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Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers Teenage boys are a tough crowd to shop for (I’ve been reporting on what they like and want for two years now). For this article, I’ve chatted with over a dozen teens and parents of teens to see what’s on their wish lists and what’s fallen in and out of favor. I’ve also watched hours of TikTok and snooped in the video-game and tech chats of teen Discord channels. Of course, every teen boy is different so I’ve thought of many possible types — from gamer to athlete — so there’s a gift for everyone. You can use the table of contents to navigate to the category you think will best speak to your teenager. (If you’ve got an adolescent girl in your life, be sure to check out our list of gifts for teenage girls, too.) Décor Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $82 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Daybetter LED Strip Lights - 32.8 Ft $15 $17 now 12% off $15 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $18 Sunset lamps were all over “For You” pages last year and remain popular in the teen lighting district. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. From $159 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. A couple of teens brought up Lego sets as a fun way to decorate their bedrooms. (Just be sure to get a set that matches his interests.) Tech And Gaming Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $15 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $598 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. KODAK PIXPRO FZ55 $140 $150 now 7% off $140 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. A couple teens — especially ones into art and ones about to head to college — mentioned an iPad as their No. 1 wishlist item. And if they’re into drawing, consider pairing it with the Pencil Pro. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. YouTube Premium From $14 From $14 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Crunchyroll Premium Membership From $8 From $8 Photo: Crunchyroll But if they’re an anime fan, gift them a subscription to Crunchyroll, which distributes popular shows like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Mob Psycho. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $449 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. If he’s more of a serious gamer, he’s likely more interested in an Xbox than the other consoles. It lets him access more games with the Game Pass and has a slightly better performance overall. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $500 There was a long time when you couldn’t get your hands on a PS5 — but those days seem to be over. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Or upgrade his controller. This one has motion controls, mappable back buttons, and adjustable trigger lengths. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. This Bluetooth controller is one of the best for Nintendo Switch players, according to our friends over at the Verge. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. If he prefers gaming on a computer, this lightweight mouse is well known among gamers for speed and control. One tech TikToker suggests going with the wired version because you won’t risk the mouse dying in the middle of a game. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. 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 friends over at the Verge, has four customizable rear buttons, adjustable sticks, and optional weights to insert into the grips to give it more heft. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. PlayStation Plus Membership From $10 From $10 Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Xbox Gift Card From $10 From $10 If he has a console, he’d be happy to get a gift card to shop around himself. Teens prefer this, because they can download games straight to their console and don’t have to mess with physical discs. Music Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Headphones were the No. 1 music gifts on teen boys’ wish lists. Go with over-the-ear types because they double as an accessory (unlike discreet earbuds). Apple AirPods Max would impress his friends the most, but Beats are right up there (and less than half the price). Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. The JBL mini-speaker can latch on to his backpack or bike, and the charge lasts up to 12 hours. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. If he’s picking up guitar, this is a really basic, simple-sounding acoustic that’s sturdy and nice. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $109 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 been recommended to us by musicians before, since it’s budget- and beginner-friendly. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $59 If he fancies himself a budding beat-maker, he can make electronic rhythms with this clever doodad. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $120 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. Grooming Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. The “smellmaxxing” social media trend has calmed down since last year, but teens are still getting into colognes. This is an excellent option whether he’s new to fragrances or already started a collection. It comes with 14 sample-size colognes and a voucher for a full-size bottle. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Curl Defining Brush $8 $10 now 20% off $8 Besides smelling good, teen boys are concerned about their hair. Teen Danny has this on his list for styling his curls. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration - 6 Oz. $30 $38 now 21% off $30 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Photo: Retailer Add in the Ordinary’s hyaluronic-acid serum if he has dry skin. Clothing And Accessories Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Last year, the Nike Hoops Elite Backpack sold out during the holidays. They seem to be discontinued, but this Varsity Elite backpack is similar and in stock (for now). Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Or go with North Face’s teen-favorite Jester backpack. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $125 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. New to come up this year: these puffy slippers that lean more athletic than the UGGs. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Nikes and Vans are classics, but the trendier option is Adidas (either Sambas or Gazelles). New Balance 550s would be more impressive because they haven’t hit their peak yet. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Teens (both into sports and not) mentioned a restock on socks would be appreciated. Black or white Nikes are your safest bet. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Hoodies are essential, but get the right one. No logos or drawstrings and slightly baggy with some structure. Abercrombie was name-dropped, but Old Navy looks about the same. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. From $70 Same rule applies to sweatpants. Right now, elastic around the leg openings is a no and baggier is better. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. On the less expensive side, go for H&M (a standout brand among teen boys when we talked to them about their favorite jeans). They’re stretchy, made mostly with cotton, and come in four neutral colors. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Spotted in lots of TikToks and Instagrams: Silver cross and tag necklaces. These from Urban Outfitters are waterproof, so they won’t tarnish. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. $45 A new wallet for the teen who just got his driver’s license. Sports Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. If he’s into football, go with this hoodie from Abercrombie. The brand is a favorite among teens for making perfectly fitting sweats. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. If you have a bigger budget, go with a jersey instead. Just be sure you know who his favorite player is. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Every teen I spoke to who plays a sport said they would love a massage gun for post-practice recovery. The Theragun was name-dropped, but most teens didn’t seem particular about brand, so I included our favorite less expensive option. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. The water-bottle consensus is in: It’s Owala over Stanley. One mom actually said, “Stanley bottles are out.” Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. He’d also enjoy slipping on a pair of Hoka’s cushy recovery slides (recommended to us by Chris Black) after practice. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. If he’s a soccer or basketball player, he’ll appreciate a high-quality ball. Go with a size-five soccer ball or size-seven basketball, which are both recommended for ages 13 and all the way up to pro level. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. 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. Saved View Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. From $100 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. More Christmas Gifts 82 Holiday Gifts for Every Type of Husband An Advent Calendar for Every Kind of Person The Best Christmas Gifts for Teenage Girls, According to Teenage Girls The Best Beauty Advent Calendars to Buy Before They Sell Out See All The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. The Best Gifts for Teenage Boys, According to Teenage Boys
