Gifts for Teen Boys

Ages 13 to 17

Most teen boys will not tell you what they want, but they will tell you what they use: their phone, their games, their headphones, and whatever is in the snack drawer. The safest wins upgrade one of those, and the best ones are something they would never think to ask for but end up using every day.

Under $25 7 ideas

  1. Project Hail Mary

    A funny, fast science-fiction novel about a teacher who wakes up alone on a spaceship. It hooks reluctant readers, and the movie version gives him a reason to read it first.

    Andy WeirBook

    See it on Amazon

  2. UNO Show 'Em No Mercy

    The brutal version of UNO, with draw-10 cards and a rule that knocks out anyone holding too many. Teens love how quickly it turns friendly games into feuds.

    MattelStocking stufferWhite elephant

    See it on Amazon

  3. Exploding Kittens Original Edition

    Quick, chaotic and easy to teach, so it gets played at lunch, at sleepovers and at family gatherings. Fits in a hoodie pocket.

    Exploding KittensStocking stuffer

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  4. Hot Ones The Last Dab Reaper Edition Hot Sauce

    The sauce from the last wing on the Hot Ones YouTube show. If he watches it, he has wanted to try this on a dare, and it makes a good stocking prank.

    Hot OnesGets used upStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  5. Nike Everyday Cushioned Training Crew Socks (6 Pairs)

    Teen boys go through socks like nothing else, and these are the ones they would pick themselves. Unglamorous, but they will be worn by Boxing Day.

    NikeStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  6. Rubik's Speed Cube

    A magnetic 3x3 built for fast turning, so learning to solve it is satisfying instead of frustrating. A good off-screen fidget for the kid who likes a challenge.

    Rubik'sStocking stuffer

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  7. Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie

    The beanie half the high school is already wearing, and for good reason: warm, durable and one size fits nearly everyone. Easy to get right.

    CarharttStocking stuffer

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Under $50 5 ideas

  1. Logitech G502 HERO High Performance Wired Gaming Mouse

    A long-running favorite among PC gamers for its grip, extra buttons and adjustable weights. If he games on a laptop trackpad or a basic office mouse, the difference is immediate.

    Logitech G

    See it on Amazon

  2. Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights

    The bedroom glow-up teens actually want. Controlled from his phone, they can sync to music and change color, and they stick behind a desk or bed in minutes.

    GoveeFor display

    See it on Amazon

  3. Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle

    Keeps water cold through a full practice or school day, and the wide mouth takes ice cubes. Sturdy enough to survive a locker room floor.

    Hydro Flask

    See it on Amazon

  4. Apple AirTag

    Clip it to his keys, backpack or gym bag and he can find them from his iPhone. Useful for the kid who loses things, and reassuring for the parent paying to replace them.

    Apple

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  5. Nintendo eShop Gift Card (Digital Code)

    Lets a Switch player pick his own game, which beats guessing which ones he already owns. Arrives by email, so it works even on Christmas Eve.

    NintendoArrives by email

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Under $100 5 ideas

  1. HyperX Cloud III Wired Gaming Headset

    A comfortable headset with a clear detachable mic that works with PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch. A big step up from earbuds for long sessions with friends.

    HyperX

    See it on Amazon

  2. 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock

    Works with Switch and PC and sits on its own charging dock, so it is never dead when he picks it up. Gamers rate it above many first-party pads.

    8BitDo

    See it on Amazon

  3. JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

    Clips onto a backpack or shower rod, survives being dropped and dunked, and is loud enough for a pickup game or a bedroom. Small enough that he will actually take it places.

    JBL

    See it on Amazon

  4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

    A camera that prints a real photo in seconds, which is a novelty to a kid who has only ever had a phone. The prints end up on bedroom walls and in friends' wallets.

    FujifilmAn experience

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  5. Champion Reverse Weave Pullover Hoodie

    A heavy, well-made hoodie that holds its shape through endless washing, unlike the thin fast-fashion ones. Plain enough that he will wear it to school.

    Champion

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$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. Nintendo Switch 2

    The console most of his friends will be talking about, and it plays his existing Switch library too. Plays docked on the TV or handheld on the bus, which matters when siblings share the screen.

    Nintendo

    See it on Amazon

  2. Meta Quest 3S 128GB

    Standalone VR with no PC or console needed. Beat Saber alone turns it into a workout he will actually do, and it is the cheapest way into the current Quest library.

    MetaAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  3. Kindle Paperwhite

    For the reader, or the kid who would read more if it did not mean carrying books around. No notifications or games to pull him away, and the battery lasts weeks.

    Amazon

    See it on Amazon