7 Best Gifts for Transgender Teens This Christmas
By: Zada Kent
Tags: Teenagers, LGBTQ, Books, Christmas Gifts, Transgender

If you celebrate Christmas as my family does, gifts will be given all around. And teenagers are not the easiest to buy for.

If you’re struggling to find a gift your trans or gender non-conforming teen will not only enjoy but understand you’re trying to show your support, I think the following suggestions will help you out this season.

Please note: This article contains no affiliate links. This is just my attempt at helping families and friends ensure that trans teens are celebrated just as much as any other teenager out there enjoying the Christmas spirit.

#1. Books

This insightful memoir written by Jacob Tobia is just as much for teens as it is for their parents. The book follows the journey of the author and what it’s like to grow up not sure if you’re a boy, a girl, something in between, or a combination of it all.

Written by Fox Fisher and Owl Fisher, this book is both witty and informative. It includes all sorts of tips to empower your trans or nonbinary teen with confidence. It holds practical advice for transgender teens regarding coming out, hormone therapy, dating, gender dysphoria, self-care, and more.

This television show and comic book series of the same name has been a progressive series featuring many characters representing the LGBTQ+ community. Chances are your trans teen is already familiar with this one.

I love the normalcy Steven Universe applies to LGBTQ+ topics. The show treats queerness and gender fluidity as completely normal and okay — because they are! And children need to know that. — Leo Rocha

This is another fantastic tome your teenager and you will both learn from. The authors, Kathryn Gonzales MBA and Karen Rayne PhD, answer any questions you might have regarding gender. They cover mental health, physical health, reproduction, transitioning, relationships, sex, and life as a trans or nonbinary individual.

This uncensored guide is full of essential information including relatable stories from other trans teens.

#2. Wave that flag!

There are dozens of flags to represent an individual’s sexuality and gender. And you can find almost any flag represented on clothing, bags, decor, stickers, plushies, pins, hats, mugs, jewelry, bedding, curtains, and even soap.

My son’s bedroom has flashes of pink, blue, and white stripes almost everywhere you look — pillows, twinkle lights, and shelving. He even has two large trans flags anchoring his window like curtains.

For some kids, having a flag they connect with can help them feel more confident in who they are. Giving them a flag that represents them is also a good way to show them that there is an entire community out there just like them. A flag is an easy way to show them they are not alone. And not only do you support them, but there’s a whole group of people in the world who do.

#3. Games

Is your trans loved one a gamer? These dice by FoamBrain might be the perfect stocking stuffer. It goes back to showing them your support even in a small way. Your teenager will notice their gifts are adorned in their gender flag colors.

If video games are more their style check out the ‘Steel Dawn’ update of FallOut 76. This game includes a nonbinary character named Burke. The queer community is loving how Burke’s gender identity is not the only reason for their existence in the game.

Another one to check out is Dontnod’s game ‘Tell Me Why.’ It features a transgender main character! The games’ creators actually partnered with GLAAD to make sure their character accurately represented the trans community.

The character in question, Tyler, is on a trip back to his childhood hometown in Alaska after having been in a juvenile detention facility for most of his life. While he reconnects with his twin sister, they figure out together how to navigate through their past as well as how to move forward. There are moments of struggle here and there as Tyler must reintroduce himself to some, but it only serves to show how coming out is a process done throughout ones’ life, not simply once. — Oliver

#4. Chest Binders

Some trans men and gender non-conforming individuals bind their breasts. Binders are the safest way to flatten one’s breasts and finding a reputable company to purchase them from is important.

This company is awesome and popular with many trans individuals. Not only do they have stellar binders, but they are also trans-owned and -operated. If binders are what you’re looking for I can’t recommend this company enough.

Unfortunately, gc2b doesn’t yet offer swimwear, so Underworks was the company we used to purchase my trans son’s swim top. Their customer service was great and we got just what we needed.

#5. Gift Cards

Gender expression is important for most transgender teens. Why not let them update their look with whatever they want?

Just remember to grab those cards from a retailer who supports your teen as much as you do. There are companies who donate revenue to great organizations such as The Trevor Project, GLAAD, GLSEN, and Lada Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.

One of the most important and thoughtful things you can do while shopping this season is to check if you’re spending your money with companies who care about your trans loved one. Do they support the LGBTQ+community with their hiring practices? Or do they donate to anti-LGBTQ+ groups?

Here’s a great list of retailers who care.

#6. Unique and Personalized

Etsy is the place to get both unique and personalized gifts, many that are handmade by artists and creators across the globe. Here are just a few I love that are ran by some amazing people.

Queer World has great pins created with many different flag colors as well as creative ‘membership cards’ your teen can use to ‘prove’ their gender identity.

Croquet Gay has mini octopuses and bees in an array of flag colors. And they are so super cute!

Gaby and Tali has mugs, t-shirts, and even Christmas ornaments all available in rainbow and trans flag colors your teen will love.

There are thousands of small business owners out there who happen to be transgender, gender non-conforming, allies of the trans community. Consider supporting them while shopping for your teen.

#7. Money

Who doesn’t like cash?

And some trans youth have future medical plans such as surgery they may be saving up for. Just slip it into an awesome card and remember to add your own personal heartfelt words. SayItOutProud has some beautiful cards to choose from.

If shopping is still on your to-do list, I hope you check out some of the shops throughout this article. It’s easy to show your support for the entire LGBTQ+ community by wisely choosing where to spend your money.

Whether you celebrate Christmas with gift-giving or not, showing your teenager you care about them, accept them, and support them for who they are is the best gift you could possibly give them any time of the year. Sometimes a hug and some sincere words are all you need to express your love for your teen.

From my house to yours, Merry Christmas.

Here are 10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their Transgender Teen.

Zada Kent is creator of LGBTQueer-ies & proud parent to her transgender son.