As a younger sister to a once teen brother, I can say that impressing them is unequivocally tough—which makes holiday gift shopping…tricky, to say the least. The best gifts for teen boys evoke smiles, never eye rolls, and are (hopefully) put to use right away, instead of collecting dust in the corner of their bedroom. As a parent (or mentor, sibling, or family friend), getting the teen in your life the “perfect” gift is hard. They’ll likely appreciate your time just as much (even if they don’t say it), but it does help to get them a nifty trinket that they’ll love—it could even help bring you two closer or form a better relationship.

When holiday gift shopping for a discerning teen, you’ll want to tap into their hobbies, interests, and aspirations. Which admittedly, is a lot harder than it sounds. To get some intel on the best gifts for teen boys, I asked a few teenagers—and a few men with oddly aligning interests—to share what’s on their holiday wishlists. Whether he’s a star athlete in training, bookworm, a budding artist, a late-night gamer, or loves experimenting in the kitchen, you’re bound to find a winning gift among these teen-approved picks.

Best sports gifts for teen boys

Letters to a Young Athlete by Chris Bosh — $12.00

Any young athlete will benefit from the wisdom shared by NBA hall of famer Chris Bosh in his first-ever book. From how to take criticism to the importance of honest dedication, Bosh’s words are bound to resonate with teenage athletes.

Adidas MLS 24 Club Soccer Ball — $10.00

With the rise of MLS teams, it feels like soccer is more popular than ever in the United States. “I want to go to the world cup one day,” says 16-year-old Alex. Well, there’s no better time than now to start training! And there’s no better ball to train with than this. year’s Adidas’ MLS Club ball.

NBA Team Blanket — $25.00

Have a basketball fan on your hands? Help them express their fandom with this snuggly soft throw blanket, personalized to their team. Whether they’re a Lakers devotee or nuts for the Nets, this machine-washable blanket will score.

NBA 2K25 for PlayStation 5 — $30.00

According to my cousin Grant, the PS5 still reigns supreme among competing game consoles—and NBA 2K is always on everyone’s roster. Each year, droves of sports-crazed gamers eagerly await its release, which means your sporty teen will be psyched to find the latest edition—2K25—under the tree.

Franklin Sports Table Tennis to Go Portable Ping Pong Set — $20.00

This portable ping pot set is a gift that your competitive teenager (and the entire family) can enjoy. It comes with a net, two balls, and two paddles, and is super easy to use. Just expand the retractible net, pop it onto a dining table, and you’re set.

Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle — $15.00

“I’m always losing my water bottle,” says my 15-year-old cousin Michael, “it’s always nice to have a backup.” For active teens like Michael, this trusty Nalgene water bottle will keep them hydrated from school to practice. And with its bright combination of colors, it won’t get left behind. While it’s high-quality, it’s not, like, a pricey Hydro Flask, so if they do leave it behind at school, it’s not the biggest deal.

Best gifts for content-creating teens

Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera — $90.00

According to my research, drones are to teenage boys what remote control cars were for us millennials growing up. Which means your teenager will be positively thrilled to unwrap this Holy Stone drone. Shoppers say it’s the perfect drone for beginners, and that the HD camera delivers great video quality for the price.

Logitech Blue Yeti USB Microphone — $82.00

“It would be cool to have a good microphone for streaming,” says 17-year-old Christian. Whether he’s an aspiring Twitch streamer, podcaster, or YouTube star in training, this highly-rated microphone is the perfect tool for the job.

Nellsi Sunset Lamp Projector — $27.00

If your teen boy is even remotely content-curious, he’s seen these viral sunset lamps on his TikTok. The sunset lamp projects a spectrum of colorful, photo-worthy gradients onto your wall, and is situated on an adjustable tripod and controllable from the included remote (and your smartphone) for added convenience.

Best gaming gifts for teen boys

Astro Bot for Playstation 5 — $50.00

If they *haven’t* already played Playstation’s latest darling, they’ll be stoked to get their hands on it. “‘Astro Bot’ is so much fun, and will absolutely be a top contender for most Game of the Year lists,” says W+G contributing writer Jamey Powell (not a teenage boy, but an avid gamer!). “It’s action-packed but not violent, and Astro is the cutest little dude, you can’t not love him,” she adds.

Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom for Nintendo Switch — $60.00

Is your teen more of a Switch kid? The latest addition to the “Legend of Zelda” family just landed and should not be missed. “It’s another game that will top GOTY lists, mark my nerdy words,” says Powell. “Plus, you get to play as Zelda for the first time ever which is undeniably awesome.”

Nintendo Switch Lite — $199.00

“Before I got my Switch, I’d be sooo bored on car rides,” says Michael. The Switch Lite offers the same gaming experience as the original Nintendo Switch, but in a lightweight, handheld format—so he never has to suffer in silence during a long car ride again.

Havit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $40.00

If your teen prefers gaming on his desktop, this mechanical gaming keyboard is a great gift that’ll elevate his experience. It features a compact, ergonomic design—along with that colorful retro aesthetic and clicky satisfaction any gamer will love.

X Rocker V Rocker SE Wireless Gaming Chair — $120.00

Perfect for teens who play for long hours, this rocking gaming chair has built-in speakers that connect wirelessly to your chosen sound system, and an audio jack for their headphones. Parents and grandparents say the chair was a hit with their kids, offered solid sound for the price, and was even comfortable enough for adults!

Meta Quest 3S Virtual and Mixed Reality Headset — $370.00

According to my nephew, teens are loving the Metaverse. The Meta Quest 3S is the latest edition of Meta’s gaming system and the current gold standard in VR gaming. It’s coveted by teens (and adults—I mean, have you tried Beat Saber!?) for its one-of-a-kind immersive experience—however, the newest version also offers “mixed reality” so they can have a better sense of their surroundings (read: not break stuff). Teenage boys everywhere will be particularly excited about multiplayer gaming on the Meta-Quest and the opportunity to connect with friends. Plus, this set from QVC comes with the latest Batman game!

Daybetter LED Strip Lights — $13.00

These LED strip lights are a winning gift for teenage boys looking to upgrade their video game setup. The pack comes with 100ft of color-changing lights (that can be controlled from your smartphone) giving teens plenty of runway to customize their room however they please.

SolidRoots Game of Phones — $20.00

Being on your phone isn’t a social faux pas in this clever card game—players rely on their devices to beat their way through a hilarious scavenger hunt. “My whole family loves it, as do my teen and her friends,” says one customer. “We had a lot of laughs and will play again.” 

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza — $10.00

This fast-paced card game is fun for all ages, but particularly teen boys. It’s sort of tricky to explain in writing, but super easy to learn and play, and involves word matching, noise making, and (best of all) slapping hands. If you’re planning on playing with a teen boy, just make sure you take off any rings and clear the table of drinks—things can get a little messy!

Best creative gifts for teen boys

Tangerine Big 'Ol Burger Kit — $80.00

Tangerine makes awesome art kits for all ages. If your teen is interested in exploring mixed media art, this DIY kit includes everything they need to craft a funky faux hamburger from wood, foam, felt, and acrylic paint. Fun!

Moleskine Hardcover Art Sketchbook — $24.00

For the teenage art student, you can’t go wrong with a Moleskine sketchbook. With its large, heavy-duty pages, it’s the ultimate blank canvas for your teen to explore his creative side—whether he’s drawing, painting, or sketching.

Faber-Castell Creative Studio Art On-The-Go Graphite Sketch Set — $23.00

“These are the drawing pencils I used in school,” shares my artist cousin David, “and they’re still the best! Any young artist would like them.” The kit includes 12 drawing pencils all with varying hardness, an eraser, sharpener, and carrying case for sketching al fresco.

LEGO Vincent Van Gogh Starry Night Set — $150.00

No one is too cool for legos, and every teen artist will recognize Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night! This set a fun way to recreate the masterpiece at home. With over 2,000 pieces, you might even be enlisted as a helping hand, if you’re lucky.

Polaroid Now Instant Camera — $120.00

Ever since my friend Kate got her little brother a Polaroid camera, he won’t leave home without it. “He keeps the photos on his wall, shares them with friends, and even brings it to family dinners,” she shares. Who could resist the instant gratification?

Best music gifts for teen boys

Speaqua Barnacle Pro Waterproof Speaker — $69.00

If your teen can’t part from his tunes, get him a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It’ll bump the latest [insert relevant cool artist here] tracks, even while he rides his bike or showers. You can even store up to 2,000 songs directly into the speaker, no Bluetooth required.

Crosley C6B-WH Belt-Drive Bluetooth Turntable — $165.00

For the teen that’s a budding vinyl collector (they’re out there, trust me!), this Crosley Turntable is a fail-proof holiday gift. Bluetooth connectivity allows your music-loving teen to connect it to his preferred speakers or audio system so he can experience his favorite albums with maximum clarity.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones — $50.00

I actually got these Anker Noise Canceling Headphones for my teenage cousin last year (spoiler alert: he loved them) then I immediately got a pair for myself. They deliver great sound quality and are actually noise-canceling—perfect for zoning out with a playlist, long study sessions, or gaming with friends. They’re easy on the wallet, too!

Best sleep and loungewear gifts for teen boys

Casper Glow Light — $116.00

“Teenage me couldn’t function without the requisite 13 hours of sleep,” says my older brother Nick, “so anything that would’ve helped me sleep is a good idea.” The Glow Light’s self-dimming technology is perfect for slowly winding down before bed, and the gradual way it lights up a room is a gentle (yet effective) way to wake up—perfect for teens who can’t help but snooze.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Blanket — $85.00

People are *obsessed* with Barefoot Dreams throw blankets, and the odds are your teen will be too (even if he doesn’t verbalize it). It’s perfect for snuggling up in, whether he’s watching a movie or doing homework. Plus, it comes in five neutral colors that won’t clash with the rest of the home’s aesthetic.

Champion Powerblend Fleece Sweatpants — $19.00

Champion is one brand that’s truly stood the test of time, which means these sweats are bound to become a loungewear staple for your teen. Plus, they’re available in a huge variety of sizes, lengths, and colors.

Huzi Infinity Pillow — $55.00

Teens that value comfort above all else will fall in love with the Huzi Infinity Pillow. The adjustable, tubular design can be woven and wrapped in a variety of ways to deliver comfortable support wherever you need it, whenever you need it. What’s more, the breathable bamboo fabric stays cool so your teen can snooze in peace without overheating.

Outdoor Voices CloudKnit Hoodie — $88.00

Outdoor Voices knows that sometimes “doing things” means getting comfortable on the couch. This super soft hoodie is a functional and fashionable essential that any teenage boy will feel good about wearing both in and out of the house.

Uncommon Goods Monday Friday Sock Set — $25.00

If you’ve ever struggled to gauge how your teenager is feeling—these socks might help. The clever happy and sad face design is sure to get a chuckle out of your teen, and in all likelihood, accurately reflects their feelings about the school week!

Black + Decker Compact Refrigerator — $108.00

“I actually wish I had a mini fridge in my room,” says Christian, “for snacks and drinks while I’m playing video games.” Besides, this space-saving Black + Decker mini fridge can go with him to college!

Best movie and TV gifts for teen boys

Fifth Sun Star Wars Tee — $26.00

This vintage-inspired Star Wars tee is sure to make the Force-wielder in your life smile. Plus, it’s available in a wide size range, spanning XS to 3XL.

Studio D'Amore Blueprint Fan Art — $30.00

“Again, I’m not a teen boy but, based on my interests, I might as well be,” says Powell. “I saw these awesome prints at New York Comic Con this year and bought the Super Mario blueprint. The artist, Liz D’Amore, is an architect who uses her pro skills to draw locations from fan-favorite franchises like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, and The Simpsons.” This is one unique gift they’ll geek out over.

Roku Streaming Stick+ — $48.00

Give your teenage boy the gift of accessing all of your family’s streaming accounts from one super handy device! The Roku Stick is a gift that’s pretty much guaranteed to go to good use—and the long range WiFi capability will give him unfettered, crystal clear access to his favorite shows and movies with ease. You can’t lose!

Marvel Encyclopedia — $32.00

Shopping for a teenager who’s part of the Marvel fandom? Probably. This Marvel Encyclopedia contains everything your teenage boy could ever want to know about the Marvel cinematic universe and its most popular heroes like Captain America, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and more.

What Do You Meme? The Office Game — $29.00

If you’re gift shopping for a teen boy who is just now discovering the hilarity of The Office (better late than never), this special edition of What Do You Meme is a solid gift choice. They’ll be able to turn their favorite Office moments and characters into laughable memes, making it a game night favorite.

For the teen desperate for his driver's license

Hilboy Electric Scooter — $285.00

It’s a splurge for sure, but if it keeps them from complaining about not having their driver’s license yet, it might just be worth it. This long-range electric scooter cruises for 17 miles on a five-hour charge and comes tricked out with three rear lights lights and a companion app for Android and iPhone. Don’t forget to get them a helmet!

Best clothes and accessories gifts for teen boys

Bombas Pima Cotton Crew Neck Tees (3-Pack) — $119.00

My nephew is always wearing basic tees, so why not get him the softest ones around? Bombas Pima Cotton tees will surely secure their spot as the most comfortable T-shirts in your teenager’s closet. The 3-pack comes in a variety of classic neutral combos your teen needs to complete an outfit. Available in S—3XL.

Crocs Classic Marbled Clog — $41.00

Even if your teen boy already has a pair of Crocs in his closet, chances are they don’t look like this. The black and white marble design is a cool, unique upgrade to the classic Croc style, making these a gift he’ll want to wear in and out of the house.

Parks Project Park Tees — $32.00

For the teenage boy that’s also an environmentalist, a Parks Project graphic tee is sure to resonate with his values. Choose from a variety of park-specific designs, as well as more general (but never boring) outdoorsy themes.

Uncommon Goods National Park Hidden Topography Hat — $34.00

This Hidden Topography snapback pays homage to your teenage boy’s favorite national parks. A front patch illustrates the park’s colorful landscape, while the underside of the brim stars its topographical map. Take your pick from Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and more.

Vans Old Skool Sneakers — $70.00

“Vans Old Skools were *the* shoe when we were teens,” says my husband—and according to my research, they still are. This classic Vans shoe makes a great gift choice for any teen boy, simply because the iconic, no-frills aesthetic will never go out of style, and easily complements any outfit.

Best organizing gifts for teen boys

Geekera 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Dock — $28.00

If your teenage boy’s nightstand is littered with tangled cables, he’ll be thrilled to receive this Wireless Charging Dock as a holiday gift. It has a spot for his iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch—all in a sleek, space-saving design that’ll keep messes to a minimum.

Uncommon Goods Book Nook Reading Valet — $50.00

For teenagers who are always heads down in a book, the Reading Valet gives his favorite novel a place to live on his bedside table—and holds his page at the same time. Complete with a space to hold a cup or mug, and a nook for his glasses (that can also be used to store his phone), this handy bedside solution will help eliminate messes and make his room a more enjoyable place to be.

Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker 3-Pack — $67.00

“My brother loses everything,” says Kat. If that’s something you’d say about your teen boy, it might be time to get him a Tile Mate as a holiday gift. The handy little Bluetooth trackers can be placed on anything prone to being forgotten—like your keys and backpack—and tracked from your smartphone for super safe keeping.

Uncommon Goods Bedside Essentials Pocket — $15.00

This heavy duty felt pouch tucks between your teen boy’s mattress and bed frame, and is outfitted with large and smaller compartments fit for storing all of your teen’s must-haves—laptop, iPad, books, headphones, remotes, you name it. It’s the holiday gift your teen didn’t know he needed.

Uncommon Goods Rotating Magnetic Tray Box — $59.00

I got myself this rotating storage box last year to streamline my home desktop, and my teenage cousin was completely transfixed by the satisfying magnetic swing closure. The bottom compartment is perfect for storing pens, highlighters, notepads, or glasses, while the swinging top features nifty compartments for smaller, more reached for items. Any teen boy will appreciate the tidiness this oddly satisfying storage box brings to his desk—especially during long study sessions and exam weeks!

Best outdoors gifts for teen boys

Wise Owl Outfitters Portable Camping Hammock — $24.00

This portable camping hammock is the perfect gift for any teenage boy who loves being outdoors. The lightweight nylon hammock conveniently folds down to the size of an eggplant, so it can be chucked in a backpack and taken on the go with ease. If your teen loves camping with friends, or just wants to sprawl out on the lawn or at the park, the Wise Owl Hammock is the gift to help him do it in comfort.

Herschel Supply Co. Classic Backpack — $65.00

Every teenage boy needs a trusty backpack. As the name suggests, the Herschel Supply Co. Classic Backpack is as timeless as it gets. The simple design and durable construction will stand the test of time and become a true staple in your teen’s closet—perfect for school, extracurriculars, weekend trips away, and more.

Anker Portable Charger — $16.00

“Nothing would upset our parents more than my phone dying while I was at the park or on trips with my friends,” says my older brother, “and it frustrated me too, of course. Everyone hates being without their phone!” Giving your teen boy a portable charger as a holiday gift means they’ll get to stay connected throughout all their adventures—and that they’ll never have an excuse for not returning your calls or texts. This also means they’ll probably be on their screens more—but hey. You win some, you lose some.

JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $50.00

If your teenager can’t do anything without the proper soundtrack, this portable speaker will be his new favorite companion. Designed with a carabiner that’ll clip onto his backpack or belt loop with ease, the JBL Clip will bring high quality sound (and a lasting battery life) wherever he goes.