Ultimate Teen Boy Gift Guide 2023 | Mum In The Madhouse

Ultimate Teen Boy Gift Guide 2023

Our Ultimate Teen Boy Gift Guide has been updated for 2023. Having two teenage boys aged 18 and 17 I know how hard it can be to think of gifts for boys of that age, so I have put together this Ultimate Teen Boy Gift Guide after being asked numerous times what would be a good gift for boys that age.

Now, this Teen Boy gift guide is going to be tech-heavy but then 3/4 of boys this age play video games. This also means that gifts for this age tend to be small in size but large in cost.

Disclosure: AD| If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you! I only recommend things that I totally believe in and I have not been paid to promote these items! 

Teen boy gift guide

Consoles, games and accessories

Maxi is currently studying for his A’levels and we have one of these fabulous Mobile Pixels monitors which attach to his laptop to give him a dual display. We have The DUEX Plus portable laptop monitor with a full HD display (and a blue light filter) of 13.3”. The DUEX monitor is attached to Maxi’s laptop with powerful magnets. It is just over half a kilogram in weight and ultra-thin, making it a brilliant addition to any teens laptop. It took longer to attach the monitor than to use it (it has plug-and-play software and connects with USB-C or USB-A ports). You can also buy additional magnets so you can use it on more than one laptop. Once attached you can rotate it, so it can be on the right or left hand side and you can also use it in portrait mode or even detach it and use it as a stand-alone monitor in presentation mode.

It is totally ingenious and really brings the laptop into the modern age – allowing a dual-screen solution utilising your existing laptop. I used dual screens at home and love how this is a solution for upgrading on the go – Oh, it works on Mac too as well as Windows, Nintendo Switch and Android phones.

Games Console

I think at this age you tend to either be an Xbox or a Playstation family. Frankly, very few can afford to have both! And 2020 brought us all new consoles from both manufacturers.

PlayStation 5 – (UK Link/US Link)

Xbox Series X – We are an Xbox family and again this year the top-spec machine is the series X which comes with 1 terabyte storage and a disk drive and is for 4k TV’s. (UK Link/US Link)

Xbox Series S – This machine is still highly powerful and a big improvement on the old Xbox one. If you are not planning to play on a 4K TV then this is the machine for you. (UK Link/US Link)

SEGA Mega Drive Mini (Electronic Games)

Fancy going old school retro, then the SEGA Mega Drive Mini (Electronic Games) is ace and works straight out of the box with 2 controllers and 42 games. (UK Link/US link)

Mini SNES

The Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System has the same look and feel of the original system only smaller and comes pre-loaded with 21 games including Donkey Kong and Mario Kart (UK Link/US Link)

Xbox Expansion Card – instantly expand the capacity of the most powerful gaming experience Xbox has ever created with the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S/ The cheapest please we have found for Xbox expansion cards is Very.

Games – I think it is important to make your own decisions when it comes to games. We are OK with Maxi playing the Star Wars game even though it is a PEGI 16. But I will not be sharing 18-rated games.

NBA 2K23

Maxi saved up his pennies over the summer to buy this Basketball game and he really loves playing it with his mates. (UK Link/US Link)

FIFA 23

Fifa 23 includes FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. This is Mini and the Husbeasts game of choice and they play together on the career mode a lot. (UK Link/US Link)

Xbox Wireless Controller

Apparently, you can never have enough controllers. Both of the boys have put new ones on their Christmas lists this year. (UK Link/US Link) . However, if your child is a serious gamer then they will be after the Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 or the SCUF Instinct Pro Custom, neither are inexpensive but they are THE BEST.

Xbox Remote Charger

With the controllers that you buy, then rechargeable batteries are the only way forward. We have this one that can charge four at once and rotate them.

Gaming Headset (wireless)

We have had real issues with wired headsets in the past. I have no idea what the boys’ do with them to go through so many. The best we have tried is Steel Series Arctis 3 Console Headset (UK Link/US Link). This is why both of the boys’ would kill for Steel Series Arctis 7 Wireless Headsets (UK Link/US Link). They are widely recognised as being the best in the business.

The new kid on the wired headset blog is the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition, Wired Esports Gaming and we have only heard good things. (UK link/US Link)

These gift ideas for teen boys involve everything from Cool stocking fillers to portable chargers this truly is the Ultimate Teen Boy Gift Guide

Let’s talk about clothing Brands

When it comes to clothes and teen boys, nothing is inexpensive, unfortunately! Brands that top my boy’s lists are CP Company, Nike (tech fleece tracksuits) Jordon clothing (Maxi), Jodon 1 mid tops, Adidas Spezial’s (mini), Stone Island Jumpers (black or Navy), 9N1M SENSE Clothing Maxi loves the hoodies and graphic T’s, Northface Coats, Champion or Nike Socks. Other acceptable brands are Lyle & Scott, Pretty Green, Weekend Offender Cortiez, Trapstar, Carhartt, Levi do great T-shirts, Essentials Fear of God, Adidas, Champion, Fred Perry and Uniglow for basic t-shirts. When it comes to PJ’s they only want bottoms or shorts and they have to be super soft with drawstrings that go all the way through.

When it comes to jeans Mini loves FCUK ones and we always check out TKMaxx for them as they are half the price. Whilst Maxi is a fan of Urban Outfitters DBG Jeans.

My boys have no issue with preloved and last season’s colours when it comes to clothes. So keep an eye out on Depop, Vimted, and StockEx for trainers. Vintage football tops are also a big hit here and Classic Football Shirts is a great place to pick some up. Just make sure you get the right club and if you are unsure then it is safer to go for an international one.

You can not go wrong with Calvin Klein Underpants, however, this year my 16-year-old wants Hugo Boss ones. Again these were from Mainline Menswear, cheaper than the chains and with fabulous delivery. I can not praise Mainline enough. All of the branded stuff the boys wanted this year is from there and for less than chains with free next-day delivery. Both of my boys prefer lightweight trunk-style underwear. Maxi really isn’t bothered about branding and his favourites are the fruit of the loom ones from the US.

Both my lads love Champion socks and I can attest to their washability, We also have Nike and Adidas Socks too.

Apparently, old school is cool again and this heritage Nike Backpack is on my 15-year-olds wish list this Christmas. My top tip for you is to avoid the big stores and look for an independent. We got this from Mainline Menswear for the same price but free next day delivery.

Whilst we are talking clothes the eldest has an Oodie. We have tried the imitations and they are not as good or as warm (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise). Maxi has a plain blue one and it is so much better made, fully lined and warmer than the imitations. Mini opted for a wearable blanket from Marks and Spencer and he loves it.

Let me introduce you to the Snoody – A hoody with a built-in snood created by fashion designers, material technologists, sustainability experts and scientists to be genderless and luxurious. The oversized Snoody has an in-built snood which may protect wearers from airborne nasties and incorporates viruferrin® protein technology·    The Snoody combines 100% certified organic cotton material, which is pesticide and fertiliser free, with a lower water footprint than conventional cotton.

Last year we bought our Brand Mad Mini a Ralph Lauren Beanie which Maxi knicked to go skiing with, this year we have got Maxi a North Face one from, yes you guessed it Mainline Menswear!

Sporty Gifts

I thought that teens would be too old for trampolines, but my eldest has proven me wrong. He uses ours a lot, not only for fun but for stretching and warmups/cooldowns (UK Link/US Link). We opted for an oval trampoline.

If only we had the space for this Full NBA Official Size Basketball Hoop. This is on a couple of teens I know lists (UK Link/US Link). Oh and don’t forget the basketball too (UK Link/US Link)!

You can never have enough footballs and this is the current Premier League Ball (UK Link/US Link)

These Bright Balls have really caught my boys’ attention.

With football being a winter sport here in the UK, these fleece player gloves are perfect as they allow grip on the balls for throw-ins. (UK Link/US Link)

This England Rugby Ball Light would be perfect for any Ruby fan

The 3D lamp is perfect for the Rugby or Americal Football Fan (UK Link/US Link).

What I love about these lights is you can get them for pretty much any sport (UK Link/US Link).

Ruby balls take some stick, so a new ball is always appreciated (UK Link/US Link).

Experiences

Young Driver Lesson

Anyone aged 10 and over and above 1.42 metres tall can get behind the wheel of a brand new dual control Vauxhall Corsa SRi car with a fully qualified ADI driving instructor. Lessons take place on private property which has been developed into a realistic road system complete with road signs, junctions and car parks. A Drive Diary is kept to monitor progress. More than 740,000 lessons have now been given and there are more than 65 venues to choose from across the UK. A great gift for the teen that has everything.

Indoor Sky Dive

Ever since Maxi did an Indoor Sky Dive in Florida he has been desperate to do another one. So I have got both the boys an indoor skydive experience with Buy a Gift. It is the equivalent freefall time of three 12,000ft skydivers, it’s the perfect gift for any adrenaline junkie.

  • Horse riding lessons
  • Martial art lessons
  • Art classes – we have enrolled on Jennie Maizels online sketchbook classes as a family and love it!
  • Craft classes – sewing, knitting, crocheting or even woodworking or pottery making
  • Season pass – to a local venue such as forest discovery pass (we have one to Dalby Forest), National Trust, soft play, zoo, petting farm, English Heritage etc
  • Subscriptions – magazines (Mini gets an annual subscription from his grandparents for a magazine and he loves it),
  • cinema pass
  • Circus skills lessons
  • Skateboard lessons
  • Surfing lessons
  • Visit to Go Ape or another outdoor adventure
  • Trip to a festival or music gig – Maxi has asked for tickets to Stormzy
  • Photography lessons
  • Powerboat trip
  • A tour of a football ground
  • A trip on a steam train
  • A sleepover at Whipsnade Zoo

I guess food is an experience and this fab Korean variety box from Kelly Loves is perfect for adventurous teens. I have one for Maxi and I know he will love it

My eldest is obsessed with hot chocolate, but not any old hot chocolate. He developed a taste for hot chocolate made with milk when in Belgium. We were sent some Cocoa Canopy hot chocolate to try and he has devoured it. It is perfect using our milk frother ( which was an inexpensive version from Aldi) and also made on the stove. He declared it on par with Belgium hot chocolate and the best he has tasted since and in all honesty I am not surprised as it is just amazing. It is created by chocolatiers and is in plastic-free packaging (which keeps me happy)!

We have gift rules and I love the idea of having a gift of giving in the and this is an ace way. Yes, teen boys will really appreciate this pile of poo card donation which is from Oxfam and costs £12.

My boys used their Stojo cups so much, so these bottles are on this year’s gift list (UK Link/US link)

I have a Long Hot Water Bottle by YuYu and love it and this Body Bottle by them is Long Hot Water Bottle, with a wearable strap! Dimensions: L75xW15cm and the strap extend to 120cm to hold it against your body. It is great value at under £25 (UK Link/US Link). Both of the boys pinched mine and I ended up buying another.

Books

I love supporting independent book stores and love this teen book bundle from Portrait Books. It is designed for age 13+ and is full of inclusive books for the teens in tour life. These books tackle important issues and are all designed to challenge the reader. Even as an adult I really enjoyed reading this book.

Games

I do love that fact that my boys and lots of their friends still enjoy playing physical games. Some of these games we love such as Exploding Kittens (UK Link/US Link) and Bears v Babies (UK Link/US Link) others are modern takes on classics such as Fortnite Monopoly (UK Link/US Link).

Other fab games include Pandemic Legacy (UK Link/US Link) – The game starts out with a deadly virus spreading across the world, perfect for teens. Relative Insanity (UK Link/US Link) is kind of like cards against humanity but perfect to play with all the family as it is about the family!

You’ve Got Crabs – this is by the same people as our beloved Exploding Kittens, so bound to be a winner (UK Link/US Link). Or how about When in Rome (UK Link/US Link) and let Alexa be your game host.

This is a strategic card game that let him build a unicorn army with a few tweaks and fun for the whole family. The instructions are deceptively simple at first glance but once you play on they really get a little more complex! (UK Link/US Link)

Say goodbye to tired detective narratives and explore a fresh take on a much-loved genre. Who Killed Mia? is a brand new murder mystery game for the social media age, where players use a mixture of physical and digital evidence to uncover a killer.

Incoherent where you compete to make sense out of gibberish in this hilarious party game for teens and adults. Try saying ‘fur stew hurled prop plums’ out loud. Can you hear the hidden phrase? Listen closely – you’ve been saying ‘first world problems!’ Can you decode the phrases before the timer runs out?

Gadgets

What teen doesn’t love a gadget, but as a parent, I want to buy ones that they will love and use.

What teen would love the retro styling if the Polaroid OneStep+ Instant Camera plus it is easy to use. Instant gratification shall be theirs (UK Link/US Link)!

Both of my boys love a pop socket (as do I), it sits on your phone case and is great for holding it (UK Link/US Link). Both of my boys’ need an IRoller (UK Link/US Link) which cleans screens without any liquid.

These light panels are going to be the next big thing according to one of my teens, you can sync your Nanoleaf to your PC or Alexa and chill out listening to music with the rhythm kit (UK Link/US Link)

Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock (UK Link/US Link) – but perhaps this is more for you than your teen. After a conversation on twitter I have been searching for the ultimate alarm clock and I might have found it. This super loud alarm clock comes with a bed shaker!

Alexa LED Strip Lights 5 Metre (UK Link/US Link) Again this is on both of my boys’ Christmas lists. Apparently they are all the rage for when you are gaming. Whilst we are talking about light apparently Alexa colour changing bulbs are the bomb too (UK Link/US Link).

We have the death star version of this lamp and it is ace, but this is a real step up and you get 5 options and colour changing. perfect for any Star Wars fan in your life (UK Link/US Link)

Both of my boys have Lava Lamps but these JellyFish Lamps are a step up and they love them (they are not real jellyfish silly)! (UK Link/US Link)

Now that personal tech is becoming more affordable they are perfect for teens these Fitbit Inspire Health & Fitness Tracker are great. (UK Link/US Link)

Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Running Watch with Wrist-Based Heart Rate and Workout is a great gift for the runner. It tracks how far, how fast, and where you’ve run, and when paired with a smartphone can control your music (UK Link/US Link)

When it comes to portable speakers then the wish list item for teens is the Beats Pill especially if money is no object. They are beautiful and have 12 hours of battery life (UK Link/US Link). However, if you are looking for a more budget option that still gives great sound then the Sony Srs-XB12 is great and it what my boys’ have and use on a regular basis (UK Link/US Link).

I think Every 14-year-old boy would welcome a new pair of Beats headphones and the battery lasts about 40 hours on a single 1 hour charge (UK Link/US Link).

Or perhaps your child wants the latest Apple AirPods Pro – I know these would be on Maxi’s list especially as they come with 3 different silicone tips for the perfect fit (UK Link/US Link). The standard AirPods are still a great buy as they provide up to 24 hours of listening time and 18 hours of talk time (UK Link/US Link).

These Edifier TW1 PRO True Wireless Earbuds are well under half the price of the Apple ones and perfect for younger teens or ones that can not be trusted to lose one. They are water and sweat resistant so perfect for tweens. My Eldest has been trying them out for the gym and is really impressed with them and the sound quality too.

Now with all those gadgets, you are going to need a power bank (UK Link/US Link). This Large-Capacity Mini Power Bank is compact and powerful with 20000mAh which means it can charge most phones about 7 tims.

There is nothing worse than a teen with tech and no power! Well with this Solar Charger 25000mAh Power Bank which means can charge most phones 10 times and tablets 3.4 times (UK Link/US Link) and it recharges without needing to be plugged in!

Most teens have more smart devices than we can count so make their life easier and yours less stressful by gifting them this fab multi charger (UK Link/US Link).

This is one of our most used gadgets (UK Link/US Link). The Sodastream Crystal is brilliant and as it has glass bottles is great for reducing plastic (including the once use bottles of soda that you buy). We alays look for the different syrups when we travel abroad and got Diablo in France.

We have a hot sauce fan in the house and he would love this Modern Gourmet Foods, Original Stormtrooper Food Truck Hot Stuff Chilli Sauce Gift Set (UK Link/US Link)

The more time they spend gaming in their rooms the more they ask for a mini fridge! (UK Link/US Link)

60 inch round pizza blanket – My boys thought this was hilarious! (UK Link/US Link)

For the LEGO Lovers

Top of Maxi’s Christmas LEGO list is this LEGO 75357 Star Wars Ghost & Phantom II Set Featuring 2 Brick-Built Ahsoka Vehicles. Not surprising as he loved the Ahsoka series on Dismey+.

LEGO Starward Millenium Falcon (UK Link/US Link). With 1,351 pieces, this cool LEGO building toy packs so much detail into its over 5 Inch (14 cm) high, 17 Inch (44 cm) long and 12 inch (32 cm) wide form. However, if money is no object then you could buy the collectors edition (UK Link/US Link) if you can find it!

Whilst we are talking about Starwars LEGO then what teen wouldn’t love this LEGO Star Wars BB-8 75187 (UK Link/US Link), it even comes with its own stand.

But if you really want to make your teen happy then grab this Star Wars Yoda Construction Set. Trust me until Baby Yoda merch comes out this will be loved (UK Link/US Link).

Perhaps your teen is more into Harry Potter, if so then take a look at 71043 Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Building Kit (UK Link/US Link) which comes complete with a host of Harry Potter characters including 4 Harry Potter figures, 27 micro figures, the Chamber Of Secrets, the Whomping Willow and more from the wizarding world.

How cool is the LEGO 75957 Harry Potter Knight Bus (UK Link/US Link) which comes with hinged opening side panel, removable roof and a movable sliding bed and swinging chandelier and also Includes the cheeky shrunken head and Harry Potter’s chest containing a wand, letter, chocolate bar and a potion bottle.

Perhaps your teen is a petrol head or an engineer, then this LEGO 42110 Technic Land Rover Defender Off Road 4×4 would be the gift for them (UK Link/US Link) which has a 4-speed sequential gearbox, All Wheel Drive with 3 differentials, independent suspension and detailed 6-cylinder engine and a transmission system with 2 levers for engaging high or low gear ratios and a selector for changing gear.

Maxi is a massive fan of the LEGO helmets and started collecting them a few years ago:

Personal Care

Vegan Perfume – This range from Dolma, who make vegan perfume and cruelty-free aftershave is teen approved. We are users of their fragrances. Vegan is all the rage and will continue to be so. Billie Eilish released a vegan perfume line last year.

Nautica Voyage (UK Link/US Link).

Versace Eros for Men

Armani Acqua Di Gio Homme

And if you are feeling flush Christian Dior CD Sauvage Men

What Teen doesn’t love skincare? I know my niece and sons do and I can really vouch for the Teen Kit from Skin Rocks. I purchased this earlier in the year for Maxi and have had to rebuy parts of it already.

When it comes to a cleanser both my boys use La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel and we buy the Big bottle!

If you are looking for a simple and inexpensive moisturiser then you can not go wrong with The Altruist. Their Moisturising Fluid which at £6 is amazing value. I have also been using their Anti-Redness SPF 50 and I rave about it!

Maxi loves Liz Earle Gel Cream which is good value at Look Fantastic and a great day cream with a gel consistency.

My Clarins is the teenage range of Clarins and this My Clarins Re-Charge Sleep Mask is a night cream that you only use a couple of times a week and it gives soft skin without being too rich and exacerbating any acne.

West Barn Co Hydro Dots and Hydro-Patches are both made with hydrocolloid and 1% salicylic acid to clear out those oily pores and stop spots in their nefarious tracks. Maxi loves these and I stock up in the sales.

When it comes to SPF for the face Maxi’s first choice will always be Fenty but it is expensive, however, they do offer a refill. If I am not feeling flush then it is La Roche-Posay Anthelios at half the price!

Another low-cost part of the boys’ skincare routine is toner and I swear by Aldi Lacura Healthy Glow Glycolic Toner at £2.99.

All the men in this house have a Braun Series 3 ProSkin Electric Shaver – It is a great initial electric shaver that can be used wet or dry and has a trimmer too.

We rate Heath Save Cream which is a naturally-derived shaving cream enriched with soothing properties for a smoother shave. It is great value and I use it too.

Is your child at the point where they may need to shart shaving – if so Druxbox is the product for you. Maxi has been so impressed with his shaving kit and how to. The price point is ace and you can also opt for a monthly subscription to blades. We have been so impressed with the kit and the associated literature and information that we have one set aside for when Mini makes the decision that he needs to shave.

The boys got my husband a tie clip for Christmas and My youngest kept stealing it when he was wearing his suit (his prom, special events etc), so much so that we got him one exactly the same in sterling silver and arranged to have it engraved.

All our 18 year old wanted for his birthday was a vintage Cassio watch!

These gift ideas for teen boys involve everything from Cool stocking fillers to portable chargers this truly is the Ultimate Teen Boy Gift Guide

So there you have some fab ideas for gifts for teen boys, so now we move on to the stocking fillers section of the Teen boy gift guide……..

Cheaper Gifts and Stocking Fillers

I bought Mini a case with card holder for his birthday this year and he LOVES it. It is perfect for him to carry his card and bus pass without carrying a wallet or bag (UK Link/US Link).

I have a child that HATES paper straws and swears metal ones make his pop taste “funny” so I have invested in these glass straws from VASO this year.

Both of my boys have KontrolFreek thumbsticks. They make great stocking fillers at under £20.

I also have these fab Rainbow Metal Straws for their Stockings. They are bright and colourful and perfect for my youngest.

3 pairs of Star Wars Socks (UK Link/US Link).

Both of the boys have Speck Airpod cases in their stocking this year. (UK LInk/US Link)

Marvel Thor Cape Cotton Sock (UK Link/US Link).

Dog Mini Bluetooth Animal Wireles Speaker (UK Link/US Link).

Nike Basic Wallet Purse (UK Link/US Link).

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm (UK Link/US Link).

Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar (UK Link/US Link).

Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette (UK Link/US Link).

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Random 5-Pack PocketBac Sanitizers (UK Link/US Link).

Telescopic Reusable Straws (UK Link/US Link)

24k Carat Gold Plated Game Poker Gift Deck (UK Link/US Link)

Japanese sweets (UK Link/US Link)

American Candy

AirPod EarHooks (UK Link/US Link)

Build-On Brick Mug (UK Link/US Link)

Sizzling Bacon Candy

Nose Pencil Sharpener (UK Link/US Link)

Poop Slingers

Toothpaste toppers

Poop toothpaste topper

Traditional Pencil Sharpener (UK Link/US Link)

Game of Phones: A Battle of Smartphone Skills (UK Link/US Link)

Our Other 2020 Gift Guides Include:

Comments are closed.