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Teen boys are probably among the hardest people to shop for.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Nov 07, 2018
While we're pretty sure they like junk food and gadgets and sports, they also have a lot of that stuff already. Why get them more of the same thing when the best gifts for teen boys are much better?
The key to shopping for a teen boy is to tap into those loves and get something unique. Maybe they need some really fun gaming gear or a kick-butt new skateboard. Or, maybe they just need a fragrance to cover up all that sweat. We don't judge.
Whatever they may be into, here are some gift ideas for teen boys that they will really, truly love.
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1. The Fisher Space Pen
The Fisher Space Pen writes upside down, under water, in extreme temperatures from -30 to +250 degrees F, over almost any surface, and three times longer than the average pen. The Fisher Space Pen brand has become an iconic symbol of American technology and design. Its popular Bullet Space Pen is in the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art for its bold, futuristic look.
(SpacePen, starts at $15)
2. Monster Binders
Whether they are into Pokemon, YuGiOh!, or collecting baseball cards, these 4-Pocket Binders hold 160, the 9-Pocket hold 360, and the Mega Monster hold 720 cards, each binder has anti-theft, side loading pockets on cushioned pages. Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, these binders feature a custom binding that expands as you put more cards into it, so the cover always stays flush against the pages, never exposing your cards to harm.
(Monster Protectors, $12.99-$24.99)
3. Circle Home
The world’s first custom monitoring system helps protect families on the internet and keep your tech use in check. The device pairs wirelessly with home network and instantly detects devices paired with local Wi-Fi networks such as smart phone, laptops, tablets. Parents can monitor which content is viewed and time spent on each device through the companion app, giving them full control to monitor usage.
(Meet Circle, $99)
4. CouchBed
A comfortable, cool-gel memory foam mattress with the functionality of a bed and couch offers great comfort for studying, playing video games, and lounging. The washable, interchangeable covers make cleanup easy, in case of spills and stains. Each purchase even includes two temperature control pillows.
(Couchbed.com, $349)
Style and Grooming
5. Prep U Personal Care Travel Kit
It’s a fact of life that boys eventually start to smell. The idea for Prep U came from a frustrated mom of two active, smelly sons who couldn’t find a suitable solution for her boys. Enter Prep U, a line of personal care products that are the perfect antidote to smells of boyhood. Travel Kit contains Travel-size Body Spray, Active Dry Powder, Soap, and Natural Deodorant, all packaged in a compact Dopp kit bag offered in two colors.
(Prep U Products, $28)
6. PLAE Butler Sneaker
This shoe is the ultimate in comfort but still looks cool. No need to tie laces with this slim trainer — the patented STAELACE closure system revolutionizes lacing with one single, easy motion. Customize the length for varying instep widths by moving the anchor around the back of the shoe and hooking the tether around the bolt to secure.
(Nordstrom, $135)
7. Rick Ross Luxury Shaving Cream
For when your teenager is ready to shave and wants to be a BOSS like Rick Ross for the softest skin ever. Infused with Caviar and Eucalyptus, he's going to love this gift, especially if he's started noticing girls.
(Sally Beauty, $14)
8. Ravean Heated High Tech Jacket
These are one of the most comfortable heated jackets ever made, perfect for any season and any temperature. Their motto sums it up: “Being Cold Sucks.” Ravean jackets for men and women are light-weight, packable and will keep you warm on days where the temperatures are as low as -10° F.
(Ravean.com, $230)
9. JV x NJ John Varvatos Fragrance
A creative collaboration between John Varvatos and Nick Jonas, JV x NJ is a dynamic fragrance for men. The signature John Varvatos flask bottle design is a custom pearlized midnight-blue for a classic, yet edgy finish, and is accessorized with a gunmetal dog-tag and hex-nut cap engraved with JV x NJ for a nod of rock-n’ roll, both of which older teen boys will appreciate.
(Sephora, $94)
Games
10. What's That Smell? Game
What's that Smell? is the hilariously fragrant game that grabs you by the nostrils, challenging those brave enough to guess the scents correctly to win or suffer the stinky consequences. One person will have to take the "whiff of shame" smelling one of four stank cards ranging from Hot Chunky Vomit to Diaper Blowout.
(Amazon)
11. Hacker Game by ThinkFun
Defend the world and outsmart cyber criminals by joining the security team Oblivion! Your mission: take on the role of coder, hacker, and security engineer in order to solve the 120 challenges that range from beginner to expert. Each challenge is solved in three parts; you solve a coding challenge, then you figure out how to hack your program, and then as you discover how a hacker can damage your programs, you will learn how to secure them from future attacks.
(Amazon)
12. Disney Villainous by Wonder Forge
This one-of-a-kind board game takes a fresh look at classic Disney tales, as players scheme their way to victory by exploring the villains’ perspective and exercising each characters’ unique abilities like delivering a good scare, setting a trap, or vanquishing a Hero. Whether you’re playing as Captain Hook to once and for all defeat Peter Pan or wielding curses as Maleficent, being bad has never so much fun.
(Amazon)
13. Jurassic Park: Danger! by Ravensburger
In Jurassic Park™: Danger!, the first visitors have arrived at Isla Nublar to see its miraculous dinosaurs firsthand. But chaos has hit — the power is out, and the prehistoric creatures are on the hunt. The modular game board pits dinosaurs (one player) against the other players (up to four), who team up as characters from the classic movie to get Jurassic Park™ back online and escape the island before they fall prey.
(Target, $24.99)
14. Volkswagen Bus 3D Puzzle
Jump back in time with this 162-piece puzzle. These sturdy pieces fit together to build a classic Volkswagen T1 Campervan in 3D, complete with iconic surfboard and moving wheels.
(Amazon)
15. Yeah/Nope Box by Wonder Forge
The “mermaid sequin” box is almost as irresistible as this tell-all game, where players must guess what happened and how. Have you told off a boss? Made out with someone in a closet? Players work together to build on the story and speculate using situation cards until the moment the truth is revealed with a swipe of the gold, mermaid sequin box: Yeah or NOPE.
(Target, $15)
Gadgets
16. Alienware Wireless Elite Gaming Headset
One of the best ergonomic headsets out there, the Alienware Wireless Elite Gaming Headset operates across Xbox, Playstation and PC devices making it the perfect headset for gamers. Its immersive audio provides rich and expansive soundscapes for an unparalleled listening experience and has an exceptional noise-cancelling microphone for crystal-clear team-based chat while deep in the game or chatting with friends.
(Dell.com, $199.99)
17. Kryptonics Skateboard
Available for the holidays, this skateboard is perfect for kids 8 and older who want to take a ride on the wild side. It's creat for cruising, riding the neighborhood or riding to school.
(Walmart, $35)
18. Roccat Khan AIMO
The first gaming headset with exclusive Hi-Res audio compatible surround sound, it features 50mm drivers for rich and clear sound. It’s also designed to create an immersive experience for gamers, simulating the real-life sound of gaming situations. The high quality microphone is perfect communicating with friends and foes alike in multi-player gaming scenarios.
(Amazon)
19. G3 15 Gaming Laptop
The Dell G3 15 Gaming laptop is powered by the latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 discrete graphics for crystal-clear, realistic details and smooth, realistic gameplay that appears sharp from virtually every angle thanks to an FHD anti-glare display. Immerse yourself with seamless streaming using SmartByte technology that prioritizes visual content.
(Dell.com, $750)
20. SOUL Electronics Run Free Pro Wireless Earbuds
The world’s first AI earphones with Gait Analysis, that monitors running form and provides real-time coaching to maximize performance. These earphones measure speed, cadence, step length, head tilt angle, balance, and much more. They also include different ear tip sizes for the perfect fit.
(Amazon)
21. moto z3
The moto z family is the first smartphone with the ability to transform into more than just a smartphone. With all-day battery life, camera features like selective black and white and portrait mode, plus moto mod compatibility, this gift keeps on giving. Snap on the gamepad mod and immediately elevate your phone into a handheld, mobile gaming experience.
(Motorola, $480)
22. Roccat Vulcan Keyboard
The latest keyboard from Roccat, it’s been completely redesigned with their new proprietary Titan Switches for remarkable fast response times, key for high-intensity gaming. It’s also been redesigned with premium aluminum with dirt and spill-proof switches. It also features the AIMO lighting system, making a unique statement on any desk or gaming setup.
(Best Buy, $160)
23. Relay
Whether your teen boy is into biking, skiing or just loves to get his hands on the latest cool device, Relay will be sure to please. This new walkie-talkie style cell phone is ideal for kids who don't have time to look down to text but want to keep up with their gang of friends.
(Relaygo.com, $150)
24. Locker Board
Locker Boards are a sustainable line of skateboards designed to fit inside of backpacks and school lockers. Easy to take to school, on vacations and riding around town! Founded by 13-year-old Carson Kropfl, Sir Branson Branson is an investor in Kropfl’s Locker Board skateboard company.
(Amazon)
25. U Watch Smart Watch Bluetooth Watch
Want to treat your teen to their favorite tech but aren’t sure they can be trusted to take care of it? Go with a piece of “starter tech” like this Smart Watch that’s filled with fun features.
(Amazon)
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her at alywalansky@gmail.com.
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