What type of gifts do 14-year-old boys like?

The type of gift that you buy should align with your 14-year-old boy's personality and hobbies. For example, if they are a basketball fan, consider a basketball hoop or a jersey of their favorite player from their favorite team. Swann suggests tickets to a local game of a sport of their choosing. "A night out or an afternoon out could be a great gift. It doesn't necessarily have to be the NBA or the NFL," she says.

What are some good self-care products for a teen this age?

14 is an age when most boys are going through puberty and experiencing many changes. Grooming and hygiene sets can make great gifts for 14-year-old boys. For mental and emotional self-care, consider "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" or another self-care book like it.

What gift card amount is appropriate for 14-year-old boys?

This will largely depend on what type of gift card you are buying your 14-year-old-boy. If you're getting a gift card from a specific store, you'll want to make sure the amount will cover a variety of items in that store. For example, if they have a Nintendo Switch, most of the Switch games retail for around $60, so getting them a $25 gift card to a store that sells Switch games will be insufficient. Alternatively, you can provide them with a general gift card, like a Visa gift card, with an amount that fits within your budget that they can use in any store.

The 25 Best Gifts for 14-Year-Old Boys of 2022

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If you get more grunts than gift ideas when you ask your 14-year-old boy what they would like, don't stress; there are tons of options out there to choose from.

We researched the best gift options on the market, considering if each choice is age-appropriate, safe, has educational value, and aligns with teenagers' interests. Our top choice is the Nintendo Switch for unbeatable handheld gaming, with unlimited game options and the opportunity to play with friends and family as well.

Here, the best gifts for 14-year-old boys.

Our Top Picks

Gray Switch at Amazon

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TRSCIND Survival Gear Kits at Amazon

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Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Pullover Hoodie at Dick's

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Pottery Barn Color Changing LED Sports Hoop at PBteen

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Funko Pop Monthly Pop in a Box at Popinabox.us

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Beats EP Wired On-Ear Headphones at Amazon

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Spin Master Rubik’s Perplexus Game at Amazon

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Junli Freeride Skateboard at Amazon

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Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone at Amazon

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The North Face Borealis Backpack at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust the Spruce

Courtesy of Amazon

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The Nintendo Switch is a gaming system like no other and, for that, it’s an unbeatable gift for teens. They can play in the living room with friends and family; in their bedroom when the downstairs TV is being used; or, of course, on the go, from the school bus to waiting for band lessons to start.

There are over 1,000 games compatible with the Switch so your 14-year-old is guaranteed to find something they love. The battery life varies from 4.5 to 9 hours depending on how long you play. Up to eight consoles can be connected at once, perfect for birthday parties or sleepovers.

The standard Switch comes with two Joy-Cons. Each Joy-Con controller features an analog stick, a full complement of face buttons, shoulder buttons and motion-sensing technology. The handheld game has a nostalgic design while the other playing modes are reminiscent of larger gaming consoles without the super high price tag or large size.

Gamers of all kinds can enjoy the Switch, whether they are just starting out or looking for a new way to play their favorite classics. Thousands of positive reviews praise the innovative gaming console, making it our top choice for this occasion and more.

Courtesy of Amazon

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A fully loaded survival kit helps teens pretend that a weekend camping trip is a fun and rugged adventure. With three different kits available, Trscind offers an assortment of essential tools for the outdoorsman. Some of the major pieces include survival knives, flashlights, fire starters, and glow-in-the-dark compasses—and that’s just the start.

The 24 Best Gifts 15-year-old Boys Will Actually Use

Nike

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Buying a fashion item for a teenage boy can be a bit risky. But, a simple hoodie is always a good choice. This classic Nike hoodie is a closet staple and super comfortable with a fleece lining. The best part about this pick is that it comes in 15 sizes and colors, so there is something for everyone. A trendy sweatshirt like this effortlessly transitions from class to practice to lounging at home.

Pottery Barn

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Your 14-year-old probably loves basketball so much that he’ll hoop with friends until the sun goes down. But with Pottery Barn’s light-up hoop, they can play even once the stars come out, inside and out. Easily hang the wall-mounted hoop in your teen's bedroom or living room for dunking baskets between homework assignments. Simple plug in the hoop and flip a switch to watch it glow.

Funko Pop

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A subscription service in an innovative gift that provides a special surprise every month, like this one from Funko Pop. Funko Pops are adorable collectibles that features characters from books, movies, television shows, and more. Add a mystery element to the fun of Funko Pops with a monthly subscription. Every month, your teen will open two surprise pops that you can fit to their interests. Choose from anime, disney, marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more to find something they will love and can display in their space.

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Family road trips. Zoning out while doing homework. Headphones come in handy for 14-year-olds (especially if they have younger siblings to avoid), and this pair of Beats is the perfect pick for teens because of its balance in quality and price.

Beats is one the most esteemed audio brands in the world, so even one of their most affordable pairs, like the EP On-Ear Headphones, is equipped with numerous features and high-end design. This pair is battery-free, adjustable, and connects to iOS and Android devices to take phone calls and control music. They are sleek, lightweight, and much comfier than the earbuds knotted up inside your teen’s backpack.

We Researched the Best Gifts for Teen Boys—Here Are Our Favorites

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A fun puzzle is cool, but one that combines two classic puzzles is even better. The Rubik’s Perplexus is full of literal twists and turns as your teen has to get the steel ball through the maze. Along the way there are 100 obstacles. It’s challenging, but they’ll feel so accomplished when they solve the maze.

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Introduce your teen to a new skill or gift him a new skateboard for trying new tricks. Built for downhill, speed, and freestyle riding, the Junli Freeride allows you to further develop your strength, balance, and reaction as a skateboarder. There are 13 styles so you teen can pick the one that speaks to them, so even if it ends up hung on their bedroom wall, it will still look cool.

Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P H

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Holy Stone’s HS110D FPV Drone is distinctly suited to bring joy to teens, as it’s both easy to use and easy on the wallet. Great for beginners, this drone has adjustable speed modes, altitude hold (which means stationary hovering), and an easy one-touch start and landing button that will keep teens comfortable and in control while operating. The video quality is a standard 720p, as opposed to pricier drones that shoot in 1080p, but the views from this 120-degree wide-angle camera are still breathtaking.

4.6

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A solid backpack is a practical gift that your teenage boy will reach for everyday and use for years. This pick is water-resistant and designed for back and shoulder support, so he can wear it comfortably for hours at school, on hikes, or while traveling. Side bungee cords allow for more compression so he can fit all of his essentials comfortable inside without appearing too bulky. There are tons of compartments inside the North Face Borealis backpack so all of his school supplies, sporting goods, or personal items are organized and within reach.

Courtesy of Amazon

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For teens who have a million questions, this book is for them. "The Way Things Work Now" breaks down topics like 3D, touchscreens, how elevators work, and more in a way that’s easily accessible and understandable. The anecdotal stories can make even the least interesting topics seem fun.

Courtesy of Carhartt

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For the perfect Christmas or Hanukkah present, or if your son or nephew's birthday falls in the winter, opt for a stylish and warm beanie he can pair with any outfit. The iconic outdoor brand Carhartt makes winter essentials including this acrylic beanie in a traditional design with the logo right in front. Pick a classic black option for choose from the 30 available colors for a cold weather staple he will be glad he has.

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

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This isn’t just another excuse for 14-year-olds to be on their phones. It’s an exciting and competitive scavenger hunt, easy to set up and even easier to play. The objective is simple: collect the most cards, you win. Each turn, players draw a prompt card and must complete the task either the fastest or the funniest to win the card. Tasks can include anything from finding the strangest Google Image result of your name to creating a motionless five-second video selfie.

The 16 Best Card Games for Kids and Adults in 2022

Courtesy of Dylans Candy Bar

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When in doubt, turn to candy. A candy basket is a universal gift that every recipient will enjoy opening, including 14-year-old boys. This bucket is chock full of Dylan's Candy Bar favorites including gummy bears, chocolate bars, truffles, and more. This is also a perfect gift to send to your nephew or grandson who may not live in the same state or city as you. You can even add a gift note to appear on the package.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera

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With so much of the world made digital, people have rediscovered the joy of items that can be felt, kept, and cherished—and that’s why instant cameras are back. And no instant camera is better for your teen than Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 90.

The Mini 90 has features that 80’s cameras could only dream of. It automatically adjusts the lighting of your shot for a crisp, balanced picture every time. And, similar to a DSLR, it has numerous camera modes to fit whatever situation you’re in.

EBODA Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speakers

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This bluetooth speaker can go, well, pretty much anywhere. It’s waterproof (for the beach, pool, or shower) and extremely portable. A charge has up to 24 hours of playtime and there’s a 33-foot range. In addition to those features, the speaker has five LED lights for a truly standout style.

Amazon

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Your teen most likely has a ton of t-shirts but probably nothing as fun and funny as this one. This is especially great for the teen who’s a hardcore gamer who hates pulling themselves away from their favorite activity. The material is super soft, and the shirt comes in a range of sizes.

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This book has sold millions and is an adaptation of the popular "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." This teen version touches on important topics of self esteem, friendships, and peer pressure. It’s almost 300 pages of life lessons and written in a way young teens can identify with.

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Despite the range of music equipment on the market, from high-priced amps to convoluted editing software, all a songwriter needs is an instrument and a piece of paper. But this hardcover songwriting journal is more than just a way to jot down notes; it’s a space where the artist in your life can create.

The pages inside are full of songwriting tips and inspiration, including quotes from the world’s greatest musicians and an introductory section that outlines songwriting basics. Each of the 72 pages is lined and labeled with useful areas for the date and song title, as well as for more intricate songwriting facets like tempo, mood, melody, and chords.

The Best Self-Journals for Reflection

Courtesy of Zappos

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Sneakers are a timeless gift for teenage boys, and Chuck Taylors are as timeless as it gets. Famously designed in the 1920s as an early basketball shoe, All Stars were the first Chuck’s ever made.

All Stars have largely gone unchanged over the past century, still known for their rubber sole, prominent toe cap, and overall clean and simple design. They go with jeans or khakis, shorts or sweats, making them perfect for the teen boy who occasionally has trouble matching. All Stars are also comfortable, durable, and generally more affordable than sneakers from name brands like Nike or Adidas.

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4.5

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This is a pretty versatile game that can be played indoors, in the backyard, or even at the beach. This 2-on-2 game requires players to spike the ball in the net. But don’t worry, the net is pretty durable, and so is the rim. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble and the items can be stored in the drawstring backpack.

The 20 Best Lawn Games of 2022

Ion iCade Core Arcade Game Controller for iPad

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This toy has the look of a vintage arcade game but it combines with modern technology. The game controller has a joystick, buttons, and a dock for an iPad. The tablet can be used in portrait or landscape mode, and there’s even a slot so that it can be charged while playing. The accompanying app features one free game and additional ones require purchase.

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If the teen boy in your life loves sports, test his knowledge with this fun and engaging trivia game from Mindware. Three types of cards included in this game test players’ ability to See It, Know It or Name It. The See It category challenges players to identify a close-up image relating to sports, so even non-sports fans can play along. Perfect for a family game night or a sports themed party, this game will keep your 14-year-old engaged while he learns something new.

The 10 Best Trivia Games of 2022

Paladone

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Challenge your teen to 16 different puzzles that mirror the fun of an escape room right at home. This engaging board game from Paladone comes with a plastic padlock with 256 different combinations to test and try throughout the game. Gather three or more players together and set a time to see how quickly you can crack the code. The average playing time is an hour; can you beat it?

4.8

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For the ultimate practical present, ensure your teen never loses their iPhone or iPad again. Parents alike will love that the AirTag attaches to your wallet or backpack and uses Bluetooth technology to keep track of your most important devices. For such an affordable price, this tech gift is a no-brainer.

Interests

"My first tip is always going on a reconnaissance mission where you take a little bit of time to try to determine the interests of that specific individual," says etiquette expert Elaine Swann. She gives some examples on common interests for 14-year-old boys, like gaming, and how you can fit your gift to those interests. "Gaming doesn't always mean you go out and get them a new game," she says. "Sometimes it means a membership to some form of gaming platform or accessories that go with the gaming system."

Other teen boys are more interested in things like art. "You can purchase them an art kit, supplies, or anything that goes along with the medium they prefer to use," shares Swann.

Age Appropriateness

Fourteen-year-olds are on the younger side of teens, but that doesn’t mean that they are short on opinions or preferences. Talk to the 14-year-old boy in your life to learn more about his interests and hobbies. This can help you narrow down on the perfect gift. Just make sure to run your ideas by his parents so that they can make sure that he is mature enough for the gift you want to give. Card games can be fun, but not all are kid-friendly.

Safety

Chances are that your 14-year-old boy has started to spend more time online and with friends. Before gifting him a toy that allows him to engage virtually, make sure to talk about internet safety. Toys that encourage your child to build and explore how parts work together can have some safety considerations. Include a helmet, safety goggles, or any other necessary protective gear with your gift so that they are able to start the fun right away.

Educational Value

Gifts that incorporate learning into the fun can be a great way to encourage kids to think critically outside of the classroom. For the most educational value, look for a gift that helps them see the connections between their interests and the world.

If they are a gamer, look for ones that allow them to build worlds and code. For a mechanical kid, anything that lets them explore while building and designing is great. Games and puzzles can also incorporate a variety of skills, such as communication, reading, strategy, and more. The Science Museum of Virginia's Virginia STEM Coordinator Chuck English stresses the importance of helping your child make these connections. “That helps kids see how it all fits together,” he says.

Ensure that your gift still fits in the realm of a want rather than a need. This line can blur when it comes to finding gifts with educational value. A great gift may be educational, but also fit within their interests. "Anything within the STEAM or STEM area that is enjoyable for the teen would be a great gift," according to Swann. "As long as the gift doesn't feel like homework, you're good."

FAQ

What type of gifts do 14-year-old boys like?

The type of gift that you buy should align with your 14-year-old boy's personality and hobbies. For example, if they are a basketball fan, consider a basketball hoop or a jersey of their favorite player from their favorite team. Swann suggests tickets to a local game of a sport of their choosing. "A night out or an afternoon out could be a great gift. It doesn't necessarily have to be the NBA or the NFL," she says.
What are some good self-care products for a teen this age?

14 is an age when most boys are going through puberty and experiencing many changes. Grooming and hygiene sets can make great gifts for 14-year-old boys. For mental and emotional self-care, consider "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" or another self-care book like it.
What gift card amount is appropriate for 14-year-old boys?

This will largely depend on what type of gift card you are buying your 14-year-old-boy. If you're getting a gift card from a specific store, you'll want to make sure the amount will cover a variety of items in that store. For example, if they have a Nintendo Switch, most of the Switch games retail for around $60, so getting them a $25 gift card to a store that sells Switch games will be insufficient. Alternatively, you can provide them with a general gift card, like a Visa gift card, with an amount that fits within your budget that they can use in any store.

This roundup was written by Patrice J. Williams. She has contributed gift guides to The Spruce since 2020. She loves helping her friends and family find unique, thoughtful, and wallet-friendly presents. In addition to her work for The Spruce, she writes commerce articles, including product suggestions and reviews, for other outlets as well as appearing on air for The Today Show, WEtv, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City.

Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays. Expert advice was provided by etiquette expert Elaine Swann.