Tween and Teen Boys
*This post contains affiliate links where we may earn commissions for items purchased from links on our site.






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