The Best Gifts for Teenage Boys, According to Teenage Boys

At this point, after years of popping up in the background of Twitch streams and teens’ TikToks, I’ve found light strips are a teen-boy standard. Every kid I interviewed wanted them if they didn’t have them already. This bundle comes with everything they need to connect the color-changing lighting to Google assistant or Alexa.

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.

Sunset lamps were all over “For You” pages last year and remain popular in the teen lighting district.

Teens (especially younger ones) are into custom décor to make their spaces feel more personalized. This cinema box lets them display silly sayings or their name in lights.

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 for under $150.

These blew up for everyone (not just teens) in the past couple months. 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’s into analog, go with this Ilford film setup instead. It has a cool vintage look and is about as affordable as a disposable.

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. Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang gifted a subscription to her now-14-year-old nephew two Christmases ago, and it was a big hit.

There was a long time when you couldn’t get your hands on a PS5 — but those days seem to be over.

The Nintendo Switch is still a hot console with teens, especially ones who like playinggameswith friends IRL. Plus it’s a less expensive, more available alternative to the consoles mentioned above.

For $100 less, you can gift the Nintendo Switch Lite. It’s smaller and more portable but is handheld only. It’s likely better (and more cost effective) if he doesn’t have a TV in his room or prefers gaming on-the-go.

This Bluetooth controller (complete with its own charging dock) is one of the best for Nintendo Switch players, according to our friendsover at the Verge.

For something more affordable than a gaming console but just as fun, we recommend this portable device that turns gaming on iPhones into a “first-class experience.” Just be sure your teen has an iPhone before purchasing.

Anygamerneeds a headset, and this one’s versatile enough to work wirelessly for Switch, PS4, PC, and Android phones.

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.

When I scanned teen Discord servers, Roblox was brought up more than any other game. A gift card lets them use Robux for in-game customizations, upgrades, VIP access, and more.

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

If he’s picking up guitar, this is a really basic, simple-soundingacousticthat’s sturdy and nice.

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.

If he fancies himself a budding beat-maker, he can make electronic rhythms with this clever doodad.

While the above requires a speaker or amp hookup, this Artiphon beat-maker doesn’t. I’ve tried it myself and can confirm it’s easy-to-use and very entertaining.

“Smellmaxxing” — the trend of teen boys spritzing on colognes to enhance their own scents — became viral on TikTok this year. It’s created an online subculture of teens reviewing and recommending designer scents. When I sifted through the hashtag, this woody vanilla scent came up again and again in recommendation videos.

I also reached out to scent TikToker Chris Arevalo for his recommendation. He says this is the perfect starter because it’s citrusy, musky, woody, and has a lot of mass appeal. “I don’t think I’ve met someone who has said, ‘Oh, I don’t like that smell,’” he says.

On the fresher side is Replica’s Beach Walk, which was brought up by teenager Chase. If your teen didn’t ask for this specifically, I recommend going with the mini size.

This is definitely the splurgiest fragrance on the list, but Tom Ford colognes made many appearances in videos as a sought-after product (rather than starter scent). “It’s not in everybody’s budget, but I love anything Tom Ford,” says teen Gabriel. Just note that this is best for older teens.

If he’s just getting into skin care, Youth to the People’s a good starting point. It comes with a cleanser, moisturizer, and 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

Replace his worn-out JanSport with North Face’s teen-favorite Jester backpack.

Somehow UGGs have endured, even with teen boys. Athletes told me these would be nice to slip into after practice, and others just like how stylish they are.

Same rule applies to sweatpants. Right now, elastic around the leg openings is a no and baggier is better.

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.

On the less expensive side, go for H&M (a standout brand among teen boys when we talked to them about theirfavorite jeans). They’re stretchy, made mostly with cotton, and come in four neutral colors.

A super-practical yet stylish gift for the teen who just got his driver’s license.

The popular Nike Hoops Elite Pro backpack is out of stock everywhere, but I found this similar option, also from Nike. It’s about $50 pricier but is just as versatile and roomier than the Hoops bag.

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

He’d also enjoy slipping on a pair of Hoka’s cushy recovery slides (recommended to us byChris Black) after practice.

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.

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.

If you have a bigger budget, go with a jersey instead. Just be sure you know who his favorite player is.