Teenage boys can be a handful, but that doesn’t mean gift-shopping for them has to be a challenge. Whether he'd love a bluetooth speaker, video game, or something more unique, our gift guide for teen boys will make shopping a snap for holidays, birthdays, and other occasions.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$299 and up from Amazon
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Teen boys and video games have gone together like peanut butter and jelly since at least the 1970s. Needless to say, those old Ataris can’t hold a candle to the gaming power of the latest Nintendo Switch. Games are sold separately.
Price varies from Cameo
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Give him a gift he will never forget: a personal video message from his favorite actor, athlete, musician, reality TV personality, or other celeb — which can then be shared on his social media platform of choice. There are literally thousands of famous (and not-so-famous) people to choose from on Cameo, and prices vary accordingly.
Related: This Brand Is One of Our Readers' Faves for Holiday Shopping–We Think You'll Love Them, Too
$19 from Amazon
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Here's one for the kiddo who loves his doggo and board games. WeRateDogs has amassed a nearly 9-million-strong Twitter following by offering excessively high ratings (e.g., 15/10), plus accompanying commentary, on user-submitted photos of their dogs. In the card game version, three to six players compete to be crowned Best in Show.
$25 and up from Amazon
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We have it on good authority from actual teenage boys that a Hydro Flask is the only brand of stainless-steel water bottle worth being seen with at school because … reasons. (It doesn’t hurt that Hydro Flask gets exceptionally positive user reviews at Amazon). Choose from standard- or wide-mouth designs in three sizes and more than a dozen colors.
$60 from Singing Machine
With this wireless microphone, Carpool Karaoke fans can recreate their favorite James Corden moments on their next road trip. It pairs with an FM station on a car's radio, and raucous roadtrippers can rock out for hours of fun and singing. With the latest 2.0 version, the mic's been given a boost with new voice changing effects, sound effects, and the option to add a second microphone for duets. Choose from either gold or rose gold.
$240 and up from Amazon
If you want to give an up-to-date Apple Watch without dropping $400 on the Series 8, take a look at the more budget-friendly SE. It still has all the important features, including fitness and sleep tracking, music, message notifications, and a crystal-clear Retina display.
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$319 and up from Amazon
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Scooters have been a hot holiday gift for years, but there are still plenty of teens who have never owned one. Maybe this is the year to change that. This Razor scooter can accomodate riders up to 220 pounds, has a top speed of 15 mph, and can run for 40 minutes on a full charge.
$240 from Amazon
There are earbuds and then there are Apple AirPods. These have active noise canceling, so he can tune out the world when he needs to focus while working on homework or (more likely) gaming.
Related: Gift Ideas for Music Lovers
$28 from Amazon
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Give that Space Force cadet wannabe this hoodie so he can show off his love of all things astronomical. This unisex cotton-polyester hoodie is available in black, dark heather, and heather gray, in sizes from small to 2XL.
$23 and up from Amazon
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Whether he's aiming to attend or just follows their sports teams, this university-themed blanket is a great way to show his true colors. At 45 by 60 inches, it's a great size for keeping cozy on the couch or at the stadium.
$290 and up from Amazon
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This kit includes everything a curious young musician needs to start learning how to play the electric guitar: mini-amplifier, cable, picks, gig bag, and of course, the guitar itself.
$400 from Lego
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Boys of all ages love Legos — even the fully grown ones with sons of their own. And boys who are also “Star Wars” fans will love this Lego kit of the iconic intergalactic cantina from the original film. With more than 3,100 pieces, this kit will keep ’em occupied for light years.
$220 from Best Buy
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Know a young music lover who’s streaming tunes all the time? Introduce them to the pleasure of music that you can actually hold: the long-playing record. And give them a turntable to play that vinyl on. This portable record player can be plugged into an amplifier with the included RCA cables or stream music via Bluetooth.
$150 from Amazon
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Wannabe pilots (drone or aircraft) can get a taste of flight with a beginner quadcopter drone like this one. It comes equipped with a high-def camera to shoot video and stills, has a flight range of nearly 1,000 feet and can fly for up to 26 minutes on a full charge, plus it can be programmed to return home automatically using GPS. A carrying bag is included.
$45 from Amazon
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Boys can be so disorganized sometimes. Get 'em organized with this charging station, equipped with six slots and cables that can charge Apple devices, Androids, Kindles, the Nintendo Switch, and any other USB device.
Related: Gifts for Disorganized People
$8.50 from Uncommon Goods
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Of course they need to study and do well in school! But there’s something to be said for a little outside-the-box thinking, too. This book collects 250 of the most clever, unusual, and hilarious wrong answers from student exams.
Related: Fun Gag Gifts
$40 from Amazon
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This clip-on kit comes with a wide-angle lens for impressive landscapes, a macro lens perfect for close-ups, and an LED to throw some light on the subject of their next social media post.
$50 from Amazon
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Know an aspiring podcaster or gamecaster? Then get 'em this USB microphone, and they'll be able to run their mouth for hours as they're glued to their computers.
$35 from Amazon
Save him from ruining his phone in the shower with a waterproof Bluetooth speaker like this one. It’s also suitable for use poolside, when boating, or when working out in inclement weather.
$33 from Amazon
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Young hunters, campers, anglers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds need a second set of eyes. Backed by the Bushnell brand, these lightweight binoculars are built for outdoor use and come with a case.
Varies from Amazon
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If he loves football and gaming, get him the latest iteration of this long-running video game classic. Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
$105 and up from Amazon
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He can stream up to 12 hours of music on this Bluetooth speaker and, with a rugged IP67 waterproof rating, take the tunes to the beach or pool. It’s also available in eight colors.
$18 and up from Amazon
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If he's is into fishing, or even if he isn't, a pair of these colorful flip-flops will leave them reeling, as their feet will have newfound allure. The Fish Flops have been deemed by one customer to be "hilariously weird and surprisingly comfortable."
$61 and up from Amazon
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He'll never be caught unprepared for an emergency with this handy Leatherman keychain. It's got nine tools, including a bottle opener, file, and knife, plus pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, and a wire cutter. It's also available in three handle colors: red, blue, or black.
$9 and up from Hot Topic
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What teenage boy doesn’t have a closet full of graphic T-shirts? Some of the selections at Hot Topic are a bit much, but devote some time to browsing and you’ll unearth some awesome retro-style tees that could just as easily appeal to some adults we know.
$60 and up from Amazon
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Gamers need a chair that’s comfy enough to settle in for the long haul, and this high-backed Furmax gaming chair is Amazon’s top seller, which ought to count for something. The height can be adjusted, and unlike some chairs, this one also tilts backward.
$24 on Amazon
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Socks may seem like an afterthought of a gift, but our shopping editor (who owns several pairs) swears by these Darn Tough socks. They're made in the United States, guaranteed for life, and definitely a cut above the tube socks that earlier generations of boys typically discovered in their Christmas stockings.
Varies from Amazon
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Let’s be honest. Teens are impossible to please. So give ‘em what they really want, no matter what they’re into: the freedom to choose for themselves.
Related: Show Some Brotherly Love With These Great Gifts for Brothers
$70 from Amazon
If your teen plays video games, there's a good chance he'll want the most recent Call of Duty. While most games in the franchise are more or less the same, this one stands out for its two-year development cycle and technological advancements in AI and vehicles.
$122 and up from Amazon
Whether your teen is an aspiring streamer or just wants to spruce up his room, this Philips Hue Lightstrip has everything you need to set up some intense mood lighting. The strip can emit 16 millions colors and is Bluetooth compatible.
$30 and up from Amazon
This ultra-compact mini fridge comes in four colors and looks rad thanks to its retro design, making it a fun addition to any room. While it only holds nine cans, the fridge itself is portable, meaning he can take it when he moves for college.
$8 and up from Amazon
Chances are your teen is glued to his phone. While we don't necessarily want to encourage that, a PopSocket grips is a genuinely useful tool that makes an affordable stocking stuffer. He can prop up his phone to watch videos, stabilize the camera while taking photos, or just use it to make texting easier.
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