A couple of weeks ago, my daughter, Catherine, gleefully presented me with a neatly typed list of gift ideas for Christmas. The moment the calendar flipped to December and “Charm” her Elf on the Shelf arrived, her little fingers were tapping the keyboard. Clearly, a lot of contemplation had been done about what gifts she wanted under the tree. In a matter of minutes, she effortlessly knocked out a polite but very detailed list to Santa.
I wish I could say the same for our teenage man-boy. Getting gift ideas from Jackson is a two-part process. Part one requires cornering him and part two requires cajoling him. He consented to a brief, stand-up meeting, but I got what I needed!
Best Gifts for Teenage Boys
Before we dive into this gift guide, I want to urge everyone to buy locally. Many of the items below are available at major retailers and your sales tax dollars benefit your community. Creating these links is simply the easiest way for me to show you the exact products.
Whether you are shopping for your son, brother, cousin or other teenager – there is something here for everyone. I also have selected gifts at many different price points making some suitable for stocking stuffers. You will recognize classic gifts that continue to withstand the test of time and trendy new items that everyone wants. I have you covered with gifts they will love!
FREE TO BE
CASH IS KING – As much as I want to give him a meaningful gift that creates memories, like a trip somewhere, or tickets to a sporting event or concert, they want Money. Money buys freedom and at this age, teenagers want autonomy to make their own decisions.
GIFT CARDS – Are a great “non-cash” gift for teenagers that gives the same freedom of choice. A gift card to a big box store like Walmart, Target or Amazon is a slam dunk. If they love gaming, a gift card to Game Stop will make you very popular. And because teenagers are always eating, a gift card to Starbucks, Chipotle, Jersey Mikes, or their favorite juice bar is a nice add to their wallet. For the ultimate flexibility, a Visa Gift Card is a nice option too.
WALLET – Those gift cards have to be stored somewhere. Let me introduce you to the Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet For Men. A sleek, aluminum RFID Blocking front pocket credit card holder with a cash strap. Hint: whenever you give someone a wallet, slip a $1.00 bill in it for good luck!
VERY TECHY
X BOX, SERIES X – By invitation only. You read that right. Due to the high, I mean astronomically high demand, you have to apply to give them $499.00. The good news is that today, 12/12/22 a new wave of invitations is being issued. It’s like getting Wonka’s Golden Ticket. Good luck Charlie.
Let’s keep the sticker shock going. If you are getting him an Xbox, he’ll be needing a controller. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core has a lot of bells and whistles he will love. Sorry, this is really pricey.
VIDEO GAMES – Gah, I have to admit that I am not a fan of these, but Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II ranks among the tops for your crusader who wants to save the world. Note: this game is rated Mature Content and double check to make sure that the game you select is compatible with the gaming console (i.e. Xbox is different than PlayStation).
MINI PROJECTOR – Very very cool. Just connect the Mini Pocket Pico Projector to a smart phone (iPhone or Android) and you feel like you are in a private movie theatre.
LOOKING GOOD
CLOTHES – Work out clothes that you don’t work out in. Here is a link to the Men’s Best Sellers from a company called YOUNG LA that makes “Athleisure” that will never see the inside of a gym. Also, the Essentials Relaxed Hoodie by Fear of God is a solid choice.
FRAGRANCE – Choosing the perfect men’s cologne is like playing matchmaker. Fragrance smells differently on different people and you have to find the right fit. That said, Nautica Voyage is extremely popular with the lads. Described as Woody, with Aquatic Notes of Apple, Water Lotus, Cedarwood, and Musk.
HAIR GEL – Men’s Hair Fiber by American Crew, is like hair gel with high hold and low shine. This is the one Jackson uses.
SMILE ENHANCER – Minimal effort, maximum results. Keeping your teeth white is a breeze with Crest WhiteStrips. So simple to use and they work after the first application. Highly recommend working them into your weekly routine.
SNEAKERS – An obvious choice. These Converse and Nike are ranked high on the list of cool footwear.
BOOTS – Timberland Boots are a great gift for your teenage boy. They are practical and rugged at the same time. Option One and Option Two.
SOCKS – He’ll be needing socks with those sneakers or boots. Nike Crew Socks are the way to go.
FEELING GOOD
GYM GEAR – If your young man is into lifting weights, Wrist Wraps, a Lifting Belt, or Lifting Straps come in handy.
GYM CLOTHES – Nothing fancy required for hitting the gym. As a matter of fact, brand names are a social no-no. A basic work out tank and joggers.
WATER BOTTLE – It is important to keep hydrated at the Gym. Meet Helimix. A blender and shaker water bottle perfect for mixing powders or liquid water enhancers. Comes in two sizes: 20 oz or 28 oz and offered in 12 snazzy colors.
JUST FOR FUN
BACKPACK – Backpacks take a lot of abuse, it seems like my kiddos need a new one every few years. This backpack by North Face is not too bulky but can still easily store his laptop and other essentials. Comes in 18 colors!
A FOOTBALL – A basic NFL issue football that can easily be stored in the trunk of his car ensures that there is always something fun to toss around no matter where you are.
SHAPE SHIFTING BOX – If your teenager likes to fidget, this award-winning toy will keep them busy. The Shashibo Fidget Box features 36 rare earth magnets for an innovative design that transforms into over 70 shapes. Fits comfortably in the hand for hours of mind-challenging fun, stimulate the senses with unlimited creative possibility! Several patterns to choose from.
CAR DOOR LOGO PROJECTOR LIGHT – we wrap up our Gift Guide for Teenage Boys with something very fun and affordable, even I want them! These are 3D Wireless laser car door logo projector lights, a breeze to install and makes a cool addition to your ride.
I hope that you found these ideas helpful. Happy Shopping!
~ Disclosure: If you purchase something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things that I love, thanks for your support ~