Gifts teenage boys will actually use, from tech and gaming to cosy things for their room.
Best fits first, then by Picked Rating, from all our lists
A party card game
9.6/10
£9.99 RRP
Something to play with friends that isn’t a screen. Quick, loud games are best.
Why we picked it: A fast push-your-luck game that gets louder with every round. Teenagers and adults get equally hooked.
What owners say: Brilliant fun for all ages, easy to learn and perfect for trips and holidays.
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker
9.5/10
££ £15–£40
For their room, the shower or the park. Waterproof ones survive being dropped and rained on.
Why we picked it: Waterproof, so it’s as happy in the shower as it is at the park, with big bass for its size.
What owners say: Excellent sound and more than loud enough for its size, with a solid Bluetooth range.
A blanket hoodie
9.4/10
£19.99 RRP
A giant wearable blanket with a hood. Huge with teens for gaming, films and cold bedrooms.
Why we picked it: Thick sherpa inside and an oversized fit: the uniform of every teenager’s weekend.
What owners say: Comfy, soft and fluffy, and warm enough to keep the heating off.
Acrylic paint set · Best budget
9.3/10
£ Under £15
Twenty-four colours and three brushes for the price of a takeaway coffee. A great way to try painting without the investment.
What owners say: Great pigmentation and a wide range of shades for all sorts of projects.
A portable power bank
9.2/10
£18.99 RRP
Phones die at the worst moments. A slim power bank in a school bag is a gift parents appreciate too.
Why we picked it: Slim enough for a blazer pocket, fast-charging, and backed by a three-year warranty. The end of the “my phone died” excuse.
What owners say: Charges fast, fits in a jacket pocket and can fill a phone about twice.
An insulated water bottle
9.2/10
£15.49 RRP
Keeps drinks cold all day at school or the gym. Trendy bottles are a surprisingly big deal for teens.
Why we picked it: Keeps water cold all day and doesn’t leak in a school bag. Stickers not included.
What owners say: Tough, easy to clean, and keeps drinks cold all day.
Wireless earbuds
9.1/10
£49.99 RRP
They lose them, break them and wear them constantly, so a new pair is always welcome. Mid-range pairs are very good now.
Why we picked it: Proper adaptive noise cancelling and hi-res sound for far less than AirPods, from Anker’s audio brand. Great for the bus, the gym and revision.
What owners say: Phenomenal sound for the money, with a secure fit that stays put at the gym.
A quality multi-tool
9.0/10
££ £15–£40
Pliers, knife, screwdrivers and bottle opener in one. It lives in the kitchen drawer or the toolbox and gets used for every small job around the house.
Why we picked it: Pliers, knife, saw and a set of screwdriver bits in one pocket-sized tool, for the dad who fixes things with whatever’s to hand.
What owners say: Solid in the hand, sharp blades and genuinely useful tools, with great value for the price.
Heads up: It’s a chunky tool, better in the car or toolbox than a trouser pocket.
A gaming headset
9.0/10
£29.99 RRP
If they game online with friends, a headset with a decent microphone is a big upgrade.
Why we picked it: Turtle Beach is one of the biggest names in gaming audio, and this lightweight headset works across PS5, Xbox and PC.
What owners say: Great sound and very comfortable for the price.
A mini waffle maker
9.0/10
££ £15–£40
Makes one small waffle in a few minutes. Fun for sleepovers and weekend breakfasts, and small enough for any kitchen.
Why we picked it: Heats in minutes and does waffles, hash browns and toasties. Midnight snacks, sorted.
What owners say: Works well and makes perfect little waffles, one or two at a time.
Heads up: A quick brush of oil on the plates stops batter sticking.
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