Parents of Teenage Boys - Please Help Me! - The DIS Discussion Forums

froggygrrrl · 11-23-2009, 01:40 PM

I am buying gifts for a family this Christmas. There are 3 sons in the family, ages 11, 15, and 17. I have absolutely zero experience buying anything for teenage boys. I grew up in a family of all sisters, so my dad was the only male I've ever bought for. I have no children, so I am completely out of touch!

What are some things that are popular with teen boys right now? I have their sizes, so I can buy clothes with no problem, but I would like to get them something else that is a bit more fun. Any suggestions?

Mkrop · 11-23-2009, 02:01 PM

Favorite team sports apparel.

Movie tickes/gift cards.

Itunes gift card.

Vidoe games.

Sgt Mickey · 11-23-2009, 02:18 PM

I tune cards
gift certicate to game stop

ckay87 · 11-23-2009, 02:23 PM

I have 2 teen boys and I have a hard time giving suggestions to family. The stuff mine want is always either too specific or (more likely) too expensive.

But one thing I can always recommend is movie tickets. I don't know a single teenager who doesn't like to go to the movies and it is expensive anymore. Even a gift certificate to the local theater so that they can use it on anything, such as snacks OR tickets.

In the same vein, you probably can't go wrong with McD's gift certificates either. Maybe you even know some other things that these guys like to go out and DO. Remember that teenagers often have free time to fill, they want to go out and DO things, but are usually short on money. So these are gifts that would really serve a practical purpose and be appreciated.

dawson5 · 11-23-2009, 02:53 PM

hoodies. I actually have 3 about those ages (12, 14, 17) and they all love hoodies. American Eagle, Hollister, and UnderArmour. Oldest has an Aeropostale one, I don't think it has held up as nice as the others but I think they are a bit more economical.

Best Buy gift cards they love too. There is always something they want there, if it's not a game it's something to go with their computers, a movie, music or even their phone.

geffric · 11-23-2009, 02:58 PM

I have 2 teen boys and they want money, gift certificates to Best Buy or the mall or iTunes cards..

disykat · 11-23-2009, 02:59 PM

I would not get something as specific as itune gift cards unless they were asked for. We're not financially challenged, but my teens would have no use for these. They have lesser know brand mp3 players, not ipods. Same for video games, my kids have a playstation2 and would have no use for xbox,wii, ps3, etc. games. I think you have to go for something that "stands alone" and doesn't "go with" something you don't know if they have.

I second movie tickets, hoodies, and Best Buy gift certificates. My kids also like Barnes and Noble gift cards (we have one in our mall and the kids sometimes meet friends there) and shopping on amazon.com.

On black Friday you might be able to get some cool gadgets like GPS systems, cameras, dvd players, that stand alone if you're looking for a "big wow" gift.

Teen boys are rough if you don't have specifics!

jx3smom · 11-23-2009, 03:02 PM

Gift cards to electronic stores or Target/Walmart. My boys always preferred picking their stuff out especially with the after Christmas sales. My DS also likes getting the fast food g/cs in his stocking.

cheermom1 · 11-23-2009, 03:07 PM

I have 4 teen boys and I would get them a gift certificate to game exchange or something like that - even if they don't have a game system they can get movies ....But I doubt they don't have at least 1 game system...

HeatherC · 11-23-2009, 03:07 PM

The 11 year old would probably like Tech Decks or Flick Trix. They are very popular with the 11-13 year old set here. The Tech Decks are little skateboards (ramps are separate) and flick trix are miniature bikes that do tricks.

They sell for under $10 at Walmart or Target.

For the older one maybe some kind of consumable thing. Kids that age love to eat and eat and eat. There are some fun gift sets out there around this time that they may enjoy.

Hope this helps!

PS. The 11 year old may also like Nerf stuff.

froggygrrrl · 11-23-2009, 03:45 PM

Thank you for all your replies! I know absolutely nothing about these boys (except for their sizes and favorite sports teams) and was panicking about what I could buy.

It definitely helps to think on a broader spectrum, like gift cards and such, instead of blindly buying something specific and hoping they like it.

If you can think of anything else that would help, please let me know!!

Thanks!

Darcy03231 · 11-23-2009, 04:19 PM

DS is 16. Things I get him (or put on the list for other family members):

Hoodies (sports teams espectially)
Lounge pants
Movie gift cards
Gift cards to Gamestop, Target, Walmart, Best Buy
Subway or Quiznos gift cards (the teens here prefer them to McDonalds)
Local video store gift cards
Cologne/Body spray (Axe is popular)
Sports equipment if they're into it. DS plays basketball and can always use a new ball.

powellrj · 11-23-2009, 04:20 PM

What about Axe gift sets. I know my DSs have always liked to smell good, in fact during the middle school years I always felt sorry for their bus drivers, they always left the house drenched in the stuff!

C.Ann · 11-23-2009, 05:15 PM

Some type of gift cards.. It's very, very difficult to know what teen boys want or like unless you spend a significant amount of time with them..

ShellsShirts · 11-23-2009, 05:19 PM

I agree with money or Best Buy cards.

11-23-2009, 01:40 PM	#1
froggygrrrl DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 855	Parents of Teenage Boys - Please Help Me! I am buying gifts for a family this Christmas. There are 3 sons in the family, ages 11, 15, and 17. I have absolutely zero experience buying anything for teenage boys. I grew up in a family of all sisters, so my dad was the only male I've ever bought for. I have no children, so I am completely out of touch! What are some things that are popular with teen boys right now? I have their sizes, so I can buy clothes with no problem, but I would like to get them something else that is a bit more fun. Any suggestions? __________________

11-23-2009, 02:01 PM	#2
Mkrop I just cant go on demand Hi my name is Mkop and I am a cart leaver! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Philly Suburbs!!!! Posts: 6,136	Favorite team sports apparel. Movie tickes/gift cards. Itunes gift card. Vidoe games. __________________ DH Me DS12 : DS7 2002 Contemporary April -May 2007 Contemporary June 2008 Contemporary Dec 2008 Boardwalk Inn June 2009 Disneyland Hotel and DCA

11-23-2009, 02:18 PM	#3
Sgt Mickey Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 465	I tune cards gift certicate to game stop __________________

11-23-2009, 02:23 PM	#4
ckay87 demented and sad...but social This morning I had "you can't overlook your underwear" stuck in my head Scared by a clapper in her teens Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 5,521	I have 2 teen boys and I have a hard time giving suggestions to family. The stuff mine want is always either too specific or (more likely) too expensive. But one thing I can always recommend is movie tickets. I don't know a single teenager who doesn't like to go to the movies and it is expensive anymore. Even a gift certificate to the local theater so that they can use it on anything, such as snacks OR tickets. In the same vein, you probably can't go wrong with McD's gift certificates either. Maybe you even know some other things that these guys like to go out and DO. Remember that teenagers often have free time to fill, they want to go out and DO things, but are usually short on money. So these are gifts that would really serve a practical purpose and be appreciated. __________________ [/IMG]

11-23-2009, 02:53 PM	#5
dawson5 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 825	hoodies. I actually have 3 about those ages (12, 14, 17) and they all love hoodies. American Eagle, Hollister, and UnderArmour. Oldest has an Aeropostale one, I don't think it has held up as nice as the others but I think they are a bit more economical. Best Buy gift cards they love too. There is always something they want there, if it's not a game it's something to go with their computers, a movie, music or even their phone. __________________ "That's some wrath right there. We own pitchforks, hot wax and feathers. And we're not afraid to use them." --anonymous

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11-23-2009, 02:58 PM	#6
geffric DH thinks I'm funny -- but I tell him it's like a hobby! I found myself checking for new posting while I am at work, at home, doing homework I have LOTS of really nice Disney loving friends Join Date: May 2001 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 8,782	I have 2 teen boys and they want money, gift certificates to Best Buy or the mall or iTunes cards.. __________________ Offical Holder of the TAGLIARCHY Chocolate Chip Pancake Maker

11-23-2009, 02:59 PM	#7
disykat DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Washington State Posts: 12,189	I would not get something as specific as itune gift cards unless they were asked for. We're not financially challenged, but my teens would have no use for these. They have lesser know brand mp3 players, not ipods. Same for video games, my kids have a playstation2 and would have no use for xbox,wii, ps3, etc. games. I think you have to go for something that "stands alone" and doesn't "go with" something you don't know if they have. I second movie tickets, hoodies, and Best Buy gift certificates. My kids also like Barnes and Noble gift cards (we have one in our mall and the kids sometimes meet friends there) and shopping on amazon.com. On black Friday you might be able to get some cool gadgets like GPS systems, cameras, dvd players, that stand alone if you're looking for a "big wow" gift. Teen boys are rough if you don't have specifics! __________________ DL - 1966 DL - 1974 WDW - 1987 (off site) WDW/Big Red Boat - honeymoon 1990 (Grosvenor) WDW/DCL - 2001 (SOG) 10th anniversary with kids! DL - August 2007 (Park Vue Inn)

11-23-2009, 03:02 PM	#8
jx3smom Don't ask me to do dishes Looking forward to seeing Figment again I think I need some new shoes Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: ocean city, nj Posts: 4,435	Gift cards to electronic stores or Target/Walmart. My boys always preferred picking their stuff out especially with the after Christmas sales. My DS also likes getting the fast food g/cs in his stocking.

11-23-2009, 03:07 PM	#9
cheermom1 He NEVER EVER takes them out in public I am not crazy just a spaz! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 2,218	I have 4 teen boys and I would get them a gift certificate to game exchange or something like that - even if they don't have a game system they can get movies ....But I doubt they don't have at least 1 game system... __________________ Linda dh dd15 DS 14 stepsons Brilliant people talk about ideas average people talk about things small people talk about other people

11-23-2009, 03:07 PM	#10
HeatherC DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,415	The 11 year old would probably like Tech Decks or Flick Trix. They are very popular with the 11-13 year old set here. The Tech Decks are little skateboards (ramps are separate) and flick trix are miniature bikes that do tricks. They sell for under $10 at Walmart or Target. For the older one maybe some kind of consumable thing. Kids that age love to eat and eat and eat. There are some fun gift sets out there around this time that they may enjoy. Hope this helps! PS. The 11 year old may also like Nerf stuff.

11-23-2009, 03:45 PM	#11
froggygrrrl DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 855	Thank you for all your replies! I know absolutely nothing about these boys (except for their sizes and favorite sports teams) and was panicking about what I could buy. It definitely helps to think on a broader spectrum, like gift cards and such, instead of blindly buying something specific and hoping they like it. If you can think of anything else that would help, please let me know!! Thanks! __________________

11-23-2009, 04:19 PM	#12
Darcy03231 DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5,816	DS is 16. Things I get him (or put on the list for other family members): Hoodies (sports teams espectially) Lounge pants Movie gift cards Gift cards to Gamestop, Target, Walmart, Best Buy Subway or Quiznos gift cards (the teens here prefer them to McDonalds) Local video store gift cards Cologne/Body spray (Axe is popular) Sports equipment if they're into it. DS plays basketball and can always use a new ball.

11-23-2009, 04:20 PM	#13
powellrj I am wide awake and on the dis boards My db and I usually fight over the turkey bones It was so bad, it was funny Note to self, never make anyone suffer with thirst Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 11,976	What about Axe gift sets. I know my DSs have always liked to smell good, in fact during the middle school years I always felt sorry for their bus drivers, they always left the house drenched in the stuff! __________________

11-23-2009, 05:15 PM	#14
C.Ann We'll remember when... No time for green bananas When the going gets tough, she gets the Palmolive!! If I knew we were going to be graded here, I might try harder Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 28,920	Some type of gift cards.. It's very, very difficult to know what teen boys want or like unless you spend a significant amount of time with them.. __________________ C.Ann ----------------- *"Scars remind us where we've been.. They don't have to dictate where we're going.."* "Life ain't always beautiful.....but it's a beautiful ride." "We won't be sad, we'll be glad for all the life we've had and we'll remember when...."

11-23-2009, 05:19 PM	#15
ShellsShirts Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 77	I agree with money or Best Buy cards.

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