50 Gifts for Teen Boys, According to Actual Teenagers and Their Parents

Polaroid cameras are seriously hot for Gen Z, thanks to the instant gratification of seeing your photos print right away and the nostalgia of physical film. This Fujifilm mini also looks like an old-school camera, and even comes with a leather camera strap, plus it can connect with his phone so he can save a digital copy of all his best prints.

Any avid Fortnite player will tell you the best part of the game is being able to talk to other players while you’re scavenging for resources. This comfortable gaming headset offers surround sound to make the experience that much more immersive, and plugs right into your gaming system. Plus, it has a tough aluminum construction to stand up to frequent gaming.

If your teenager has logged onto YouTube practically ever, he’s probably seen Hot Ones, now in its twentieth season (a recent episode is entitled “Pedro Pascal Cries from His Head While Eating Spicy Wings”). This set of six hot spices lets your giftee stage his own challenge, from the relatively mild and tangy Jalapeño sauce to the Scorpion Pepper Hot Sauce, which rates two million Scoville units and contains the Trinidad Moruga pepper. These sauces boast fresh garlic, onions, tomatoes, lime juice and carrots among their natural ingredients…just remind your giftee not to touch his eyes after he uses them.

“I got my 14-year-old this wallet and it was a hit,” says one Los Angeles-based mom we spoke with. “He liked the camo print, and I liked that it wasn’t so expensive that if his underdeveloped pre-frontal cortex lost it, it would be a tragedy.” This simple folded wallet is a classic and is popular for hipsters of all ages, with six card slots and a money sleeve. Plus, there’s a built-in radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking liner to protect card data, if you’re worried about such things.

“I’m asking for this portable speaker so I can use it to blast music while I shower, or in the basement when my friends come over. I like that it has 12 hours of playtime per charge because I’m horrible about remembering to plug things in,” one 18-year-old tells us. It comes with a convenient wrist strap for easy toting on the go. To crank up the volume, you can also pair it with another JBL speaker that has PartyBoost compatibility for a stereo effect. Reviewers say it’s impressively durable (and waterproof!), just in case your teen isn’t exactly known for being careful.

This 32-ounce insulated water bottle is the current top pick among the athletes we spoke to for two important reasons. First, it’s large, but not too unwieldy, and the vacuum insulation keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours so he can sip on ice cold water all through practice. Second, the cap is both leakproof and equipped with a flexible straw for easy hydration.

It feels like all the cool kids are wearing Crocs these days, so you can’t go wrong with the brand’s classic clogs for the “shuffles out of his room at 11 am every Sunday” guy in your life. Choose from 39 colors, ranging from black to all shades of pink and blue. These iconic shoes are known for being super comfortable, plus, you can accessorize them with Jibbitz (including Star Wars, MLB and Disney charms) for a personal touch.

A silent basketball? Count us in! Say “buh-bye” to the days of constant pounding and dribbling in the house with this incredible feat of engineering. It’s designed to have the same weight and feel of a traditional basketball, but is made of foam that absorbs sound to reduce noise.

“This shaved ice maker is such a hit with my son and his friends, and honestly the rest of the family loves it too,” says one Long Island mom we talked to. “It’s also really compact, so I don’t have to share my entire counter every time he wants to use it.” All he needs to do is load the top with ice cubes, twist to turn on the motor and then top with fruit-flavored syrups or whatever toppings he likes.

Upgrade their usual school or sports backpack to this lightweight, eco-friendly model that’s also super sleek. The recycled material is light and incredibly durable to easily hold all their things (no matter how many AP classes they're taking this year). We also love that it has an extendable pocket for their water bottle, and the ergonomic straps will help take some of the strain off their back.

Foster his love of exploring fantasy forests, fields, kingdoms and even dungeons with this super-cool mapmaking book. It’s great for both amateur drawers and more experienced artists, with detailed instructions on how to lay out and illustrate his ideas, whether he simply wants to display them on his bedroom wall or is hoping to up the ante at his next D&D session.

This four-piece set gets him out from behind the console and into the outdoors, encouraging action, exercise, socializing and team-building. “This set has been a blast for my boys,” writes one reviewer. “You can play up to 4 people. It has a chest strap for the target. Lots of fun for any ages 5 to 13…or maybe older.” They charge in as little as two hours and have multiple play modes. The 150-feet range lets strike register as a hit on the vest and the front tip of the gun, and there’s an easy team light selector to keep you and your team organized.

“My parents bought this for my brother last year and he and his friends basically never left the garage all summer,” says Associate Editor Marissa Wu. The customizable cage uses a pulley system to work all the major muscle groups with minimal equipment, but can also be combined with barbells, a weight bench or resistance bands if you really want to splurge.

So, your teen has decided they want to start a band. Or, at least, start playing an instrument. This Fender guitar kit is listed as a beginner pick, and can reportedly also grow with the player. Buyers have noted that it’s good value for the money, marrying sound and build quality with a reasonable price point.

Keep his noggin nice and warm with the classic Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie, made from 100 percent acrylic and complete with the brand’s logo on the front. It has a 4.8-star rating from more than 166,600 reviewers (!), with one happy buyer dubbing it the “best beanie.” Just note that it’s hand-wash only and throwing it in the dryer will definitely cause it to shrink.

Skateboarders, basketballers and basically every teenage boy we know can’t get enough of the iconic ‘80s Nike Dunks. It retains all the classic details of its glory days, with the vintage look and low-cut collar. The grippy soles make it an all-purpose shoe, whether they’re walking to school, practicing ollies or have a pickup game on the courts. You can even design your own custom pair for a look that’s entirely unique.

If he’s looking to upgrade his bedroom decor, this neon sign is sure to be a major hit. It comes with everything you need to mount it on his wall (except for a screwdriver), and there’s an easy on/off switch on the plug-in cord. Plus, the LED tape won’t get too hot, even if he keeps it on all night.

Not your average Lego set, this wild 526-piece kit demonstrates the orbits of the sun, Earth and moon in relation to one another with a hand-crank motor and rotating gears he can assemble himself. Reviewers say it’s not too complicated to put together (just challenging enough) and looks very cool displayed on his shelf next to all those trophies.

Every guy needs a great everyday watch, and this one will fit with any look he throws on, whether he’s looking to dress up or lives in sweats and joggers. The leather strap is chic and durable, and the watch face even lights up with the press of a button. A true classic he’s sure to love.

My son wants to take care of his skin, but he isn't going to follow a complicated facial care regimen. This kit, targeted to young men’s needs, includes exfoliating facial cleanser, balancing toner and a spot correcting gel with acne-fighting ingredients for when the inevitable break-outs occur. All the products are dermatologist-tested, which makes me trust these as a mom, and the packaging is gender-neutral and packable, so he's happy to take it along in his travel kit and leave out on dresser top, so he remembers to use it.

Your adventurous teen will have a blast cruising down the street on this 9-inch wide, 44-inch long longboard hand-made in California. It has nice, thick, grippy wheels that can handle rough roads and a maple core for stiff durability. Be sure to pick him up a helmet ($27), too, while you’re at it.

“I’m asking for a movie projector this year so I can have my friends over for football Sundays,” says one 17-year-old we spoke with. “When it’s nice out, we can watch the game on the garage door, or project it onto the whole basement wall if it gets cold out.” The projector is compatible with many devices, including smartphones and USB drives, and has dual stereo speakers. It can project up to 200 inches, which means it’ll make for some pretty epic movie nights.

Whether you want to help him step up his personal grooming routine or send a little nudge that you’re really hoping he gets rid of his wispy “mustache,” this pivoting-head shaver should do the trick. Reviewers note it’s great for beginners because he can use it to shave dry or wet, and the wireless construction is super easy to hold and maneuver so he can get the movements down with minimal nicks. It’s also a breeze to clean—just pop the lid and shake over a trash bin.

“Both my kids are completely obsessed with these,” says a mom we spoke to who has both a teenage boy and tween girl. “They’re so easy to stick anywhere and connect to an app on a phone or tablet so they can go crazy with whatever kinds of colors they like.” You can also link these lightstrips up to an Alexa system to control them with your voice.

Help that avid reader take some stress off his back (literally) with this Kindle, now with an even bigger display (the device is a portable 5-by-7 inches) and longer battery life than previous models. Seriously, he can get up to 12 weeks of battery life with just one full charge, and the 16 GB of storage can hold thousands of books at once, so he doesn’t have to carry around the entire Divergent series plus all his English Lit books. Bonus: This purchase comes with three free months of Kindle Unlimited.

This compact, easy-to-use blender can whip up single-serve smoothies and shakes in a flash. The cups and caps are also machine washable so he doesn’t have to spend ages on clean up. As an added bonus, multiple reviewers note how quiet the blender is, meaning he won’t disturb the entire household when making his early-morning shakes.

There’s a reason Mr. Beast is one of the most successful YouTubers of all time—teenagers are completely obsessed with him and his videos. And while you’d probably be safe picking up just about any Mr. Beast product, his chocolate bars are surprisingly delicious. There are a range of fun flavors to choose from, like quinoa crunch, chocolate sea salt and mint chocolate, but the OG bars are a fabulous crowd pleaser for any kid with a sweet tooth. "I usually tape a Mr. Beast chocolate to the outside of a Christmas card along with a gift card," says Redditor parent Jhonculada.

This new GPS watch can give him a 360-degree look at his health and wellness to better help him on his quest to set a new personal record in the 8,000-meter race…or 5K or 400 hurdles or really any running distance. According one PureWow tester, the watch face is super easy to navigate, and easy to personalize, and gently encourages you to hit various health goals, like walking more and improving your sleep. The data tracking is also a breeze to analyze, on the watch itself or the corresponding app.

The Hover-1 Alpha Electric Scooter is an amazing gift for any teen boy who loves outdoor activities and is looking for a fun and convenient way to get around. It’s equipped with a powerful motor that can reach speeds of up to 18 mph, making it an excellent choice for cruising around the neighborhood. It also has a range of up to 12 miles on a single charge, which is perfect for short trips or school runs. Made of durable materials with a sturdy frame, the scooter is capable of handling up to 264 pounds. Need to pick up your scooter rider once they’re done? The compact foldable design makes it easy to store and transport in a car trunk when not in use.

“We definitely don’t have room for a full billiards table in our house, but this tabletop version is super easy to pull out whenever he wants to play and isn’t a total pain to store in the meantime,” notes one mom of a 16-year-old boy. The 40-inch-long table comes with two cue sticks, a full set of balls, chalk and a racking triangle, all of which can be stowed underneath. The legs are also removable and reviewers say it’s pretty darn sturdy, with or without the legs attached.

These joggers have something of a cult following, so we suspect he’ll be more than happy to add them to his growing wardrobe. Reviewers say they’re supremely comfortable, look great for working out or hanging out, and they’re both machine washable and dryer safe, making them easy for hime to toss in with his regular laundry. (Because you've taught your son to do his own laundry already, right Mom?)

“My favorite YouTuber, Brooke Miccio, has talked about these pimple patches a few times and I’m curious to see if they actually work,” says one 15-year-old with a birthday right around the corner. The fun shape and color makes the patch feel more playful than medicinal and means they could fly under the radar as just a fun face sticker. How do they work, you ask? Well, they’re made of hydrocolloid which works to absorb fluid without dehydrating skin, helping reduce size and inflammation overnight. (Plus, we love this brand’s messaging about ending the stigma around acne, once and for all.)

Bose’s noise-cancelling headphones come with all the bells and whistles your teen needs to get lost in the music (or the podcast). That means 30-foot Bluetooth range, hi-fi audio with great bass and a battery that lasts up to 22 hours. The customizable audio settings allow the wearer to set the bass, treble and mid-range to their preferences or choose from pre-set modes. Quiet mode cancels outside noise, while aware mode lets the wearer hear their surroundings.

I got this for my son, after seeing so many young guys enjoying it on the shoreline. I had visions of us sharing it as a sporty mom-son activity, but spoiler alert: Good luck getting your mitts on it if your son and friends start one-upping each other with distance challenges and tricks. He found it to be a great beginner board to get used to the movements of surfing (without having to tote a huge board around or going too far out in the waves).

This easy-to-use mixer comes highly recommended by DJs of all levels as a great way for your teen to learn the ropes before launching his career as the next David Guetta. Per one experienced reviewer, “I've been DJing for close to 20 years. I recently acquired a new DJ setup and paired this mixer with the Audio Technica AT-LP1240s. This thing shreds. Faders are buttery smooth, set-up is a breeze (basically plug and play), it was recognized immediately by Serato DJ Pro and I was up and running in a matter of minutes. If you need a simple 2-channel mixer for scratching and beatmatching, this does everything you need it to do.”

My son's a hypebeast who wants to wear quality clothes, so he insisted on throwing in some of his own money for his birthday last year in order to buy piece of Arc'teryx, the Canadian stealth wealth outdoor clothier whose pieces are flattering, comfortable and retain value in the resale market—in case he decides to switch it out by selling it at his local vintage store or on eBay. "I really like the fit and how warm it is," my son said about his fleece.

Lesson number one when he gets his license: Don’t be looking down at your phone while you’re driving. Help him stick with that promise with this easy-to-install magnetic phone mount. Because it uses magnets rather than a clip-on case, it’s impossibly easy for him to get his phone on and off, and even works through most phone cases. The rotating mount can also be adjusted and positioned in a variety of different ways.

Nintendo Switch's popularity has soared, in part thanks to the console's easy portability. It’s a perennial favorite for kids who want to game while being chauffeured by their parents or waiting at the bus stop—because playing Mario Kart 8 seems like a way better deal than reading To Kill a Mockingbird to a 9th grader. It supports three play styles—TV mode, tabletop and handheld—with detachable controllers and a battery that can last up to nine hours. Of course, it’s also compatible with all the iconic Nintendo games.

He drags his feet whenever he needs to pick up a new pair of jeans or sneakers, so take the guesswork out of investing in basics with this 5-pack of essential tees from Abercrombie & Fitch. The relaxed fit is made from 100 percent cotton (so expect slight shrinkage after washing) and includes neutral colors, including white, black and different shades of brown.

“My last adventure duffle died after 12 years so it was time to be replaced,” says one reviewer. “Love that this one stands on end! Still has plenty of room for a long weekend worth of clothes!” While the 22-inch height may be too long for some airlines to allow as a carry-on (users report having to gate-check on Delta, but getting the go-ahead flying Southwest and American, for example), this sturdy duffel’s classic styling and rugged construction mean it will last for your giftee’s teen years, and most likely beyond. In eight bright nylon colors and fitted with reinforcing straps, this duffel is going to keep his stuff secure when he’s away from home.

This 347-piece Lego set is a blast to put together and can be positioned into a range of super-cool poses to recreate his favorite scenes from Spider-Man: No Way Home. Sandman moves on a rotating platform for 360-degrees of play, and even comes with Lizard and Electro minis, too.

Jellycat plushies were the top-selling brand in Selfridges toy department in 2023, and the British toy manufacturer continues to be popular in the ever-expanding plush toy category. (Witness the Labubu craze.) As for who’s buying these plushies? Surprise: It’s teens, who are going absolutely nuts for the adorable, soft toys whether to snuggle up to in class, or as a reminder of simpler times. Snap up this fun tennis-theme plush for your kid, guaranteed to make him smile every time he sees it in his bedroom.

Does he need yet another outlet for his boundless energy? May we suggest spikeball, which has players hitting a small ball off the net and trying to get it past their opponents? The net has a unique design that allows for multiple angles and bounces, and we love that this game set is easy to set up and can be played both indoors and out, making it good for family gatherings, parties or a day at the park. It also comes with a handy carrying bag, so your guy can easily take it to any location. We like that it encourages physical activity and social interaction, making it an excellent way for boys to stay active and have fun with their friends.

TAFT makes incredibly cool men’s shoes and boots that aren’t the same old styles he’s been borrowing from dad. These boots come in a whopping 28 different colors, including funky plaids, metallic brocades and multiple two-tone wools, and can absolutely be worn every day in place of his go-to Dr. Martens or athletic sneakers.

After a day at the beach, our PureWow tester found that this towel lived up to its claims of being “the only towel you’ll ever need.” It’s made with GRS-certified post-consumer recycled plastic, but feels incredibly soft on the skin, and is durable enough to hold up to sandy, rocky beaches. It’s also quick-drying and super-absorbent, to boot. At the end of the day, it still smelled fresh instead of carrying the whiff of salty, dirty sand. Pick one (or three) up for the amateur surfer, summer lifeguard or beach bum in your life.

A perfect under-$25 gift that he’ll still get real use out of, this ten-pair of socks set is funny, funky and practical, all in one. “My son lives in funny socks. He has a huge collection. I don't know if he even has normal color socks,” one mom told us. “I was impressed that when I stretched the socks out, that the pattern stays nice. I really thought it would look bad when stretched out, but they look good even when they’re being worn.”

GOAT USA has taken middle schools across the country by storm, and kids seem pretty obsessed with the simple, sporty designs. Pick up a T-shirt celebrating his sport of choice, all the while knowing it’s made of a super-soft cotton-polyester blend that won’t shrink in the wash or fall apart after just a few months of wear. (P.S. They also come in sizes Youth Small to Adult XXL.)

Help steer him away from the Axe body spray with this unisex fragrance sampler that comes with five of Le Labo’s best-selling scents for him to explore, including Santal 33 (with notes of Australian sandalwood, leather and iris) and Thé Noir 29 (with notes of bergamot, fig and bay leaves). If you really want to splurge, upgrade to the 17-piece set, which includes all the brand’s signature scents, for $107.

Swap out his grumbling shower shoes for a pair of Cloud Slides instead. They’re made of a dreamy, supportive foam that’s also waterproof and super lightweight. “My kid is obsessed with these, as are all his friends,” says one parent from Charleston that we spoke with. “They all learned about them at lacrosse camp and now they wear them constantly, even with socks in fall and winter.”

Another brand sweeping the nation, Overtime has extremely cool basics that are sure to be the envy of all his friends. For instance, this sweatshirt comes in eight unique colors all made of an incredibly soft, cozy cotton-polyester blend that won’t shrink in the wash (although the brand does recommend laying flat to dry). If you really want to spoil your teen, add a pair of matching joggers to the gift bag, too.