Naturally, your best starting point is to think about what he does in his spare time—playing video games, reading, creating art, etc. Keep in mind age recommendations, as some games are not appropriate for younger teens. We carefully considered design, features, age recommendations, safety, material, size, charge, and value when reviewing products.
Here are the best gifts for 14-year-old boys.
There are over 1,000 games compatible with the Switch so your 14-year-old is guaranteed to find something they love. The battery life varies from 4.5 to 9 hours depending on how long you play. Up to eight consoles can be connected at once, perfect for birthday parties or sleepovers.
The standard Switch comes with two Joy-Cons. Each Joy-Con controller features an analog stick, a full complement of face buttons, shoulder buttons and motion-sensing technology. The handheld game has a nostalgic design while the other playing modes are reminiscent of larger gaming consoles without the super high price tag or large size.
Gamers of all kinds can enjoy the Switch, whether they are just starting out or looking for a new way to play their favorite classics. Thousands of positive reviews praise the innovative gaming console, making it our top choice for this occasion and more.
Price at time of publication: $296
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Price at time of publication: Starting at $22/month
Beats is one the most esteemed audio brands in the world, so even one of their most affordable pairs, like the EP On-Ear Headphones, is equipped with numerous features and high-end design. This pair is battery-free, adjustable, and connects to iOS and Android devices to take phone calls and control music. They are sleek, lightweight, and much comfier than the earbuds knotted up inside your teen’s backpack.
Price at time of publication: $130
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The Mini 90 has features that 80’s cameras could only dream of. It automatically adjusts the lighting of your shot for a crisp, balanced picture every time. And, similar to a DSLR, it has numerous camera modes to fit whatever situation you’re in.
Price at time of publication: $210
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Price at time of publication: $18
Price at time of publication: $29 (1-pack), $99 (4-pack)
Price at time of publication: $18
The pages inside are full of songwriting tips and inspiration, including quotes from the world’s greatest musicians and an introductory section that outlines songwriting basics. Each of the 72 pages is lined and labeled with useful areas for the date and song title, as well as for more intricate songwriting facets like tempo, mood, melody, and chords.
Price at time of publication: $13
Price at time of publication: N/A (personal preference)
All Stars have largely gone unchanged over the past century, still known for their rubber sole, prominent toe cap, and overall clean and simple design. They go with jeans or khakis, shorts or sweats, making them perfect for the teen boy who occasionally has trouble matching. All Stars are also comfortable, durable, and generally more affordable than sneakers from name brands like Nike or Adidas.
Price at time of publication: $65
Price at time of publication: $44
Price at time of publication: $14
Price at time of publication: $49+/month
What to Look for in a Gift For a 14-Year-Old Boy
Interests
“My first tip is always going on a reconnaissance mission where you take a little bit of time to try to determine the interests of that specific individual,” says etiquette expert Elaine Swann. She gives some examples on common interests for 14-year-old boys, like gaming, and how you can fit your gift to those interests. “Gaming doesn’t always mean you go out and get them a new game,” she says. “Sometimes it means a membership to some form of gaming platform or accessories that go with the gaming system.” Other teen boys are more interested in things like art. “You can purchase them an art kit, supplies, or anything that goes along with the medium they prefer to use,” shares Swann.
Age Appropriateness
Fourteen-year-olds are on the younger side of teens, but that doesn’t mean that they are short on opinions or preferences. Talk to the 14-year-old boy in your life to learn more about his interests and hobbies. This can help you narrow down on the perfect gift. Just make sure to run your ideas by his parents so that they can make sure that he is mature enough for the gift you want to give. Card games can be fun, but not all are kid-friendly.
Safety
Chances are that your 14-year-old boy has started to spend more time online and with friends. Before gifting him a toy that allows him to engage virtually, make sure to talk about internet safety. Toys that encourage your child to build and explore how parts work together can have some safety considerations. Include a helmet, safety goggles, or any other necessary protective gear with your gift so that they are able to start the fun right away.
Educational Value
Gifts that incorporate learning into the fun can be a great way to encourage kids to think critically outside of the classroom. For the most educational value, look for a gift that helps them see the connections between their interests and the world. If they are a gamer, look for ones that allow them to build worlds and code. For a mechanical kid, anything that lets them explore while building and designing is great. Games and puzzles can also incorporate a variety of skills, such as communication, reading, strategy, and more. The Science Museum of Virginia’s Virginia STEM Coordinator Chuck English stresses the importance of helping your child make these connections. “That helps kids see how it all fits together,” he says. Ensure that your gift still fits in the realm of a want rather than a need. This line can blur when it comes to finding gifts with educational value. A great gift may be educational, but also fit within their interests. “Anything within the STEAM or STEM area that is enjoyable for the teen would be a great gift,” according to Swann. “As long as the gift doesn’t feel like homework, you’re good.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
This roundup was written by Patrice J. Williams. She has contributed gift guides to The Spruce and Verywell Family since 2020. She loves helping her friends and family find unique, thoughtful, and wallet-friendly presents. In addition, she writes commerce articles, including product suggestions and reviews, for other outlets and has appeared on air on The Today Show, WEtv, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for Verywell Family, The Spruce, and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays. Expert advice was provided by etiquette expert Elaine Swann. Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages.
