Gift Ideas for Boys in High School – Freshman
Unless you’re the parent of a boy in high school, it can be difficult to pick the right gift. Being a decade or two out of their loop can make us dangerous gift givers. Who would want to be responsible for giving the gift of social ridicule?
With the help of my freshman son, we’ve put together some safe gift ideas for boys in high school. This post contains affiliate links and some items were sent for review.
Gift Ideas for Freshman Boys in High School
Tall Socks
Crew socks are all the rage right now. In fact, my son prefers to wear shorts — even in the cold — for the sole purpose of showing off his socks.
Name brands like Nike and Under Armor are the faves and anything colorful. He loves these inspirational socks from Inspyr as well.
If you haven’t seen the teen you’re buying for in colorful socks, go for the safe bet of white or black crew socks.
Even if they’re not tall, bold and colorful socks are still a trendy and fun gift.
Gift fun and colorful socks from a company that gives back. Socks are the most needed item in shelters. With Society Socks, you buy a pair and they give a pair!
I was sent samples to try out. The socks are soft and comfortable with unique designs and bold colors. Explore their site to find several gift options to choose from!
Outdoor Games
Want to encourage more outdoor play? Let these boys still be boys by getting them out there with friends and family.
Capture the Flag REDUX (amazon) is a new spin on a classic game. In fact, the whole family will want to join in on this glow-in-the-dark fun. The game set comes with everything you need to play right away and includes different game variations to keep it interesting.
Battle like a ninja samurai using harmless glowing swords! Family, friends, and neighbors play organized sword fighting games using (harmless!) glowing foam weapons. With 10 variations, it encourages kids and families to play together.
If you need a gift around Halloween, Wizards & Werewolves is an excellent choice for fans of DnD and RPG games. Workout mind and body with this strategic glow-in-the-dark fantasy game!
Phone Accessories
At this age, they need a phone. But the stress and financial burden of a contract? No way. A prepaid phone allows boys in high school to learn what having a monthly bill is like and the privilege of having their own plan with unlimited talk and text.
Plus they are not sucking all the data from your shared plan. We use ours as an incentive to keep grades up. If he’s dedicating his time to his studies and not just socializing, I pay the bill.
During the summer months, it’s his responsibility. If they already have a phone, put money into their account to pay for a month or two.
Or, snag some fun phone accessories like cases or extra chargers.
Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth speakers are the perfect gift for any high schooler. They can put them in their bedroom or bring them outside and share their jams with all their friends.
Gaming Chair
I guess not all boys in high school are gamers? I don’t know the statistics here, but I’d guess the majority dedicate some time to a favorite video game.
A gaming chair is like a throne to a teenager. I’d be shocked if anyone would be disappointed to receive this gift.
Earbuds
Not just high-quality earbuds, but good inexpensive pairs. Busy teens are always going through earbuds. Earbuds are easy to lose, leave in pockets to end up in the laundry, or just wear out from constant use.
Vocabulary Book
I know, I know. You’re thinking nice one mom, you snuck this in here. But I didn’t! Adam is actually interested in broadening his vocabulary. It’s because he wants to impress the girls, but hey, I’m okay with this as long as it’s making him more articulate.
I found this book, 100 words every high school freshman should know and the whole family is actually loving it. I grab one word a week and put it on the fridge to encourage all of us to learn it.
Movies
Yes, I know we are in the age of streaming, but sometimes you just want to own the movie, too. The beauty is, most Blu-rays these days come with a digital code. You get the best of both worlds with the beautiful disc for your collection and the digital code for your teen to stream on their device!
- Dynamic Storyline: Follow Jaime Reyes, a recent college grad, as he discovers his new destiny.
- Alien Technology: Jaime becomes the host of an ancient alien biotech, the Scarab.
- Superhero Transformation: Witness Jaime's transformation into the Super Hero Blue Beetle.
- Unpredictable Powers: Explore the extraordinary abilities granted by the Scarab's armor.
- Bonus Content: Includes multiple "Blue Beetle Generations" and "Scarab Vision" episodes, plus "Blue Beetle's Nana Knows Best".
Shoes
OMG the shoes. Now, this is a tricky topic. I will see a pair I think Adam with just flip for and I’ll show him, and he’s completely repulsed. So to be safe, I’d say a gift card for shoes is the best way to go. Perhaps a gift card in a card shaped like a shoe to be more fun.
Clothes
Similar situation as with the shoes. This is a major time for self-expression. It’s best to let them have the freedom to do so. Be safe with gift cards, but you can present them in a creative way with fun things like a puzzle box they have to solve before they can get their card.
Discounted Gift Cards
You can purchase gift cards at a discount at sites like Raise or Gift Card Granny.
Monthly Subscription Boxes
A gift that comes once a month is a no brainer and amazing. I’d suggest any kind of snack box, like MunchPak, or find out their favorite hobby and see if a subscription box exists.
Have you seen the subscription boxes available on amazon? This snack box with 75 snacks would sure be a fun surprise for a teen.
- Loads of Yummy Snacks: It's got all the good stuff – Airheads, Cheez It, Chex Mix, and lots more.
- Really Cool Box: The packaging is so neat, it's a treat by itself!
- Grab and Go Snacks: Everything's in its own little pack, plus there's a cute card inside.
- Awesome for Gifting: Perfect for sending some love to friends, family, or anyone who loves snacks.
- Just a Heads Up: Sometimes they switch up the snacks with something just as great (or even better!).
Another fun snack box is TokyoTreat. We were sent a box to try out, and it was so impressive to see how many goodies were packed in the box! Snacks from Japan are a huge hit with kids these days.
Freeze-dried candy is definitely having a moment right now. I was sent some freeze-dried Skittles and taffy from FD Pantry to try out. It’s so good! It tastes like the original candies, but has a crunchy texture that melts in your mouth.
No doubt that this fun candy trend would be a hit of a gift with kids and teens.
Food Gifts
If he’s not growing like a weed yet, he probably will be tomorrow. If he’s athletic, the daily calorie requirements are enough to break the bank.
How to gift food? Here are a couple of ideas:
- Drive around his area and grab gift cards to some of the local food establishments. Bonus if they are places to hangout with friends.
- Get a gift card to the nearest grocery store or better yet, take him shopping. Let him load the cart with all his favorite foods to stock his very own shelf at home.
- Again, a snack subscription box like the one above is a fun food gift to send.
Related Gift Guides
- Gifts for parents who homeschool
- Gifts for people who love Pokemon Go
- Gift ideas for fifth grade girls
Do you have any gift ideas for boys in high school to add?
great list
All of these Gift Ideas are great. Thanks for sharing – they will come in handy for the holidays.
I think ear buds are a good idea. Always useful.
Wow, things sure have changed since I was in high school. Anything clothing was a huge no-no as a gift. Got to get with the times I guess.
I always break down and do gidt crds. I am gllad to see there are some reasonably priced things on thee list.
Gift cards are the way to go for me. Ive had that moment where I give a gift I think they will like and you can just tell by their facial expression it isn’t something they like hahaha. So a gift card to footlocker or gamestop always gives me the thumbs up from them.
I love this incredible gift guide for boys. I will have to check out the items for my son, and I could get him some of these gifts and be done with his Christmas gifts.
My son is 11 and he is so hard to buy for this year. He’s at that weird age where he doesn’t like anything other than video games.
That is a tough age… I have a nephew and he is in college and is tough to buy for and I think a lot of these would be great for him also.
I think a gaming chair sounds like a great present for any high schooler. I know my girl would love one.
My boy would absolutely love the tall socks and the prepaid phone. He thinks so are so cool!
My son is not there yet, but I have seen the struggle with other teenage parents. This is great list of ideas NOW if they could only get the teenagers to looks at this post LOL!
Such a wonderful ideas, love those adidas shoes, Im sure my brother would love it.
These are super helpful to have handy. You’re keeping us current on what to get for our friend’s son!
What a great list. Teenagers can be so hard to buy for. The gaming chair would be a big hit with any boy I know.
My oldest isn’t quite in high school yet but that gaming chair? He would lose his mind for. Hes already super hard to buy for and I KNOW he would love all of this!
What a fabulous list. I know many high school boys that would love everything on this list. Wow… I especially love those socks and movie gift cards 🙂
These are great gift ideas. My Son loves to buy shoes. He would love to get a pair for Christmas.
These are great gift ideas for teenage boys. The gaming chair is a fantastic gift for any gamer.
Yup, these are definitely some good choices. Earbuds are essential for stockings and food and movie gift cards are great ideas!
My son has that gaming chair and he loves it. I cannot get him out of it half the time!
Great list of gift for boys in high school!! It can be hard to know what boys are into once they reach that age.
I have two teen sons and I agree they’re not easy to shop for gifts. But your ideas especially the tech ones and Fandango giftcards are right up my kids’ alleys.
Luckily I have a while to wait before worrying about high school! I’ll definitely be bookmarking this though!
These are some great gift ideas. Might need to get a few.
I would have to give these to my daughter! She would freak out!
These are great ideas. My son would love to have those earbuds.
I would give these to my dad.
My two teens sons would both love to get a pair of these earbuds. Thanks so much.
Ear buds are a great choice! I’ve never tried the bluetooth ones though!
My husband would love these earbuds
I have no boys, but I do have my daughter a college student who could use these!
My husband would love these. He really likes the ones with that go over the ear…stay in place better.
My nephew would get a kick out of this.
Thanks for the contest.
I would love to give these to my nephew. He is a freshman and these are perfect for him.
My grandson would love these!
My boyfriend would love these earbuds! As would I. one of my kids is special needs, and he doesn’t like loud sounds or music, so we’d love these so we can still enjoy our music!
I would love to be able to give to my husband. He would love them.
My boyfriend would definitely love these
My older son would love the earbuds. I would give these to him. They seem top of the line! Awesome!!!