Parents of Teenage Boys - Please Help Me!

[froggygrrrl]

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]

Favorite team sports apparel.

Movie tickes/gift cards.

Itunes gift card.

Vidoe games.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

I tune cards
gift certicate to game stop

 

[ckay87]

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]

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]

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

 

[disykat]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I agree with money or Best Buy cards.

 

[dawson5]

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!

Not sure if you have a Dunham's nearby or not. They run specials for Sunday & Monday, usually you can buy a college team sweatshirt/hoodie for around $20 (I think).

 

[golfgal]

I have a 14 almost 15 year old DS and a 17 year old DS and the hoodies and gift cards are pretty much what they want too. I wouldn't hesitate to get Itunes cards even if they might not have an actual IPod because they can still download songs to their computer and rip CD's if they want.

 

[WDWtraveler27]

hi! im 16 so i think i can help. definetly go with electronics. I think a best buy, target, or walmart would be great choices. but I say you go with the best buy gift card

 

[Cindy B]

I would say Best Buy or Game Stop GC. No to Walmart. Target is a big maybe.

 

[DISNEY1975]

My guys are 15 and 18.

My 15 yo had me waiting in the Game Stop line at midnight last week for an XBOX game COD Modern Warfare 2. I was mother of the year for that game! I think it comes for Playstation too.

Gamestop is very popular for a GC, but my guys also like long sleeved Ts with sports teams logo on it.

I asked DS18 what he wants this year for bday and Christmas. He doesnt know (but says he wants Eggnog waiting int he fridge when he gets home!) a card with cash is always good, with a note saying that you thought and thought about what to get and thought cash would be liked the best! That way they dont think you didnt think about it.

Good Luck