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.
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 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.
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.
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 something like MunchPak, SnackNation, or Sock Panda.
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 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?
Samantha says
great list
Tammy Woodall says
All of these Gift Ideas are great. Thanks for sharing – they will come in handy for the holidays.
Sarah L says
I think ear buds are a good idea. Always useful.
Mike S. says
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.
ellen beck says
I always break down and do gidt crds. I am gllad to see there are some reasonably priced things on thee list.
Alex F says
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.
Julie Wood says
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.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
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.
Kristi says
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.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I think a gaming chair sounds like a great present for any high schooler. I know my girl would love one.
Amber Edwards says
My boy would absolutely love the tall socks and the prepaid phone. He thinks so are so cool!
Jeanette says
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!
Onica (mommy factor ) says
Such a wonderful ideas, love those adidas shoes, Im sure my brother would love it.
Mary Larsen says
These are super helpful to have handy. You’re keeping us current on what to get for our friend’s son!
Stacie says
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.
Jeanine says
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!
Shauna says
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 🙂
Ann Bacciaglia says
These are great gift ideas. My Son loves to buy shoes. He would love to get a pair for Christmas.
gingermommyrants says
These are great gift ideas for teenage boys. The gaming chair is a fantastic gift for any gamer.
Liz Mays says
Yup, these are definitely some good choices. Earbuds are essential for stockings and food and movie gift cards are great ideas!
Kelly Hutchinson says
My son has that gaming chair and he loves it. I cannot get him out of it half the time!
Vera Sweeney says
Great list of gift for boys in high school!! It can be hard to know what boys are into once they reach that age.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
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.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
Luckily I have a while to wait before worrying about high school! I’ll definitely be bookmarking this though!
Aubrey says
These are some great gift ideas. Might need to get a few.
Lizee McMillian says
I would have to give these to my daughter! She would freak out!
Dogvills says
These are great ideas. My son would love to have those earbuds.
Colleen Boudreau says
I would give these to my dad.
Margaret Smith says
My two teens sons would both love to get a pair of these earbuds. Thanks so much.
Krystal says
Ear buds are a great choice! I’ve never tried the bluetooth ones though!
Ann Fantom says
My husband would love these earbuds
Melinda Ortega says
I have no boys, but I do have my daughter a college student who could use these!
Stace Werner says
My husband would love these. He really likes the ones with that go over the ear…stay in place better.
Sarah L says
My nephew would get a kick out of this.
Thanks for the contest.
Marnie G says
I would love to give these to my nephew. He is a freshman and these are perfect for him.
Terry Cross says
My grandson would love these!
Carissa joslyn says
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!
denise low says
I would love to be able to give to my husband. He would love them.
Shakeia Rieux says
My boyfriend would definitely love these
laurie q says
My older son would love the earbuds. I would give these to him. They seem top of the line! Awesome!!!