*Some items in this post have been gifted

Buying gifts for teen boys seems to get harder every year. Once they’re past toys, there’s often very little they actually need, and what they want tends to be very specific. You can’t really get away with a handful of generic stocking fillers anymore — they notice, and they’re not shy about it.

This is a small, considered gift list aimed at teen boys, with ideas that feel realistic. Things I can actually see being used around the house, rather than unwrapped once and forgotten about by Boxing Day.

Wireless Charger Built for Lounging

This is one of those things I didn’t realise would be such a hit until I pictured it properly in use. The Krafted Couch sits over the arm of the sofa and gives them a proper place to drop their phone while they’re watching TV or gaming. No wires trailing across the room, no phones balanced on cushions.

I can also see this working really well in a bedroom chair or gaming setup. It charges quickly, works with both iPhone and Android, and doesn’t look like a gadget that’s been dumped in the middle of the room. For teens who are always on their phones (so… all of them), this feels like a genuinely useful gift.

Board Games for Easy Family Nights

Board games still work for teens — they just need to be fast and not take forever to explain.

Spot The Intro is a music quiz where you try to name songs from just a few seconds of the intro. It’s loud, competitive, and always gets everyone involved, even people who claim they “don’t like board games”.

Family Tension is pure chaos in the best way. Naming ten things in a category sounds easy until the timer starts, and then suddenly everyone’s shouting answers at once. These are the sort of games that actually get pulled out on Christmas evening, rather than staying in the cupboard.

Warmies® Avocado

This might sound like a slightly unexpected choice for teens, but it works. The Warmies Avocado can be heated and used for warmth, and it’s surprisingly comforting on cold evenings.

It’s one of those gifts that doesn’t feel childish, but also isn’t trying too hard to be “cool”. I can easily see this ending up on a bed or sofa and being used regularly, especially during winter.

Photo Creator Mini Cam

Something quirky and fun to add to their stockings. They may be glued to their phones, but the photo creator mini cam can be clipped to a keyring or bag and encourages them to capture moments a bit more casually.

It prints instant black-and-white photos, which feels refreshingly different from endlessly scrolling through a camera roll. I like that it’s simple, doesn’t rely on apps or editing, and turns photos into something physical they can pin up or share with friends. It’s not a replacement for a phone camera — more of a novelty that actually gets used, which is exactly what you want from a smaller gift.

LED Lights for Beds or TVs

If there’s one thing teen boys love, it’s changing the vibe of their space. These LED lights stick to the back of a TV or along a bed frame and instantly make a room feel more personalised.

They’re easy to set up, don’t take up any floor space, and work just as well for gaming setups as they do for watching films. As stocking fillers go, these feel like a win — small, but something they’ll actually be excited to use.

International Snack Box

Food gifts are always a safe bet, especially when they’re a bit different. An international snack box gives them something to dig into straight away, and it usually turns into a bit of fun working out what everything is.

This is ideal for gaming sessions, sharing with friends, or just spreading out over a few evenings. Definitely one of those gifts that doesn’t hang around unopened.

Dove Men+Care Washbag Gift Set

A toiletries gift doesn’t have to feel boring. This Dove Men+Care set includes all the basics — body wash, shampoo and deodorant — packed into a washbag they can actually use.

It’s practical, straightforward, and feels grown-up without being over the top. I think this works particularly well for teen boys who are starting to take more responsibility for their own routines, or for trips away.

Labubu Figures

This is one of those gifts I wouldn’t have found without being told very clearly that it was *a thing*. Labubu figures have a bit of a cult following, and if they’ve asked for one specifically, it’s worth grabbing when you see it.

They work well as a stocking gift because they’re small, but they still feel special — especially if they’re into collectibles or blind-box toys. Definitely one of those presents where knowing what they’re asking for makes all the difference.

Golf Stocking Fillers

When bigger gifts start getting specific — like golf clubs — it helps if the stocking fillers make sense too. Golf balls, tees, gloves or even novelty golf items are easy wins and don’t feel like filler for the sake of it.

They’re practical, they’ll actually be used, and they’re much better than adding something random just to pad things out.

Squid Game Bits

Trends come around fast, and Squid Game is back on the radar again. There are lots of small themed bits around at the moment — lights, novelty items, and little games — which work well as extras.

We’ve ordered a few bits and are still waiting for them to arrive, but it’s a good reminder that if they’re into something *right now*, even a small gift linked to it can feel spot on.

Teen boys are a funny stage to buy for. They don’t want loads, they don’t want random, and they definitely notice when something misses the mark. I’ve found it works better to think about how they actually spend their time — where they sit, what they’re into right now, and the things they’ll quietly use without making a fuss about it.

This list is what’s working for us this year. A mix of practical bits, a few fun extras, and things that feel considered rather than just filling space. Which, at this point, feels like a win in itself.

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