15+ Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

Coming up with cool gift ideas for boys can be challenging, especially teen boys. I put together a list of Christmas gift ideas for Teen Boys and help from my own sons!

15+ Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

When the boys were younger, it was super easy to shop for them. They wanted toys, toys, and then more toys. However, that soon ended quickly. My boys stopped playing with toys around the age of 8. They still played with Nerf guns and LEGOS. Eventually, video games and gadgets took over the annual Christmas wish list. As the twins approach the age of 14 next month, I’ve had the hardest time putting together a list for them.

Note: be sure to check the current list for our teen boys posted here.

So, after much prodding, I was able to get some ideas on what the Twins want for Christmas. They also have a birthday in December, so double whammy. We’re used to it now, and I have learned to budget and save to afford Christmas and Birthdays in the same month. It can be difficult to come up with Christmas gifts for teens. Most are too old for toys, yet they aren’t adult enough for more mature items. Teenagers may be the hardest people on your list to buy for; however, below are some of the best gift ideas for teens boys. {the boys helped me come up with this list!}

15+ Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

Stationery. Many teens enjoy passing notes back and forth with their friends. Some personalized note cards or notepads would make a great holiday gift for teens. Alternatively, you could purchase a personalized journal or notebook for school or doodling. My tween is BIG into notebooks. He likes to write, make lists, draw, and come up with video game strategies. He goes through several notebooks.

Gift Cards. If you know a teen that is difficult to buy for, consider a gift card. Though it may not be the most thoughtful gift, teens love to receive gift cards to purchase what they like. Consider a generic Visa gift card or one that is specific to a store they love shopping in. iTunes gift cards are always a big hit in our house. The boys each have an iPad and iPhone to buy music, games, and other apps with those gift cards. Amazon is a one-stop-shop for finding gift cards for every teen on your list.

Headphones. During an age where they would like to shut off the world, many teens like having headphones to listen to their favorite music. These can be a plus for parents, too, so they don’t have to be subjected to their children’s musical choices. Wireless headphones tend to make the best Christmas gifts for teens since they can easily be worn anytime. I also like the earbuds; we seem always to lose a pair.

Pajamas and socks. Everyone likes to be comfortable sleeping at night or just lounging around the house. You can’t go wrong buying pajamas as Christmas gifts for teens. And socks. My boys ask for socks with sports figures on them or graphic designs.

Smartphone Projector. Most phones have Netflix capabilities these days. However, it can be hard for 3-4 teens to crowd around the small screen to share a movie. A phone projector can solve this problem! Get a phone projector that works with Android and iOS devices, which is small enough to carry easily since teens like having sleepovers.

Throw Pillows. Accessories are a teen’s best friend! Get some funky throw pillows for your teen’s bed, futon, or sofa. The Emoji throw pillows are trendy right now, and they add some personality to the bedroom!

Video Game Systems. Last year, the boys had an Xbox one on their list. This year the Xbox One S is the hot item! Whenever I buy a video game system, I try to wait until I find a super, fantastic deal. Usually, around the Christmas season, you will find the best deals on game systems. Here are the popular ones this year:

Xbox One S {you should be able to score one for $200ish this year}
Playstation 4

Video Games. Video games are one of the Christmas gifts for teens that spread across a range of ages. Kids as young as seven all the way to adults enjoy video games. If you aren’t sure what types of games your teens are into, you can always purchase credits like the Playstation Store Card.

Some of the hot games this year:

NBA 2K17
Rise of the Tomb Raider 20 Year Celebration
Fallout 4
Just Dance 2017
FIFA17
Madden NFL 17
Battlefield 2
TitanFall 2
Call of Duty Infinite Warfare
Watch Dogs 2
Far Cry Primal
Tom Clancy’s The Division
Pokemon Tournament
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Gears of War 4

Are we missing any of the top video games of 2017? If so, leave a comment below, and we’ll add it to the list.

Game Memberships. Of course, if they are getting a new game system or already have one, this item is required. It’s on my list each year to buy the boys a 12-month Xbox live membership. And this is the best time of the year to buy them; you can score one for under $40 bucks. You can see a deal for that here. I don’t find many hot deals on the Playstation membership, but Groupon has small savings available.

Tablets. This is always a great Christmas gift idea. Tablets are hot every year since new models come out. We are Apple fans, so I would recommend getting an iPad 2, 3, or 4. The iPad Air 2 is also another great suggestion. Since the iPad tablets have been out for a while, you can find heavily discounted prices on the iPad 2, 3, and iPad Air models. I also highly recommend a Kindle Fire Tablet. They were just $33 bucks over the Black Friday weekend. You can still score one for under $50 bucks; check out this one.

Computer/Laptop. Last year, for Christmas, we bought the twins a used iMac. It was on their Christmas wish list, and I was able to find one for a super low price. I went with an iMac since we have several Apple products, and their products are known not to have viruses. With kids using computers, good virus software is a must, as well as parental controls. Also, last year I brought Zayd’n a cheap netbook for under $200. It was cheap for a reason. Needless to say, he has asked for a computer this year.

Smartphone. In today’s fast-moving digital age, it’s imperative teens have a smartphone. Not only is it a way for them to keep up with their friends outside of school, but you can keep tabs on them as well. My boys are at that age where they want to go places with their friends or hang out at a friend’s house. Being able to have instant communication with them helps ease my nerves about their safety and whereabouts. We started the boys out with used phones, prepaid plans, and limited data type plans. This was a great way to introduce them to having a smartphone and being responsible. Now, they are on our wireless plan.

Shoes. Teenager boys (and girls too) typically like to have lots of shoes in their closet. They need different styles, colors, and types, depending on their wardrobe. Shoes can make easy Christmas gifts for teens. But be careful. Unless you know their preferences, you may want them to pick out their own shoes. My boys are somewhat selective of a particular type of shoes they like, so I have them take photos of several types of shoes and text them to me. Then, I pick a pair based on the price.

Video Game Accessories. This is always an easy one to think about when it comes to boys’ gifts. If they have a video game system, they will also need another controller, headset, gift cards, or other accessories for their systems.

Gym Bags. My boys have recently started going to the YMCA to work out. They have asked for a gym bag they can carry to the Y and one they can use at school. You can find some ideas here or check stores like Kohls, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Target, etc.

Game Chairs. This is a personal suggestion from Zayd’n. Boys need something to sit in while playing video games. Here’s one he suggests you buy for your teen boy.

Travel Mugs or Sports Bottles. Teens are always on the go, but they must stay hydrated. There are many cute and manly travel mugs out there that make perfect Christmas gifts for teens. You can choose to go the most decorative route or something solid like the popular YETI tumbler that will keep their beverage cold for up to 48 hours!

Watch. Watches aren’t as much of a necessity as they used to be, thanks to smartphones. Still, many teens choose to wear them as an accessory or because they’d rather check the time there than dig out their phones. A nice watch may be a suitable gift for the teens on your holiday list.

Sports stuff. If your boys (or girls) are into sports, you can get them a gift card to their favorite sporting store. A basketball hoop is another popular item for boys (we brought the boys one last summer), a new basketball, football, or personal soccer net.

Bathrobe. Teens typically spend more time getting ready before going to school or out on a date. Let them pamper themselves in comfort with a thick, fluffy bathrobe. Like pajamas, you can find robes in all different colors and patterns, so you are sure to find one that’s perfect for the teen on your list! Zayd’n loves bathrobes; he says it makes him feel like a man!

And when else fails, money works just fine! My boys like to have some extra cash in their pockets to go out and buy what they want, and of course, to save some of it. Hopefully, these Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Boys will help you finish up your shopping list. Are we missing something tween or teen boys love? If so, leave a comment below, and we’ll get it added to the list.

Merry Christmas!