The Best Last-Minute Gifts for Teenage Boys, According to Teenage Boys

This LED light strip is a more affordable option. It comes with a remote that adjusts brightness and has up to 17 different light colors.

He can use this mini projector to stream movies and TV shows on the walls or ceiling of his room. (Plus it’s from a brand featured in our roundup of thebest portable projectors.)

The goal for lots of teen boys is to have their own private space away from parents and siblings. En suite mini-fridges are a way to create that feeling.

These blew up for everyone (not just teens) last year. But the suction phone cases’ popularity is more than a trend. They really do make taking selfies and videos easier.

Because they’re more interested in posting “retro-looking” content straight to social media, digital cameras have tamped down the popularity of disposables this year. (Yes, digital cameras are now retro to teens, apparently.) It’s a splurge, but this specific camera was mentioned for a first-time vlogger setup.

And for a less expensive option, go for this Kodak digital camera. It’s about a quarter of the cost and produces a similar aesthetic.

If he often misplaces his stuff (what teen doesn’t), here’s a practical gift he’ll likely appreciate.

One thing I picked up from reporting: Teens are all about YouTube versus any other streaming platform for its video selection over standard TV shows and movies. A premium subscription frees them from ads.

But if they’re an anime fan, gift them a subscription to Crunchyroll, which distributes popular shows likeOne Piece, Attack on Titan,andMob Psycho.

It’s a splurge, but the Switch 2 was one of the most anticipated gaming consoles to come out this year. He’ll appreciate the sharper graphics, bigger screen, extra storage space, and smoother gameplay.

Teen Danny, who’s had his PS5 since last year, told me this gaming headset was on his wishlist. With it, his gaming experience would have clearer audio, faster feedback time, and less background noise when he’s playing with friends.

Or upgrade his controller. This one has motion controls, mappable back buttons, and adjustable trigger lengths.

This Bluetooth controller is one of the best for Nintendo Switch players, according to our friendsover at the Verge.

If he prefers gaming on a computer, this lightweight mouse is well known amonggamersfor speed and control. Onetech TikTokersuggests going with the wired version because you won’t risk the mouse dying in the middle of a game.

Whether he’s into gaming on a PC or Xbox, he’ll appreciate a controller nicer than the standard fare. This one, recommended by our friendsover at the Verge, has four customizable rear buttons, adjustable sticks, and optional weights to insert into the grips to give it more heft.

The JBL mini-speaker can latch on to his backpack or bike, and the charge lasts up to 12 hours.

There’s also this little gadget that functions as an alarm clock, speaker, and pixel-art piece.

Alvieri, who recently started making music with his friends, says he’d appreciate a mic but wasn’t brand-specific. “We’ve just been recording in the bathroom,” he says, adding that a mic would help with sound quality. This Shure one has beenrecommended to us by musicians before, since it’s budget- and beginner-friendly.

The teen boys I spoke to were very particular about their cologne. Because it’s such a personal preference, I recommend going with a sampler set, like this one from Jo Malone that comes with eight options.

[Editor’s note: You can place your Sephora orders with standard shipping until December 22 at 6 a.m. EST. After that, you can place orders with two-day shipping until December 22 at 9 a.m. EST, and with one-day shipping until December 23 at 9 a.m. EST.]

Besides smelling good, teen boys are concerned about their hair. Teen Danny has this on his list for styling his curls.

Add in this curling gel or texturizing spray to help him out. What I’ve learned over the years: The fluffier their hair, the better.

[Editor’s note: You can order from Ulta until with premium delivery until December 22 at 11:59 p.m. CT.]

There’s also this hair clay from personal care brand Based that creates instant volume.

If he’s just getting into skin care, Youth to the People is a good starting point. This set comes with six minis, including the brand’s serum, which Gabriel says cleared up his skin. “That is my savior right there,” he says.

I’ve seen a lot of videos of teens layering moisturizer before spritzing cologne, specifically to make their scents last longer. For one that’s a step up from the drugstore, go with First Aid Beauty.

Add in the Ordinary’s hyaluronic-acid serum if he has dry skin.

ClothingandAccessories

Or go with North Face’s teen-favorite Jester backpack.

Birkenstock Boston clogs are also a comfortable, statusy option.

Eighteen-year-old Gabriel Stevens says he’d be happy with anything from Lululemon but has been eyeing these specific shorts. They’re made for sports with a sweat-wicking material and ventilation, but could also function as casualwear.

[Editor’s note: For guaranteed delivery by December 24, order from Lululemon December 22 at noon PST.]

You can’t go wrong with a baseball hat for the loyal sports fan. Stick with a ’47 hat because they’re good quality, and they make hats for NBA, NHL, NFL, and college teams too.

The water-bottle consensus is in: It’s Owala over Stanley. One mom actually said, “Stanley bottles are out.”

Athlete or not, he probably likes spending time with his friends outdoors. I spotted it at the park this summer, and it was the only non-video-game game mentioned by teens.

Teen Blake, who already has Spikeball, says he’d like a group outdoor game that’s as easy to set up. This comes complete with a net, volleyball, poles, stakes, boundary lines, racquets, and a carrying case for playing volleyball or badminton.