Fourteen-year-old boys are hard to buy gifts for because they have left the season of kids’ toys but are not adults yet. They are picky. Plain and simple, they are opinionated about what they like and don’t like, often making them difficult family members to buy gifts for. But, many 14 year old boys will like many of the things on this list … I know, I’m a mom who has survived two sons this age. I’ve got forty-three gift ideas for 14 year old boys to share with you. Why 43? I have no idea, that’s just how many came to mind LOL:)
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You want that smile on Christmas evening and morning, and on their birthday, but it can be hard to achieve at this with gifts for 14 year old boys, unless you find the right items. Money always works, but I always feel they need some gifts too to open up because that is always fun. There have been years where my boys have no idea what they want so they just ask for money. So, I’ve come up with some ideas as time went on and I will share my ideas with you.
Gift Ideas for Active 14 year old Boys
Longboard
There are many ideas I have for those young teens who are always on the go, and a bike is always a good choice but something smaller and more unique is a longboard. My middle son is fourteen and he absolutely loves his longboard. He zooms over to friends’ houses, to parks, restaurants, and pit stops at gas stations for snacks using his longboard.
It’s an ideal way to get around town, when you are fourteen!
Junli 41 Inch Freeride Longboard Skateboard – Skateboard Cruiser for Cruising, Carving and Downhill（Starlit Night）
Laser Tag Shooting Game
My sons love this laser tag shooting game. It comes with four guns and the siblings can battle it out against each other or whip it out for group fun when friends are over. It gets them up and moving, and actively chasing each other around. Encouraging some playtime at this age is so beneficial for them for exercise purposes, to have fun with friends, and to create fun memories. They are still kids! Even though they are getting to be big kids, they still need to play. Help them play with a gift like this.
Costzon Laser Tag Set, Infrared Battle Shooting Games Laser Tag Blasters, Indoor & Outdoor Group Activity, 4 Pack
Airsoft Guns
My sons love to dress up in sweatshirts or puffy jackets, hats, and glasses and create a war zone field in the backyard to have a mock war. They totally love to do this at this age. We buy the biodegradable pellets so they don’t have to pick them up, and they go to town doing their own little mock war. They have a total blast. Eyewear is important though to protect the eyes from stray pellets, either sunglasses or safety goggles are a must wear protective item.
Soft Air COLT RIS Spring Airsoft Rifle and Pistol On-Duty Kit, Tan
There are so many different kinds and styles of airsoft guns, something for everyone from pistols to rifles to semi-auto. So much to choose from in the airsoft arena, we have many different styles and types. Make sure you get the right kind of pellets for the kind of gun. Pay attention to the description of the gun to make sure you get what you want.
Black Ops .20 G Biodegradable Airsoft BBS – 5,000 Triple Polished Competition Grade 6mm Airsoft BBS for All Airsoft Guns Pistols Rifles AEGs Snipers
My kids use pieces of wood propped up by chairs, pallets, patio chairs, and blow up cover to set up a course for their mock war. They have a blast!
Active Kids Need Cold Water
Active kids need to rehydrate. A good quality water bottle is important. I really love the Iron Flask series of water bottles. They are great for keeping water cold in the hot Minnesota summers. My oldest used his Iron Flask water bottle for the hot summer football practices in August when we can get temps as high as 90 degrees, and this water bottle still kept the water nice and cold. They are very good quality water bottles and something they could take to college too.
I like how this bottle comes with different tops as well. This is a good quality gift that should last your son a lifetime.
IRON °FLASK Sports Water Bottle – 40 Oz, 3 Lids (Spout Lid), Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel, Hot Cold, Modern Double Walled, Simple Thermo Mug, Hydro Metal Canteen (Black)
Slingshot Chickens!
These slingshot chickens made us all laugh at my house. The kids had so much fun shooting them all over the house. They would shoot them at each other too and the ceiling. They found out they stick to the ceiling … so be prepared! We scraped them off with a broom. This is a silly toy they will love! They simply stretch the chicken and release and it flies across the room. Hysterical laughter always follows the crazy flight of the flying rubber chicken. It’s good old fashioned humor.
Sumind 16 Pack Slingshot Chicken Rubber Chicken Flick Chicken Flying Chicken Flingers Stretchy Funny Christmas ,Easter Chicks Party Activity for Children (16 Pack Yellow)
Zip Line!
This toy is ideal for 14 year old boys … it’s a zip line! It’s a fun and active tool to get them out of their rooms and out into the fresh air. It is $100 but well worth the money. My boys and their friends have spent countless hours on this zip line. It’s great too because even the big teenagers can go on it because it’s meant for up to 250 pounds, so even adults can use it.
CTSC 60 Foot Zip Line Kit for Kids and Adult(Less Then 250lb), Ziplines for Backyards
They offer a zip line with a seat too, but this one is more expensive. We have the one above and love it. Our boys put it over the pool in the summer and drop into the water off the zip line. They have so much fun! Simply tie it up to a tree or deck post and go!
Hover Board
This is a great toy that kids can use in the house or outside. It even works on the carpet. This hoverboard has been a huge hit at our house with all three of my boys.
Though, words of caution, teach friends who visit your house how to use it. And teach them well. We had a friend use it at our house and he wasn’t careful enough and he fell. And unfortunately, he fell just the wrong way to break his wrist. So. Be. Careful. The kids need to understand how to use it and to be cautious, especially inexperienced users. My kids have not broken any bones using this hoverboard, however. Win-win! No broken bones, that’s important!
They also make adaptations for this hoverboard that turn it into a go-kart. We have one and it’s absolutely fabulous. The kids adore it. However, words of caution again, the go-kart adaptive wheels made marks on our hardwood flooring. So, be sure to check it out to make sure the one you get does not do this. It was where they skidded around the table, so that may have had something to do with making marks on the floor. It did not harm the carpet at all.
CHO POWER SPORTS Hoverboard 6.5″ inch Wheel Electric Smart Self Balancing Scooter with Built-in Wireless Speaker Shiny LED Wheels and Side Lights Safety Certified (Chrome Blue)
Another Chicken Toy…Yes to Chickens! They are Funny!
Okay, this one is a bit silly, but my son picked it out on his own because he thought it was funny. He and his friends decided to buy these chicken dog toys and throw them around to each other. They make a silly sound and they thought it was hilarious. I’ll all for hearing those giggles, so this is a toy that will probably likely bring them on for your 14 year old too. Go on … buy them something silly and watch them smile and question you as they open it. (Smile as they say, “What the heck, Mom?”) They will surely pull it out of the box and laugh and probably throw it because having three boys, I sure know how boys love to throw things! Ha!
Multipet’s 11.5-Inch Latex Polka Dot Globken Chicken Dog Toy
Tools
Tools are a great toy for young teenage boys, especially those who are hands-on. My middle son is very hands-on and likes to make things so he loves getting tools as a gift. A unique tool we have at our house is a folding survival shovel. It’s great for camping and since it folds up, it can be taken everywhere easier. We brought it on vacation to the beach house we rented last spring on the ocean. My boys had so much fun digging holes in the sand with it and using it to make sand sculptures.
This is a great tool to buy that they could use for years to come into adulthood. It’s an investment for their future really when you buy a teenager tools. It’s a nifty little shovel and relatively cheap at only $20.
SOG Folding Shovel Survival Shovel – Entrenching Tool 18.25 Inch Foldable Shovel Camping Shovel w/ Wood Saw Edge and Tactical Shovel Carry Case (F08-N),black
Entertainment & Items to Prevent Boredom for 14 Year Old Boys
Sometimes kids need help to prevent boredom, especially right now while we have lockdowns with COVID. This won’t always be the case, hopefully, but boredom happens. Give them some things to play with on their level to help stave off the dreaded dolsdrums.
Gifts for Gaming
Most kids these days like to do some level of gaming whether it be on a game box, iPad, computer, or a phone, they likely have some games they like to play. Give them items to make the down time activity of gaming better.
Headset for Gaming
My sons have the following headsets for gaming and have had good success with them. Look for one that works with your gaming system and has the noise-canceling feature too. Noise-canceling is an important feature to be able to hear properly in some of these new games.
EKSA 7.1 USB Gaming Headset – Surround Stereo Sound – PS4 Headphones with Noise Canceling Mic & RGB Light Over Ear Headphones, Compatible with PC, PS4 Console, Laptop (Green)
ENHANCE Scoria Gaming Headset for Computer & PS4 with USB 7.1 Surround Sound, Interactive Bass Vibration, Adjustable LED Lighting, in-Line Controls & Retractable Microphone (Renewed)
Gaming Mouse
A gaming mouse makes a huge difference for kids playing games on a computer. It really is a necessity and makes the game playing easier and more fun.
CORSAIR Harpoon- RGB Gaming Mouse – Lightweight Design – 6,000 DPI Optical Sensor
They also sell gaming keyboards with a gaming mouse as a combo deal too.
Apple Airpods
It seems every teenager has airpods, so if your child doesn’t yet, it’s a great gift. They will use them extensively. And, honestly, we’ve tried the cheaper brands and they never last. So, my boys used their Christmas money from last year and purchased the Apple airpods, and they’ve worked great. The extra money is worth it.
Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
More Ideas for Gifts to Prevent Boredom
Magnet Toys
Magnet toys are a great busy toy for kids. These tiny ball magnets are something my son picked out for himself and he messes with them all the time making different things. They are unique and really quick fun to grab and play with, plus they are small so they don’t take up much space.
Speks Magnetic Balls – Luxe Amethyst Set of 512 (2.5mm) – Fun Stress Relief Desk Toy for Adults – Mashable Smashable Buildable
Books
Reading is a great pass time for kids. Some love reading, some dislike it, but these books are books even my son who hates reading loves. They are books about war times told from a kids’ perspective. They are highly popular books and my son recommends them. That’s huge given he actually doesn’t enjoy reading, by the way, so they must be really good!
The themes of these books are military fiction for children including holocaust and spy themes.
Comfort and Room Decor Ideas for Gifts for 14 Year Old Boys
Gifts that bring comfort are good for every age, but teens spend a lot of time in their rooms, so giving them gifts that will make them more comfortable are great ideas. Give them the gift of something that will make them enjoy their room even more and they will be pleased. Pillows are a great win for kids, pillows of different shapes and sizes. Soft blankets are loved and cherished by teens as are fun things like lights and stickers.
Reading Pillow Bed Wedge Large Adult Backrest Lounge Cushion with Arms and Pockets | Back Support for Sitting Up in Bed / Couch for GERD Heartburn Bedrest by ComfortSpa
AllerEase 100% Cotton Allergy Protection Body Pillow with Zippered Cover –Soft Body Pillow with Plush, Microfiber Cover, Allergist Recommended, Prevents Buildup of Dust Mites and Household Allergens
MyPillow Premium Series [Std/Queen, Medium Fill] Available in 4 Loft Levels
Bedsure Fleece Blanket King Size Grey Lightweight Super Soft Cozy Luxury Bed Blanket Microfiber
Love this pillow. Teens love this pillow. (I even have one of these myself.) This compact pillow is just fabulous! The density of it with the buckwheat hulls inside make it the perfect support pillow with how easily it forms to the contours of the body. I also love it for my lower back when sitting in bed, and of course, it’s small so it’s ideal for travel. Comfort is important for teens on a road trip.
For more tips about traveling with teens, check out my post: The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for Teens: How to Survive
100 Pcs Fashion Brand Cool Stickers For Laptop Stickers Motorcycle Bicycle Skateboard Luggage Decal Graffiti Patches
A good desk/computer chair is important too. This is a great gift too because not only will you son be comfortable in his room, he can take the chair with him to college. I don’t look forward to my kids leaving for college, it’s a normal thing, but I dread it still. But thinking about gifts that will last them for years to come is a valuable practice.
OFM Essentials Collection Mesh Back Chair with Adjustable Arms, in Black
Another Comfy Gift Idea
We have these lightweight travel hammocks my boys love. They have used them in their rooms, in our backyard, and while camping. The hammocks are pretty inexpensive and they have lasted for several years without any obvious wear and tear. My boys have also tied their hammocks up to the deck posts as another location to just sit around and chill, listen to music, watch a show on their phones/iPads, read, or text friends … or even a nap!
Forbidden Road Hammock Single Camping Portable Parachute Hammock for Outdoor Hiking Travel Backpacking – 210D Nylon Taffeta Hammock Swing – Support 400lbs Ropes Carabiners Included
Smart Gifts
So this gift idea is not exactly exciting, but it’s smart. Getting your son a sturdy well made quality backpack that will last for years is another thinking ahead gift. They can use it now for school, sleepovers, or camping, but can also use it when they go to college. A quality bag can last for a long time. We’ve had good success with this one. It has all the awesome features such as extra-large size, anti-theft feature, multiple pockets, and USB charging port and headphone interface.
Travel Laptop Backpack,Anti Theft College School Bookbag with USB Charging Port & Headphone Interface for Women Men,Business Water Proof Computer Bag Fits Under 15.6 Inches Laptops（Black）
Other Smart Gift Ideas:
- money
- gift cards
- snacks
- gum
- boots
- raingear
- fishing gear/hunting gear
- sports gear
- long underwear
- wallet
- flashlight
- bookstore gift card
- iTunes gift card
- Amazon gift card
- travel mug
- cologne
Other Gift Guides:
Looking for more gift guides? I have compiled several. Since I have three sons, I’ve really focused on gift lists for boys, because as a boy mom three times over, I know boys!
I hope you have found this post helpful in giving you ideas for shopping for your own teen son/grandchild/nephew. They certainly a tough age to buy gifts for, but hopefully I have given you some ideas that will work out. Happy Holidays!
Copyright ©2020 Julie Hoag Writer. All Rights Reserved.
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