The 26 Best Gifts For Teen Boys, According To Teenagers And Experts

Forbes

3 days ago

Shopping for a gift for a teenage boy can often feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. With so many varied interests, personalities and hobbies at this age, finding something that resonates with them can be elusive—but it's certainly not impossible. 'Selecting a gift for a teen boy is more than just finding something he'll enjoy—it's an opportunity to connect, to show understanding, support and encouragement during a pivotal stage of his life,' says adolescent psychologist and teen expert Angela Cook. She says the best gifts for teenage boys are thoughtful and really acknowledge who they are as individuals.
The best gifts for teenage boys take into account their personalities, interests and hobbies. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
'Adolescence is a time of rapid change, where self-discovery and independence take center stage,' says Cook. 'Rather than simply choosing something trendy, consider what will truly resonate with your teenager.' Some of our top picks like the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro 3D Printer and a Crunchyroll membership are geared toward specific interests. In addition to our expert, I spoke directly to the source—teen boys—along with their parents to help curate our finds below.
It's a classic for a reason: they can easily hang it on the back of their door or on any wall and play solo or with friends to pass the time. This magnetic felt set rolls up easily to even take with them on the go—or one day, when they move out to a place of their own.
Amazon Frigidaire Mini Portable Fridge
Teenagers crave—and need—personal space. Help take theirs up a notch with a retro mini fridge they can stash their favorite drinks or refrigerated snacks in to really create that feeling of a home withint their home.
If they're an anime fan, there's no better gift than a Crunchyroll premium membership so they can easily stream all their favorite shows. You can gift them a one-, three-, or 12-month subscription at different tiers (Fan, Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan.) This is something I've heard dozens of teens (mine included) mention they've been wanting.
Keep their hands and minds busy (and calm) with this clever magnetic fidget pen. Several teen boys I spoke with mentioned enjoying and wanting fidget toys. This is a popular option that can easily be tossed in their backpacks or a pocket. It also doubles as an actual writing utensil.
Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2
The highly anticipated new addition to the Nintendo Switch family is finally here and at the top of many teen boys' wish lists. It's the only way to play the latest Mario Kart game (you can even purchase it as part of a bundle.) As of this writing, the Switch 2 remains sold out, but restocks are coming, so we're leaving this in here for you to sign up for those 'notify me' emails ahead of gifting time. Our deals team also explained how best to track down Nintendo Switch 2 restocks. If it is out of stock, the original Nintendo Switch also makes a fantastic gift (and is $200 less), as long as they don't already own it.
Amazon Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro 3D Printer
If you're searching for a show-stopping gift, and they're ready to move beyond a 3D printing pen, look no further. They can print almost anything their brains can imagine with the super fast Neptune 4 Pro. 'This 3D printer allows me to make cool stuff and I like being able to customize things,' says 13-year-old Ben. The brand makes one of our favorite 3D printers overall, too.
Amazon Apple AirPods 4 With ANC
Cook recommends finding 'a high-quality piece of tech or gadget' that aligns with their interests, like noise-canceling headphones for music lovers. The newest AirPods can be purchased with active noise cancellation, so they can just to tune completely out and adaptive audio that adjusts the amount of sound dampening based on their current environment.
Cook also suggests gifts like a drone for teens interested in photography or videography. This compact and affordable option comes with a 720p HD camera, a remote control, two rechargeable batteries and extra propellors. They can even create a flightpath on a smartphone. (Our tech team reviewed several other drones if you're looking for something more advanced.)
This easily portable Bluetooth speaker can be clipped onto backpacks, sports bags and more. It's also waterproof, so it can be used in the shower or safely taken on the beach. No bigger than the palm of most people's hands, the hard part for them will be not losing it in their room somewhere. (If you prefer one that stands on its own or just something else, we recently tested and reviewed the very best bluetooth speakers.)
Amazon PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
If they're ready to move beyond the games of the Switch, chances are the Playstation is what they're eyeing. With popular Playstation-exclusive titles such as Marvel's Spider Man, Horizon Hero Dawn and Uncharted, there's a world of games for older teens to explore and play online with their friends.
Some things never change, and teen boys are still into Roblox and would be thrilled to receive some Robux as a gift, according to multiple teen boys I surveyed.
This ergonomic rocking floor chair comes with built-in headrest speakers, bluetooth capabilities and a super cushy vegan leather seat will keep them comfy while they game away. When they're done with it, it folds in half to stow away easily in a closet or under the bed to save space.
More than one teen boy shared they had a skateboard on their perpetual mental wish list. This 100% maple wood Santa Cruz Complete board is ideal for beginners. It comes in a couple design and color options, if the screaming hand is just a little too out there for them.
Whether they play on a team or just like to shoot hoops recreationally with friends, this glow-in-the-dark ball is not only fun to play with, it provides some light for after hours hoops.
For the perpetual motion machine kid that's always looking for new sports to get into, roundnet may be calling their name. A combo of four square and volleyball, they'll have a blast with their friends playing this at the park, in the backyard or even at the beach. The set comes with everything they need to get started including a carry bag to tote all the parts around in.
A gift like 'personalized items that reflect a teen boy's unique identity, like a custom-engraved piece of sports equipment can also be very meaningful, showing that you know them and care for them and their progress," says Cook. This customizable baseball glove can either be used for gameplay or put onto display to look at for years to come.
Amazon Lego Star Wars Jango Fett Helmet
For teen Star Wars fans, this one's a no-brainer. 'If you're a collector, it's one you have to get," says 13-year-old Ben. 'They look cool to display, too.'
According to one teen boy mom I spoke with, her 16-year-old son and his friends all love receiving (and eating) all the fun snacks to no end. Starting at $18 a box, you can gift either a single Universal Yums box or a monthly subscription, so they'll receive a box filled with surprising and hard-to-find snacks from all over the world each month.
Walmart Kodak Luma 75 Portable Projector
Gifting "a fun gadget they might not expect but find practical, useful or entertaining like a portable projector for outdoor movie nights,' is a surefire win says Cook. This extremely compact projector fits in one hand and can easily be taken camping or to a friend's house to stream anything you want on the big screen (or wall.)
Kind of like next generation Legos, this set appeals to the builders who want something display-worthy once they complete their build. 'I like this because it's a centaur, and I like Greek mythology. Also, it's compatible with Lego mechs, which is cool,' says 14-year-old Derek.
There are so many teen boys who are already major sneakerheads, and these Kobe kicks are a highly coveted item. They can be hard to find, but new editions are always being released, so keep an eye out. 'I wanted these shoes since I play basketball. They feel comfortable and I feel like they help enhance my game,' says 16-year-old Tyler.
Amazon Adidas All Szn Fleece Hoodie
A teen boy's closet can never have too many hoodies, and this minimalist Adidas one meets their low-key aesthetic. The logo is small enough to hardly be noticed, and it comes in a wide range of colors to suit every mood.
Amazon Nike Club Training Joggers
If teenage boys had a capsule wardrobe, sweatpants and joggers would be at the top of the list. These ubiquitous Nike joggers are comfy, come in a wide range of colors and match with pretty much everything. As impossible as it can feel to buy clothes for teens, it's hard to go wrong with these.
Dior Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum
We don't know when teen boys started getting super into designer fragrances, but according to several moms of teens I spoke with, here we are. A 1 ounce version of the oh-so-popular fragrance for the teen crowd is the perfect size for them to sample and ensure they like it—and far more affordable than a full-size bottle.
Amazon JB Skrub The Ultimate Bundle
Whether he's just starting to get curious about skincare, or you want to set them along their way, this complete set includes everything for teen and tween skin—lotion, face wash, face pads, body wash and body spray—to get them started right.
Sephora Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum Travel Spray
Another fragrance brand mentioned by multiple parents, this travel-size version is more affordable than committing to a full-size bottle. Just remind them that less is more—especially if they're spritzing it on before heading off to school.
At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team is committed to helping parents find the best products for their kids, across all age ranges. As parents ourselves, we've spent countless hours testing and researching products and staying on top of current trends, including attending toy and gift trade shows and writing dozens of gift guides each year. The author of this story, Esther Carlstone , is a longtime parenting editor, product tester and mom of three—including a teen—who has written dozens of kid product guides including the best subscription boxes for kids and the best mattresses for teens.
, is a longtime parenting editor, product tester and mom of three—including a teen—who has written dozens of kid product guides including the best subscription boxes for kids and the best mattresses for teens. The editor of this story, Rose Gordon Sala , is a mom to three, including two tweens, and the deputy editor of baby and kids gear at Forbes Vetted. She's an experienced journalist and editor and frequently tests and reviews baby and kids gear, including the best shoes for kids and the best smartwatches for kids.
, is a mom to three, including two tweens, and the deputy editor of baby and kids gear at Forbes Vetted. She's an experienced journalist and editor and frequently tests and reviews baby and kids gear, including the best shoes for kids and the best smartwatches for kids. We also interviewed Angela Cook, adolescent psychologist, parenting teenagers expert and founder of Raising Remarkable Teenagers , a resource that helps parents raise highly effective and mentally healthy teenagers.
, a resource that helps parents raise highly effective and mentally healthy teenagers. I also spoke to various parents of teen boys, as well as over a dozen teenage boys themselves to get their firsthand opinions of what made the best gifts for themselves and their peers.
What's The Best Gift For A Teenage Boy?
The best gifts for teenage boys are meaningful, explains Cook. As they undergo plenty of physical and personality changes, select gifts that celebrate their individuality, she says. This might mean a personalized glove for a ball player or a comfortable gaming chair for a gamer. 'A gift that acknowledges their unique interests—whether it's a sketchpad for an aspiring artist, a coding kit for a budding programmer or an experience that allows them to explore their world—can be deeply meaningful,' she says.
What's A Popular Gift For A 15-Year-Old Boy?
'For a 15-year-old boy, popular gifts often revolve around technology, gaming, sports or fashion. Think about the latest video games, cool gadgets, sports gear related to their interests or trendy clothing items' says Cook.
'If they are humanitarian-inclined, support them by setting a special fundraising page for their cause and be the first to give and champion them to reaching their set goal by involving your adult friends to give,' she says.
What Should I Buy For A 14-Year-Old Boy?
'A 14-year-old boy will most likely have similar interests to 15-year-olds. Gifts related to their hobbies, technology and pop culture tend to be well-liked and received. Board games or strategy games, whether online or physical, can be enjoyed with friends, books from their favorite genre or equipment for a sport they enjoy are all good options,' says Cook.