What to Buy Teen Boys for Christmas
Teen boys might be some of the hardest humans on the planet to shop for. All year long they’re begging for random things, but the minute I ask what they want for Christmas?
“I don’t know.”
Pinterest will try to tell you teen boys love matching pajama sets, aesthetic room decor, and soft palettes. Meanwhile, the two I’m raising are… not that.
One leans into the gamer life. The other is all about sports, competition, and anything that keeps him moving. They are so wildly different - and neither fits the Pinterest “gift guide teen boy aesthetic” I keep seeing everywhere.
So here are the things they put on their lists this year in case you’re also staring at a teen boy who says “I don’t know” while simultaneously having extremely strong opinions about everything.
Soda Maker
He loves making things “his way,” so this lets him create fizzy drinks without turning my kitchen into a science experiment. A win for all of us.
Ramen Sampler Pack
This feels universal. Teen boys and ramen are basically a love story.
Virtual Reality Upgrade
Anything VR-related is apparently the coolest thing ever. Cordless = bonus points.
Portable Charger
For school, clubs, and the general teenage habit of forgetting to charge things.
Soft Sweats + Hoodies
The softer the better. He’d live in them if he could.
Boba Tea Kit
Because both of my kids are firmly in their Boba Era.
Slippers That All the Teens Wear
They pair nicely with the sweats and somehow count as “real shoes.” I don’t make the rules.
JJK Split Soul Katana
This anime series is on repeat in our house
Portable Charger
Again… universal teen boy item. If they’re out with friends, at a game, or biking around the neighborhood, I like knowing they won't end up with 2 percent battery and no way to reach me.
Sports Gear
Whatever sport he’s into at the moment gets its own small list of gear upgrades.
Strategy or “Mind Game” Board Game
He loves anything that gets people talking, guessing, or competing.
Fishing-Adjacent Something
Because there must always be a way to fish — even indoors.
A Jersey From a Favorite Player
Simple, classic, easy to wrap, and guaranteed to be worn constantly.
Creative Build-Style Gift
He loves things that take patience and turn into something cool - the perfect winter break activity.
Headphones/AirPods
Great for focusing before games or tuning out the chaos at home… which, honestly, same.
Boba Tea Kit
Because if one gets a box, they both get a box. For my own sanity.
Pinterest wants you to believe that teen boys want thoughtfully curated beige bedrooms and leather-bound journals. But in actual homes with actual teen boys? They want snacks, comfy clothes, tech that doesn’t die, and hobbies that match who they really are.
If you’re shopping for a teen boy this year, this list might just save you from wandering the aisles of Target whispering “what do these humans even want anymore.”
Are you shopping for a teen boy too?
What’s on their list this year?
Share your ideas - we could all use the help this season.
