The 26 best UK Christmas gifts for 13-year-olds – chosen by 13-year-olds

It can be tricky getting much out of your 13-year-old at the best of times, let alone when it comes to finding out what they might like for a present.

Thankfully, we’ve quizzed a bunch of teens for the best gift ideas so that you don’t have to. So, if there’s a big event approaching, and your child is sticking to “money” when asked what they want, take inspiration from the wishlists of these 13-year-olds.

Christmas gift ideas for 13-year-olds

Strings attached

Three-quarter-size acoustic guitar

I’d like a musical instrument, maybe a guitar so that I can learn to play my favourite songs, which at the moment are Yellow (Coldplay), Beautiful Boy (John Lennon) and Sailor Song (Gigi Perez). Tessa

Gig going

Ticketmaster voucher

Last year’s Taylor Swift concert (and this year’s Beyoncé at Tottenham) were my highlights, and I’d love to relive that magic with my friends. Alexandra

Watch smarts

Smartwatch

I want an Amazfit Bip 6 because it looks like a great tool, and it’s really useful for fitness and school. Max

Hoodie love

Zip-front sweater

I’d love a White Fox hoodie. I’ve wanted one for ages, and it will match my White Fox joggers. Sophie

Bedroom upgrades

Dressing table with mirror

Keyboard with stand, headphones and lessons

TV

Self-cleaning ice-maker

I would like a vanity desk so that everything is in its place and organised. I would also like a keyboard as I love music and enjoy my lessons at school. I’d also like a TV for my bedroom, LED lights, some makeup and an ice-maker. Ria

Games magic

Trading card game

Magic: the Gathering cards! Dad gave me my first deck, it’s a dragon deck, and we love going to a tabletop cafe to play. I generally prefer spending quality time with family and friends over being given more “stuff”, like doing baking or crafting with my nan, Comic-Con with mum or playing games with friends like crazy golf. Sienna

Present goals

Water bottle

Toy

Football goal

Hair waver

White Nike Air Max

I would love an Owala water bottle because I lose my water bottles quite often, so having a good-quality one will stop me from losing it. I also really like the design and lots of people at my school have them – the colours are cute. I’d love a Jellycat – ideally the Eggetha Egg & Lance Soldier one – because it’s so cute. It’s from the Amuseables range, and they’re trending among my friends.

I want a football goal, too, so I can practise my shooting skills in the park as I’m centre-midfield for my local team. This hair curler would save me so much time – I love doing my hair different ways, but I have to think ahead and plait my hair the night before if I want it wavy. This means I could just decide in the morning. I’d also like these Nike trainers because they’re quite new and I could wear them for PE and out of school, so I have a better chance of getting them! Daphne

Snap happy

Instant camera

My dream present would be a mini instant camera because you can take selfies with your friends and stick them on your wall. I’m going on a school trip to Iceland, so my mum is getting me one to take with me. Alisha

Get the Glow

Hydrating starter kit

Skincare kit

Trainers

Slippers

Jacket

I would like Glow Recipe or Byoma skincare sets, Adidas Samba OGs, Ugg slippers and the North Face Teens’ jacket. I love skincare, and having a nice space in my room to do it would be great. I like having new clothes and shoes, especially trainers … probably because I love running. Amy

Lego, lols and laptops

Lego Technic car

Beano 2026 annual

Asterix omnibus book

Acer Chromebook

I’d like Lego Technic – it’s a fun activity to do when you’re bored and not allowed screens. Also, it’s complicated enough that it takes a while to do. The Beano annual is really funny, but also good for when you’re chilling out. My favourite character is Minnie the Minx. Any Asterix omnibus is also great for chilling out. They’re really funny – I love Asterix in Britain when they all drink hot water at teatime before they’ve discovered tea. I’d also really like a laptop – it can help with school and it’ll help me organise everything. Ted

Clothes voucher

EA Sports FC26 PS5 game

I would love a voucher for a clothes shop, so I can get something really nice to wear. I’d also like the new FC game because it means I can always play with my mates when they come round. Stan

Rhiannon Evans is a journalist and editor who’s covered everything from news and entertainment to lifestyle and parenting for some of the UK’s best titles (and some others too). She’s rarely out of leopard print, and can usually be found attempting to wrangle her kids, garden or copy into some kind of order