WHAT GIFTS DO TEEN BOYS ACTUALLY WANT?
Christmas gifts for teen boys are a difficult subject in my opinion. Gone are the days of Legos and Nerf guns! While my teen still loves those things occasionally, as the years go on it is more difficult to know what presents to purchase. Firstly, as a practical parent, I don’t want to waste money. And over the years, I have seen that happen, unfortunately. For instance, well-meaning family and friends send gifts that don’t get played with. I think that at this age is a bit hard for them to see just how fast they are growing up, and sometimes the gifts received are for younger boys and not age-appropriate (we have had that happen a few times). Secondly, teenagers’ interests change quickly and they like new things. I want to make sure that money is well spent and actually used by your teen. This list has so many ideas you are sure to find one for your budget.
THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR TEEN BEFORE PURCHASING HOLIDAY PRESENTS :
There are so many things to consider before purchasing gifts and especially for this adolescent age group. Giving should come from the heart and I think that sometimes teens are considered ungrateful. While sometimes can be true (I do spend some time teaching courtesy and gracious receiving), I like to really put thought and energy into what teen boys would want. Similarly, I give thought to what would be most needed in their life. For example, here are some things that I consider to come up with the answer:
- What if your budget for gifts for your teen boy?
- What are their interests?
- Have they mentioned a need?
- What have you seen other kids their age using?
- Is there something that can be especially useful or practical and make their life easier?
- What is something that they have looked at or mentioned that they really want? Not a need but something purely for fun?
This list is where I start with gift buying for Christmas gifts for teen boys. Sometimes the gifts that they like the most are not what you think. Therefore, really think about what you have seen them admire. For instance, I have my own system now where when my tween or teen boys mention something that they are interested in, I write it down on a notepad on my phone. After that, when it is their birthday or Christmas, I will go back to that list which is a great place to start. Moreover, I try and really consider what would make their daily life easier and look for gifts to solve that problem. Finally, I think about what would really put a smile on their face and save that for a super special occasion. In addition, throw in some comfort items and you are set!
DON’T FALL INTO THIS HOLIDAY GIFT-BUYING TRAP!
Now, this might be controversial and is a topic that I have totally changed my opinion on over the years. For budgeting purposes, I know many people (and I have done this) that keep a “gift closet” for example or a stash of gifts purchased on sale or clearance. It is great on the budget after all. However, for a teen receiving something that a younger child would enjoy shows that there really wasn’t consideration given to the recipient of the gift. Similarly, a coffee mug for an 8-year-old (that doesn’t drink coffee), or a remote control car for a 14-year-old would be good examples of things that just don’t match a gift to the recipient. This method ultimately creates clutter and in addition, can hurt feelings. Above all, think about how you would feel in this situation.
I have personally witnessed over the years children receiving gifts that they have no use for or are not age-appropriate. I can’t think of a more important group than teens to not use this method with. This was a great thing to do when kids are young and going to many parties, etc., but it is not as effective as children get older, however. Please use your funds to give that person something that they truly enjoy because teens enjoy items from all price points. In other words, you are really not saving anything if that gift gets passed onto Goodwill because it really wasn’t a good gift for the recipient. You can still be frugal by buying on sale and truly get a great gift for your teen. In addition, consider what your teen recipient would really enjoy because they will appreciate the gesture.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR TEEN BOYS – 100 EASY IDEAS! SOME OF THESE GIFTS CAN ALSO BE USED FOR STOCKING STUFFERS!
- Hoodies
- Cool and trendy clothing
- Shoes
- Cell phone accessories
- A cash tree
- A gift card gift basket
- A card to unlimited movies for the year
- Audiobook subscription
- Board games
- Air hockey or ping pong table
- Tickets to a sporting event
- Video games
- Soft lounge pants
- Cologne sampler
- Gaming chair
- Mini fridge
- Basket of their favorite snacks
- Neon signs
- Wireless chargers
- Graphic Tees
- Sunglasses
- Weights
- Kick bag
- Cool portable Yeti-like cups
- Robe
- LED lights
- Musical instruments
- 3d printer
- Dip bar
- Apple products
- Giant bean bag
- Go pro
- Sporting equipment
- Union suit
- Pop sockets
- Jewelry and accessories
- Beanie
- Funny socks
- Wireless earphones
- Laser tag
- Video game console
- Skateboard
- Bluetooth speakers
- Bedside shelf
- Headphone stand
- Weighted blankets
- Spotify or Apple music subscription
- Dart board
- Journal
- Wall art
- Electric razor
- Car safety kit
- Backpack
- Watch
- Drone
- Overnight bag
- Nice coat
- Skincare kit
- Inflatable lounger
- Over the ear headphones
- Guitar pick punch
- Frisbee
- Experience gifts
- Wood carving kit
- Toolbox filled with basic tools
- Tickets to a professional sporting even
- Enroll in a lesson to learn something new such as golf, etc.
- Athletic pants
- Hat rack
- Air tag or Tile mate
- Teen cookbook
- Electric skateboard
- Portable DJ mixer
- Basketball arcade
- Oculus VR headset
- Wallet
- Lip balm kit
- Large fleece blankets
- Kettle bell set
- A membership
- Hobby items such as paddleboard, snowboard, art supplies, etc.
- Portable phone battery
- Rubik’s cube
- Computer keyboard and mouse with lights
- Collectible shelf
- Books
- Hammock
- Water bottle
- Slide sandals
- Travel bag
- Boxing gloves
- Regular gloves
- Hats
- Basketball mug where you throw marshmallows through the hoop
- Bedding
- CrossFit boxes or ropes
- Card games
- Air hockey table
- Gaming computer
- Miniature arcade games
DID YOU FIND SOME GOOD IDEAS ON CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR TEEN BOYS? I HOPE THAT YOU DID!
There are items on this list to fit every budget. This is intentional because I know from experience how the older the kids get, the more expensive their gifts are. In other words, this is just a hard group to buy for. My hope is that for all the teen boys in your life, you can glance at this list and find an affordable and interesting Christmas gift idea. In addition, many of these are also practical items that they can use in everyday life. From my own experience I find that my teen uses the same few things over and over, so may as well find something useful that makes their life easier. Most of these ideas I have purchased myself at one point or another and have been well received. Also, the fact that hoodies are first on the list is no coincidence! They are always used a lot.
ONE LAST THING…
In conclusion, one last thing to remember…the things that your teen boys will value the most is not a gift at all. It is your time, your attention, and your listening. There is a common misconception that as boys get older, they need their parents less. In fact, I have found the opposite. In other words, they need you to be intentional about spending time with them, taking time to listen to what is going on in their life (even if they act like they don’t). Above all, take a little time each day just for them. For instance, on the weekend go to the movies or a coffee shop or a walk. Most importantly, remind them that you are there for them. Finally, happy holidays to you and all of the teen boys in your life!
SAVE THIS LIST OF CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR BOYS FOR LATER! YOU CAN REFER TO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN.
PS…Need some ideas for an experience gift? This Better Homes & Gardens article will give you some great ideas!
https://www.bhg.com/christmas/gifts/experiential-christmas-gifts/
Need stocking stuffer ideas for your teen boys? This video has lots of amazing ideas!
If you enjoyed this post, here are some others that you might like!
Why should have a Christmas Club – an amazing way to shop guilt-free!
INDEPENDENT KIDS-How to encourage it!
ROTH IRA FOR TEENS! Why they should get one!
Making Memories with a FAMILY GAME NIGHT!
Arti says
Great list. Deciding what to gift to boys is always difficult and tricky. Thanks to this list i have zeroed in on the hammock to gift to my nephew.
cbrooks0312@comcast.net says
I’m so glad that you found an idea! My boys got a hammock last year and love it.
Tim says
This list is great! Thanks for putting it together!
cbrooks0312@comcast.net says
Glad you liked it!
Kelly says
My boyfriend’s younger brother would love so many of these gift ideas!
cbrooks0312@comcast.net says
Wonderful! They are all loved gifts.