10 gifts to buy for a teenage boy (who thinks a grunt passes for thank you)
We’re making it easier to tick off your Christmas gift list this year – even for the tricky-to-buy-for. Like enigmatic teenage boys...
By Lana Hallowes
Teenage boys are a ‘special’ lot. Insecurity is high, even though they seem too cool for school! For this reason, we sometimes get a little nervous when buying them gifts. They care so much about how they look and what others think, so we worry we’re going to give them the ‘wrong’ gift.
Firstly, just know that a pair of socks is never going to be the ‘right’ gift for a teenage boy. Or anyone, really. Instead, the trick is to stick to the brands he loves and the gadgets his friends will want to borrow.
Here are a few ideas he’ll love, because he is indeed very special – in all the good ways too.
A funky pair of converse shoes in a stand-out colour
You can’t go wrong with a pair of converse shoes. They are a youth fashion fave that are ALWAYS on trend. Available in a wide range of colours and styles, you could get him a loud and fun pair for something different, like suede CONS in green.
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Other options:
- Classic Slip-On $99.99 from VANS (4% cashback)
- Adidas Unisex Gazelle $170.00 from Glue. Store (5% cashback)
His own space when camping with the family
Teens crave independence almost as much as they crave a sleep-in. Which is why a family camping trip in the same tent as the rest of the family might leave him less than enthused about the holiday. This Biker Expedition Single Swag from Oztrail will bring back his smile. Best of all, it’s a breeze to set up and take down, so he can be Mr Independent about that too…
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Other options:
- Backpacker Lightweight 2 Man Tent $179.99 from Mountain Warehouse (3% cashback)
- Camper 4 Sleeping Bag $149.98 from Kathmandu (0.5% cashback)
A cool cap to complete his street-cred outfit
You may not know it – because it probably doesn’t look like the teen in your life has given any thought to his clothes at all – but he thinks a cap really completes an ‘fit’. Don’t overthink it and stick to something simple, like this Adidas PE Dad Cap from Glue Store. It will go with everything and, most important of all, it’s very cool.
$45 from Glue Store
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Other options:
- Billabong Station Flexfit Cap $39.99 from City Beach (5% cashback)
- Dickies Albertville five panel cap in black $55 ASOS (2% cashback)
A portable speaker that lets him play music ANYWHERE
This small but powerful speaker will bring the music to wherever he is. Perfect for listening to tunes at the skatepark, beach or just hanging out with friends, wherever. It’s waterproof and comes with carabiner to clip easily onto bags, belts or buckles.
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Other options:
- Bluetooth Vibe Colour Changing Speaker $29.99 from City Beach (5% cashback).
- SoundForm Move Wireless Earbuds $59.95 from Belkin (2% cashback)
A hoodie that screams his favourite brand
This classic Vans hoodie is a teen wardrobe staple. It’s simple, comfy and on-trend (because it’s by VANS, the brand that seemingly never loses its cool). It’s available in 5 colour choices (we like the green) with a coveted oversized look – which is actually perfect because he’ll still fit into it next time he grows overnight…
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Other options:
- Adidas Trefoil Hoodie $42.50 - $112 from The Iconic (5% cashback)
- Reebok Identity Big Stacked Logo T-Shirt $35.00 from Reebok Instore (7% cashback)
Some super comfy gaming headphones
If your teen is into gaming, then unwrapping these INZONE H5 gaming headphones will light his eyes up brighter than his screen at midnight. He’ll love the 360 spatial sound detection and the fact that they’re super-light – meaning hours and hours of gaming comfort.
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Other options:
- Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Set with Hotkeys $115.95 from Latest Buy (3% cashback)
- Mini Desktop Water Cooler Shot Dispenser from Cotton On $9.99 (2% cashback)
A pouch to keep his precious phone safe around water
Teens REALLY love their phones, which is why he’ll want to protect his when lazing by the pool with friends or hanging at the beach. The Holiday Hero splash-proof phone pouch from Cotton On will help keep his most precious possession safe.
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Other options:
- Unisex Converse Comms Pouch 2.0 Bag $40.00 from Converse (5% cashback)
- Pokemon PopGrip MagSafe Phone Grip Holder $44.96 from The Iconic (5% cashback)
Clippers, so his friends can cut his hair…
Shaved on the sides and long on top is the ‘it’ haircut for teen boys right now… especially when it’s obviously cut by your mates at home. Don’t ask questions, just accept that it’s the latest mysterious teen fad. The ConairMan Crew Cut Hair Clipper from Shaver Shop will help him get the necessary DIY look with ease.
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Other options:
- 18.21 Man Made Paste $34.95 from Man Perfected (8% cashback)
- Wahl Colour Pro Cordless Combo $78.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty (4% cashback)
A bag for all the stuff he insists on taking everywhere
A step up fashion-wise to the traditional backpack, this Spencer Project Sling Bag from General Pants is a cross body design inspired by skate culture. It will hold everything he needs to take with him, while still looking effortlessly cool.
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Other options:
- Volcom Venture Backpack $100 rom The Iconic (5% cashback)
- New Balance Backpack $70.00 from JD Sports (3% cashback)
A voucher he can spend on anything he likes
If you’re totally stumped with what to buy a teen, give him an Amazon eGift card and he’ll find something faster than you can say, “I thought you’d prefer to choose something yourself.” Amazon is amazing because he can get pretty much anything you need delivered to your door. If that doesn’t say ‘merry Christmas’ to a teenage boy, we completely give up!
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Other options:
More Christmas giving ideas here: