The 22 Best Gifts for 15-year-old Boys of 2023

Firmly entrenched in their teen years, many 15-year-old boys like the latest and greatest in technology, fashion, and gear, but don't stress—there are tons of options out there that are sure to suit their style.

We researched the best gift options, considering age appropriateness, safety, educational value, and compatibility so you can easily narrow down your list. Our favorite picks include a cool longboard from Retrospec, a cozy hoodie from Champion, and a fun party game from Uncommon Goods.

4.7

Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard Skateboard

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Longboards are larger and sturdier than traditional skateboards, making for an easier, smoother ride. They’re great for teens who are learning to board, as well as a fun way to get outside and be active.

Retrospec’s Zed Bamboo Longboard Cruiser is one of the most popular and highly reviewed boards online, and it’s also one of the most stylish. With 15 colors and designs, from its colorful Zuma Sundown to its sleek White Marble, you can find a look that your teen will love.

Price at time of publish: $70

Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker

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If you're looking for a gift they'll use for years to come, check out the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker. This powerful speaker boasts 360-degree sound, is completely portable, and can play for up to 20 hours per charge. It's also waterproof, pairs wirelessly up to 150 meters, and features wireless charging, making it easy to enjoy it on the go.

It also pairs with nearly any Bluetooth-enabled device, so your teenager can pair their smart device easily and enjoy their favorite songs at their desired volume. Just be sure they don't pump the music too loud...

Price at time of publish: $165

KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector

Amazon

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Take your favorite movies on the go with this portable but powerful projector from Kodak. It has a built-in rechargeable battery, so he can take it with him to friends' houses. Plug in any device using HDMI, USB Type-A ports, or microSD card for a completely unique viewing experience.

Add your favorite tripod to the tripod mount for steady viewing—just be sure you are watching in a pitch black room for the best picture quality. This is a great tech gadget for movie or tv show enthusiasts that the whole family can enjoy together. Combine it with an outdoor movie screen for the ultimate bonding experience.

Price at time of publish: $220

Gift your teen a nice pair of sunglasses that will suit any style or face shape. The original aviators from Ray-Ban are a timeless choice that will never go out of style. They also come in a variety of colors and three sizes so you are bound to find the perfect fit for your eyes.

More expensive than competitors, Ray-Bans need to be taken care of, so be sure your teen keeps a carrying case and cleaning cloth nearby so they can prolong the life of their shades.

Price at time of publish: $163

4.4

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The Canadian company, Herschel Supply Co, was founded in 2009 with the intention to create bags and accessories that have a nostalgic feel and strong attention to detail. Their classic styles are used for traveling, work, school, and more.

The Pop Quiz is spacious, measuring 17.5 x 11.75 x 6 inches, and perfect for storing everyday essentials. There's a padded laptop sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, plus a range of other pockets for sunglasses and other media. It’s a trendy backpack guaranteed to fit your teen’s style, as it’s available in 13 colors, from basic black to more vivid colors like wine and deep ultramarine.

Price at time of publish: $60

4.8

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Amazon

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Stay hydrated and environmentally friendly with a portable and sleek water bottle. Hydro Flasks are designed to keep drinks hot or cold for hours, and the stainless steel ensures a pure taste without any flavor transfer. Choose from four sizes and a variety of colors for a bottle that fits his lifestyle.

For a busy teen, a Hydro Flask is a functional present that he will get extended use out of, whether he brings it to school or sports practice.

Price at time of publish: $34

Kay Jewelers

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Jewelry may be a risky option when shopping for teen boys, but a simple silver chain is the Gen-Z fashion staple that they will happily add to their wardrobe. This one from Kay Jewelers is an inexpensive option, perfect for their first chain. The sterling silver will match any outfit for a present they can wear every day.

Kay Jewelers has the same chain in various sizes to perfectly fit your teen and hang at just the right place. Or opt for a gold option for a slightly higher price tag, but a look more tailored to their taste.

Price at time of publish: $340

Spikeball Roundnet Combo Set with 3 balls and Backpack

Walmart

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Spice up any outdoor party with this super fun portable game. The rules of Spikeball are easy: Four players compete in teams to bounce the yellow ball on the net to keep it in play. All you need to play is some friends and a little bit of open space.

The best part of Spikeball is that you can take it anywhere. The legs fold up for easy storage so teens can take their new game to friends' houses or even the beach. Get your teen active and bonding with a fun and portable outdoor game.

Price at time of publish: $70

The 22 Best Lawn Games of 2023

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Fifteen is an age worth remembering. From family vacations to adventures with friends, the Akaso EK7000 will capture your teenager’s happiest and most important moments.

There are several reasons why this is an especially great sports camera choice for teens: it’s waterproof up to 100 feet, able to connect to a smartphone or tablet with its built-in WiFi (perfect for quick social media posts) and it’s an affordable alternative to GoPro. It also has a 170-degree wide-angle lens offering stunning quality shots and remote control capability to turn the lens on and shuffle through camera modes. This is perfect for teens who want to film themselves doing anything from skateboard tricks to bits for their YouTube channel.

Price at time of publish: $70

4.2

Amazon

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The extra thick walls and permafrost insulation on this Yeti cooler are designed to keep drinks cold and the handle and wheels make it easy for bringing on the go.

Teen boys will love bringing this heavy-duty cooler to tailgates, backyard parties, or beach days. With proper care, this is a gift they can enjoy for years to come (but the whole family can utilize now).

Price at time of publish: $450

Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie Sweatshirt

Urban Outfitters

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With its simple details and Champion’s classic C logo embroidered across the chest and cuff, this hoodie is not only in-style at the moment but a look that will stay relevant for years and years. Standard fit, adjustable drawstrings, kanga pocket—it’s a clean and casual look that harkens back to the height of 90’s sportswear. It’s a balanced cotton-polyester blend, machine-washable, and available in sizes XS-3XL.

Price at time of publish: $65

4.2

Amazon

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For fifteen year olds who play sports or are constantly hunched over a phone or computer, a therapy massager makes a functional gift they didn't even know they needed. After a long day of school and extracurriculars, they are guaranteed to reach for their Theragun to unwind and prepare for another day of being a teenager.

The Theragun Elite has different speed and pressures for a personalized massage, and the design makes it easy to target any muscles that need it.

Price at time of publish: $399

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Gift Republic

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Cozy up on the couch as you and your teen make your way through 100 iconic films. Once you watch the film, scratch off the matching square to reveal a corresponding photo until you complete all 100 spots. This is a great way to expose teens to legendary films from The Godfather to The Lion King and spend time together.

Once completed, they will love showing off this poster as a piece of wall decor for their room. Just be sure to check the ratings of each film before viewing!

Price at time of publish: $23

4.3

Best Buy

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In addition to their groundbreaking wireless design, AirPods separate themselves from other headphones due to a myriad of cutting-edge features that teens will love.

For starters, AirPods can sense when they’re in your ears and automatically pause when you take them out. You can also adjust the headphone volume, change the song or call someone by merely saying, “Hey, Siri,” and making your request. Apple’s speech-detecting microphones block out external noise, come in a convenient charing case, and allow your 15-year-old to listen to their favorite music or podcasts completely hands-free.

Price at time of publish: $130

New Era

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Every knit hat in this NFL-themed collection from New Era is comfortable and ultra-warm, but that’s not the only reason they make great gifts for 15-year-olds. These are also the same hats worn on the sidelines by NFL players every Sunday, so your teen will be able to look and feel like his idols. And with a uniquely designed hat for all 32 NFL franchises, this is also a way for your teen to proudly rep his favorite team.

The hats are fleece-lined, one-size-fits-all. Each hat is embroidered with a team logo on the front, the NFL logo on the back, and the team’s city scripted across the forehead.

Price at time of publish: $40

Nordstrom

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Nike’s Air Force 1 is an absolute classic. Released in 1982 as high-tops designed for on-court play, they have gone on to become the quintessential lifestyle sneaker, known for their simple, clean design. Plus, they're consistently named one of the most iconic and influential shoes of all time.

While these kicks span all age groups, teens will love the comfort and durability of the Air Force 1’s and the fact that they match any outfit. It’s easy to find a pair that perfectly fits your teen’s style, too, as these sneakers are available in dozens of colorways and designs, ranging from classic white-on-white to eye-catching floral patterns. You can even customize your sneakers by choosing the colors and materials perfect for your teen.

Price at time of publish: $130+

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Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable

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The Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable is a great gift for the musician in your life. A modern twist on a classic turntable, this one comes in a portable leather suitcase, features full-range speakers, and is Bluetooth-enabled, making it easy to wirelessly stream music.

The turntable features three different speed options for spinning vinyl and has an RCA and auxiliary port to connect additional speakers or devices. Even when not in use, it makes a unique addition to a bedroom and comes in a variety of different colors.

Price at time of publish: $90

LEGO

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The great thing about LEGO sets is they can be enjoyed at any age. This particular set is aimed at teenagers so will definitely challenge your 15-year-old in the best way possible. Work together as they construct one of the most famous statues in history as part of the LEGO Architecture series.

This set has 1,685 pieces, so they are guaranteed to spend time on this gift. Once they are finished, they will have a new decor piece to display in their spaces to show off their hard work.

Price at time of publish: $102

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All serious gamers need a gaming chair. This one from Homall has everything you need to game comfortably. The foam is designed to fit any body and the included headrest and lumbar support add to the overall comfort level.

Teens can tilt the chair back between 90 and 150 degrees for their ideal gaming style, and the wheels move easily on carpet or hard wood. The sleek red and black design fits with any bedroom decor and adds the perfect seating to gaming setups.

Price at time of publish: $135

Uncommon Goods

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Give a gift the whole family can enjoy together with this Game of Phones party game. This game turns your phone into a digital sidekick for a hilarious scavenger hunt as three or more players conjure the funniest answers to game prompts.

While won't get them away from their screens, Game of Phones is a great bonding option for teens to play together at birthday parties or for families to compete in as it is designed for ages 13 and up.

Price at time of publish: $25

Uncanny Brands

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Teens can feel The Force from home every time they make popcorn in this popcorn maker modeled after the Death Star. Perfect for a Star Wars-themed birthday party or movie marathon, your 15-year-old Jedi will love this fun kitchen gadget.

The popcorn maker uses the hot-air popping method, so no oil is required for a quick snack. The whole mechanism is super easy to master and takes about two to three minutes in total. Additionally, the top cover doubles as a bowl for easy cleanup.

Price at time of publish: $60

Wanxing

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Elevate your teen's gaming space with this game console neon sign from Wanxing. Neon signs add a fun youthful touch to any space. Fun teen bedroom decor options make for great gifts because your recipient will use and appreciate them everyday.

This sign uses a USB power supply and has a convenient on and off switch, so set up and use is stress-free. This would make a great statement piece above a gaming computer, or instead brighten up any empty wall space with the funky lighting option.

Price at time of publish: $29

Recommended Age

Most teens are more interested in gear than toys, so most of our recommendations are for items that they can use into adulthood. Gifts for teens start to get more expensive, so make sure that your 15-year-old boy is able to handle the additional responsibility that comes with taking care of a more delicate piece of equipment.

Safety

Fifteen-year-old boys can start taking more responsibility for their own safety, with everything from helmets and protective gear to stylish cases for tech products available for them. Consider including one with your gift if you have a good idea of their personal style. You could also add a gift card to their favorite retailer so that they can pick one out themselves.

If you're purchasing a gift with an online component, it’s important to talk to your teen boy about online safety and make sure that he knows what to do if he feels unsafe or uncomfortable.

Educational Value

Consider how your teen will use their gift. For example, bags should have enough space for a laptop, school books, and other things that they need to be ready for their day. Look for tech that they can use with educational apps to maximize their learning.

Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia, says that engaging with electronics has changed over the years. “Screen time now is not all passive. There is some active engagement—games, social interactions—we need to consider some of that.”

Compatibility

Many teens use their tech in a variety of ways, so make sure that any tech gifts that you choose are compatible with the gear that they already have and love. Most work with multiple platforms, such as Apple or Google, but some have specific models for each. Check with your teen or their parents to see which they prefer.

This article was originally written and researched by Derek Rose, a Brooklyn, New York-based product writer for The Spruce who has been working for the brand since 2019. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, interviews with experts, and more.