What to Get a 14 Year Old Boy for Christmas
The All-time Gifts for Teenage Boys, According to Teenage Boys
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
Equally opinionated as teenage boys are, they can be a chip difficult to read. Information technology can exist difficult to become them to speak in more than than i-give-and-take sentences, much less go thorough insights into their tastes. To find the coolest gifts that will put smiles on the faces of this particularly tough audience, nosotros spoke to actual teenage boys near the things they're coveting. Read on for their thoughts on the best gifts for young athletes (a heated foot massager), whether video games are still a expert thought (they are), and who makes the best loungewear (Nike, of class).
Y'all can utilise the links beneath to navigate to the category you lot retrieve will best speak to your teenager. Only since we're down to the wire here, lots of retailers' drop-dead shipping dates — the absolute last day they'll reliably promise delivery by Christmas Eve — take come up and gone. We've mentioned what may non make it on fourth dimension (and shared some helpful alternatives), simply don't dillydally whatever longer. (And if y'all've got an adolescent girl in your life, exist certain to check out our listing of gifts for teenage girls besides.)
Gaming Gadgets Music Habiliment and Accessories Sports Gift Cards
Photograph: retailers
Video games, of grade, are a perennially pop gift among teen boys. As far as consoles become, many teen boys told us the PlayStation v, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One Ten nevertheless elevation their lists because lots haven't yet gotten their hands on them. (The consoles are often sold out beyond the lath, unless you buy refurbished ones or new models from resell sites like eBay or StockX. Retailers do restock, however, so you tin get lucky if you proceed checking.)
Far easier to buy are games, of which there are countless options to choose from. 1 certain bet, co-ordinate to Jeremy, who was 14 years onetime at the time nosotros spoke to him, is to go for the latest version "of a pop sports game"; a perennially expert tip. 4 of the teen boys we talked to sayMadden (available for Xbox I, PS4, and PS5) is at the tiptop of their list. Mateus, who was 12 years one-time when we talked to him, says, "Equally soon equally they release the new game, they end updating the former ane." If the teenage male child on your list isn't into football game, there's alwaysNBA 2K22 (available for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch) equally well equallyNHL 22 andFIFA 22 (available for Xbox One, PS4, and PS5 one time they're released in mid-Oct).
"A lot of my friends are actually excited most the latest Phone call of Duty ," says 18-year-onetime Sean. Jeremy also thinks this game would brand a great gift. He doesn't personally play it, but told united states, "I know a lot of people like information technology." It's available for Xbox One, PS4, and PS5.
This might not be the newest game, simply judging by everything else trending amidst Gen Z, what's old is newly absurd over again. One thousand Theft Auto: San Andreas is still one of vocalist Bryson Tiller's favorite games. Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, he said he didn't get to see much, but "in GTA, I got to see cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and New York for the outset time."
The Nintendo Switch became the game panel of the pandemic and, not surprisingly, apace sold out. But it seems to be back in stock these days, and it'd be a great gift for a teen boy. 18-year-old Simi told the states the Switch is still one of the "the hottest consoles this season" and a good alternative to the harder-to-go PS5 and Xbox Series X. Features he calls out are that the Switch lets you play "nostalgic Mario and Zelda games, and new online multiplayer options" such as last year'due south quarantine favorite, Animal Crossing. (If it does sell out once again, we rounded up a few excellent alternatives just in case.)
For something a bear on more interactive — and high tech — 15-year-one-time Joey has his eyes gear up on this VR headset. "This VR tops my wish list," he says, because it "has 50 percent more pixels than the original and it's an all-in-one wireless system" — and so y'all don't take to deal with a carve up panel. The headset gives yous access to the unabridged Quest content library, which includes games similar Jurassic World Aftermath, Warhammer 40,000, The Walking Expressionless, and more.
Nosotros've heard a lot nearly these strip lights. In our 2021 teen poll, Claudio told united states of america they're "a fun alternative to conventional lighting and very laid-back for a night in with friends." They can change colors and become pretty much anywhere and would definitely up the vibe in whatever teen boy'due south room.
As Joey puts information technology, after the year that was 2020, "What'due south better than a wireless phone charger that also sanitizes your phone?" Seeing equally the coronavirus is nevertheless very much around, taking actress precaution with sanitizing, well, everything is a pretty good idea — and devices are among the dirtiest things we own. In one case you put your cell telephone (or AirPods or keys or wallet) in this doodad, the UV lights run their 18-minute (express) or 30-infinitesimal (standard) sanitizing bicycle. The chapeau of the sanitizer can also charge your phone with its Qi-enabled surface.
Nosotros're large fans of Roku's smart devices, which allow any television set to stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and more than. According to Simi, teenage boys love them, besides. "Any teenager who has a TV, be it for video games or whatnot, loves the Roku thespian." He explains that information technology's a particularly great device for teens because it gives them easy admission to all their favorite streaming services for a TV while allowing them to do other things on their laptops and phones at the same fourth dimension.
Photograph: Retailer
Ben, who was 17 when we interviewed him, told us his friends have been pooling their money together to buy each other Cameos from their favorite celebrities as birthday gifts. And fifty-fifty though Ben told us this over a year ago, the gift is still as popular every bit e'er, with new celebrities beingness added to cameo every solar day. (Since they're not gadgets themselves, you volition need a smartphone to play a Cameo video bulletin.) For the uninitiated, Cameo is a service where users can choose from hundreds of notable figures, any of whom will record a 30-2d custom video message of their choice, for a fee. "You can choose from athletes, actors, reality stars, musicians, and more," Ben told us. "Information technology's as fun for the giver as it is for the recipient, as everyone has it on their phone forever." IWe suggest touching base with your teen boy's best friend to notice out who he'd really want to go a message from.
School-from-home took a lot out of teens, says Claudio. "I liked it for like a month, and then it got crushing — my bedroom becoming the classroom broke all sense of boundaries and balance," he explains. To restore some of that rest, Claudio began to take time each morning time to meditate, which he says "helped me showtime my mean solar day with a clean slate." He thinks whatsoever kid who is struggling with pandemic-related changes could benefit from the souvenir of Headspace, a meditation app that would offer "some form of mental relief" from their daily stresses.
Gus and Sean both say they wouldn't turn down a good portable charger for their phones and other devices. "I feel similar I'm e'er borrowing those from people," says Sean, who wants something small enough "to put in my backpack and have it in school" for whenever is necessary. Nosotros've written about this portable charger earlier — it comes from Anker, a brand that has been recommended to us by tech writers and celebrities alike. It'south slim enough to fit in any pocketbook, and it even comes with its own cord, and then you don't have to worry almost finding something to plug in.
Or, for a niggling more than clout, this wireless charger comes recommended by Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp. "I have a lot of pictures with my bandage members on fix and then I tin can postal service them to social media later in the twelvemonth — that's what uses upwards the bombardment nigh," he says. This power bank ensures he tin always have a charged phone wherever he is.
College-age Matt likewise told us he'd dear to get a Razor electric skateboard. "It would be so piece of cake and fun to become around campus with," he says. According to the company, the skateboard tin can reach speeds up to 12 miles per 60 minutes and the battery is made to last through xl minutes of continuous employ. Riders control the speed with an included remote, and if it ever runs out of juice, it besides works as a standard, one-time-fashioned skateboard. This won't get in on time, but you lot could pin to a nonelectric skateboard similar this one or this one.
Bluetooth speakers are a great go-to gift for teen boys: Equally Simi reminds us, "What do teenage boys love more than diggings meaningless music at the highest possible book?" Sean says that JBL is known to brand some of the best, and a lot of his classmates have them. (Schnapp is a fan of the brand, also.) Sean fancies the smaller models in particular, considering they are "small enough that y'all can bring it with yous, just very loud." It's likewise waterproof.
While Sean is a musician, he says this keyboard would be a great souvenir for anyone — whether they already play or not. He has a like model in his room and says his friends love playing around with it when they come over. "They want a keyboard and then they can larn," he explains. Something like this would exist good to showtime out on, he explains, because you lot can besides employ it to experiment with dissimilar sound effects or brand electronic music.
Believe it or not, teenagers (both boys and girls) are into vinyl. Joey is hoping to get this Audio-Technica turntable for the holidays, so he tin start a vinyl collection of his own. Because information technology's but a turntable, not a record player, you lot need to hook information technology up to speakers in guild to actually hear the record play. Plus, information technology'south on backorder. If that sounds like too much piece of work, Sean recommends an all-in-1-style tape role player with built-in speakers, like this Crosley model. With Bluetooth built in, he says it would exist very practical: "I don't take many records, so information technology would exist prissy to have something that can connect to my phone" or to a Bluetooth speaker.
Wireless headphones are some other of the most wished-for items among the teen boys (and teen girls) we talked to. "Everyone wants AirPods," says Sean, who told us they're "extremely popular with kids my age." To wit, Simi calls them the "best headphones of all time." 18-yr-old Ethan points out that the headphones are especially useful for online classes, peculiarly if multiple people are working in the same room together. The AirPods Pro are nearly $100 more than expensive than the standard AirPods, but both take wireless charging cases. The main difference between them is that the Pros have a improve battery life and active noise cancellation. Another teen, 15-year-old Antonio, told u.s.a. he'd actually prefer the slightly older AirPods because they're smaller and the example is more compact. "The AirPods Pro are cool," he says, just his priority is having something that's easy to carry around.
Matt also told u.s. he's hoping for some wireless headphones, just specifically covets this pair from Powerbeats. "These would exist awesome for listening to music while studying, going to the gym or watching movies," he says. Unlike the AirPods, these are really designed with sports and activity in mind, and then they might exist a better option for athletes who like to heed to music while running or working out.
For listening to music at dwelling house, more traditional over-ear headphones might brand a improve option. Gus really likes these ones from Sennheiser, a brand known for its audiophile-canonical headphones. The velour-lined headband and ear cups, forth with the "open up dorsum" design, should make for a very comfy listening experience.
These over-ear headphones come recommended to u.s. by rapper Tyla Yaweh. He's no longer a teen — but his parents gifted him Beats when he was one. As Yaweh says, "There's zero amend."
"Comfortable clothing" was mentioned by nigh every teenage boy nosotros spoke with — hoodies in particular. "Hoodies are groovy, and I could ever use some more," says Sean. He's a big fan of the classic Champion hoodie, and would want one in a simple color like blue, blackness, or gray. Antonio too told us he tin't get enough Champion hoodies: "I already take a gray 1, then maybe blackness or red."
Sean and Mateus both named Nike as one of the best brands for casual, comfy clothing — as did 27 percent of teens surveyed in our 2021 teen poll. We think this hoodie would be another groovy all-purpose option for the teenage boy yous're shopping for. It'south made from a comfortable and breathable cotton-poly blend, and fifty-fifty though a lot of the boys want clothing in blackness and grayness, this green is almost as neutral while being a little unlike. This one too has a vintage athletic look that a lot of the boys told us they like.
"Most guys similar to accept a few hoodies they can cull from," explains Ethan. His favorites come from Hollister because, as he puts it, they go with annihilation "from jeans to T-shirts" and are comfortable. Hollister is known for its logos, simply if your teen isn't into large on graphics, this hoodie is relatively simple and also comes in black, pale green, and yellowish. Guaranteed delivery has passed, only y'all can still get a gift card or lodge to selection up in-shop.
One reliable way to impress a teen: Gift them something their favorite athlete or celebrity loves and uses. This sweatshirt from a Todd Snyder and Champion collab is a favorite of NBA player Ben Simmons. "I love Todd Snyder'due south style — everything is clean-looking and fresh," he says. "I ain a agglomeration of jackets and sweaters and sweatshirts from him. I wear this hoodie every week." Like with the Hollister sweatshirt, yous missed the boat on guaranteed delivery. However, because Todd Snyder is a rather pricey brand particularly for a teen, he might capeesh a gift card to spend on any catches his eye.
Nether Armour was also named equally a popular clothing brand by Sean and Mateus, who told united states that he actually likes the wait of the brand'south short-sleeve hoodies. "Y'all can prove off your muscles," he jokes, and the shorter sleeves hateful information technology would also be comfortable "in the spring, or within." Mateus is simply equally large a fan of Under Armour sweatpants. "I'd probably wear them everywhere; at schoolhouse or at home." He couldn't decide on a color, but says black or gray are both good options.
For a sportier way of lounge pant, Gus likes these Adidas track pants with the classic three stripes down the leg.
Or yous can save some coin and go with something bones: In our 2021 teen poll, we learned that Fruit of the Loom is perfectly acceptable.
eighteen-year-old Xander wants "actually cool" running gear this year. Instead of jumping straight to quondam reliables like Nike or Lululemon, which ups your chances of buying something anybody on the cross-land team probably owns too, try lesser-known make 10 Thousand. Each of its items is tested by athletes for operation. And to save you from having to sift through endless options, the brand offers prechosen "kits" for activities such as running, fall training, outdoor adventures, or HIIT workouts, taking the guesswork out of what pieces would best adjust your teen. You lot can even customize them: For the run kit, for example, you tin can option a T-shirt or tank in six different colors and either five- or seven-inch shorts with or without a liner. These may come up on time, but if you're nervous, we have other options for running gear to store here.
Sneakers were also really popular among the teenage boys we spoke to. Jack, who "needs more casual stuff," singled out these Vans Old Skool sneakers equally a nifty option. And if his opinion isn't convincing enough, you should know that Chris Black and model Anwar Hadid (the brother to Bella and Gigi) are also large fans of the make.
Photo: Retailer
"Everyone has them," Claudio says of Veja sneakers. They're twice the price of Vans, just that's why they'd make an even better gift: The reason Claudio wants them is considering he hasn't been able to invest in a pair however. These probably won't get in to you on time — unless you order to option them up in-store.
An even splurgier pair of sneakers to gift would be these New Balances, Claudio says. He owns some and calls them "the nearly multiuse footwear I own" because they "pair as well with tennis attire equally they practise with a long coat." At present that dad shoes "are in," he adds that these would satisfy the trendiest of teen boys.
Nike fan Mateus really likes these onetime-school Huaraches, in black. "They expect skilful. I tin can't say they feel good because I haven't worn them, but they look comfortable." Bachelor in 3 other colorways, another thing we like near the Huaraches is that they're a slightly less ubiquitous alternative to another teen favorite, Nike Air Force 1s.
Teen Patrick has his middle on a pair of Allbirds this year. "I similar that they're sustainable, and I can put them in the washing machine if they get dirty," he says, adding, "Ane of my friends has them and they look cool." This pair was designed specifically for colder, wet weather, and then if it snows or rains on his style to schoolhouse, he won't be stuck with soggy shoes all 24-hour interval. Today is the cutoff for on-time delivery.
This backpack came up a lot in our 2019 teen poll. It's functional, nice-looking, and has lots of space to hold notebooks and pencils and new necessities like extra masks and hand sanitizer.
"A new wallet would be dope," says 17-year-old Johnny. We asked Strategist acquaintance editor (and menswear expert) Louis Cheslaw what wallet he would suggest for a teen boy — 1 that's nice enough to gift simply also actually practical because, as Cheslaw notes, "they're and so likely to lose them, then you don't want to splurge as well much." (And as it turns out, Johnny wants a new ane because he lost his original.) Cheslaw pointed us to this Ben Sherman wallet that would piece of work for a college-age boy only looking for somewhere to safely store his school ID, driver'south license, and maybe a credit card or ii. "Until he'southward ready for his office-advisable Paul Smith wallet," Cheslaw thinks this 1 is well-made and squeamish-looking but relatively cheap. It has "lots of slot options, including a articulate centre one," so information technology'due south sure to hold everything he needs.
Any teen male child who spends time on TikTok, like high-school senior John, might recognize these sunglasses advertised by celebrities, including NFL histrion Rob Gronkowski. Gronk's endorsement was enough for John to purchase a pair — and he thinks it'll be enough to please whatsoever teen you requite them to. When asked why he purchased them, John simply told us, "They're cool."
Zack, a loftier-school sophomore, told us that any loyal sports fan needs to own a baseball lid to back up their favorite squad. While it's up to you to find out which team your teen boy loves — information technology shouldn't be too hard — Zack says to get them a '47 hat. "They're really good quality," he promises. Zack is a baseball game fan, but the brand makes hats for NBA, NHL, NFL, and college teams too. Y'all can find some of the make's hats at bigger retailers similar Urban Outfitters, but for the full range, you'll desire to browse its website.
You lot could as well go the ornament route, as 15-year-erstwhile Pat suggests, if your teen has enough wearable merch but his room could use a fiddling more team spirit. A poster or pennant would work, merely as we've learned, teenage boys love engineering, so he might appreciate these moving prints from Space Objects fifty-fifty more. Made in collaboration with NBA Labs, these video prints feature seven different team logos so far and play one video on loop (kind of like an IRL GIF). Infinite Objects likewise collaborated with NBA Tiptop Shot, which makes collectible NFTs for the NBA and WNBA, then you can purchase a video print of a memorable play from his favorite team. He'll exist able to display it proudly, and it'll last much longer than a paper poster. These probably won't arrive on time, merely it's a really absurd gift that'south different anything he probably already owns, so waiting a few extra days might be worth information technology.
If they're the kind of sports fan that tends to go to games, like 17-year-old Samuel, a Yeti libation will come in handy for tailgating. (To be clear: tailgating is the umbrella term for hanging out in the parking lot before a game starts and does not require alcohol.) "My dad has i, simply I want my own so I tin can take it to games with just my friends and to college next year," Samuel says. Information technology is a splurge, just equally nosotros've said earlier, at that place's actually nothing more heavy-duty and durable than a Yeti libation. There are lots of sizes to choose from, but if the libation will be kept in the trunk and need to satisfy an entire carload of teen boys, we suggest the Tundra 35 hard cooler. It'south meaty enough to transport but big enough to bear drinks and nutrient for five or more teens. At this point, this will probably make it after Christmas, only great things are worth waiting for.
Fifteen-year-old Caleb wants anything "having to practise with basketball." When asked if he already had an bodily basketball, he responded, "Yes, but, similar, a bad one." In other words, teen boys appreciate an actually good basketball game. The archetype brand Spalding makes an indoor-outdoor basketball (meaning information technology is suitable for any ground, whether it exist concrete or a gym floor), and then your kid can use it pretty much anywhere. And if he already owns a good ball, you could always spring for an outdoor hoop or an over-the-door hoop, depending on whether you have driveway space.
If the teenage boy you're shopping for has a yard at domicile or lives close to a park, Simi says he and his friends retrieve SpikeBall is "the best game to play outside (or even indoors with enough space)." The fast-paced activity follows a simple set of rules: there are two teams, and every player on each team must touch the brawl earlier it returns to the internet, never letting information technology bear on the ground. If they don't, the other team takes a point. Beginning to 21 wins!
Jack, who was 17 when we last spoke to him, is a varsity tennis player, and he told us this shiatsu foot massager is at the top of his wish list. "As an athlete, I love massages. I go become body and foot massages whenever I tin, simply I too enjoy those electric massagers, and if I had one, I would utilize it at dwelling a lot." (Bonus: It has a "heat" setting for the wintertime.)
xviii-year-old Tomer told usa his mom bought herself a Theragun (the athlete-honey massage device we've investigated earlier) and, later on borrowing hers every day, he now really wants his own. "You put it on your muscles when you're sore, or afterwards you work out, and it releases a lot of tension," he explains.
If y'all're truly stumped on what to buy — or need a last-infinitesimal gift — one thing we learned from our mini-focus group of teenage boys: They love gift cards. "Souvenir cards are astonishing for annihilation and everything," says Jeremy. When someone doesn't know what to get him, he says a gift menu from Target or Amazon is best: "They have everything."
For something to cover smaller expenses, Ethan recommends a Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks gift card. "I drink a lot of coffee," he says, so he e'er appreciates getting a gift card for his favorite coffee spots.
Jack recommends gifting an Apple tree Music subscription. "It'southward amazing, and I use it every twenty-four hours. I remember it would be an crawly gift." While there is no option to gift an bodily subscription, if you purchase an iTunes gift bill of fare, the balance tin be applied toward an Apple tree Music subscription.
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