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Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The 26 Best Gifts For Teen Boys, According To Teenagers And Experts
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.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- The Guardian
The perfect break for mother and son? Stone-carving and wood-turning in Sussex
How best to bond with a teenage boy? When my son, Hugo, finished his A-levels, I knew I wanted to 'take a journey' with him, to have some sort of final trip before he left home. Ideally a journey that would leave both of us with a few happy memories. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Easier said than done: a midlife woman and a teenage boy are completely different beasts. I wanted to walk. He wanted to be driven. I wanted to get up early. He wanted to sleep in. I wanted unusual food. He wanted pub grub. I wanted to be safely active. He wanted to lie on a sofa or scramble along a vertiginous precipice. I wanted conversation. He didn't (at least not with me, hour after hour). The problem of where to go seemed insurmountable. But there was one activity we both enjoyed: making and building things. Could this be the answer to our 'bonding' trip? When I suggested we do a three-day stone-carving course on the South Downs and then a wood-turning class deep in an East Sussex forest, he nodded. We could spend our days together, but not conversing. The start time would be somewhere between his and my preferred rising hours. Our creative endeavours could be interspersed with eating at pubs that catered to each of our food preferences. And the travel requirements were minimal. We would base ourselves at my mum's in Lewes (but there's a great choice of local accommodation, including a youth hostel in a converted Sussex farmhouse in Southease on the South Downs that offers options from private rooms to bell tents). To boot, we may come away with more than just a few memories. Conran-ish wooden bowls and Hepworth-ish stone sculptures swum before my eyes. Yes, this could work, we agreed. And so, with a little trepidation, we turned up at the Skelton Workshop just after Hugo's last A-level exam. In a hidden crevice of the South Downs, not far from Hassocks, the Skelton stone-carving studio is near the home of the eminent, deceased sculptor and letter-cutter, John Skelton (students can visit Skelton's nearby sculpture garden during courses). The vast barn-style workshop looks over slanting vineyards which also contained – to our surprise and delight – a very cool wine bar and restaurant. The Artelium wine estate offers vineyard tours and tasting sessionsand, having discovered that the wines had won multiple awards, its alfresco terrace became our lunch spot (charcuterie boards and homemade bread) for the next three days. But first we had to choose whether we wanted to carve letters or sculpture. We both opted for sculpture. We then had to make another decision: what sort of stone? Hugo chose a beautiful green granite, while I selected a large block of Italian soapstone. Being disorganised, neither of us had arrived with any ideas. The course tutors provided books to inspire us and – after a little discussion with our eight fellow students – we both decided to go abstract. After three days of open-air chiselling, hammering, sanding and polishing, we had sculptures deemed good enough for the end-of-course show. To our (continued) surprise, a crowd arrived for the 'private viewing' in which our sculptures were publicly praised by the tutors. We celebrated with an evening meal in The Gun, a gastropub in Chiddingly that serves stone-baked pizzas and something it calls a 'gut-loving burrito bowl' composed of sweetcorn, black beans, guacamole and all the other things anathema to Hugo but much-loved by his mother. The next day, we drove 30 minutes east, to a privately owned woodland just outside Battle. Here, we hoped to master the ancient art of wood- turning using pole lathes, now a heritage craft. Green woodworker Amy Leake – youthful, petite, impressively muscled – had set up our pole lathes beneath the shade of a vast, spreading oak. After introducing us to our lathes (simple contraptions Amy made herself, in which sawn branches, rope and a treadle turn the wood), she showed us how to axe an enormous chunk of wood into something that would ultimately become a bowl. As sunlight poured through the green foliage above us, wood chips whizzed through the grainy air and sweat ran from our brows. Turning on a pole lathe requires strength, stamina and skill. Thanks to Amy's expert guidance, by the end of the day we were the proud (if exhausted) owners of two beautiful bowls. To recover, we headed to nearby Hastings for fish and chips on the beach followed by a game of crazy golf on the sea front. Tired after all that treadling it was then back to Lewes for some well-deserved sleep. I'm looking at our (proudly displayed) sculptures and bowls as I write. They always make me smile. Not because I see the embryonic makings of two artistic geniuses, but because they remind me of the connection Hugo and I made while working with our hands, of the shared blood, sweat and laughter. Besides, the bowls are perfect for serving crisps. I'll take that over a string of digital photographs any day. Skelton Workshops is running a three-day beginner's workshop from July 29-31 for £216 including all materials. Amy Leake runs a range of green woodworking classes (£200 for two people per day) including brush-making and spoon-carving
BBC News
20-06-2025
- BBC News
Ballymena: More photos released by police after recent disorder
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has released images of two more people they would like to speak to about the recent disorder in are asking the individuals in the photographs to come forward themselves, or for anyone who can assist in identifying them to contact violence began following a peaceful protest in Ballymena and then spread to other areas of Northern Ireland, including Larne and happened hours after two teenage boys appeared before Coleraine Magistrates Court accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Ballymena. They spoke through an interpreter in Romanian to confirm their names and solicitor said they would be denying the charges.A peaceful protest was held on Monday 9 June, but after it dispersed rioting broke out.A number of nights of violence then followed in which 64 police officers were a statement on Friday night, a PSNI spokesperson said "anyone who can assist in identifying these individuals should contact us on 101, or directly on 02890922815".
Reuters
09-06-2025
- Reuters
Public disorder breaks out in Northern Irish town, with missiles thrown at police
LONDON, June 9 (Reuters) - Public disorder broke out in Ballymena town centre in Northern Ireland following a protest reportedly over an alleged sexual assault case on Monday, with police saying a number of missiles had been thrown towards officers. The unrest follows a protest in the area, about 45 km (30 miles) from the capital city of Belfast, earlier on Monday evening, the police statement said, adding damage was reported to a number of properties. Social media footage, purportedly showing the disorder, captured plumes of fire near what appeared to be residential buildings, with police present at the scene. Another clip appeared to show a masked man throwing an object at police vans as a crowd looked on. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of these clips. "We are urging everyone to remain calm and to act responsibly," Chief Superintendent Sue Steen said in the police statement. BBC News reported that hundreds of protesters had gathered in Ballymena in response to a case involving two teenage boys who appeared before Coleraine Magistrates' Court earlier in the day, accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in the County Antrim town. Irish media outlet RTE News reported that the teenagers, who it said are Romanian and spoke through an interpreter, cannot be identified because of their ages. A separate police statement from Sunday said two teenage boys had been charged with attempted rape in connection with a serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in Ballymena on Saturday evening.
BreakingNews.ie
09-06-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Two teenage boys charged with attempted rape
Two teenage boys are due to appear in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. They were charged by detectives who are investigating a serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in Ballymena. Advertisement The alleged incident took place in the Clonavon Terrace area on Saturday evening. On Sunday night, a police spokesperson said: 'They have both been charged with attempted rape, and are due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning, Monday 9th June. 'As is usual procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.'
