Teen boys can be too cool for school (or presents), but pick the right one and he’ll treasure it forever. The ‘right one’ tends to be something that does something. They like a ball, book, a skateboard, things that go. Really bad jokes are also a hit.
You also can’t go wrong with sporty goods (if he’s a sporty kinda guy) or things that smell nice because girls. The best thing to do is to ask him (or his mum) what he’s into lately. If you only receive a grunt in response (again, ask his mum), then anyhting on this list will probably be well received. We’ve rounded up all the good things in our slideshow to make your shopping easier.
More fabulous Christmas gift ideas:
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11 Perfect Gifts for Teen Boys You Can Buy Online - AU
Sunnylife Neon Cactus Light
No, I don’t quite know why anyone would need a neon cactus light either, but I do know I want one. And I know a teen would want one too.
Buy it at: Yellow Octopus - $29.99
Raw Cruiser Skateboard
Whether he’s a skater or just a kid who wants to have a go, Raw skateboards are gnarly. Yep, I said it, gnarly.
Buy it at: Rebel Sports - $79.99
Blind Date with a Book
Six Things have a cult following for their blind date with a book series. People pop into their store each week to dip into the barrel and select a random book. Note that the books are second hand and the selection is completely random. It will be a big surprise for both of you.
Buy it at: Six Things - $10
Oxfam Piglet
The fact that he’s helping a kid so much more needy than himself will surely make up for the fact that the piglet is not real. We hope.
Buy it at: Oxfam - $40
Little Box of Random Fun
Choose from collections like “100 Dumbest But Essential Questions”, “100 of the Silliest True Names” or “100 of the Best Bad Jokes”. Should keep him amused for a while.
Buy it at: Yellow Octopus - $9.99
Framed Insect Collection – Bugs and Beetles
Creepy, yes. Appealing to boys, oh yes. These are real insects professionally mounted and framed as specimens, just like at the museum.
Buy it at: Six Things - $160
Plasma Lightning Ball
No, I’m not entirely sure why you’d want one of these either, but then, we’re not teenage boys, right? A lightning storm in a ball is the kind of thing they go for because it’s a whole lotta crazy.
Buy it at: Australian Geographic - $59.95
Prospector 200 Metal Detector
Go on, we’ve all fancied owning one of these and finding our fortune on a sand dune somewhere. Let your boy experience the dream!
Buy it at: Australian Geographic - $99.95
Apple Mini iPad
If you’re feeling very generous (and very flush), then this is the perfect gift for any teenage boy. You can load it up with games and music, but books are good too. The smaller size mimics the same size as a standard hardcover book, so it feels old-school.
Buy it at: Apple – from $549
Air Swimmers Remote Controlled Flying Shark
A truly unique gift, you control this bizarre helium balloon via remote control. Your boy can turn his room into an aquarium in no time.
Buy it at: Yellow Octopus - $49.99
Retro Kombi Tropical Surf Camper Lamp
The hipster trend doesn’t appear to be passing by just yet, which means there are a whole lot of teen hipsters out there, ready to embrace this lamp. Who wouldn’t? It’s adorable.
Buy it at: Six Things - $55