If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
Buying the best gifts for teen boys can be a daunting task. After all, they’re no longer satisfied with Matchbox cars and plastic dinosaurs – and when it comes to clothes, there’s no more buying whatever you like from the kids’ section; they have their own brand preferences and a sense of individual style now (as long as it involves, you know, hoodies). Yet just tossing them some cash or a gift card can feel boring and generic, like you didn’t put any effort or thought in.
Best Gifts for Teen Boys at a Glance
Best Overall: Lululemon Smooth Spacer Jogger, $128
Most Popular Gift: Crocs Classic Clog, $50
Best Bath Gift: Black Wolf Nation Sonic Scrubber Pro Kit, $16
Best Gaming Gift: Xbox Series S, $299
Best Skincare Gift: The Ordinary Acne Set, $16
Best Hoodie Gift: Champion Logo Hoodie, $69
Best Subscription Gift: Universal Yums International Subscription Box, $29+
Best Virtual Gift: Meta Quest 3 VR Headset (+ Asgard’s Wrath), $430
Best Health Gift: Blendjet 2 Portable Blender, $50
Best Music Gift: JBL Waterproof Wireless Flip Speaker, $90
Related story
6 Impressive Aritzia Alternatives You Can Get on Sale at Quince’s Spring Event, Handpicked by a Shopping Writer
Luckily, I happen to have some valuable insight into the wish lists of teen boys: I live with 3 of them (plus an 11-year-old who thinks he’s a teen). They may not always be happy to help me out (dragging the trash cans all the way to the curb?! Bruhhh), but they were thrilled when I asked for their assistance (and that of their friends, who are perpetually hanging out) in curating this guide to the best gifts for teen boys. Because we wouldn’t want their peers to get anything “mid.”
Yes, teenagers are slightly more expensive than little ones — an understatement, I realize. Oh, how we long for the days when they were happier playing with the box than with the gift that came in it! And like their slang vocabulary, their preferences can change on a dime. But these gifts for teen boys are things that they’ll actually want — according to teen boys who actually want them.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Lululemon is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Lululemon Smooth Spacer Jogger
Image Credit: Lululemon. I don’t know about you, but my teen boys act like jeans are torture devices sent straight from Satan — so they practically want to live in joggers, and this pair from Lululemon is lightweight, stylish, and comfy.
Lululemon Smooth Spacer Jogger$128
Classic Crocs
Image Credit: Crocs When did practical, washable gardening clogs become a hot fashion trend? Your guess is as good as ours — but if you’ve ever met a teen, you’ve likely seen them in a pair of these babies (with socks, natch). They are great for slipping on if you simply can’t be bothered to bend down and, you know, tie (attn: every kid).
Black Wolf Nation Sonic Scrubber Pro Kit
Image Credit: Amazon. If “bacne” is a thing your teen struggles with — or if he just wants to make sure all parts are squeaky clean — the Black Wolf Nation Sonic Scrubber Pro Kit will be his bestie. It’s a vibrating brush (USB-rechargeable) that’s gentle enough to use on the face for a deep clean, massage, and exfoliation, and a bottle of charcoal body wash, formulated with salicylic acid to keep pores gunk-free.
Black Wolf Nation Sonic Scrubber Pro Kit$59.99
on Amazon.com
Xbox Series S
Image Credit: Xbox. They may screech, “BRUH, THIS INTERNET IS SOOOO LAGGY!” but teen boys really do love their Xboxes, and the Xbox Series S delivers next-gen speed and performance, plus lightning-fast load times (to maybe minimize the dubious claims of “laggy” internet. Maybe.) They can play alone or with friends, and enjoy digital games from four generations of Xbox. This console comes with one Xbox Wireless Controller, a high-speed HDMI cable, power cable, and 2 AA batteries.
Xbox Series S$299.00
on Amazon.com
The Ordinary: Acne Set
Image Credit: Sephora Skincare is important no matter the gender — and nobody likes zits. This acne-fighting skincare set from The Ordinary will give your kid the glow-up he wants.
The Ordinary: The Acne Set$16
Champion Logo Hoodie
Image Credit: Champion You can buy the teen boy in your life an entire wardrobe of couture, but they’ll 100% just wear the same hoodie every day. Luckily, this Champion Logo Hoodie, with over 55,000 5-star ratings and available in an impressive array of colors (27, to be exact!) is one you won’t mind seeing on the regular.
Champion Logo Hoodie$22.50 – $67.99
on Amazon.com
Petino 3-in-1 Charging Station for Apple Devices
Image Credit: Amazon. Since teens’ various electronic gadgets are their lifelines, give them a place to charge everything up at once! This 3-in-1 charging station will juice up their iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods – with just one cable and one plug.
Petino 3-in-1 Charging Station for Apple Devices$65
Universal Yums International Subscription Box
Image Credit: Universal Yums We’ve tried this one ourselves, and it’s so much fun — a subscription box that contains snacks from regions around the world! Each box features unique and delicious treats from a different country, and a fun informational booklet so you can learn a little bit about the origins of what you’re eating. And you know teen boys are always eating, so it’s a win.
Universal Yums International Subscription Box$26.00/box (12-month subscription)
Meta Quest 3 VR Headset (+ Asgard’s Wrath)
Image Credit: Best Buy The brand-new Meta Quest 3 VR Headset is a gamer’s virtual reality dream come true (and not gonna lie, it’s great fun for parents too, if you can get your kid off of it long enough). With games of all types available, you can immerse yourself in any kind of virtual world you want. Being new, though, it’s pretty pricey — but no worries, you can still get the Meta Quest 2 for $250.
Meta Quest 3 VR Headset & Asgard’s Wrath Game$430
Dr. Squatch Natural Soap Sampler
Image Credit: Dr. Squatch Teenage boys take a lot of showers (don’t ask, just be glad they’re not resisting them any more). This TikTok-viral soap from Dr. Squatch is apparently the cool product to have in your bathroom these days, and who are we to argue when our kids actually ask for soap?!
Dr. Squatch Natural Soap Bundles$31, was $39
Retrospec Harper Fixie Bike
Image Credit: Retrospec If your teen is living in the Land of No License — whether by choice, or they’re counting down to their 16th birthday — they still have to get from point A to point B. The Harper Fixie Bike from Retrospec is lightweight, durable, and perfect for zipping and zooming around town (or to school, so they’ll stop complaining about the bus). Plus it has a sleek and streamlined look which is just effortlessly cool.
Harper Fixie Bike Single Speed$250, was $300
Blendjet 2 Portable Blender
Image Credit: Blendjet From smoothies to protein shakes to … whatever random concoctions they come up with, the Blendjet 2 Portable Blender gets a TON of use in our house. It’s quick and quiet, blends easily, and can be tossed into a gym bag for on-the-go use. Best of all, it’s a snap to wash, which means my kids will actually do it.
Blendjet 2 Portable Blender$50
JBL Waterproof Wireless Flip Speaker
Image Credit: JBL Whether they’re hanging out with their friends or singing their hearts out in the shower, teens will love this waterproof portable speaker so they can choose the soundtrack to their lives, no matter what they’re doing. It comes in a variety of colors, too!
JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker$89.95
on Amazon.com
Kizik Slip-On Sneaker
Image Credit: Kizik For as energetic as teen boys can be when they’re playing games, they’re certainly lazy about putting on and tying shoes — and that’s where Kizik slip-on sneakers come in. They’re a brilliant invention because the backs are literally made to pop right back into place once you slip your foot in: hands-free, easy on and easy off, and no crushed sneaker backs. Not to mention they’re stylish and versatile. They’ve solved my 16-year-old’s every shoe dilemma … except for “Hey Mom, where are my Kiziks?”
Kizik Slip-On Sneakers$89 – $109.00
on Amazon.com
The Driving Book
Image Credit: Bloomsbury USA If you have a new driver, a new driver to-be, or a kid with zero interest in getting his license and you want to drop a massive hint — The Driving Book is the thing for you. Updated for the tech-savvy teen drivers of today, it covers pretty much any scenario a new driver might find themselves in on the road. Get a copy for the glove box too!
The Driving Book: Everything New Drivers Need to Know but Don’t Know to Ask$9 $12.99 31% Off
on Amazon.com
HyperX Cloud Alpha
Image Credit: HyperX When gaming is life, you need a headset that offers the best clarity (and looks cool to boot!). The HyperX Cloud Alpha works with PC, PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One, Xbox One S, Mac, Mobile, Nintendo Switch, and VR. It has a detachable noise cancelling microphone, and is also available in a wireless version.
HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset$70, was $100 $99.99
on Amazon.com
Philips Bluetooth Smart Light Strip
Image Credit: Philips These lights will elevate your teen’s living space into a whole vibe. The colorful smart lighting (it’s Bluetooth compatible!) allows for multiple colors to set any sort of tone they want, and because teens love tech, it’s voice compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit and Google Home too.
Philips Hue Bluetooth Smart Lightstrip Plus 2m/6ft Base Kit with Plug$71 $99.99 29% Off
on Amazon.com
Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds
Image Credit: Ordtop If the tunes in your car drive your teen crazy — or he just needs another method to tune you out — these wireless bluetooth earbuds, have over 1K ratings at an almost perfect 5 stars. They’re ultralight and comfortable, pair quickly, stay connected, and provide a seamless listening experience so your kid won’t have anything to gripe about. At least when it comes to his music.
Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds$25
on Amazon.com
Rechargeable Laser Tag Set
Image Credit: Squad Hero It’s not hard to get them off screens and outside when there’s the prospect of something as fun as laser tag! No need to chauffeur them anywhere, either; this set works at home. Up to four people can play, and the lasers and vests are fully rechargeable, so there won’t be batteries lying around everywhere.
Rechargeable Laser Tag Set$80, was $120 $119.99
on Amazon.com
Dr. Pepper Can Safe
Image Credit: Dr. Pepper This genius product might look like just one of the many soda cans that are probably littering your kid’s room — but it’s actually a safe! Give them a non-obvious place to hide their valuable stuff from robbers (i.e., sibliings). There are also a ton of other options too: cans of Spam, Coke, corn, etc.
Dr. Pepper Can Safe$15
on Amazon.com
Rotor Riot Mfi Certified Gamepad Controller
Image Credit: Rotor Riot Compatible with over 1,000 games including Minecraft, Call of Duty, and NBA 2K20, this controller lets your teen take his favorite console games along with him wherever he goes. This version is for iPhone, but there’s an Android version too. Lag and latency-free to eliminate (okay, lessen) the chances of raging.
Rotor Riot Mfi Certified Gamepad Controller$20
on Amazon.com
Two-Sided Tortilla Blanket
Image Credit: CASOFU If they’re going to wrap themselves up like a burrito to sleep, they may as well look authentic! Soft and warm and machine washable, this is the perfect wrap for lounging. (Psst … it’s available in pizza and waffle, too!)
Double Sided Giant Flour Tortilla Throw Blanket$16, was $20
on Amazon.com
SHASHIBO Shape-Shifting Box
Image Credit: SHASHIBO Not just any old puzzle box, the SHASHIBO Shape-Shifting Box contains 36 rare earth magnets and can be transformed into more than 70 different shapes. It’s like a fidget toy, but much more awesome (and it engages the brain, too). With over 53,000 almost-perfect ratings, it’s a cool gift for even the pickiest teen boy.
SHASHIBO Shape-Shifting Box$25
on Amazon.com
Blue Yeti Nano Microphone
Image Credit: Logitech Got a budding YouTuber? They’ll want a good microphone — and the Blue Yeti, apparently, is the one to get. It’s easy to use (just plug and play!), with crystal-clear sound quality and advanced voice software that takes streaming and recording to the next level.
Blue Yeti Nano Microphone$80, was $100
on Amazon.com
Pair Eyewear Customizable Sunglasses
Image Credit: Pair Eyewear Teen boys love to advertise their coolness by wearing a pair of trendy shades, and they can accessorize EVERY outfit with customizable sunglasses from Pair Eyewear. You just pick your base frame and lenses, then choose from a huge variety of colored and patterned tops — from tie-dye to buffalo plaid — to match any and every look.
Pair Eyewear Sunglasses$60
Galaxy Projector
Image Credit: One Fire A teen’s room is his (wrapper- and dirty-dish-laden) castle, and this galaxy projector will make it look cool even if it’s messy. But the lights aren’t the only attractive feature; he can listen to his own music via Bluetooth, or choose from 8 relaxing white noise sounds to chill out with.
One Fire Galaxy Projector$22
on Amazon.com
Hundred Dollar Bill Wallet
Image Credit: LUI SUI A rite of passage during the teenage years? Holding your new ID (and the cash from your part-time job) in a cool wallet — and this one has 4 pockets and a zipper, so everything stays secure.
Hundred Dollar Bill Wallet$10
on Amazon.com
Lovesac Citysac
Image Credit: Lovesac For loafing, for gaming, for napping, for a comfy place to do homework … or just for those ever-present friends to hang out in, you can’t beat a Lovesac. They are unbelievably cozy, super durable, and have a washable cover in case of spills (or, y’know, just teen boy smell). Yes, they’re on the pricey side, but the quality is amazing and they’ll provide comfort for years to come.
Fidget Gel Pens
Image Credit: Amazon. Writing anything by hand is lame, so when they have to do it, these cool fidget gel pens can help lessen the sting. You can configure them into all sorts of different shapes. It’s a pen! It’s a gadget! It’s both!
Fidget Gel Pens$14, was $25 $24.99
on Amazon.com
Maruchan Ramen Variety Pack
Image Credit: Amazon. Have you ever met a teen who wasn’t ramen noodle-obsessed? Much to my dismay, my teenagers would eat ramen for every meal if I’d allow it — so it’s no wonder they chose this ramen variety pack as a gift they’d love to get.
Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup, 24 Count 10 Flavor Variety Pack
$26.99
on Amazon.comMidea Compact Mini Fridge
Image Credit: Midea Get your teen something really cool for his room (pun totally intended!): this compact mini-fridge. He can keep water bottles, sodas, or snacks chilly and right at his fingertips, and his friends will think his setup is “sick” or “bussin’” or whatever the kids are saying these days.
Midea Compact Mini-Fridge$110, was $130 $129.99
on Amazon.com
All In Motion Adjustable Dumbbell
Image Credit: All In Motion Whether he’s trying to get those gains for sports or just wants to be buff, you can’t go wrong with this adjustable dumbbell set. With its space-saving design, you get 5 sets of weights with the footprint of 1. The weights adjust from 5.5 lbs to 27.5 lbs, and the non-slip grip means he won’t be dropping them on the floor … or on his foot.
All In Motion Adjustable Dumbbell$100
Ostrichpillow Original Travel Pillow
Image Credit: Ostrichpillow It’s a funny-looking contraption, but the Ostrichpillow is for serious nappers (so it’s perfect for teenage boys). It can be put over the head like a hood — don’t worry, there’s plenty of ventilation! — for a surefire way to disconnect from surroundings and sleep like a champ. Or it can just be used as a cushy regular lounging pillow. Either way, there’s a reason this pillow went viral! (PS … it’s machine-washable, because kids are gross.)
Original Ostrichpillow$99
on Amazon.com
Life Skills for Teens
Image Credit: Spotlight Media The full title of this book is Life Skills for Teens: How to Cook, Clean, Manage Money, Fix Your Car, Perform First Aid, and Just About Everything in Between, and as promised, it’s a treasure trove of valuable adulting information — from determining if the food in your fridge is still good to how to apologize.
Life Skills for Teens$10 $11.89 16% Off
on Amazon.com
Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
Image Credit: Anker With over 31K ratings at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the Anker PowerCore Portable Charger fits easily into a backpack (or hoodie pocket!) and is compatible with iPhone, Samsung, and other Android models for an instant battery boost when your teen on the go.
GTPlayer Gaming Chair
Image Credit: GTPlayer When your kid spends hours on the computer (zero judgment here!!), a flimsy office chair just won’t cut it. Literally 100% of my four children asked for new gaming chairs this year, and this one is an Amazon #1 bestseller that combines quality with a price that doesn’t make you want to run screaming for the hills.
GTPlayer Gaming Chair$90, was $150 $149.99
on Amazon.com
