Ask a teenage boy what he wants for the holidays and you'll likely get a shrug, a "nothing," or a link to something that costs more than your first car. The good news: there's a middle ground. Below are 14 gifts that fit how teens already spend their time, with prices from about $20 to $198. Prices are as listed at the time of writing and may change.
Gaming and Headphones
1. Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch 2 (about $69.99)
If there's a Switch 2 under the tree, he'll need something to play on it. This game is rated E10+, so it works for younger teens too, and the physical cartridge makes for a better unwrap than a download code. Find it here.
2. House of Marley Positive Vibration Rebel ANC Headphones (about $149.99)
Noise-canceling headphones with up to 75 hours of battery life with ANC on (130 with it off). They fold for the backpack and are built with FSC-certified wood and recycled aluminum. Great for long car rides and loud houses. Shop House of Marley.
3. Anker Soundcore Q20i Noise-Canceling Headphones (about $44.99)
The budget-friendly pick for a kid who's hard on his stuff, or who has already lost a pair this year. Wireless, over-ear, and under fifty dollars. Find it here.
Speakers and Earbuds
4. JBL Flip 7 Portable Speaker (about $129.99)
Waterproof, dustproof and drop-proof (IP68), with up to 16 hours of battery. At under 2 pounds, it goes from the shower to the garage to the team bus, and it comes in six colors. Find it here.
5. House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C Earbuds (about $19.99)
Simple wired earbuds with a USB-C plug that goes straight into newer phones and laptops, with a tangle-resistant woven cable and a mic for calls. A solid budget gift or stocking stuffer. Shop House of Marley.
LEGO for F1 and Car Fans
6. LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car (about $26.99)
A 275-piece race car with a driver minifigure, for ages 10 and up. It's a quick, satisfying build he can finish before dinner. Find it here.
7. LEGO Speed Champions Lamborghini Revuelto & Huracán STO (about $49.99)
Two Lamborghinis in one 607-piece set, each with its own driver. A bigger build with more shelf presence, also for ages 10 and up. Find it here.
Clothes and Shoes
8. Columbia Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece (about $45.50)
The fleece so many teen boys already live in: midweight, machine washable, with a zip pocket for his phone, and available in 15 colors. Find it here.
9. Vessi Weekend Classic Waterproof Sneakers (about $150)
They look like regular knit sneakers but are fully waterproof, backed by a 365-day waterproof guarantee. Perfect for slushy walks to school. Note that some colors run snug, so consider sizing up. Shop Vessi.
10. Nike Everyday Elevated Crew Socks (about $26)
Teen boys go through socks constantly. These Dri-FIT crews come in men's sizes 9.5 to 12 and are machine washable. Find them here.
11. goodr Polarized Sunglasses (about $35)
Polarized shades with fun names he'll think are hilarious, and cheap enough that losing them on a ski trip isn't a tragedy. Shop goodr.
12. Carhartt x '47 Team Cap (about $41.99)
Carhartt's workwear look meets his favorite team's logo. '47 makes these for teams across the major leagues, so pick his. Find it here.
For His Room
13. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic NBA Team Throw (about $198)
The splurge. The famously soft CozyChic throw, 54 by 72 inches and machine washable, with his NBA team on it. Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, Warriors, Bulls and Mavericks are among the options. Shop Barefoot Dreams.
Books
14. Sunrise on the Reaping: Collector's Gift Edition (about $29.99)
Suzanne Collins's Hunger Games prequel about a young Haymitch, in a collector's gift edition. If he read the original trilogy in middle school, this is the one to hand him. Find it here.
Quick Shopping Tips
- Shopping on a budget? The USB-C earbuds, Nike socks, LEGO Ferrari and goodr sunglasses all come in under $36. Bundle two and it feels like a bigger gift.
- Teen who has everything? Upgrade something he already uses daily, like headphones, sneakers or a cozy throw.
- Not sure what he wants? Ask what his friends have. You'll be halfway there.
Inspired by the Cool Mom Picks teen boy gift guide. Prices and availability may change, so check retailers before you buy.
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