If you have a teenage boy on your gift list and you are trying to get him something that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, this list of inexpensive gift ideas for teenage boys is for you.
You won’t find any laptops or newest gaming systems on this list–you won’t even find video games for the gaming systems. This list is meant to be wallet-friendly for those with a modest Christmas gift budget.
Inexpensive Gift Ideas Teenage Boys Will Love
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1. Gift cards
Gift cards for iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon are a safe gift choice for teenage boys. Whether they be a music lover, a movie lover, or a game lover, they can find something they like and download it to their devices.
Thrifty tip: You can purchase digital gift cards at a discount through Raise.com: Go here to create a free account and view the selection of gift cards they have.
Psst…Check out this list of places where you can earn gift cards you can give as gifts fast!
2. Slogan T-shirts
Is the boy on your list into Star Wars? Science? Video games? Chances are there is a slogan t-shirt for it.
Here is one for a video game lover
Yoda lovers are sure to like this one
3. Earbuds and Carrying Case
Earbuds tend to go missing often with this age group, so a new pair is always appreciated as it will soon be put to good use. Decrease the chances of them losing their new pair with this clip-on carrying case for earbuds and USB cords.
Wireless earbuds are still more expensive than those with wires, but they are coming down in price. Here is a pair that has hundreds of great reviews on Amazon.
If the teenage boy you are buying for still has devices that can used wired earbuds, here is a link to the type my boys love.
4. Slim Pocket Wallet
Big bulky wallets are out. Teenage boys want slim, minimalist wallets that don’t weigh down their back pockets. This one is RFID blocking and comes in several different finishes and colors.
Another big hit with the guys are cellphone cases that hold a few cards, which eliminates the need to carry a wallet. I bought this particular brand for one of my sons, and he loved it so much that when he switched phones, he asked me to buy him another one.
If you don’t know which type of smartphone the teenage boy on your list has, there are these stick-on wallet cardholders that can be applied to the back of almost any case or phone.
5. Molding Hair Cream And Shaving Products
Current teenage boy haircut styles require molding cream to keep them in place. A new jar is a gift that will be used and appreciated. You can round out a gift for the older teenage male by including this beard grooming set–grooming facial hair is a BIG thing with the older teenage boys.
6. Joggers
If my sons could, they would wear nothing else but joggers 24/7. They like their pairs to be similar to these with pockets for their cellphone and keys.
7. Leather Rope Bracelet
Now my boys don’t wear these, but I noticed that a lot of their friends do. You can spend a pretty penny on a leather rope bracelet, but there are inexpensive options like the ones listed below.
For the teen who prefers minimalist bracelets
And a layered one for the teen who wants his bracelet to stand out.
8. A Sock Hat
You might call this by another name, but whatever you call it, boys seem to love them. I have caught my boys wearing them when it isn’t the least bit cold outside. This is a popular brand and I can understand why as they are super warm and hold their shape well even after several washings.
9. A Keychain That Does Multiple Things
There is a little MacGyver in every male, even if they are too young to have watched the show. Get your MacGyver a 10-in-one tool for his keychain–he will be thrilled.
10. Portable Speaker
When one of my boys has all his friends over, there is a good chance his portable speaker is going to make an appearance so they can all hear the new tunes he found. Here is one that is waterproof and can be clipped to a backpack.
11. Portable Charger
The smartphone goes wherever they go so buying accessories for it is always an appreciated gift. A portable charger might sound like a boring gift, but teens love them as it means even if they are miles away from a plug, they can still keep their phone going–making it perfect for teens who like to hike, camp, and travel. Our family bought several of this brand of chargers several years ago, and they are still working well.
12. A Backsack
Boys like simple, and there isn’t a more straightforward way to pack than shoving it all in a backsack. As a mom, I love backsacks because you can turn them inside out, shake out the crumbs or dirt, and then throw them in the washer and dryer (drip dry for best results). I never knew just how smelly a backpack could get until I had boys.
Name brand backsacks are inexpensive so you can splurge on their favorite:
This pack would make an excellent gift for a teenage boy who is into sports. It has a separate compartment for their shoes or a ball. It also has a section that will keep wet items like a swimsuit from getting other items in the bag wet. Another feature is mesh pockets for a water bottle.
I hope you found something on this list for the teenage boy on your gift list.
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Lucy says
Threadless also have a lot of tees for less than 15. Often at the $10 mark.
Victoria says
I had not heard of Threadless so when I read your comment I clicked open another tab to check it out. It looks like a great place to get slogan t-shirts. Thanks for mentioning it.