Molly Flores/CNN Underscored

Gifts for teen boys quick picks

For the sneakerhead: Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner Essentials

For the teen searching for his signature scent: Ulta Beauty Men's Fall Favorites

For the DJ of the friend group: JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

For the teen who can't remember to charge his phone: Anker Nano Power Bank With USB-C

For the beginner skateboarder: CCS Skateboard Complete

Teen boys are notoriously tough to shop for — and constantly evolving trends and changing interests make it even harder to find the perfect gift.

With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, our editors rounded up the best gift ideas for teen boys. We even consulted with Underscored staffers who are parents of teenage boys to compile a list of presents they’ll actually want to receive this year.

Whether he’s into music, sneakers, sports or games, we’ve got options to suit every type of kid and budget. Shop our gift guide below to find a present the teenage boy in your life will find cool.

For more gift ideas, check out our favorite gifts for teenage girls, college students and the outdoors-obsessed.

Best gifts for teen boys under $25

For the teen who loves live events

If you're thinking of gifting something more experience-based this year — like a sports game, festival or concert — a commemorative ticket will give your teen something to physically open and makes a nice souvenir they can display and cherish long after the event ends.

For the history buff

Got a teen who's an avid reader? This version of "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand, which tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a World War II soldier and Olympic runner, is specifically adapted for young adult readers with more than 100 photographs and an exclusive interview.

For the teen discovering his signature scent

If your teen has a newfound interest in colognes, this bundle featuring seven of Ulta's most-loved men's fragrances is the perfect gift for him to discover exactly what scent he likes.

For the teen who has a gaming-homework desk combo
This durable backlit keyboard is great for gaming — or even just making typing up homework a little more interesting.
For the teen who changes the lights to his mood

Sunset lamps have been all the rage on TikTok. Your teen can hop on the trend with this affordable sunset projection lamp, which features 16 colors and four different lighting modes. 

Best Tested
For the teen who's out of crisp-looking tees

Uniqlo's affordable T-shirt comes in 13 colors and feels crisp but not scratchy, according to the Underscored editors who tested it.

For the teen who's got practice after school
Adidas's lightweight Sackpack is ideal for quickly tossing in a change of clothes and some snacks before rushing off to practice. And unlike most drawstring bags, this one includes two mesh water bottle pockets.
For the teen who takes their shoe game seriously

Teen boys aren't exactly known for keeping their stuff clean, but this shoe-cleaning kit will leave dirty kicks looking like new. It includes a stiff-bristled brush and a premium foaming cleanser, which is safe for all shoe materials (including leather, suede, rubber and cotton). 

For the fidgety teens
Encourage him to take a break from his phone with this bestselling puzzle toy, which is an especially great gift for anxious or fidgety teens.
For the teen with some new independence
Perfect for the teen with a shiny new driver's license, this wallet is slim enough to fit in his pocket and affordable enough that it won't be the end of the world if he ever loses it.

Best gifts for teen boys under $50

For the teen who always has friends over

If your house tends to be the hangout house for all the teen boys in the neighborhood, this capture-the-flag kit is perfect to have on hand. It can be played with anywhere from four to 10 people and even glows in the dark for some after-hours fun once the sun sets.

For the teen who only wears sweats

These cotton and spandex joggers have the same comfortable feel as your teen's favorite sweats but they look a whole lot more polished. Designed with a slim fit, these joggers come in black, gray, beige and olive colors and sizes up to 3XL.

For the teen who needs a simple style upgrade

Amp up his style from a simple jeans and tee look with this Gap Factory Utility Shirt. It's the kind of thing that looks good with any outfit and is perfect for when your teen might need some extra layers for warmth in the spring and fall.

For the teen who likes some ankle flair

Your teen probably already has a collection of classic black and white socks, so add some fun into their rotation with this three-pack of multi-colored socks, which come in several print and color options for whatever best matches his personality.

For the sports fanatic teen

Teen boys love rocking gear to support their favorite sports team. If your teen is a Premier League soccer fan, grab them a graphic tee or jersey, like this one that supports the Tottenham Hotspurs. We also like that the design is basic enough to show some love while still being crisp and clean.

Editor Favorite
For the teen who can't remember to charge their phone

Not being able to reach your teen because their phone died is frustrating for any parent. The Anker Nano Power Bank — a favorite of Underscored editors — will give their phone life quickly. Plus, the slim design is free from pesky cords and bulky boxes too. It has a built-in USB-C connector, but there's also a Lightning version available.

For the teen who has to have the newest games

For gaming fans, there are few gifts sweeter than getting the newest and hottest games. Let them play as their favorite players and on their favorite NFL teams with the newest Madden game. And if you’ve got a PlayStation console, don’t worry: There’s a version for that too.

For the teen who's all about comfort

Crocs' well-known clogs can handle pretty much anything you throw their way. They’re super comfy and slip on in seconds, which makes them great for athletes, adventurers or habitually late teenagers.

For the gym-bound teen
Let's be real: Teens don't always smell the greatest. This trio of OffCourt body sprays is formulated with prebiotics and deodorizing ingredients to tackle body odor at its source. With three light and fresh scents (Fresh Citron and Driftwood, Fig Leaves and White Musk and Coconut Water and Sandalwood), this pack is perfect for splitting between home, the gym and anywhere else your teen might need to freshen up.
For the teen who's a hardcore gamer
Frigidaire's colorful mini fridge is compact enough to fit right on a desk, granting easy access to drinks and snacks while gaming. It'd also be a great dorm room addition for older teens.
For the teen who loves to be outdoors
For outdoor hangs, this inflatable lounger is perfect for lazing about anywhere from the backyard to the backcountry. It also floats, making it a great companion for pool days.
For the teen who's alway in charge of the tunes

JBL’s portable speaker can clip right onto a backpack and is also completely waterproof, so there’s no harm if he accidentally drops it in the pool. It offers up to 10 hours of playtime with the great sound quality people have come to expect of the brand.

For the budding sneaker collector
Whether he wants to show off his growing sneaker collection or just could use some help decluttering his closet, these clear, stackable boxes are great for protecting and organizing all your teen's shoes.
For the teen who loves their Xbox

Gift three months of endless entertainment with Xbox’s Game Pass Ultimate, which includes access to hundreds of games — including new releases — on both console and PC. 

Best Tested
For the teen who's always sitting in the dark

LED strip lights are a popular way to spruce up a teen’s bedroom, and this set impressed us in our testing. The lights can sync up with music and be controlled remotely — meaning he can adjust things like colors and brightness without getting out of bed.

For the teen who needs new cold weather wear
Teenagers can never have too many sweatshirts, and you can't go wrong with Champion's cozy, high-quality hoodies. They come in tons of colors and feature a heavyweight weave perfect for crisp fall and winter weather.
For the teen looking to take self-care more seriously

Boys deserve great skin care too! This kit from Marlowe comes with a cleanser, moisturizer and scrub bar in a woodsy scent, all of which will be a major upgrade for the teen who’s used to using a cheap bar of soap from head to toe.

Best gifts for teen boys under $100

For the teen who loves a tactical takedown

Bring the fun of the laser park anywhere your teen wants to go with this set that's suitable for up to four players — even the adults can get in on the fun too.

For the teen who's asking for stylish kicks

A fresh pair of kicks is always a welcome way to jazz up a teen boy's wardrobe. This pair will delight sneakerheads and fashion-forward teens with seven different colors that add a modern take to the classic sneaker design.

Editor Favorite
For the teen who's always misplacing things

Got a teen who can’t seem to keep track of their things? Give them this four-pack of AirTags they can attach to their keys, wallet or backpack.

For the cool but practical teen

A good pair of sunglasses is a necessity for teens who just got their driver's license or who enjoy spending time outdoors. Quay Australia offers tons of trendy and stylish frames under $100, including these Jackpot Remixed frames, which several reviewers have already successfully gifted.

For the teen who's always lounging with friends
Teens love few things more than lounging, so create the ultimate setup with this comfy bean bag chair. The chair comes in seven colors and is made of durable, stain-resistant fabric that will hold up against crumbs and soda spills.
For the teen after his first big catch
The outdoorsy teen can take advantage of nearby rivers and lakes with this highly-rated bundle, which comes with a telescopic fishing rod and all the accessories he'll need to get his first catch.
For the puzzle lover
Hey, you're never too old for Legos — especially the ultra-complicated sets like this one. With a whopping 675 pieces, it'll keep your teen occupied for hours.
For the competitive teen
Get all that teenage energy out with this portable game, which is easy to set up on pretty much any flat surface. The kit comes with a drawstring storage bag as well, making it easy to toss in the car and bring over to friends' houses or to the beach or park.
For the teen who loves to jam out
Thanks to its built-in headphone jack, this electronic drum set will encourage the aspiring rock star without driving your neighbors crazy.
For the teen who plays their music outloud

Sony’s wireless over-ear headphones boast up to 50 hours of battery life and make a great gift for the music-loving teen. They also have a microphone for hands-free phone calls and come in three stylish matte finishes.

For the teen who loves exploring the sky
With its 120-degree wide-angle lens and simple controls, this drone camera will take budding photographers' and filmmakers' work to the next level — literally.
For the teen who wants to start skating
This skateboard from trusted brand CCS is made from sturdy maple wood and comes fully assembled. It's designed to be suitable for beginners without sacrificing quality — just don't forget a helmet!

Best gifts for teen boys over $100

For the teen following trends
These closed-toe Boston Clogs are a more sophisticated kind of slip-on shoe. And like all Birkenstocks, they truly get more comfortable with each wear.
For the teen who needs some help getting around

For teens who can’t drive just yet, this do-it-all electric bike is perfect for getting them where they need to go or letting them have some fun on neighborhood rides.

For the teen who can never find their charging cord

Help your teen keep all their devices charged up with this charging tray from Courant. Available in linen and leather finishes, this tray not only looks sleek but also helps your teen keep track of all their most valuable belongings.

Best Tested
For the teen obsessed with the newest tech

If this year is the year your teen is finally ready for a phone of their own, consider our pick for the best smartphone, the iPhone 16. It’s sure to be just as big of a hit with them as it was with us.

For the teen who needs an outerwear upgrade

A stylish, cold-weather jacket that's not a sweatshirt? Yes, please. This one is loved by reviewers for its warm yet lightweight wear and totes the timeless Levi's cut that never goes out of style.

For the teen who needs a durable overnight bag

Perfect for college-bound teens or those who are always spending the night at a friend's house, this Away duffel bag makes packing easier and looks much nicer than a gym bag or backpack. The 40-liter capacity bag is lightweight and water-resistant. Plus, it’s available in three colors and comes in additional 55-liter and 70-liter sizes.

For the teen who loves some bling

Jewelry is not everyone's thing, but if your teen is looking for that extra something to jazz up his everyday style, a simple chain can do the trick. This 100% sterling silver chain is a classic piece that your teen can wear for years to come.

For teen who is always sore

Perfect for your teen athletes, the Theragun mini makes a great addition to their sports bags or as a part of their post-practice recovery routine.

Editor Favorite
For the teen who likes to game solo and with pals
It's no wonder that the Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular gifts around. With its vibrant screen, detachable controllers and convenient tabletop mode, it's a versatile little console that's just as much fun to play at home as it is on the go.
For the teen who always needs music to set the mood

An updated version of our top pick for Bluetooth speakers, the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 will ensure he's never without his favorite tunes. It's perfect for beach days, college dorms or just chilling around the house.

For the aspiring musician
The FA-125 is an affordable guitar designed for developing players while still offering the sound and quality that Fender is known for. This beginner-friendly bundle comes with everything he needs to get started, including picks, a tuner, a strap and a lightweight gig bag. 
Best Tested
For the teen who curates their own workout playlist

The Beats Fit Pro aced our workout headphone testing. We think these wireless headphones are a great gift for the teen who’s always listening to music while on the move.