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. We received some of these products for review and affiliate links are used, but we only share what we legitimately like.
11 Gift Ideas for Boys in High School – Freshman
- Tall 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 super colorful. He loves these inspirational socks from Inspyr as well.
- Ear buds – good quality is ideal but even just some inexpensive pairs are great too. They go through the wash quite often here and surprisingly still work most of time! But, they're also lost, stepped on, or simply used to death; so having a few spare sets is smart. If piercings are involved, here are the best earbuds for the daith piercing.
- Prepaid phone – absolutely brilliant. 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 their not sucking all the data from your shared plan. We use ours as 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 accessories like cases or extra chargers.
- 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.
- 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.
- You can buy gift cards here at a discount!
- Monthly subscription boxes – a gift that comes once a month. Um, no brainer, amazing. I'd suggest something like TeeBlox, Sox Box, or anything with yummy snacks to try.
- Food – if he's not growing like 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's a couple ideas:
- Drive around his area and grab gift cards to a bunch of the local food establishments.
- 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.
- Movie tickets – nothing is better than the gift of freedom for the boys in high school. A movie night out with friends is even something the parents can support. Snag a few Fandango gift cards to put in a box full of movie candy and snacks to complete the package.
JLab EPIC Bluetooth Earbuds would make an EPIC gift. Here's some features:
- Bluetooth 4.0
- aptX technology
- JLab proprietary Memory Wire
- C3 (Crystal Clear Clarity) technology
- Splash proof (IPX4 rating)
- Two mini cable management clips
- Universal USB to micro USB cord
- Three hour charge time
- Neoprene, eco-leather smartphone case
- Six pairs of silicone cushion tips
- JLab's world-class service and one-year warranty
- MSRP $99.99
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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
I entered the KRUPS Savoy EC314 Coffee Maker giveaway
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
Sarah L says
subscribe email: slehandwc at gmail dot com
laurie q says
My older son would love the earbuds. I would give these to him. They seem top of the line! Awesome!!!