What to buy older teenage boys for Christmas

What to buy older teenage boys for Christmas

I’ve specifically done this list of what to buy older teenage boys for Christmas because I have 2 boys myself. Therefore, I only have real experience of buying for them.

Anything I have suggested here I have bought my teens through the years or I know of friends who have bought their boys similar. Secondly, none of it has been sent to me to be promoted, so any companies I mention here I have actually used or bought from them over the last 9 or10 years.

I also think that teen boys are much harder to buy for than girls. Probably because I don’t have girls myself. I imagine with clothes, perfumes and makeup and jewellery most things can be covered for girls. Certainly a designer item could certainly be covered as a main Christmas present. I fully appreciate I could totally be wrong about this too. But I have only experience in buying for boys in this house and so I think that is where my expertise lies.

What to buy older teenage boys for Christmas

I hope these ideas help others out on what to buy teenage boys for Christmas.

I also do not like giving my boys money. That’s just a personal choice I make and I also know my boys like it that way. Any family members who buy for them will give them money. That way they always have cash to put towards something more expensive in the sales if they want to.

We also aren’t the type of bargain hunters that go out first thing on Boxing Day to buy stuff in the sales either. Again it’s our personal choice and absolutely no shade on anyone that does. I personally like to buy my boys things I know they want as a main present and then fill it out with the usual extras like, underwear, t-shirts, books, cd’s or films. That way we all still enjoy a chilled out morning with everyone opening their pressies just as we did when they were little. They’ve also said that they love it that way.

I will say that most of these items on the list are for older teenagers. But some can easily be used from the age of 13 upwards depending on what your son is into at the time. I also appreciate it would depend on the maturity of the child.

So, here’s my list of what to buy teenage boys for Christmas

 

#1. A gaming chair or a good quality recliner chair and footstool.

Neither of my 2 boys ever had a proper gaming chair as they sit very low to the ground. If their games console is on a desk then it would mean looking up at the monitor and would therefore be less comfortable. Both my boys however have had good quality recliner chairs. One had a fabulous footstool which meant he could literally lay down if he wanted to. These can work out expensive, but I do think with these items you definitely get what you pay for.

My eldest had one which was around the £80 mark initially and lasted him until he went to uni. My youngest had a more expensive one with a footstool for around £120 from Amazon He likes to properly lounge while he’s gaming or watching telly, so it made sense to pay the extra.

#2. Good quality wireless headphones or a decent gaming headset.

My eldest at the time loved his music and also played keyboard which he could also use his headphones for. At the time we bought a good set from HMV Not quite Beats, but more bass heavy ones which he loved and they were about £80. My youngest is not bothered about the quality when listening to music or gaming. As long as he has in ear headphones he can use on his phone he is happy. As they tend to lose these or break them easily by stuffing them in pockets and school bags, I normally get something cheaper either from Amazon or HMV for around £6-10 depending on what is on sale.

#3. Young Driver driving lessons.

Both my son’s have at different times been given these to try out and both loved them. They are pricey at £30 for 30 minutes, which doesn’t seem very long. But because of the intensity of the activity it’s definitely long enough. I guarantee you they will love it and come away thinking they can properly drive. Young Driver have centres across the country and also offer skills days, parties and even a Bentley lesson. Something like this also helps get them away from computer screens and into real life which is always a bonus.

#4. An electric guitar and amp/ or a keyboard.

Lets face it most teen boys go through the ‘wanna be a rock star phase’. Either of these are perfect starters in that direction. My eldest started with a keyboard and even went to piano lessons for a while for the basics. But he learnt most of his playing from good old Youtube tutorials. After a few years he showed an interest in the guitar and we bought him an electric guitar and amp just from Argos. This is where those headphones will come in handy. He is now 22 and he still has his keyboard and added to his guitar collection himself. so for that interest alone both of those gifts worked out brilliantly.

#5. Concert tickets.

Before you shout at me, yes I realise these are very expensive nowadays. Also in the year of lockdowns this isn’t an option at the moment. But remember back when you first started to go to concerts with your friends. There is nothing better than seeing your favourite band play live.

One of my all time favourites was seeing Robbie Williams play Knebworth. The atmosphere was fantastic and I enjoyed that courtesy of a very good friend of mine and will never forget it. I also took my son to see Bon Jovi play at Hyde park which he absolutely loved as did I.

For my eldest’s 18th birthday he had tickets to see Muse  (one of his fav’s) play at the O2 with a friend the day before his actual birthday. Yes they are expensive but if they love a band or artist that whole experience will stay with them forever. Definitely worth the money if you can stretch to it. Again when they get the tickets on Christmas Day they may not being going until later in the year and it gives them something to look forward to.

#6. Theatre tickets.

So if your teen is into his drama and performing then buying them tickets to one of the big shows will be well appreciated. Now neither of mine, although my youngest acted for a while, were into theatre shows as such. However my eldest wanted to go see Rock of Ages when it played in London. It’s more music to be fair, but it actually was a really good enjoyable night and he still remembers it now. You can also have a look at what’s on in your local theatres. If you live within travelling distance to London then literally there is an amazing choice, once Covid is under control! Again they’ve something to look forward to when they get the tickets.

#7. An unlimited cinema card or a gift card for your local cinema.

This is aimed at the film buffs which my youngest most definitely is, and always has been. I am trying to get him to review a film a month on my blog as he literally picks everything apart, knows actors, directors, producers and filming styles. At just 19 his all time favourite films would include, Shawshank Redemption, Split, Titanic, and Jaws to name a few. One of his all time favourite actors is James McAvoy who he feels is desperately underrated.

I know Cineworld do an unlimited card for just £17.90 a month. Your teen will only have to go twice in a month to get their money’s worth and I think they also get 10% of snacks and drinks too. My youngest and I go to the cinema all the time together, so when he had one of these cards it was perfect as he could also go and see films with his friends at no extra cost. Also because it can be paid monthly there is no major outlay before Christmas. Lets face it the monthly price works out less than most of their phone contracts these days.

Or if you just wanted to spend a particular amount then most cinemas offer a gift cards. That way you can buy a particular amount and  they can go with friends until it runs out.

When my boys were little me and my close friend would buy cinema gift cards for each others kids. Then we would use them to meet up at our local cinema to go see a film together. They got to see a film and also got to see their friends at the same time.

#8. An upgraded TV or games monitor.

Ok, I appreciate this one will be a little controversial with some parents. You don’t want your teens on screens all the time and I totally hear you. However, when they are older at 17 and 18, there is a level of privacy that they want. Either while they are on games talking to their friends or watching films, or even just when they have their mates round. So a tiny little portable telly probably wont cut it at this age. They may be looking to upgrade to a bigger screen, or like my eldest who has literally built himself a games computer. Every so often he upgrades a monitor to one with a better resolution, or more memory. So this one is aimed at the older boys definitely.

#9. A NOWTV gift card for 3 or 6th months viewing.

Again aimed at the older teens. Unlike you or I who may love to sit down at home and binge watch either a series or a film to chill out, teens like to watch on the go. Maybe if they use a bus or train to get to school they can have it streamed on their phone for travelling to and from home. Or if they have a part time job they can watch something on their lunch break. The bonus of this one is that it literally wont break the bank and you can also buy Nowtv gift cards in most supermarkets.

#10. Proper driving lessons.

Ok, not all teens want to have their first lesson on their 17th birthday. Some don’t do it straight away. Neither of my 2 boys had a lesson on their 17th birthday as they weren’t that interested at the time. So if you have a teen who’s 17th birthday is after Christmas, or they just haven’t started lessons yet  why not get them some vouchers for a reputable company to start them off. Again it’s something they can look forward to after the Christmas holidays. You can also fill out their pressies with books, cd’s that will help them with their theory and hazard perception test.

There you have it.

There are a lot more I could add to this list, A trip to Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios for a start for any Potter fans. Even at 19 my youngest still wants to go back as they have added the Forbidden Forest since we went last, Also personal grooming gifts such as a 1st razor is a good gift as some boys wouldn’t naturally approach you and ask for one. I appreciate  there are some 16 and 17 year olds with more facial hair than my husband and possibly wouldn’t go out and buy one themselves.

Hope that is helpful to some of you.

I appreciate a lot of girls would love a lot of these gifts too. But I have 2 boys and I am going on my own experience only of buying for older teenage boys only.

I know as our kids get older that super special feeling of excitement on Christmas morning isn’t there. Instead of getting them to stay in bed you are having to drag them out of bed for a start.

What have you bought for your teen boys in the past and what are you buying them this year?

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