When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Buying gifts for teen boys is hard. Here are 34 ideas, from brands like Apple, LEGO, Nintendo, and Razor.
Any Lane/Pexels
Buying gifts for teens can be a daunting task — and that can be especially true for teen boys whose gift lists can differ wildly. Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be. There are tons of great gifts for teen boys that are cool, innovative, thoughtful, and ranging in price from big-ticket items to under-$25 purchases you can make on Amazon.
Teen boys can have a wide range of interests, from sports to reading to tech. From cool gadgets and video games to clothing and outdoor gear, you’ll find the perfect gifts for a wide range of interests with these 34 top-ranked gift ideas. If you need more gifting inspiration, check out all of our gift guides here.
Amazon
What Do You Meme? Family Edition, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $25.50
In What Do You Meme, players mix cards to create new memes — the funniest new meme wins! The game is highly ranked for laughter-inducing game nights. The original edition is designed for 17 and up while the family edition removes the R-rated content for younger teens or playing with younger siblings.
Amazon
Popsocket Anker Portable Charger and Phone Grip for iPhone, available at Amazon and Popsocket, from $56.74
Popsockets are popular grips that attach to the backs of smartphones for an easier hold. One of the newest Popsockets also integrates a wireless charger. This gift, however, is only for teens with a newer iPhone; it requires a MagSafe.
Amazon
Spikeball Game Set, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $54.99
A cross between Foursquare and volleyball, the active nature of Spikeball is more teen-friendly than the typical backyard game. This game also takes up less space than a volleyball net and is easily portable for backyards, beaches, or tailgates.
Razor
Razor Ripstik Rush, available at Razor, Amazon and Walmart, from $225.99
The popular Ripstik is like a double-jointed skateboard, mixing the movements of skating and surfing. The new Razor Ripstik Rush adds an electric motor with 40 minutes of ride time, and the board can still be ridden as a regular Ripstik when the battery wears out. Some reviewers say the Ripstik Rush is great for getting around a college campus.
Target
Apple AirTag, available at Amazon and Target, from $28.99
The Apple AirTag is a Bluetooth tracker that helps teens (and adults) find commonly misplaced items. Attaching the AirTag to a backpack, for example, allows teens to use the Find My app to locate that bag. For teens with Android phones, consider the similar Tile tracker.
Joby
Joby Gorillapod Mobile Vlogging Kit, available at Amazon and Joby, from $154
For the teen who’s always recording TikToks or Reels, help him step up his game with a set of smartphone video accessories. This kit includes a flexible tripod that can wrap around objects, sit on tabletops, or double as a handheld grip. It also includes a light and mic.
Microsoft
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-Month Membership (Digital), available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, from $41.66
This video game subscription service from Microsoft will give them access to more than a hundred games, like “Halo,” “Among Us,” and “Doom Eternal.” In addition to Xbox consoles, the games can be played on Windows computers and streamed on Android phones.
Nordstrom
Hummingbird Hammock, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $69.95
This Hummingbird Hammock is for the teen who likes to spend time in the great outdoors. It’s lightweight and pocketable, making it a great gift they can take wherever they go.
Les Shu/Insider
GoPro Hero 11, available at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo, $449
GoPro is the rugged, waterproof action camera they can take with them anywhere. While older models will still get the job done, the Hero 11 is the newest and best overall model with a larger sensor and excellent stabilization. It also features app connection, including automatic video edits for social sharing.
Nordstrom
The North Face Apex Etip Tech Gloves, available at The North Face, $60
The North Face’s Tech Gloves have silicone palm grips and touchscreen-friendly fingertips so he can use his devices without taking them off.
Amazon
Govee LED Strip Lights, available at Amazon, $33.99
These light strips let them customize the color of the lighting in their room without any major home renovations. (They come with double-sided adhesive; just stick them on a flat surface and you’re good to go).
This option uses an app that connects the strip directly to your Wi-Fi and offers additional features, such as a timer, sliders for brightness and color temperature, and a selection of scenes, including animated multicolored scenes. They can also select colors individually for different segments of the strip and create their own scenes via the DIY option. They can also use Alexa and Google Assistant to control the lights with their voice.
Amir Ismael/Insider
Men’s Paramount Trail Convertible Pant, available at The North Face, $69
The North Face Paramount Trail Convertible Pants are lightweight and convert into shorts, and they’re senior style and grooming reporter Amir Ismael’s most worn items in 2021. They’re just as comfortable and stylish for everyday life as they are on trips where light packing is preferred. Read Amir’s full review of The North Face Paramount Trail Convertible Pants here.
Roku
TicTocPrint Minimalist Movie Poster Art Print, available at Etsy, from $9.51
If he’s at the age where he’s discovering cult classics like “Donnie Darko,” getting him a cool, retro-style art print is a thoughtful nod to his interests. You can find minimalist options here, or search Etsy for something specific, such as “Jurassic Park.“
Disney Plus
Disney+ Monthly Subscription Service, available at Disney, $7.99/month
Disney Plus is the relatively new Disney-centric streaming service, but it carries much more than the nostalgic movies they may have grown up watching and the Marvel movies. The platform includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox — and you can also bundle ESPN+ and Hulu with it. Disney Plus offers two subscription options: $6.99 a month, or a slightly cheaper $69.99 a year ($5.83 a month). With ESPN Plus and Hulu, it’s $12.99 a month (a $17.97 a month value).
Crystal Cox/Insider
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with Charging Case, available at Target, Amazon, and Apple from $239.99
When it comes to convenience, truly wireless earbuds are the best. And Apple’s AirPods are very popular with iPhone and Android users alike. They look subtle compared to other bigger options, and they’re incredibly easy to use.
Patagonia
Patagonia Men’s Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover, available at Patagonia and REI, $129
Like Champion, Patagonia is a brand that’s gaining increasing popularity among teens. Its Snap-T Fleece Pullover is one of its best and most popular products.
Bombas
Bombas Socks, available at Bombas, from $13
Practically the entire Insider Reviews team is made up of Bombas fans, largely because of the socks’ standout features and the brand’s mission. Socks are the number one requested product among homeless shelters, and each time a pair of Bombas socks are purchased, a pair of socks is donated by the brand.
Adidas
Adidas Ultraboost Shoes, available at Adidas, from $76
In 2015, Adidas introduced the Ultraboost as an entirely new running silhouette, but it was quickly adopted by sneakerheads for its comfort and style. They’ll probably wind up wearing these responsive, supportive shoes for both sports and around town. If you don’t see a color they’ll like, check StockX for more options.
Amazon
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, available at Amazon and Target, $139.99
Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof, has double the storage of its previous model, and is its lightest and thinnest version yet. The glare-free display adjusts to accommodate even bright sunlight, and it has a battery charge that lasts for weeks.
Amazon
LEGO Technic Liebherr R 9800 Excavator 42100 Building Kit, available at Amazon, $740
Lego’s new excavator building kit was designed in partnership with Liebherr and has over 4,000 parts that mimic the real thing — incorporating advanced elements of engineering and accurate details like access ways and extensible ladders. It’s operated via the Lego app, so they can control the boom and bucket, create movement sequences, and complete fun challenges with real-time feedback.
Amir Ismael/Insider
Patagonia Men’s Baggies Shorts, available at Patagonia, from $65
These popular Patagonia shorts are known as “Life’s Shorts” — they’re lightweight, quick-drying, and designed to be worn in and out of the water. Senior reporter Amir Ismael is a fan, saying “they go with everything” and aren’t restrictive or tight even with mesh netting on the inside. Read his full review of the Patagonia Baggies shorts here.
Roku
Roku Express Streaming Media Player, available at Best Buy, Amazon, and Roku, $17.99
The Roku Express Streaming Media Player turns an otherwise dumb TV into a smart TV with access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and HBO Now to cable alternatives like Sling or YouTube TV.
Amazon
Anker Nebula Capsule Mini Projector, available at Amazon, $299.99
Anker makes a mini projector the size of a soda can that’s perfect for screening their favorite movies. It weighs only 1 pound, and it offers four hours of continuous playtime. Find a full review here.
Ultimate Ears
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, from $79.99
This rugged, compact speaker can go with them anywhere. It’s waterproof, has an “outdoor boost” button specifically for listening outside, is “drop-proof,” and boasts a 13-hour battery life.
Foreo
FOREO Luna 3, available at Foreo, $279
FOREO’s cult-favorite Luna 3 cleansing device gently and effectively cleans with thin, antimicrobial silicone touch-points, and it removes 98.5% of dirt and makeup residue without irritating the skin. Plus, it’s 100% waterproof and the battery life lasts for a few months per charge. Find a full review on the previous generation Luna 2 from a male reporter here.
Nintendo
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con, available at Target, Amazon, and GameStop, from $299
If you’re gauging the success of your gift based solely on the excitement it elicits, this is a good option. This model has a battery life of up to nine hours and can be played with friends or solo at home or on the go.
Amazon
Hydro Flask 40 oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle, available at Hydro Flask, REI, and Amazon, from $49.95
These cult-favorite, vacuum-insulated stainless steel water bottles work really well. It’ll keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours, and cold drinks cold for up to 24.
Audible
Audible Membership (3 months), available at Amazon, $45
If they love to read (or you’re trying to get them to love to read), a gift subscription to Audible is a great idea. They’ll get three free titles for each month they’re a member (one audiobook and two Audible Originals), and 30% off any additional audiobooks they buy. They can listen and read anywhere and anytime using the free app.
Patagonia
Black Hole Duffel Bag, $139, available at Patagonia and REI, $159
Patagonia’s Black Hole duffel bags deserve their cult status: They’re seemingly neverending, extremely durable, and are now made out of recycled plastic bottles.
Cotopaxi
Do Good Men’s T-Shirt, available at Cotopaxi, $35
Whether he’s into the outdoors, volunteering, or might appreciate an introduction to a cool new startup he hasn’t heard of, he’ll appreciate a soft, unique T-shirt from Cotopaxi.
Master Class
Tom Morello Teaches Guitar (single class), available at Masterclass, for $15/month
MasterClass hosts online classes on virtually every topic taught by the experts themselves — from Neil Gaiman teaching the art of storytelling to Annie Leibowitz teaching photography. This class, by Grammy-winning musician Tom Morello, teaches you the guitar techniques that define his style.
Amazon
Tenergy Wireless Bluetooth Beanie Hat, available at Amazon, $24.95
An increasingly popular accessory among teen boys is the Bluetooth Beanie Hat, which lets them listen to music while wearing it. The headphones pair with a tablet, Apple Watch, or smartphone, and the Bluetooth range is up to 33 feet. There are even built-in controls for adjusting the volume, skipping songs, and pausing/playing music.
Amazon
Elecjet PowerPie Portable Charger, available at Amazon, $49.99
Whether for traveling or keeping in contact with friends or parents while on the go, this external battery is great for giving parents and teens convenience and peace of mind.
Chipotle
To a teen, there’s probably nothing more useful than a gift card. Here are a few of the best you can give.
Everything: Visa Gift Card / Amazon Gift Card
Coffee: Starbucks Gift Card
Books: Amazon Gift Card / Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Entertainment: Netflix Gift Card / Hulu Gift Card / Sling Gift Card / StubHub gift card
Transportation: Uber Gift Card
Music: Spotify Gift Card
Food: Taco Bell Gift Card / Chipotle Gift Card
Clothes: Nordstrom Gift Card / Everlane Gift Card / Nike Gift Card / Under Armour Gift Card / Adidas Gift Card
Tech: Best Buy Gift Card / Amazon Gift Card