95 Best Gifts for Tween & Teen Boys (2024 Gift Guide)
Finding the best gifts for tween and teen boys can be a challenge, especially gifts that don’t contribute to more time in front of screens. I went straight to my tween and teen sons (and their friends) for cool gifts and wish-list items. Read on for our curated gift guide for tween and teenage boys!
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*Shopping for preteen or teenage girls? See our list of Best Gifts for Tween & Teen Girls
Top Gifts for Tween & Teen Boys
Whether you’re shopping for the holiday season, a birthday gift or just because, these top gifts are guaranteed to please. We’ve given and received these gift ideas and they’re always a winner.
This is the coolest portable charger I've seen yet. Small enough to fit inside his wallet, it has built-in charging cables (USB-C, lightning, micro USB) for an ultra fast charge. Works with Apple and Android devices.
Choose from wireless and wired options and a few colors.
What if you found a gift that he looked forward to every single month? My tween son got this STEM crate for a few years, and barely got it inside the house before he started working on the latest project.
Without a doubt, the best money we've ever spent on a gift.
Everything you need to build the project is included. Even a blueprint with detailed instructions.
You also get a high-quality booklet that includes the science behind the activity and extra things to do. It will keep your tween busy (without a screen!) for days.
These shape-shifting boxes are SO COOL! We have one and have given them as gifts. They're fun by themselves, but you can also fit multiple together to do even bigger things. Watch the video demo to see what I mean.
They fold up smaller than I expected (just so you're not surprised when it arrives). Lots of colors and patterns!
Gaming Gift Ideas
Whether you like it or not, your tween or teen boy is probably into gaming. We asked our boys for their top gaming recommendations and did our own research to save you time and make shopping for unfamiliar electronics a lot easier!
Gaming Consoles
If you don’t have a console yet and you’re buying for a tween, we always recommend starting with the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite. It’s not as much of an investment.
Boys usually have a clear preference for PlayStation or Xbox. It often revolves around the systems their friends have because it’s easier to play games with people using the same console – which is why we have one of each. If you’re not sure which console they want, you should definitely ask.
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S – 1TB are the latest versions. It looks like Nintendo will release the next version of their Switch in the first half of 2024.
Sports Video Games
The latest versions of Madden NFL 24, NBA 2K24, EA Sports FC24 and NHL 24 are on the wish list for my son and his friends year after year. Most are available for every gaming system.
Mobile Gaming Controller
One of the most popular gaming gifts in 2023 turns his phone into a mobile gaming device. Use it with any iPhone to play Xbox, PlayStation and PC games. Backbone has another version for Android and iPhone 15 users.
SteelSeries Gaming Headphones
The price on these noise canceling headphones is great for kids who aren’t ready to take care of more expensive electronics. SteelSeries is a top company for gaming accessories, so you get good quality at a great price.
Compatible with nearly every gaming system, he’ll love these lightweight wired headphones. They have surround sound plus volume and mute controls on the headset.
Gaming Chair
My son has this gaming chair and loves it! It also comes highly recommended by moms of tween and teen boys in our Facebook gift group.
This swivel chair has 2 Bluetooth speakers, a high backrest, a removable headrest and lumbar support. It reclines and can be adjusted for height. Easy assembly–my son put his together on his own.
I’m Gaming Socks
It’s a universal truth that tween and teen boys completely check out when they’re gaming. If that’s the case at your house too, these socks are a great gift or stocking stuffer!
Games & Screen-Free Fun
Games are one of the best things to gift because you can spend time together away from screens. Some of our gift suggestions may be new to you, but you’ll see some favorites too. Plus, some grown up LEGO sets are a great way to give hours of fun for the kid inside.
SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box
These shape-shifting boxes are SO COOL! We have one and have given them as gifts. They’re fun by themselves, but you can also fit multiple together to do even bigger things. Watch the video demo to see what I mean.
They fold up smaller than I expected (just so you’re not surprised when it arrives). Lots of colors and patterns!
Lightning Reaction Reloaded Shocking Game
It’s like hot potato, but you get a small electrical jolt if you’re the last to react. Anyone else think this sounds the perfect competitive game for tween and teen boys?
LEGO Themes
Star Wars, Marvel and Harry Potter fans will love an impressive theme Lego set like the Star Wars Millennium Falcon, Marvel Infinity Gauntlet, Harry Potter Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets and many others.
LEGO Art & Technic
If he’s into art, movies, cars, architecture and more, give him one of these sets. So many choices!
LEGO Architecture Skyline Series
LEGO may be a staple for younger boys, but the LEGO Architecture series is part toy and part amazing display item. The perfect choice for the tween years! Mary’s boys have three LEGO skyline sets, but there are many more to choose from.
Laser Tag
My boys love this high-quality laser tag set! It was a gift from my in-laws and we play it as a family as much as they play with their friends! I won the last game. Just sayin’.
My husband and I even challenged my brother and sister-in-law…it was fun and exhausting and loud with 5 tweens and teens cheering us on.
EXIT: Escape Room in a Box
Mary’s son received this as a gift and they had an escape room party. It’s a one-time-use game because you end up tearing and destroying supplies in your quest to escape. The boys who were into it – her sons included – LOVED it.
They did escape, but it captivated them for two full hours. It was one of her tween son’s favorite birthday party ideas! You can play with one to four players. There are many different versions including The Abandoned Cabin, The Pharaoh’s Tomb and The Sunken Treasure.
Board Games
We have a separate list of the best board games for tweens and teens, but we’ll highlight a few of our favorites here. We love giving games as gifts!
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is such a ridiculous card game but so much fun! Each round only takes 10 – 15 minutes to play. We’ve played with my tween and teen boys and their cousins about the same age—couldn’t stop laughing!
We recently got Qwixx. It’s fun, it involves some math and strategy and the small package makes it easy to bring along on trips.
I know a game’s a winner when my boys insist that I order it. That’s exactly what happened with Goat Lords. I know–it’s a weird name, but it’s easy to learn and so much fun to play that even tweens and teens can’t help laughing.
If Ticket to Ride isn’t in your game cabinet yet, you need to add it immediately. It’s one of our favorite strategy games. Mary’s kids love Century and when other kids leave their house, other parents text her to find out the name of the game.
Loaded Questions is a party game that my boys love to play with extended family. We end up laughing until we can’t breathe every time. Telestrations is another hilarious party game my whole family loves. Think Pictionary and telephone and lots of laughter.
Technology Gifts
These tech gifts are the best ear buds, headphones, docking station, charging cables and more. We did the research and talked to our own tween and teen boys to save you time and help you choose gifts he’ll love.
Headphones & Ear Buds
With so many options, it’s hard to know which headphones or ear buds to choose. First, you need to know his preference and what he already has. Tween boys will usually want one or the other, but teens often want both (or, of course, whichever one they don’t currently have).
Beats Wireless Headphones
If he’s asking for Beats wireless headphones, grab the on-ear Solo3 at a great price! They have have 40 hours of battery life, a foldable design and several color options. If he wants noise cancelling headphones, you’ll need to get the Beats Solo Pro version.
Apple AirPods Max
We keep hearing about these from our college students who prefer headphones to ear buds. Sound quality is incredible and switching from one device to another via Bluetooth is seamless. Definitely an investment – but he’ll love the sleek, minimalist design if he’s an Apple fan.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
If he’s a music lover (and what tween or teen boy isn’t?), he’ll be thrilled to get these! The Apple Airpods Pro have fantastic noise cancellation and a customizable fit.
More Favorite Tech Gifts
From cool gadgets to the latest tech, you’ll find some of the best tween and teenage boys gifts here.
Amazon Echo Dot
This 2022 release Amazon Echo Dot with a clock lets tweens and teens keep in touch with friends and family members from a distance, play music, listen to
Both of our families have relied on Echo Dot for tweens at home with no phones and no landline. It has an easy drop-in feature so you can check in and kids can make outgoing calls.
READ MORE >>> Best Watch for Tweens [Reviews of Smartwatches for Kids]
ChargeCard Portable Phone Charger
This is the coolest portable charger I’ve seen yet. Special thanks to the mom who told us about this one.
Small enough to fit inside his wallet, it has built-in charging cables (USB-C, lightning, micro USB) for an ultra fast charge. Works with Apple and Android devices. Choose from wireless or wired options and a few colors.
iPhone Fast Charger (USB C to Lightning Cable)
One of the smartest things I’ve ever done is give everyone in our house their own color for charging blocks and cords. Now mine don’t magically disappear! And my kids aren’t blaming each other when one goes missing.
Choose from a 2-pack of charging blocks and either 6 foot or 10 foot cables. Available in 8 colors!
Fitbit Charge 5
This recommendation comes straight from my college students. Many prefer the slimmer design of the Charge and love all the features – workout intensity, sleep stages and heart rates. It’s a great option for learning to track and manage habits in a healthy way.
It has many features similar to the Apple Watch at about half the price. He can get notifications for calls, texts and other apps.
3-in-1 Charging Station for iPhone
If he has an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, this charging station is perfect. It has high-power fast charging and takes up very little space. Great for traveling! Comes with a 3.3 foot USB type C charging cord. Choose from 6 colors.
Outdoor & Adventure Gifts
If he spends a lot of time outside, he’ll put these outdoor gifts for boys to good use. Check out our best gift ideas including an an underwater camera and a hammock he can take everywhere.
Inflatable Lounger
What boy wouldn’t love an inflatable couch? And one that doesn’t need an air pump! He can take this camping, to the beach or lake and even to campus. A family friend said these are even popping up at swim meets because they’re so comfortable – easy to inflate and store.
2-in-1 Rechargeable Hand Warmers
An OCOOPA hand warmer has been on our gift guides for years and we’re thrilled about this upgrade. I’ll be honest–I was skeptical about these when my teen started asking for one, but I’m officially a fan! It made a cold and windy soccer game bearable.
The heat lasts for hours and the 2-in-1 design allows you to use them together or separated. He can keep one in each hand if he runs in cold weather. He can store them in his pockets for skiing or camping – or even warming up in between games if he plays outdoor sports.
My teen carries his everywhere. In his hoodie. Because a winter coat is obviously out of the question.
Super Sparrow Water Bottle
We recently received a few Super Sparrow bottles and our boys love the leak-proof design, the flip top that opens with one click and the carry strap. Then order some cool stickers from Red Bubble to get started making the bottle unique to the kid.
My son loves collecting stickers for his water bottle. He’ll grab them when we travel and we give them as gifts sometimes (we grabbed skiing, biking and I’d Rather Be Playing Board Game stickers from Red Bubble).
Overnight Duffel Bag
Boys need duffels for everything from sleepovers to sports to camp. Both of my boys have had this bag for years. It’s incredibly durable!
It’s been everywhere (flights, road trips, camps…) and I’ve washed it a lot. Four colors available in large. Small and medium sizes have a lot more color options.
Laptop, Water Bottle Stickers
The college students we teach all order their stickers from Redbubble. You can find stickers showing places you’ve been or hobbies kids enjoy. Or you can go with funny sayings or Michael Scott memes from The Office. Fair warning though. You can lose yourself in the thousands of sticker design options. And all from independent artists! (These make great stocking stuffers!)
Metal Tags
These metal tags are perfect for backpacks or duffel bags. We have a few and love that they’re made by a mompreneur who runs the small business Inspired Indigo out of Cleveland, Ohio. They make a great stocking stuffer if you need some ideas.
Bedroom Decor Gifts
If it’s time for a more grown up look, these room decor gift ideas will help him create and enjoy his own space. He’ll be spending a lot more time there during these tween and teenage years.
Weighted Blanket
My oldest has one of these and when Mary’s son tried one at a friend’s house, he immediately put it on his wish list. Different sources on the weighted blankets say they can be good for restless leg syndrome, restless sleepers in general, ADHD and even anxiety.
This blanket has a plush cover that is removable for washing which is absolutely necessary for tween and teen boys! You can also select different weight, size and color options.
It’s a full-sized blanket kids can take off to college with them someday. It’s one of the most popular items in our Facebook group Gifts for Tween and Teen Boys!
Color Changing Light Bulbs
Last year, my teen put a color changing light bulb in one of our bathrooms, so I never know what color I’ll see in there. If your tween or teen has grown out of the strip lights phase in recent years, these may be next on his list.
We’ve been very happy with our Govee brand lights. He can control the colors, set scenes, adjust the brightness and turn them on or off with voice commands or an app.
There’s even a timer function and Sunrise/Sunset modes – maybe this will help wake him up…? No promises but there’s always hope.
AstroAI Mini Fridge
If he’s asking for a mini fridge for his bedroom, the AstroAI 6L mini fridge is our top pick. It’s energy-saving and holds up to 8 cans or 4 20-ounce bottles. Older teens will love the convenience and the modern design.
Scratch-off U.S. Map with National Parks
Mary’s son has this map hanging on his bedroom wall to track the places they visit – different states and national parks. (She used this frame to display it.) It’s a fun way to look back over his tween and teen years.
Indoor Basketball Hoop
My son received this breakaway-rim hoop as a Christmas gift and loves it because it can take a beating. It also comes in a glow-in-the-dark or mini foam ball version. This is another favorite gift inside our Gifts for Tween and Teen Boys group!
Sports & Fitness Gifts
Even if he’s not a star athlete, you can help him stay active with these gift ideas. We included gifts that he can use on his own and some to play with his friends because we’re always looking for screen alternatives.
BlenderBottle Shaker Bottle
I was skeptical when my son wanted a blender bottle because we’ve never had one — shaking up the protein in a water bottle seemed to work just fine for my husband and other son.
But this shaker bottle makes it SO much easier and faster! It’s dishwasher safe and comes in several colors and sizes.
Don’t overthink this. If you have a kid making protein shakes, just get it.
GlowCity Soccer Ball
I can’t be the only mom whose boys refuse to leave soccer practice because they just love shooting…until they seriously can’t see because it’s so dark.
This glow-in-the-dark ball won’t help with that problem (and will probably make it worse because it’s so fun!) but at least they’ll be able to see and a stray ball in the parking lot will be visible.
Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells
If your teen is getting into fitness, this is a gift that honestly he will that love also will benefit the entire family. These adjustable dumbbells save space because you’re no longer storing five separate sets of weight. You just click and turn to change the weights from 5 to 25 pounds each. We also own a Flybird weight bench. It’s lightweight but really sturdy. Use code NY40AFF for 40% off sitewide until 2/29.
See how the weights work below…
My son brings the 25-lb weight and releases some of the weight to move to his next exercise.
Gatorlyte Powder or Prime Hydration Powder
Gatorlyte has made a big difference for my boys after a tough workout, especially if they’re outside on stifling hot days. My husband also drinks it in the afternoon at work instead of coffee. Mary’s tween and teen boys love Prime.
We buy the powder because it’s a lost less expensive and it’s easy for them to keep extras in their bags. One of the best fitness gifts and a perfect size for stockings!
Spikeball
This is a favorite game for my boys and their friends. We’ve played at family gatherings with kids and teens and adults.
It’s a perfect choice for the beach but you can also play it indoors, and it’s a great game to play tournament style with bigger groups.
READ MORE >>> Gifts for boys who play tennis
Shoes & Clothing Gifts
Super comfortable clothes are a must for our tween and teen guys, and they wear these t-shirts, sweatshirts and socks on repeat. Choose from pro and college sports, favorite tv shows and movies, important social causes and other pop culture references.
Shoes
Crocs
My tween has these and I just listened to a speech about how much college students love them. My student who presented loves them because “you can drive over them with your car without ruining them” and “they float if you lose them in the lake.”
He even ran 2 miles in them because a friend bet him that he couldn’t. So…there you go.
White is the ever-popular choice, but black is catching up. Navy, red and bone are other good choices.
Adidas Ozweego Sneakers
I trust my sneaker-obsessed teen for all suggestions. This was at the top of his list for teenage guys’ shoes right now. Tons of colors to choose from!
Clothing Gift Ideas
Clothing is always a practical gift, but do a little sleuthing on latest trends, and you’ve leveled up your gift.
Homage hoodies
These hoodies are, hands down, the most comfortable and longest lasting hoodies we’ve ever had. From colleges and pro teams to local favorites and pop culture, you’ll find great options of hoodies, crewnecks, t-shirts and more.
Adidas Trefoil Hoodie
The trefoil logo back and hugely popular with tween and teen boys. From hoodies to tees and pants, he’ll like anything with this throwback logo.
Jersey
A favorite bigger-ticket item for boys is a jersey for their favorite NFL or college football team. My teen wears adult sizes, so I bought the jersey big and figure it will last him into adulthood.
Fanatics is one of our favorite retailers for sports clothing because they’re an official partner of all the pro teams and they run great deals.
Homage T-shirt
It’s no secret that we love Homage shirts – they are SO comfortable. They also offer options for sports and pop culture fans in both youth and adult sizes. And almost everything they sell has 5-star reviews.
Honestly, a t-shirt from Homage tops the list every time we’re buying Christmas gifts for the boys and men in our houses.
Mary’s son and my husband both have the You’re Killin’ Me Smalls t-shirt. We bought them as gifts at the same time without knowing it.
Book Gifts for Tween & Teen Boys
Books are always a good gift idea, but what if you don’t know what tween and teen boys like to read? We’ve got you covered with books recommended by librarians, teachers and our own tweens and teens.
Percy Jackson Books
My son devoured the Percy Jackson books and read them over and over and over again. It’s a fantastic series (and the former English teacher in me loved talking with my boys about mythology). Now is the perfect time to introduce these because the series is coming soon to Disney+.
Star Wars: Year By Year (A Visual History)
The perfect gift for any Star Wars fan, from little kids to adults! Includes trivia, photos and behind-the-scenes images from all 9 films plus Rogue One and The Mandalorian.
Alex Rider Books
Mary’s family is big into reading, so she loves giving great book suggestions. The hot series right now with her tween boys is Alex Rider, kid spy. There’s a little bit of language and potty humor, but they’re fast-paced and adventure-filled.
Theodore Boone Series by John Grisham
Mary and I both grew up reading Grisham, and he has a series for younger readers about a teen who dreams about being a lawyer and gets pulled into the courtroom much sooner than he expects.
It’s a great series for older tweens. My family listened to the first book on Audible on a recent road trip. That’s just one of our many tips for amazing road trips with tweens!
Audible Gift Membership – Amazon’s library of audiobooks
Amazon makes it easy for you to gift 3-, 6- or 12-month memberships to a massive library of audiobooks for tweens and teens who love listening to books.
And if he doesn’t like reading, an Audible subscription is the perfect way to encourage him or at least come to a compromise. He can listen to books assigned for middle school or high school, and other books for fun or to learn something new. It might even spark a renewed (or new) love of reading.
I’m a huge fan of Audible–so much so that I wrote all about it and answered the most common questions here: Is Audible Worth It? [Guide to Audible].
Kindle Unlimited Membership Plan
For tweens and teens who like to read on a Kindle, you can gift 6, 12 or 24 months of Kindle Unlimited so they can access a massive library of books in seconds. Our college students often talk about how much they like reading on a Kindle.
Best Books for Tweens
We have a more complete list of 125 books for tweens, but here are a few that our boys have really liked: Refugee, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Counting by 7s, Charlie and Frog, Ghost Boys, I Am Malala, A Long Walk to Water, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, The Breadwinner.
Note that Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds is best for older tweens.
Best Book Series for Tweens & Teens
If tween and teen boys find a series they really get into, they’re more likely to keep reading. We included more on our complete list of series for tweens and teens.
Here are a few favorites from our Gifts for Tween and Teen Boys Facebook group: Track Series (Ghost, Patina, Sunny, Lu), Ranger’s Apprentice, Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle), Ender’s Game. And of course, the always popular Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and The Hunger Games.
Gift Cards & Money Gifts
Tween and teen boys love getting gift cards and money so they can buy exactly what they want. These are favorite gift card ideas along with some really fun ways to gift cash.
Gift Cards
Did you know that you can get gift cards for a ton of stores on Amazon? You can ship the gift card or share the digital code with the recipient. So easy! You can’t go wrong with these gift cards for any game console or sports apparel: Playstation, Xbox, Finish Line and Amazon.
We also have a list of the best gift cards for teens. We know the brands and restaurants they’re loving.
![$25 Xbox Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41T6htXy55L._SL500_.jpg)
![$50 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41E38Gd4E7L._SL500_.jpg)
Money Gifts
Lots of tweens and teens are saving for bigger ticket items and they honestly want gift cards or cash. You can give cash or gift cards in a clever way. Free options include wrapping a box within a box within a box to throw them off. The options below are other affordable and creative ways to give gift cards and cash.
Money Maze
Want to make it fun and challenging to get to the money inside? Here you go!
Puzzle Pod
If you want to get a little more creative, this puzzle lets you design your own set of clues that lead to a three-letter word of your choosing that opens the pod and reveals the gift.
Money Tree
You could use all cash on this money tree or add some gift cards.
Savings Bond
No joke, Mary’s 12-year-old son asked her about the bonds she received from her grandparents when she was a kid because he knows she used them to buy her first car. He wants to put them on his wish list (though she got a shocked look when she told him she had to wait 20 years to cash them in if she wanted the full value).
The hard copy EE bonds she got as a kid were discontinued in 2012. But you can still give savings bonds electronically and then print gift certificates to give as gifts. It’s a great alternative to cash or a gift card. Plan ahead, because it requires that the recipient have an account set up.
Experience Gifts & Gifts that Give Back
Experience Gifts for Tween & Teen Boys
If you’re looking for the perfect gift idea, try an experience gift! They’re the best way to spend good time with the tween or teen boy in your life, and the memories will last forever.
A few suggestions include membership to a museum or zoo, tickets to a sporting event or show, Tinker Crates (the boys in both families have made some really cool things with these science and engineering boxes),and Kids Cook Real Food online video cooking lessons.
Check out lots of ideas on this list of 42 Best Experience Gifts for Everyone on Your List.
Gifts That Give Back for Tween & Teen Boys
If you’re shopping for a socially conscious tween or teen boy, he’ll love unique gifts from give back brands. These gift ideas are from social enterprises that making the world a better place.
We compiled a whole list of gifts that give back, and we dedicated one section just to gifts for tween and teen boys.
READ MORE GIFT GUIDES >>>
Hi, I just look up Super Sparrow, excited for a stainless steel alternative to that popular brand. All the Super Sparrow bottles I saw by following the link provided are BPA free plastic, not stainless steel. ☹️
Thanks so much for this great list! I have gotten my one of the items on here. Now I have a list of a few more to add to his list!
I found some great ideas for my boys! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Great list! My son would love some of these gifts, especially the hoverboard and the video game console. Thanks for sharing!